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Reading the Power/Fault LED
The power/fault LED is located inside the translucent On/Off Button. Press the On/Off Button once to turn the
unit on. The Power/Fault LED lights or flashes in one of three colors, indicating the following:
Blue:
The inverter is properly connected to a functioning DC power source and is operating at full voltage; the
AC outlets and USB charging port are ready to use.
Orange:
The inverter is properly connected to a functioning DC power source and is operating at partial voltage.
The AC and USB outlets are active; however this indicates the inverter will shut down soon as the power source
voltage is low.
Red (flashing):
A fault condition has occurred. The unit emits three beeps every five seconds, and the AC
and USB outlets are automatically shut down. Refer to the Protective Features Section and the Troubleshooting
Section of this Instruction Manual. Press the On/Off Button to turn the inverter off, correct the fault and then
press the On/Off Button again to turn the inverter back on.
Operation of the 120 Volt AC Outlets
1. Connect the inverter to a functioning 12 volt DC power source as described in this Instruction
Manual. If using the 12 Volt DC Vehicle Accessory Adapter, rotate the vehicle accessory plug slightly to
make sure there is good contact. Make sure there is adequate space for proper ventilation of the inverter.
2. Press the translucent on/off button to turn the unit ON.
3. Depending on the power source, either the 100W LED Indicator or both the 100W and 500W LED
Indicators will light. If these LEDs do not light or if the power/fault LED flashes red, please refer to the
“Troubleshooting” section of this manual.
4. Plug the (110/120 volt AC) appliance into one of the Inverter’s three-prong AC outlet and operate normally.
Notes:
This inverter has two three-prong AC outlets that can be rotated forward and upward to maximum of 90 degrees to adjust the
orientation. Do not attempt to forcibly rotate the AC outlets beyond its maximum angle.
Ensure that the wattage of all equipment simultaneously plugged into the inverter does not exceed 100 watts continuous through the
supplied DC Vehicle Adapter plug, and 500 watts continuous via the supplied Battery Clips with Slide-In Connectors.
The Inverter will not operate appliances and equipment that generate heat, such as hair dryers, electric blankets, microwave ovens and
toasters.
Remember to disconnect the inverter from any power source when not in use.
Operation of the USB Charging Port
1. Connect the inverter to a functioning 12 volt DC power source as described in this Instruction Manual. If
using the 12 Volt DC Vehicle Accessory Adapter, rotate the vehicle accessory plug slightly to make sure
there is good contact. Make sure there is adequate space for proper ventilation of the inverter.
2. Press the translucent on/off button to turn the unit ON.
3. Depending on the power source, either the 100W LED Indicator or both the 100W and 500W LED
Indicators will light. If these LEDs do not light or if the power/fault LED flashes red, please refer to the
“Troubleshooting” section of this manual.
4. Plug the USB-powered device into the inverter’s USB Charging Port and operate normally.
Notes:
This unit’s USB Charging Port does not support data communication. It only provides 5 volts/2A DC power to an external USB-
powered device.
Some USB-powered household electronics may not operate with this USB charging/power port. Check the manual of the
corresponding electronic device to confirm that it can be used with this type of USB charging/power port.
Not all mobile phones are provided with a charging cable, they are normally data cables which are not supported by this device -
please check with your mobile phone manufacturer for the correct charging cable.
Remember to disconnect the inverter from any power source when not in use.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Storage
1. Ideal storage temperature range is 0-40°C (32-104°F).
2. Store and use the PI500P in a cool, dry place with adequate ventilation for all-around air circulation.
3. Avoid locations that are exposed to heating units, radiators, direct sunlight, or excessive humidity or
dampness.
3. Install a fuse holder or breaker close to the positive (+) terminal of the DC source (battery).
4. Connect a length of wire on one side of the fuse holder or circuit breaker. Connect the other end of the wire
to the positive (+) terminal of the inverter.
5. Connect a length of wire between the inverter’s negative (–) terminal and the DC power source negative (–)
terminal.
6. Connect a short length of wire to the other terminal of the fuse holder or circuit breaker. Mark it “positive” or
“+”.
7. Connect the free end of the fuse or breaker wire to the positive (+) terminal of the DC power source
(battery).
8. Insert a fuse appropriate to the inverter in the fuse holder.
9. Press the translucent on/off button.
10. The 100W and 500W LED Indicators will light, indicating that the inverter is operating properly and is ready
to power appliances that draw up to 500 watts continuous.
11. Test the inverter by plugging in a 100 watt lamp or equipment.
Note:
If the power/fault LED flashes red, the unit emits three beeps every five seconds, the 100W and 500W LED Indicators do not light and
the AC and USB outlets shut down, a fault condition has occurred. Refer to the “Troubleshooting” section of this manual.
CAUTION
• The cable and fuse sizes given here are a general recommendation. You should always consult your National
Electrical Code prior to beginning each specific installation.
• Loose connectors may cause overheated wires and melted insulation.
• Check to make sure you have not reversed the polarity. Damage due to reversed polarity is not covered by our
warranty.
IMPORTANT CABLE INFORMATION
Substantial power loss and reduced battery operating time results from inverters installed with cables that are
not able to supply full power. Symptoms of low battery power can result from cables that are either excessively
long or an insufficient gauge.
Connection To Load
The Power Inverter is equipped with dual standard North American three-prong type outlets. Plug the cord
from the equipment you wish to operate into the AC receptacle(s). Make sure the combined load requirement
of your equipment does not exceed maximum continuous power.
The Power Inverter is engineered to be connected directly to standard electrical and electronic equipment in the
manner described above. Do not connect the Power Inverter to household or RV AC distribution wiring. Do not
connect the Power Inverter to any AC load circuit in which the neutral conductor is connected to ground (earth)
or to the negative of the DC (battery) source.
WARNING: Do not connect to AC distribution wiring!
Rated Versus Actual Current Draw of Equipment
Most electrical tools, appliances, electronic devices and audio/visual equipment have labels that
indicate the power consumption in amps or watts. Be sure that the power consumption of the item to be
operated is below 500 watts. If the power consumption is rated in amps AC, simply multiply by the AC volts
(120) to determine the wattage.
Resistive loads are the easiest for the inverter to run; however, it will not run larger resistive loads (such as
electric stoves and heaters), which require far more wattage than the inverter can deliver. Inductive loads (such
as TVs and stereos) require more current to operate than do resistive loads of the same wattage rating.
Inductive loads, i.e. power tools
Note: Some motors used in power tools, refrigerators and pumps require a very high surge current to start.
This inverter can handle a surge twice it’s rated power but some motors require more than this when started.
The inverter will not be harmed if you try to start such a product it will simply shutdown on overload.
For safety reasons, the unit will simply shut down if it is overloaded. To restart the unit, simply unplug all
devices plugged into the unit; disconnect the unit from any 12 volt DC power source; then reconnect the unit
BEFORE plugging the appliance back in.
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