PowerBright ERP400-12 12V DC to 220V AC Power Inverter (400 Watt Capacity)

A power inverter is an electronic device that converts direct current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC). These inverters are intended to be connected to a 12 volt DC power source, such as a car cigarette lighter or marine battery source. The inverter converts the 12 volts DC provided by the source, to 220 volts AC for consumption by small household 220 volt AC appliances which consume less than 400 watts. The inverter is wired with a 12V car cigarette lighter plug, and provides one European standard CEE7/16 Europlug 220V/50Hz household AC electrical socket.

PowerBright, an innovator in portable inverter design, has developed a new line of super-efficient power inverters with the highest surge capability in the industry. These extremely advanced, microprocessor controlled units run cooler and more reliable than any in their class. Their superior surge capability allows them to start even the most difficult loads, including color televisions, TV/VCR combinations, microwaves, refrigeration units, and even small air conditioners! They also boast the highest efficiency available (up to 90%), which translates into longer running time and extended battery life.

PowerBright Inverters convert low voltage, direct current (DC) to 220 volt alternating current (AC). Depending on the model and its rated capacity, the inverters draw power either from standard 12 volt automobile and marine batteries or from portable high power 12 volt sources.

PowerBright ERP400-12 12V DC to 220V AC Power Inverter Features:

• 400 watts continuous power
• 800 watts peak power
• Provides 1.8 amps
• Anodized aluminum case provides durability
• Built-in cooling fan
• External, replaceable 30 amp spade-type fuse
• 220V/50Hz non-grounded Europlug AC socket
• Overload indicator
• Power ON/OFF Switch
• Cigarette lighter plug

Most automobile and marine batteries will provide an ample power supply to the inverter for 30 to 60 minutes even when the engine is off. Actual time may vary depending upon the age and condition of the battery, and the power demand being placed on it by the equipment being operated with the inverter.

If you decide to use the inverter while the engine is off, we recommend that you start the engine every hour and let it run for approximately 10 minutes to recharge the battery. We also recommend that the device plugged into the inverter be turned OFF before starting the vehicle engine.

Although it is not necessary to disconnect the inverter when turning over the engine, it may momentarily cease to operate as the battery voltage decreases. When the inverter is not supplying power, it draws very low amperage from the battery and may be left connected to the battery for up to three hours. However, we recommend the inverter always be disconnected when not in use.

INVERTER PROTECTION FEATURES

The RED LED Indicator light will turn on and the inverter will turn itself off automatically when:
1. The power input from the battery drops to 9.5 volts. (When the power input drops to 10.5 volts, an alarm will sound for an extended period).
2. The power input from the battery exceeds 15.5 volts.
3. The continuous draw of the equipment or appliance being operated exceeds 400 watts.
4.The surge draw of the equipment or appliance being operated exceeds 800 watts.
5. The circuit temperature exceeds 165 °F.

NOTE:
The inverter is equipped with a thermal fan which is designed to run if the inverter should need to be cooled while the inverter is operation. Automatic shut down caused by high circuit temperatures will occur when the cooling fan is unable to maintain a cool enough temperature for safe operation of the inverter. In the event of automatic shut down or continuous audible alarm, turn the inverter rocker switch to the OFF (0) position until the source of the problem has been determined and resolved.

CONNECTING YOUR INVERTER

Through the Car Cigarette Lighter or 12 Volt Power Port

1. Make sure the On/OFF rocker switch located on the front panel of the inverter is in the OFF (0) position.

2. Connect the 12 volt power cord the power input terminals at the rear of the inverter making sure to match the color coded cables to the color coded terminals on the inverter (RED = Positive, BLACK = Negative). Do not over tighten these screws.

3. Remove your cigarette lighter and push the 12 volt power plug firmly into the cigarette lighter receptacle in your vehicle.

4. Turn the inverter rocker switch to the ON (I) position. The LED Indicator Light should glow GREEN confirming that there is power running to the inverter.

5. Turn the inverter rocker switch to the OFF (0) position. (The GREEN LED Power Indicator light may “blink” briefly and/ or the internal audible alarm may make a momentary “chirp.” This is normal).

6. Check that the appliance to be operated is turned OFF. Plug the appliance into one of the two AC receptacles on the front panel of the inverter.

7. Turn the inverter rocker switch the ON (I) position. Turn the equipment or appliance on.


Directly to the 12 Volt Power Source

1. Make sure the ON/OFF rocker switch located on the front panel of the inverter is in the OFF (0) Position.

2. Connect the cables to the power input terminals at the rear of the inverter making sure to match the color coded cables to the color coded terminals, and tighten the screws to make a secure connection. Do not over tighten these screws.

3. Connect the cable from the Negative (-) terminal (BLACK) on the inverter to the Negative terminal on the 12 volt power source. Double check that the connection is secure.

4. Check that the cable you have just installed is properly connected. Make certain that the cable is connected to the negative terminals on both the inverter and the 12 volt power source.

5. Connect the cable from the Positive (+) terminal (RED) on the inverter to the Positive terminal on the power source. Double check that the connection is secure.

6. Follow directions 4-7 in the above section titled “Through the Car Cigarette Lighter or 12 Volt Power Port”.

NOTE:
The audible alarm many make a momentary “chirp when the inverter is turned OFF (O). This same alarm many also sound when the inverter is being connected to or disconnected from the 12 volt power source.

Use of an extension cord from the inverter the appliance or equipment being operated will not significantly decrease the power being generated by the inverter. For best operating results, the extension cord should be no more than 50 feet long.

If the green Led blinks when you first turn the inverter ON, this indicates that there is a short circuit within the power supply. Turn the inverter OFF. Remove the 12 volt plug from the cigarette lighter socket, firmly reinsert the plug, and then turn the inverter ON again. Or if you are using the cables connected to a 12 volt power source, try removing and reconnecting the clamps. If this does not remedy the problem try using a different 12 volt power source.

BLOWN AUTOMOTIVE FUSES
Depending on the make and model of your automobile, running the power inverter near full capacity from your cigarette light port many result in a blown automotive cigarette lighter fuse. This fuse will need to be replaced with the same size fuse. Please note that a blown automotive fuse will not cause damage to your car wiring.

To avoid blowing an automotive fuse in this situation, do not operate the power inverter at peak over 150 watt wattage for extended periods of time from your cigarette lighter or 12 volt power port.

BLOWN POWER INVERTER FUSES
Your power inverter is equipped with a 40 amp spade type fuse. With reasonable care it should not be necessary to replace this fuse. Most blown fuses are the result of reverse polarity or a short circuit within the appliance or equipment being operated. If the fuse happens to blow, disconnect the appliance or equipment immediately, find the source of the problem, repair it, and then install a new fuse.

Television and Audio Suggestions
Although all PowerBright inverters are shielded and filtered to minimize signal interference, some interference with your television picture may be unavoidable, especially with weak signals.

However, here are some suggestions that may improve reception.
1. First, make sure that the television antenna produces a clear signal under normal operating conditions. Also, ensure that the antenna cable is properly shielded and of good quality.
2. Change the positions of the inverter, antenna cables and television power cord.
3. Isolate the television, its power cord and antenna cables from the 12 volt power source by running an extension cord from the inverter to the television set.
4. Coil the television power cord and the input cables running from the 12 volt power source to the inverter.
5. Attach a "Ferrite Data Line Filter" to the television power cord. More than one filter may be required. These filters are available at most electronic supply stores.

Note:
Some inexpensive audio systems may discharge a slight "buzzing" sound when operated with the inverter. This is caused by deficient filters in the audio system. The only solution to this problem is using a sound system with a higher quality power supply.

Safety Precautions

• For best results place the power inverter on a reasonably flat surface.
• Keep the inverter dry. Do not expose it to rain or moisture. Do not operate the inverter if the device being operated or any other surfaces that may come in contact with any power source are wet. Water and many other liquids can conduct electricity which may lead to serious injury or death.
• Avoid placing the inverter on or near heating vents, radiators or other sources of heat. Do not place the inverter in direct sunlight. Ideal air temperature should be between 50°F and 80°F. In order to properly disperse heat generated while the inverter is in operation, keep it well ventilated.
• While in use, maintain several inches of clearance around the top and sides of the inverter.
• Do not use the inverter near flammable materials. Do not place the inverter in areas such as battery compartments where fumes or gases may accumulate.
• When the inverter will be operating appliances with high continuous load ratings for extended periods, it is not advisable to power the inverter with the same battery used to power your car or truck. If the car or truck battery is utilized for an extended period, it is possible that the battery voltage may be drained to the point where the battery has insufficient reserve power to start the vehicle.
• It may be advisable to operate the inverter from a bank of batteries of the same type in a "parallel" configuration. Two such batteries will generate twice the amphours of a single battery; three batteries will generate three times the amp hours and so on.
  
  

PowerBright ERP400-12 12V DC to 220V AC Power Inverter Specifications:

• Output: Wave Form Modified Sinewave
• No-load draw: < 0.1 amp (12V)
• Efficiency: Up to 90%
• Input voltage range: 10-15 VDC
• Over voltage shutdown: over 15 VDC
• Under voltage shutdown: under 10 VDC
• Low voltage alarm: Audible at 10.6 VDC
• Overload shutdown: Yes
• Thermal shutdown: Yes
• Short circuit shutdown: Yes
• AC receptacles: One non-grounded Europlug 220V/50Hz European household socket
• Manufacturer's warranty 1 year
• Inverter weight: 4 lbs
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 5 x 2.25 x 7.25 in.