PowerBright PW1500-12 12V DC to 120V AC Power Inverter (1500 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 battery or marine battery source. The inverter converts the 12 volts DC provided by the source, to 110-120 volts AC for consumption by household 110-120 volt AC appliances which consume less than 1500 watts. The inverter is wired directly to the source with included 3 ft. battery cables, and provides two North American standard NEMA 5-15 household AC electrical outlets. The 1500 watts max power rating applies to both outlets combined, not per outlet. If two appliances are plugged in, the total combined load must be less than 1500 watts.

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 110 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 PW1500-12 12V DC to 120V AC Power Inverter Features:

• 1500 watts continuous power
• 3000 watts peak power
• Provides 12.5 amps
• Anodized aluminum case provides durability
• Built-in cooling fan
• External, replaceable 30 amp spade-type fuse
• 2 x 110 volt AC outlet
• Overload indicator
• Power ON/OFF Switch
• 3 ft. battery cables included (4AWG, alligator clips)

When you operate the inverter for long periods of time combined with a high continuous load demand, the result will be a large power drain from the battery. With this in mind, check the reserve capacity of the battery you plan to use to power your inverter. To calculate the approximate power drain on your battery you will want to estimate the reserve power ("amp/hour") of the battery and the amps the inverter will require, to meet the continuous load demand of the appliance.

1. When calculating the amp/hour of the battery, find its reserve minutes rating. This is typically is marked on the battery label along with the "Cold Cranking Amps" (CCA) rating. If you multiply the reserve minutes rating of the battery by 0.3 it will tell you the battery amp/hour.

2. To estimate the maximum battery power the inverter will require to run a piece of equipment or appliance, divide its continuous load wattage equipment by 10.

3. Conclusion: The reserve power of a battery with a 150 reserve minutes rating is sufficient to satisfy the continuous load demand placed on the inverter for a maximum of about one hour. (45 amps/hour-amp draw = 1 hour).

Note:
The type of battery you use to power your inverter is important. Batteries designed to start engines have multiple layers of very thin plates. These provide extensive surface area that will produce a powerful short burst of electrical power required to start combustion engines. Using an inverter will cause a battery to discharge and recharge often. We recommend that you use a different type of battery that is designed specifically for this type of load requirement. Deep cycle (marine) batteries generally have the highest reserve ratings. They are designed with thicker plates making them capable of withstanding repeated complete drains of power and recharging. If you do not have a deep cycle battery we recommend that you run the engine of your vehicle when operating the inverter.

 

Connection Cable Gauges
When connecting the inverter to the power source use the thickest wire available, in the shortest length practical.

If the inverter and the battery are positioned within four feet of each other, a minimum of 4 gauge wire should be used to make the connections. When the distance between them is four to six feet, a minimum of #2 gauge wire is required.

Connecting Your Inverter
1. Make sure the ON/OFF switch located on the front panel of the inverter is in the OFF (O) position.

2. Connect the wires to the power input terminals at the rear of the inverter.
Make sure to match the negative (Black) terminal on the inverter with one wire that connects to the negative terminal on the 12 volt power source. Then repeat this procedure with the positive (Red) terminal connecting a wire to the positive terminal of the 12v volt power source. Make sure you have a good secure connection, but do not over tighten these screws.

Mounting the Inverter
Your PowerBright Inverter should not be mounted under the hood of a vehicle. If installed in a vehicle, choose a dry, cool, ventilated area closest to the battery source as possible.

To mount the inverter:
1. Inverter must be in the OFF position.
2. The inverter can be mounted vertically or horizontally. If mounted vertically, make sure the ventilation openings are pointing downwards.
3. Hold the inverter against the mounting surface, mark the positions of the mounting screws, and then remove the inverter.
4. Pilot drill the four mounting holes.
5. Fasten the inverter to the mounting surface using corrosion-resistant fasteners sized #10 or larger.

Important Note :
Loose connections can result in a severe decrease in voltage which may cause damage to the wires and insulation. Failure to make a proper connection between the inverter and the power source will result in reverse polarity. Reverse polarity will blow the internal fuses in the inverter and may cause permanent damage to the inverter. Damage caused by reverse polarity in not covered under the PowerBright warranty. Making the connection between the Positive terminals may cause a spark as a result of current flowing to charge capacitors within the inverter. This is a normal occurrence. Due to the possibility of sparking, however, it is extremely important that both the inverter and the 12 volt battery be positioned far from any possible source of flammable fumes or gases. Failure to heed this warning could result in fire or explosion.

1) Locate the Ground Lug Terminal at the rear of the inverter. Run a wire from this terminal to a proper grounding point using the shortest practical length 2 AWG wire. You can connect this wire to the chassis of your vehicle or to the grounding system in your boat. As an alternative when in remote locations the ground wire can be connected to the earth (one way to accomplish this is to attach it to a metal rod driven into the ground). Before connecting the ground, make certain that the inverter is turned off. Operating the inverter without correctly grounding the unit may result in electrical shock.
2) Turn On (I) the inverter. Make certain the Over Load LED Indicators are not lit.
3) Turn OFF (0) the inverter. The Over Load LED may briefly "blink". This is normal. The internal audible alarm may also sound a short "chirp." This is also normal.
4) When you have confirmed that the appliance to be operated is turned off, plug the appliance into one of the two 110v AC Outlets on the front panel of the inverter.
5) Turn the inverter on.
6) Turn the appliance on.

Note:
The audible alarm may make a momentary "chirp" when the inverter is turned OFF (O). This same alarm may also sound when the inverter is being connected to or disconnected from the 12 volt power source. When using an extension cord from the inverter to the appliance the extension cord should be no more than 50 feet long. At this length there should be no measurable decrease in power from the inverter.

 

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.

Operating a Microwave oven with Your Power Inverter
The power rating used with microwave ovens is the "cooking power" which means the power being "delivered" to the food being cooked. The actual operating power requirement rating is on the back of the microwave. If the operating power requirement cannot be found on the back of the microwave, check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer.

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 PW1500-12 12V DC to 120V AC Power Inverter Specifications:

• Output: Wave Form Modified Sinewave
• No-load draw: < 0.2 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: Two grounded NEMA 5-15 110V North American household outlets
• Manufacturer's warranty 1 year
• Inverter weight: 11.5 lbs
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 10.25 x 3.5 x 11.6 in.