The Cobra line of quality products includes:
CB Radios
microTALK® Radios
Radar/Laser Detectors
Safety Alert® Traffic Warning Systems
Mobile GPS Navigation Systems
HighGear® Accessories
CobraMarine® VHF Radios
CobraMarine® Chartplotters
Power Inverters
Accessories
For more information or to order any of our products, please visit our website:
www.cobra.com
Nothing ComesClose to a Cobra®
Operating Instructions
400 WATT POWER INVERTER
CPI |
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480 |
Version A |
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Printed in China |
Part No. 480-523-P
NothingComes Close to a Cobra®
Our Thanks to You
Introduction
Thank you for purchasingthe Cobra CPI 480 inverter.Properlyused,this Cobra productwill give you many years of reliableservice.
HowYourCobra PowerInverterWorks
The Cobra power inverter is an electronic product that has been designed and built to take low voltage DC (Direct Current) power from your automobile or other low voltage power supplies and convert it to standard 115 Volt AC (Alternating Current) power like the current you have in your home. This conversion process thereby allows you to use many of your household appliances and electronic products in automobiles, RVs, boats, tractors, trucks and virtually anywhere else.
Customer Assistance
CustomerAssistance
Should you encounter any problems with this product, or not understand its many features, please refer to this owner’s manual. If you require further assistance after reading this manual, Cobra Electronics offers the following customer assistance services:
For Assistancein the U.S.A.
AutomatedHelp Desk English only.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week 773-889-3087 (phone).
CustomerAssistanceOperatorsEnglish and Spanish. 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday (except holidays) 773-889-3087 (phone).
QuestionsEnglish and Spanish.
Faxes can be received at 773-622-2269 (fax).
TechnicalAssistanceEnglish only.
www.cobra.com (on-line: Frequently Asked Questions). English and Spanish. productinfo@cobra.com (e-mail).
For AssistanceOutsidethe U.S.A.
ContactYourLocal Dealer
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©2008 Cobra Electronics Corporation |
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6500 West Cortland Street |
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Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA |
A1 |
www.cobra.com |
Product Features
Introduction
Features
• TwoAC Receptacles |
• Reverse Polarity Protection |
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• Automatic Thermal |
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• Low Battery Alarm |
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Protection/Shutdown |
• Low Battery Shutdown |
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Protection and |
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Power Indicators |
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AC Outlets |
USB Outlet |
On/Off |
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Power Switch |
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Negative Battery |
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Positive Battery |
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Cable Terminal |
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Cooling Fan |
Cable Terminal |
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Contents
Introduction
Introduction
Our Thanks to You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1 Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1 Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Quick Evaluation Before Installation . . . . . . 3
Installation
Installation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Connecting Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Power Consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Operation
Turning Your Inverter On or Off . . . . . . . . 11 Power and Protection Indicators . . . . . . . 12 Operating Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Warranty
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
CustomerAssistance
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Product Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Maintenance and
Product Service
Customer Assistance
Maintenance
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Very little maintenance is required to keep the inverter operating properly. The exterior of the unit should be cleaned periodically with a damp cloth to prevent accumulation of dust and dirt. At the same time, tighten the screws on the DC input terminals. Be sure vents and fans are free of dust or debris.
ProductService
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If you have any questions about operating or installing your new Cobra product, or if you are missing parts…
Please call Cobra first!
DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO THE STORE!
See customer assistance on page A1.
If your product should require factory service, please call Cobra first before sending your power inverter. This will ensure the fastest turn-around time on your repair. You may be asked to send your power inverter to the Cobra factory.
It will be necessary to furnish the following to have the product serviced and returned.
1.For warranty repair include some form of proof-of-purchase, such as a mechanical reproduction or carbon copy of a sales receipt. If you send the original receipt, it cannot be returned.
2.Send the entire product.
3.Enclose a description of what is happening with the power inverter. Include a typed or clearly printed name and address of where the power inverter is to be returned.
4.Pack power inverter securely to prevent damage in transit. If possible, use the original packing material.
5.Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier such as United Parcel Service (UPS) or Priority Mail to avoid loss in transit to:
Cobra Factory Service
Cobra Electronics Corporation 6500 West Cortland Street Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA.
6.If the power inverter is in warranty, upon receipt of your power inverter, it will either be repaired or exchanged depending on the model. Please allow approximately three to four weeks before contacting Cobra for status. If the power inverter is out of warranty, a letter will automatically be sent informing you
of the repair charge or replacement charge.
If you have any questions, please call 773-889-3087 for assistance.
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A2 |
A3 |
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® 17 |
Important Safety Information
Introduction
ImportantSafety Information
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Before installingand using your Cobra power inverter, please read these generalprecautionsand warnings.
CautionandWarningStatements
To make the most of this inverter,it must be installed and used properly. Please read the installation and operating instructions carefully before installing and using it. Special attention must be paid to the CAUTION and WARNING statements in the manual.
CAUTION Statements specify conditions which couldcausedamageto the unit or otherequipment.
WARNING Statements identify conditions that could result in personal injury or loss of life.
GeneralPrecautions
1.Neverinstallthe inverterin a boat’s enginecompartmentwhere gas and battery fumes are present.
2.Do not operate the inverter if it has been dropped or damaged in any way.
3.Do not open the inverter; it contains no userserviceable parts. Attempting to service unit could cause electrical shock.
NOTE Internal components remain charged after all power is disconnected.
4.Do not expose the inverter to rain, snow, bilge water or spray.
5.Do not obstruct the ventilation openings.
6.Do not install the inverter in zero-clearance compartment.
CAUTION This inverter should be used in negativeground applications only.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® 1
Important Safety Information
Introduction
WARNINGPower inverters contain components that can produce arcs or sparks. To prevent fire or explosion, do not install the inverter in areas or compartments containing batteries or flammable materials or in locations that require ignitionprotected equipment.
WARNINGTo reduce the risk of fire, do not cover or obstruct the ventilation openings. Do not install inverter in zero-clearance compartment.
Warning:Wash Hands After HandlingPowerCord
The power cord on this product contains lead, a chemical known in the state of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Caution:RechargeableAppliances
Certain chargers for small nickel cadmium batteries can be damaged if connected to the Cobra 400 watt inverter. Two particular types of equipment are prone to this problem:
Plug In Directly
DangerousVoltages
1.Small battery-operatedappliances such as flashlights,razors,and
night lights that can be plugged directlyinto an AC receptacleto recharge.
2.Certain battery chargers for battery packs used in hand power tools. These chargers have a WARNING label stating that dangerousvoltagesare present at the battery terminals.
This problem does not occur with the vast majority of battery operated equipment. Most use a separate charger or transformer that is plugged into the AC receptacle and produces a low voltage output. If the label on the AC adapter or charger states that it produces a low voltage AC or DC output (less than 30 volts), the inverter will have no problem powering the adapter safely.
Quick Evaluation
Before Installation
Introduction
Cobra 400Watt OutputWaveform
Some very sensitive electronic equipment may not operate satisfactory on “square wave” or “modified sine wave.” The output waveform is referred to as “square wave” or “modified sine wave.” It is a stepped waveform designed to have characteristics similar to the sine wave shape of utility power. A waveform of this nature is suitable for most AC loads (including linear and switching power suppliers used in electronic equipment, transformers and motors).
Quick EvaluationBefore Installation
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This sectionprovidesyou with basic informationabout the inverterand how to check its performancebefore installation.
Be sure to have on hand:
A 12 volt DC power source(such as a vehiclebattery).
Power Supply |
The power sourcemust provide |
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between11 and 15 volts DC and |
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be able to supply enough currentto |
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run the test load. As a rough guide, |
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divide the wattageof the test load by |
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10 to get the current(in amperes) |
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the power sourcemust deliver. |
The provided two foot cigarette lighter cable and |
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two foot direct-to-battery 12 gauge cable. |
Only use the cables provided with your inverter.
The cigarette lighter cable is suitable for operating the inverter at loads up to 150 watts. Connect by securely inserting the plug into the cigarette lighter socket.
Cig. Lighter Cable |
12 Gauge Cable |
CAUTION Do not use the cigarette lighter cable for loads higher than 150 watts. When connecting loads larger than 150 watts, please connect the inverter directly to the battery.
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Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® 3 |