American Power Conversion AC Power Inverter User Manual

PNOTEAC150A - for use in airplane, car, RV, boat

Figure 1. APC DC to AC Power Inverter

Congratulations on selecting the APC DC to AC Power Inverter. Please complete the enclosed warranty card and return it to APC, or fill out an on-line warranty card at http://www.apc.com.

Safety

Before using the APC DC to AC Power Inverter, read the following safety precautions:

• Do not operate the APC DC to AC Power Inverter near flammable materials, fumes or gases.

• Provide adequate ventilation and refrain from placing items on or around the inverter during operation.

• Proper cooling is essential when operating the inverter. Refrain from placing the inverter near the vehicle’s heat vent or in direct sunlight.

• Keep the case dry at all times.

• Check the warning labels on battery chargers or adapters before connecting them to the inverter. Do not connect battery chargers or adapters displaying or having dangerous voltage warnings.

Features

Low Battery Protection: If the input voltage drops below 10.5 volts, the inverter will automatically shut down. The unit will automatically turn back on once the

battery voltage increases above 10.5 Vdc.

Note: Turn off connected equipment before recharging the vehicle battery.

Status Indicator-located on the inverter: The LED located near the receptacle on the inverter unit is a dual-color LED indicator:

• Green indicates the power source is sufficient for proper inverter operation.

• Yellow indicates the power source is insufficient for operation (voltage is less than 10.5V or greater than 20V), or that thermal protection has taken place due to an output short circuit or overload.

Status Indicator-located on the lighter adapter: The lighter adapter is equipped with a blue LED that indicates when the adapter has been pushed firmly into the 12 volt socket in your vehicle.

AC Outlet: The AC outlet provides power suitable for any electronic piece of equipment requiring up to 150 watts of continuous power.

Note: Ensure the wattage of equipment plugged into the APC DC to AC Power Inverter does not exceed 150 watts (maximum) continuous.

Power Inverter

User Guide

PNOTEAC150 - for use in car, RV, boat

APC DC to AC

WA R NI N G : As with all accessories that use power from your vehicle’s 12-volt socket, ensure the Cigarette Lighter Assembly plug (CLA) is pressed

Airline Use: An Airline Adapter is included with the PNOTEAC150A. You may use it with the inverter unit to provide AC power on airplanes equipped with an in-flight

power outlet. If equipped, this outlet is located in the armrest of the seat, near the headset plug, or under the seat. Attach the airline adapter as shown in Figure 2.

firmly into the socket to prevent overheating of the CLA while your inverter is in use. APC has provided a blue indicator light on the CLA to show when it has been pushed sufficiently into the socket to prevent overheating. If the blue light is not lit, push the CLA firmly into the 12-volt socket until the indicator is illuminated. Failure to comply may result in personal injury or equipment damage.

Note: Although, this device is rated for 150W (max),

To Airline Power

Source

most airline power outlets only provide 75W.

Airline Adapter

(included only with the PNOTEAC150A)

Lighter Adapter

(part of 150W DC/AC Inverter)

Figure 2. Airline Adapter Installation (Airline Use Only)

Installation and Operation

1. Plug the APC DC to AC Power Inverter’s 12 volt Lighter Adapter plug (Figure 1) into the power source: a) In an automobile, ensure that the Lighter Adapter is installed. Insert the Lighter Adapter into any 12 volt socket in your vehicle.

WA R NI N G : As with all accessories that use power from your vehicle’s 12-volt socket, ensure the Cigarette Lighter Assembly (CLA) plug is pressed

b) In an airplane, install the Airline Adapter in the end of the Lighter Adapter, as shown in Figure 2. Then insert the Airline Plug into the airplane’s in-flight power

outlet. Note: The Lighter Adapter has a blue LED that will light when plugged properly into the socket.

2. The indicator on the APC DC to AC Power Inverter should illuminate green. This signifies the inverter it is operating properly and is ready for use.

3. Plug AC powered equipment (laptop computer, mobile printer, fax, cell phone recharger or other AC powered equipment) into the APC DC to AC Power Inverter 150 AC outlet.

Specifications

Output Power 150 watts continuous; 225 watts peak

Output Voltage 115 volts +10/-8%

Output Frequency 60 Hz

Output Waveform Modified Square Wave

Input Voltage Protection Below 10.5V: Unit shuts off (restarts once voltage rises above 10.5V)

Above 20V continuous: Unit shuts off The unit also withstands: Overvoltages of 25V for 5 seconds, once per hour (airline requirement) Overvoltages of 24V for 1 minute (automotive requirement)

Input Voltage Requirement 10.5 Vdc to 16.0 Vdc

Efficiency > 85%

Low Voltage Shutdown < 10.5 volts

Operating/Storage Temperature Operating 32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C) / Storage -4° to 176° F (-20° to 80° C)

Operating /Relative Humidity 95% maximum, non-condensing

EMI Classification FCC Class B

Dimensions 6.18 x 3.19 x 1.65 inches (157 x 81 x 42 mm)

Weight 0.78 pounds (353 grams)

Agency Approvals CE, RTCA/DO-160D Sections 21 and 22, Nemko approval to IEC60950

Troubleshooting

Problem Reason Suggested Solutions

No AC output power Poor contact with lighter socket (indicator is not

Inverter output power is intermittent.

illuminated).

Automotive electrical system requires ignition to be on. (indicator is not illuminated).

Battery below 10.5 volts (indicator is yellow).

Over-heating (indicator is yellow).

The Inverter is overloaded and/or short-circuited (indicator is yellow).

Battery above 20 volts (indicator is yellow)

Loose connection (indicator may flicker or be green). Check and secure all connections. Check that the blue

Ensure that the inverter is securely plugged into the lighter, replace the lighter socket if necessary. Check that the blue LED on the lighter adapter is lit.

Turn the vehicle ignition key to the "Accessory" position.

Unplug the inverter and charge the vehicle battery.

Allow the inverter to cool. Ensure that there is adequate ventilation.

Unplug load from the Inverter and see if the indicator is green. If green, check the power rating of the load. It must be less than or equal to 150 watts.

Unplug the Inverter and find a power source that is within the 10.5 - 16 volt dc input range.

LED on the lighter adapter is lit.

Warranty

APC offers a 1 year product warranty (worldwide) on the APC DC to AC Power Inverter. APC warrants its products to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for 1 year of the original purchase. APC’s obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing, at APC’s sole option, any such defective products. To obtain service under warranty, a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from APC (www.apc.com, 800800-4APC) or an APC service center. The APC DC to AC Power Inverter must be returned with an RMA number accompanied by a brief description of the problem and proof of date and place of purchase. The customer pays shipping charges to APC. Shipping charges back to the customer are paid by APC. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser.

132 Fairgrounds Rd., West Kingston, RI 02892 USA

Toll free: (800) 800-4APC; Phone: (401) 789-5735; Fax: (401) 789-3710

Internet Address: http://www.apc.com