Operating Instructions
400 WATT POWER INVERTER
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CPI 480
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Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
Printed in China
Part No. 480-523-P
Version A
®
Introduction
Our Thanks to You
Thank you for purchasing the Cobra CPI 480
Our Thanks to You
inverter. Properly used, this Cobra product will
give you many years of reliable service.
How Your Cobra Power Inverter W orks
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
Customer Assistance
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 Assistance in the U.S.A.
Automated Help Desk English only.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week 773-889-3087 (phone).
Customer Assistance Operators English and Spanish.
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday
(except holidays) 773-889-3087 (phone).
Questions English and Spanish.
Faxes can be received at 773-622-2269 (fax).
Technical Assistance English only.
www.cobra.com (on-line: Frequently Asked Questions).
English and Spanish. productinfo
@cobra.com (e-mail).
For Assistance Outside the U.S.A.
Contact Your Local Dealer
A1
©2008 Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA
www.cobra.com
Introduction
Features
• Two AC Receptacles
• Automatic Thermal
Protection/Shutdown
Product Features
• Reverse Polarity Protection
• Low Battery Alarm
• Low Battery Shutdown
Protection and
Power Indicators
AC Outlets
Negative Battery
Cable Terminal
(Black)
USB Outlet
Cooling Fan
On/Off
Power Switch
Positive Battery
Cable Terminal
(Red)
A2
Introduction
Contents
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
Customer Assistance
Maintenance .......................17
Product Service ....................17
A3
Introduction
Important Safety Information
Important Safety Information
Before installing and using your Cobra power inverter ,
please read these general precautions and warnings.
Caution and Warning Statements
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
could cause damage to the unit or other equipment.
WARNING Statements identify conditions that
could result in personal injury or loss of life.
General Precautions
•
1. Never install the inverter in a boat’s
engine compartment where 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
negative ground applications only.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
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Introduction
Important Safety Information
WARNING Power inverters contain components
that can produce arcs or sparks. T o 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.
WARNING To reduce the risk of fire, do not cover
or obstruct the ventilation openings. Do not install
inverter in zero-clearance compartment.
Warning: W ash Hands After Handling P ower Cord
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: Rechargeable Appliances
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
1. Small battery-operated appliances
such as flashlights, razors, and
night lights that can be plugged
directly into an AC receptacle to
recharge.
Dangerous Voltages
2. Certain battery chargers for
battery packs used in hand power
tools. These chargers have a
WARNING label stating that
dangerous voltages are 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.
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Quick Evaluation
Introduction
Before Installation
Cobra 400 Watt Output Waveform
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 Evaluation Before Installation
This section provides you with basic information about the
inverter and how to check its performance before installation.
Be sure to have on hand:
A 12 volt DC power source (such as a vehicle battery).
Power Supply
The power source must provide
between 11 and 15 volts DC and
be able to supply enough current to
run the test load. As a rough guide,
divide the wattage of the test load by
10 to get the current (in amperes)
the power source must deliver .
•
The provided two foot cigarette lighter cable and
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.
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
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