The Cobra line of quality
products includes:
CB Radios
microTALK® 2-Way Radios
Radar/Laser Detectors
Mobile GPS Navigation Systems
HighGear® Accessories
CobraMarine® VHF Radios
Power Inverters
Accessories
For more information or to
order any of our products,
please visit our website:
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
www.cobra.com
400 WATT POWER INVERTER
CPI 490
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
Operating Instructions
Printed in China
Part No. 480-994-P
Version B
Introduction
Our Thanks to You
Thank you for purchasing the Cobra Power
Inverter CPI490. Properly used, this Cobra product
will give you many years of reliable service.
How Your Cobra Power Inverter Works
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 5:30 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
©2014 Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA
A1
www.cobra.com
DC TO AC POWER INVERTER
AC 115V/60HZ
400
Introduction
Assistance
Warranty
Features
• Two AC Receptacles
• 5V/2.1 USB Output
• Automatic Thermal
Protection/Shutdown
AC Outlet
Negative Battery
Cable Terminal
(Black)
Product Features
• Reverse Polarity Protection
• Low Battery Alarm
• Low Battery Shutdown
Protection and
Power Indicator
On/Off
Power Switch
POWER /
FAULT
POWER
Cooling Fan
USB
USB Outlet
Positive Battery
Cable Terminal
AC Outlet
(Red)
Introduction
A3A2
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
Maintenance and
Customer Assistance
Maintenance
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.
Product Service
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.
Product Service
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra
®
•
•
17
Warranty
Notes
Warranty
Notes
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Introduction
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Installation
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
®
1
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Warranty
Notes
Introduction
Important Safety Information
WARNING Power 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.
WARNING To reduce the risk of fire, do not cover
or obstruct the ventilation openings. Do not install
inverter in zero-clearance compartment.
Proposition 65: Warning: Wash Hands After
Handling Power 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.
Quick Evaluation
Introduction
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 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
Before Installation
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.
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
®