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English
2500 WATT POWER INVERTER
CPI 2 550
Nothing comes close to a Cobra
®
Operating Instructions
Printed in China
Part No. 480-200-P
Version A
English
Introduction
Our Thanks to You
Thank you for purchasing the Cobra CPI 2550
inverter. Properly used, this Cobra product
will give you many years of reliable service.
HowYour 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 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
Before installing and using your Cobra power inverter,
please read these general precautions and warnings.
Caution andWarning 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
couldcause damage to the unit or other equipment.
WARNING Statements identify conditions that
CAUTION
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 batteryfumes 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
user-serviceable 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.
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Page 4
Introduction
Important Safety Information
WARNING Power inverters contain components
that tend to 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
ignition-protected equipment.
WARNING To reduce the risk of fire, do not cover
or obstruct the ventilation openings. Do not install
inverter in zero-clearance compartment.
Caution: Rechargeable Appliances
Certain chargers for small nickel cadmium batteries
can be damaged if connected to the Cobra 2500 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
nightlights that can be plugged
directly into an AC receptacle to
recharge.
DangerousVoltages
2. Certain battery chargers for
battery packs used in hand
powertools. These chargers have
a WARNING label stating that
dangerous voltages are present
at the batteryterminals.
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.
Introduction
Important Safety Information
Cobra 2500 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).
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Introduction
Quick Evaluation
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.
A set of cables to connect the power source to the
inverter (not included).
The cables must be as short and thick as possible in
order to reduce the voltage drop between the power
source and the inverter when drawing current from
the power source.
If the cable suffers an excessive voltage drop, the inverter
may shut down when drawing higher currents because
the voltage at the inverter dropped below 10 volts.
#4 AWG stranded copper cable is recommended. It
should be no longer than four feet (one and one-half
meters).
The end of the cable that connects to the inverter must
have its insulation stripped off for about one-half inch (one
and one-half cm) back from the end, exposing the bare
copper.
The other end of the cable, which connects to the power
source, must be terminated with a lug or other connector
that provides a secure, low resistance connection.
For example, if the power source is a battery, the cable
must be terminated with a battery terminal that clamps
to the post on the battery.
Introduction
Test Load
On/Off Switch to Off
Connect Terminals
Connect Power Source
On/Off Switch to On
Connect Test Load
Quick Evaluation
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Page 6
Installation
nstallation
I
A test load that can be plugged into the AC receptacle on
the inverter for short term testing at a low power level.
The following cables are recommended for testing low
power level test loads only.
To check your inverter’s performance before installation:
for details). If the power source is
a DC power supply, switch it off
as well.
2. Connect cables to power input
terminals (see page 8 for details).
3. Connect cables to power source
(see page 8 for details).
4. Check to make sure all
connections are secure.
5. Turn the inverter on. If the
powersource is a DC power
supply, switch it on first.
6. Plug in the test load.
The inverter should supply power
to the load. If the inverter is not
working properly, refer to the
troubleshooting guide on page 18
or power and protection indicators
section on page 16.
Installation
Mounting
Installation Requirements
•
The inverter must be installed in an area that meets
all of the following requirements:
A. Dry
Do not place in an area where water can drip
or splash on the inverter.
B. Cool
Ambient air temperature should be between 30°F
and 105°F (0°C and 40°C). The cooler the better.
C. Ventilate
Allow at least one inch (three cm) of clearance around
the inverter for proper airflow. Make sure that ventilation
openings on the ends of the unit are not obstructed.
D.Safe
Mounting Brackets
Donotinstalltheinverterinthesamecompartment
as abatteryorinanycompartmentthatcontains
flammableliquidssuchasgasoline.
E. ClosetoBattery
Installunitasclosetobatteryaspossible(without
beinginthesamecompartment)tominimizethe
length of cable required to connect the inverter to
the battery. It is better and cheaper to run longer
AC wires than longer DC wires (cables).
CAUTIONTheinvertermustonlybeconnectedtobatterieswithanominaloutputvoltageof12volts.
It will not work with a 6 volt battery, and will be
damaged if it is connected to a 16 volt battery.
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Page 7
InstallationInstallation
Mounting
•
To mount your inverter:
1. Place the inverter on a flat surface with the
mounting bracket against the mounting surface.
Connecting CablesConnecting Cables
WARNING This unit contains components
which can produce arcs or sparks. To prevent
fire or explosion, do not install in compartments
containing a battery or flammable materials,
or in a location which requires ignition
protected equipment.
WARNING This unit is suitable for installation
in negative ground applications only. Do not
attempt to install to a positive ground application.
Connecting Cables (not included)
Strip the Insulation
•
Powerwireandwiringareveryimportanttotheperformance
of theinverter.Becausetheinverterhasalowvoltage,
high currentinput,lowresistancewiringisessential
betweenthebatteryandinverter.Thisissoitcandeliver
the maximumamountofenergytotheload.
Use only copper wire. Aluminum wire has about one-third
more resistance than copper wire of the same size, plus it
is difficult to make good, low-resistance connections to
aluminum wire.
We recommend two #4 AWG copper cables (90°C
insulation rating) as the minimum size for connections
If thecablehastoomuchvoltagedrop,theinverter
may shutdownwhendrawinghighercurrentsbecause
voltage at the inverter may drop below 10 volts. If you
must use longer cables, choose thicker cables, such as
#2 AWG, and trim the ends of the cable to fit the terminals.
2. Mount to secure surface using mounting hardware
that is corrosion resistant (not included).
To connect the cables between the inverter
and the battery:
1. Turn the On/OffSwitch on the inverter to the off
position. If the power source is a DC power supply,
On/Off Switch to Off
switch it off as well.
The invertercanbemountedhorizontallyorvertically.
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8
Connect Cables
2. On theendofthecablethatconnectstotheinverter,
strip back the insulation about one-half inch (one and
Nothing comes close to a Cobra
®
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Page 8
InstallationInstallation
Connecting CablesConnecting Cables
one-half cm), exposing the bare copper conductor.
You might observe a spark when you make this connection,
sincecurrent can flow to charge capacitors in the inverter.
All power connections to your Cobra inverter must be
Positive to Positive and Negative to Negative.
3. Connect cables to the Power Input Terminals on right
side panel of the inverter. The red terminals are positive
(+) and the black terminals are negative (-). Insert the
bare ends of the cables into the terminals and tighten
the screws to clamp the wires safely.
4. Connect cables to the power source:
a. Connect each cable from the Negative (Black)
Terminals of inverter to the Negative Terminal
of the power source. Make a secure connection.
b. Connect each cable from the Positive (Red)
Terminals of the inverter to the Positive Terminal
of the power source (the battery’s main fuse or
the battery selector switch, if you are using one).
Make a secure connection.
CAUTION Electrical installations must meet
local and national wiring codes, and should
be performed by a qualified electrician.
CAUTION Do not connect the inverter and another
AC source (such as a generator or utility power)
to the AC wiring at the same time. The inverter
will be damaged if its output is connected to AC
voltage from another source. Damage can even
occur if the inverter is switched off.
CAUTION Do not connect the inverter to an AC
branch circuit that has high-power consumption
loads. It will not operate electric heaters, air
conditioners, stoves, and other electrical
appliances that consume more than 2500 watts.
CAUTION Loose connectors result in excessive
voltage drop and may cause over heated wires
and melted insulation.
CAUTION Reverse polarity connections (positive
to negative) will blow internal fuses in the inverter
and may permanently damage the unit. Such damage
is not covered by the warranty.
CAUTION We recommend a main fuse in the
battery’s positive cable to protect against DC
wiring short circuits (external to the inverter).
The fuse should be as close to the battery as
possible. We recommend a Buss Fuse ANL-250
or equivalent. The specific fuse ampere rating
should be sized to allow operation of all your
DC powered equipment.
CAUTION Remove any jewelry (watch, ring, etc.).
Be careful not to short circuit the battery with any
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Page 9
InstallationInstallation
Power ConsumptionGround Wiring
metallic object (wrench, etc.).
WARNING If you are making a permanent AC
connection to the inverter, make sure that the
AC wiring steps are performed before any DC
wiring is done. (DC hook-up energizes internal
components, regardless of the position of the
On/Off Switch). Working on AC connections in such
a circumstance may result in an electric shock.
Chassis Ground
WARNING 115 volt AC power is potentially lethal.
Do not work on AC wiring when it is connected to
the inverter (even if it is switched off) unless the
DC power source is physically disconnected from
the inverter. Also, do not work on AC wiring if it
is connected to another AC power source such
as a generator or the utility line.
WARNING You may observe a spark when
making the connection because current can
flow to charge the capacitors in the inverter.
Do not make this connection in the presence
of flammable fumes. Explosion or fire may
result. Thoroughly ventilate the battery
compartment before making this connection.
NOTE If only one power source is used, connect both
Laptop
TV/VCR (up to 25")
Blender
to the positive terminal of the power source.
50 watts x 2 hours
= 100 watt-hours
115 wattsx 3 hours
= 345 watt-hours
300 watts x 15 minutes
= 75 watt-hours
cables from the negative terminal of the inverter to the
negative terminal of the power source. Then connect
both cables from the positive terminals of the inverter
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®
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Page 10
Operation
Power On and Off
Power Consumption
•
For each piece of equipment you will be operating from the
inverter, you must determine the battery’s reserve capacity
(how long the battery can deliver a specific amount of
current — in automotive batteries, usually 25 ampere)
or ampere-hour capacity (a measure of how many amperes
a battery can deliver for a specified length of time).
Example– Reserve capacity: a battery with a reserve
To determine the battery ampere-hour
capacity you require:
1. Determine how many watts each piece of equipment
consumes. This can normally be found on the product
label. If only the current draw is given, multiply the
current draw by 115 to get the watt consumption.
2. Estimate the time (in hours) that each piece of equipment
will be running between battery charging cycles.
3. Calculate the total watt-hours of energy consumption
On/Off Switch to Off
(powerxoperatingtime)usingtheaveragepower
consumptionandthetotalestimatedrunningtime
(in hours).PowerxOperatingTime=Watt-Hours.
There is a screw on the rear panel for Chassis Ground.
This is to connect the chassis of the inverter to ground.
The Chassis Ground Screw must be connected to a
grounding point, which will vary depending on where
the unit is installed. Use a #8 AWG copper wire
(preferably with green/yellow insulation) to connect
the chassis ground screw to the grounding point.
Remote Switch
Inavehicle: Connect the Chassis Ground to the
chassis ofthevehicle.
In a boat:ConnecttotheBoatGroundingSystem.
Inafixedlocation:ConnecttheChassisGroundScrewto
Be sure to have your power inverter properly installed before
attempting to turn the unit on (see installation page 6).
To turn the power inverter on:
1. If a DC power supply is being used as the powersource, switch it on.
2. On the left side panel, switch the On/Off Switch to on.
The inverter is now ready to deliver AC power to your loads.
If several loads are to be operated by the inverter, turn
them on separately, after the inverter has been turned on.
This will ensure that the inverter does not have to deliver
the starting currents required for all the loads at once.
To turn the power inverter off:
1. On the left side panel, switch the On/Off Switch to off.
Indicators
Operation
Operating Limits
NOTE The On/Off Switch turns the control circuit
in the inverter on and off. It does not disconnect
power from the inverter.
When the switch is in the off position, the inverter
draws no current from the battery. When it’s in the
on position, but no power is being supplied to the
load, the inverter draws less than 500 milliamperes
from the battery. This is low current draw. It would
take more than a week to discharge a 100 amperehour battery at this rate depending on the age of
the battery.
Remote On /Off Switch (not included)
•
An optional Remote On/Off Switch (not included) can be
connected to the Remote Jack allowing you to turn the
Cobra power inverter on or off from a convenient location
when the inverter is installed in an out of reach location.
No Plugs at 0%
One Plug at 40%
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Operation
Troubleshooting Guide
Troubleshooting Guide
Problem/Symptom
•
Low output voltage
No output voltage
No outputvoltage
after prolonged use
No outputvoltage,
“Protect”indicator
Possible Causes
Overload
Low input voltage
Thermal
shutdown
High input
voltage
lighted
No output voltage
No output voltage
Short circuit
Inverter
switched off
No power
to inverter
Reverse
DC polarity
Low battery alarm
Poor DC wiring
on all the time
Poor battery
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condition
Solution
Reduce the load.
Recharge battery.
Check connections
and cable.
Allow inverter
to cool off.
Reduce load,
continuous
operation input
current required.
Improve ventilation;
Make sure ventilation
openings in the
inverter are not
obstructed.
Reduce ambient
temperature.
Make sure
the inverter is
connected to
12V battery.
All protection is automatically recovered.
To protect the battery, if the unit needs to be restarted
after low voltage protection, the voltage of DC input
should be above 12V.
To extend the life of the fan, it will stop when there is no
load. The speed of the fan increases as the load increases.
The unit is completely insulated in input and output for
added safety.
Nothing comes close to a Cobra
®
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Page 13
Warranty and Trademark
Warranty
Limited Two-Year Warranty
•
For Products Purchased in the U.S.A.
Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that its Cobra power
inverter, and the component parts thereof, will be free of defects in
workmanship and materials for a period of two years from the date
of first consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the
first consumer purchaser, provided that the product is utilized
within the U.S.A.
Cobra will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective
power inverters, products or component parts upon delivery to the
Cobra Factory Servicedepartment, accompanied by proof of the date of
first consumerpurchase, such as a duplicated copy of a sales receipt.
You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship the
product for warranty service, but the return charges will be at
Cobra’s expense, if the product is repaired or replaced under
warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you
may also have other rights which may vary from state to state.
Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply:
1. To any product damaged by accident.
2. In the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result
of unauthorized alterations or repairs.
3. If the serial number has been altered, defaced, or removed.
4. If the owner of the product resides outside the U.S.A.
All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose are limited in duration to the
length of this warranty. Cobra shall not be liable for any incidental,
consequential or other damages; including, without limitation, to
damages resulting from loss of use or cost of installation.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied
warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations
may not apply to you.
For Products Purchased Outside the U.S.A.
Please contact your local dealer for warranty information.
Trademark Acknowledgement
•
Cobra®, Nothing comes close to a Cobra®and the snake
design are registered trademarks of Cobra Electronics
Corporation, USA. Cobra Electronics Corporation™ is a
trademark of Cobra Electronics Coproration, USA.
English
20
Acknowledgement
Maintenance and
CustomerAssistance
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 operation or installingyour new
Cobraproduct, 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. Shipprepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier suchas
United Parcel Service (UPS) or Priority Mail to avoid loss in transit to:
CobraFactory Service
CobraElectronics 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.
Product Service
Nothing comes close to a Cobra
®
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Page 14
Accessories and
CustomerAssistance
Remote On/Off
witch (CPI A20)
S
Name
Address (No P.O.Boxes)
CityState/ProvinceZipCountry
Telephone
Credit Card NumberType: ❒ Visa ❒ Mastercard ❒ DiscoverExp.Date
Customer Signature
Item #U.S.Cost EachQtyAmount
Order Form
An optional Remote On/Off Switch can be
connectedto the Remote Jackallowing youto
turn the Cobra CPI 2550 inverter on or off
from a convenientlocation when theinverter
is installed in an out of reach location.
You can find quality Cobra products and accessories at your local
Cobra dealer, or in the U.S.A., you can order directly from Cobra.
Tax Table
California. . . . . .7.25%
Illinois. .. . . .. . 8.75%
Indiana . .. . . .. 6%
Michigan. .. . . .6%
Ohio .. . .. . . .. 6%
Wisconsin. .. . . 5%
*For AK, HI and PR add additional $26.95 for
FedEx Next Day or $10.95 for FedEx 2nd Day.
Excludes weekend and holidayshipments.
Please allow two to three weeks for delivery in
the U.S. Prices subject to change without notice.
purchase
U.S. Subtotal
(Taxif Applicable)
Shipping/Handling
Total
Ordering from U.S.A.
Call 773-889-3087 for pricing or visit www.cobra.com.
For credit card orders, complete and return this order form to
fax number 773-622-2269. Or call 773-889-3087 (Press 1 from
the main menu) 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.
Make check or money order payable to:
Cobra Electronics, Attn: Accessories Dept.
6500 West Cortland Street, Chicago, IL 60707 USA
To order online, please visit our website: www.cobra.com
English
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™
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