Schumacher PI-1000 User Manual
OWNER’S MANUAL
•MANUAL DEL USUARIO
Power Inverter / Convertidor de Energía
Models / Modelos: PI-1000 & PI-1500
Converts 12V DC Battery Power to 120V AC Household Power
Convierte la Energía de Baterías de 12V de CD a 120V de
CA de Energía Doméstica
ADVERTENCIA
READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT. •
FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
LEA EL MANUAL COMPLETO ANTES DE UTILIZAR ESTE PRODUCTO. •
CUALQUIER FALLA PODRÍA RESULTAR EN SERIAS LESIONES O PODRÍA
SER MORTAL.
00-99-001142/00
DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT
TO THE STORE!
Call Customer Service for Assistance:
800-621-5485
¡NO LO DEVUELVA ESTE PRODUCTO
A LA TIENDA!
Llame a Servicios al Cliente para Asistencia:
800-621-5485
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1
INVERTER FEATURES 2
BEFORE USING YOUR POWER INVERTER 3
FASTENING THE INVERTER TO A FLAT SURFACE 3
CONNECTING INVERTER CABLES 3
USING THE GFCI OUTLET (MODEL PI-1500 ONLY) 5
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 5
POWER SOURCE 6
LED INDICATOR AND SHUTDOWN PROTECTION 6
IF THE INVERTER FUSE BLOWS 6
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS 7
TROUBLESHOOTING 7
BEFORE RETURNING FOR REPAIRS 7
SPECIFICATIONS 7
LIMITED WARRANTY 8
ÍNDICE
SECCIÓN PÀGINA
INSTRUCCIONES IMPORTANTES DE SEGURIDAD 12
CARACTERÍSTICAS DEL CONVERTIDOR 13
ANTES DE USAR SU CONVERTIDOR DE ENERGÍA 14
PARA SUJETAR EL CONVERTIDOR A UNA SUPERFICIE PLANA 15
PARA CONECTAR LOS CABLES DEL CONVERTIDOR 15
PARA USAR LA TOMA DE CORRIENTE GFCI
(SOLAMENTE MODELO PI-1500) 16
INSTRUCCIONES DE OPERACIÓN 17
FUENTE DE ENERGÍA 18
INDICADOR LED Y PROTECCIÓN DE DE APAGADO 18
SI SE QUEMA EL FUSIBLE DEL CONVERTIDOR 18
RESOLUCIÓN DE PROBLEMAS 19
ESPECIFICACIONES 19
IMPORTANT: READ AND SAVE THIS SAFETY AND INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – The PI-1000 and PI-1500 offer a wide range of features
to accommodate your needs. This manual will show you how to use your inverter safely and
effectively. Please read, understand and follow these instructions and precautions carefully,
as this manual contains important safety and operating instructions. The safety messages
used throughout this manual contain a signal word, a message and an icon.
The signal word indicates the level of the hazard in a situation.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury to the operator or bystanders.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury to the operator or bystanders.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
moderate or minor injury to the operator or bystanders.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
damage to the equipment or vehicle or property damage.
Safety messages in this manual contain two different type styles.
Unnumbered type states the hazard.•
Numbered type states how to avoid the hazard.•
The icon gives a graphical description of the potential hazard.
Pursuant to California Proposition 65, this product contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS1.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE.
Keep out of reach of children.1.1
Keep the inverter well ventilated in order to properly disperse heat generated while it is in 1.2
use. Make sure there are several inches of clearance around the top and sides, and do
not block the slots of the inverter.
Make sure the inverter is not close to any potential source of ammable fumes, gases or 1.3
clothing.
Do not place the inverter in areas such as battery compartments or engine compartments 1.4
where fumes or gases may accumulate.
Keep the inverter dry.1.5
DO NOT allow the inverter to come into contact with rain or moisture.1.6
DO NOT operate the inverter if you, the inverter, the device being operated or any other 1.7
surfaces that may come into contact with any power source are wet. Water and many
other liquids can conduct electricity, which may lead to serious injury or death.
Do not place the inverter on or near heating vents, radiators or other sources of heat or 1.8
ammable materials.
Do not place the inverter in direct sunlight. The ideal air temperature for operation is 1.9
between 50° and 80°F (10º and 27ºC).
• 1 •
Only connect the power inverter to a 12 volt battery or power supply. Do not attempt 1.10
to connect the inverter to any other power source, including an AC power source.
Connecting to a 6 volt or 16 volt battery will cause damage to the inverter.
Make sure the AC plug is tight.1.11
Do not modify the inverter in any way including cables, plugs, switches or AC receptacles 1.12
as it may result in property damage or personal injury.
Incorrect operation of the inverter may result in property damage or personal injury. 1.13
The inverter output is 120V AC and can shock or electrocute the same as
any ordinary household AC wall outlet.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, disconnect the inverter from the power source before 1.14
attempting any maintenance or cleaning. Simply turning off the controls will not reduce
this risk.
Do not operate the inverter with damaged cables; have the cables replaced immediately 1.15
by a qualied service person. (Call customer service at: 1-800-621-5485.)
Do not operate the inverter if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped or otherwise 1.16
damaged in any way; take it to a qualied service person. (Call customer service at:
1-800-621-5485.)
Do not disassemble the inverter; take it to a qualied service person when service or 1.17
repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of re or electric shock. (Call
customer service at: 1-800-621-5485.)
Working in the vicinity of a lead-acid battery is dangerous. Batteries generate explosive 1.18
gases during normal battery operation. For this reason, it is of utmost importance that you
follow the instructions each time you use the inverter.
This inverter employs parts, such as switches and circuit breakers, that tend to produce 1.19
arcs and sparks. If used in a garage, locate this inverter 18 inches (46 cm) or more above
the oor level.
Do not use the inverter with a product that draws a higher wattage than the inverter can 1.20
provide, as this may cause damage to the inverter and product.
INVERTER FEATURES2.
ON/OFF Rocker Switch1. – Turns the inverter ON and OFF.
LED Indicator Light2. – (Green = power ON, Red = Overload/Interruption in power.)
12-Volt Power Cord3. – One pair.
120V AC Outlet4. – Two Standard (Model PI-1000) Two GFCI (Model PI-1500).
High-Speed Cooling Fan(s)5. – Keeps the inverter cool. The speed of the fan is faster
as the load increases. The fan does not run when the inverter is turned OFF.
Analog Output Power Display6. – Shows 120V AC continuous power consumed. Five
lights indicate half of the continuous output power and 10 lights indicate full continuous
power consumption. When the inverter is OFF, the lights do not illuminate.
Positive Battery Cable Terminal (Red)7. – Accepts Positive connector cable.
Negative Battery Cable Terminal (Black)8. – Accepts Negative connector cable.
Ground Terminal 9. – Grounds inverter to reduce electrical shock.
Thermal Protection10. – When the inverter case becomes hot (exceeds 145° F), the
inverter shuts down until it cools off an then automatically restarts.
Surge Protection11. – When the power input from the vehicle’s battery exceeds 15 volts,
the inverter shuts down. Once the voltage drops down to less than 14, it automatically
restarts.
Low-Battery Protection12. – When the power input from the vehicle’s battery drops to
approximately 10 volts, the inverter shuts down.
• 2 •
BEFORE USING YOUR POWER INVERTER3.
NOTE: Do not use the inverter with a product that draws a higher wattage than the inverter
can provide, as this may cause damage to the inverter and product.
When you turn on a device or a tool that runs on a motor, the device goes through two stages:
Start Up – Requiring an initial surge of power (commonly known as the “starting or peak 1.
load”).
Continuous Operation – Power consumption drops (commonly known as the 2.
“continuous load”).
The wattage (WATTS) or amperes (AMPS) can normally be found stamped or printed on most
devices and equipment, or in the user’s manual. Otherwise, contact the manufacturer to nd
out whether the device you want to use is compatible with a modied sine wave.
To calculate the wattage: Wattage = AMPS x 120 (AC Voltage).
To calculate the starting load: Starting Load = 2 x WATTS. In general, the start up load of the
device or power tool determines whether or not your inverter has the capability to power it.
To calculate the continuous load: Continuous Load = AMPS x 120 (AC Voltage).
particular piece of equipment or device. In the event of a power overload, the inverter is
Always run a test to establish whether or not the inverter will operate a
designed to automatically shut down. This safety feature prevents damaging the inverter while
testing devices and equipment within the wattage range of the inverter.
If a device does not operate properly when rst connected to the inverter, turn the inverter On/
Off switch ON, OFF, and ON again in quick succession. If this procedure is not successful,
it is likely that the inverter does not have the required capacity to operate the device in
question.
This inverter uses a nonsinusoidal waveform. Therefore we do not
recommend you use it to power the following devices:
Switch Mode Power Supplies;1.
Linear Power Supplies;2.
Class 2 Transformers;3.
Line Filter Capacitors;4.
Shaded Pole Motors;5.
Fan Motors;6.
Microwave Ovens;7.
Fluorescent and High Intensity Lamps (with a Ballast); and8.
Transformerless Battery Chargers.9.
Doing so, may cause the device to run warmer or overheat.
FASTENING THE INVERTER TO A FLAT SURFACE4.
For your convenience, the inverter can be fastened to a at surface, horizontally or vertically.
The area where the inverter is to be fastened must be dry, well ventilated and away from any
combustible material or fumes.
Turn off and disconnect the inverter.1.
Place the back of the inverter with the mounting bracket against a at, secure surface.2.
Attach the inverter to the at surface using corrosion resistant screws.3.
CONNECTING INVERTER CABLES5.
The inverter and power source must be in the OFF mode.
Make sure to connect the inverter to a 12 volt power supply only.
To avoid electrical shock, it is necessary to ground the inverter as well as the device powering
it. The inverter should be grounded using a #8 AWG copper wire (not included).
• 3 •
NOTE: Do not turn on the inverter or the power source until the inverter and the power source
are grounded.
To ground the inverter:
Turn off and disconnect the inverter.1.
Locate the chassis ground screw below the negative terminal on the left side of the 2.
inverter.
Remove the outer hex nut and loosen the second hex nut.3.
Strip the insulation of the #8 AWG copper wire back 1.5” and wrap the bare end of the 4.
wire around the ground screw between the two washers.
While holding the wire in place, tighten the hex nut securely. Then, replace the other 5.
hex nut and tighten it securely.
Attach the other end of the wire to a properly grounded location:6.
VEHICLE: Connect to the chassis, unpainted frame part, or engine block of the vehicle.
BOAT: Connect to the boat grounding system.
FIXED LOCATION: Connect to a ground rod or other appropriately rated ground.
Inverter Connection:
Locate the Positive and Negative plastic terminals located on the left side of the inverter. 1.
Using a standard (athead) screwdriver, unscrew the positive (red) and negative (black)
terminal screws just enough to be able to insert the bare end of the connector cables.
Insert the bare end of the positive (red) cable into the positive (red) terminal. Insert the 2.
bare end of the negative (black) cable into the negative (black) terminal. Tighten each
terminal screw so that the cable cannot come loose.
Connecting Inverter Cable to 12V Battery or 12V Power Source:
RISK OF CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID. BATTERY ACID IS
A HIGHLY CORROSIVE SULFURIC ACID.
A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE A BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO
REDUCE THE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY:
Keep hands, hair, clothing and jewelry clear of battery terminals.1.
Wear eye protection and clothing protection.2.
For a negative-grounded vehicle, connect the POSITIVE (RED) terminal from the 3.
inverter to the POSITIVE (POS, P, +) ungrounded post of the battery. Connect the
NEGATIVE (BLACK) terminal to the vehicle chassis or engine block away from the
battery. Do not connect the terminal to the carburetor, fuel lines or sheet-metal body
parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
For a positive-grounded vehicle, connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) terminal from the 4.
inverter to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) ungrounded post of the battery. Connect the
POSITIVE (RED) terminal to the vehicle chassis or engine block away from the battery.
Do not connect the terminal to the carburetor, fuel lines or sheet-metal body parts.
Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
To disconnect the inverter, reverse the above steps.5.
NOTE: The internal speaker may make a brief “beep” when the inverter is being connected to
or disconnected from the 12 volt power source.
Failure to make the correct connections will result in blown fuses and
permanent damage to the inverter.
• 4 •
USING THE GFCI OUTLET (MODEL PI-1500 ONLY)6.
The PI-1500 inverter includes two GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets located
on the right side of the inverter. The purpose of a GFCI outlet is to quickly stop the ow of
electricity in the event a ground fault occurs on the device plugged into the inverter’s GFCI
outlet. Use only a 3-prong grounded plug when using the GFCI outlets.
The GFCI outlets provide auxiliary power to 120V AC devices that require less than 15 amps;
and auxiliary power to 120V AC devices that require less than 15 amp. If using both GFCI
outlets at the same time, the amperage cannot exceed a total of 15 amps for both devices
combined.
The GFCI must be tested before each use. To test:
Connect the inverter (see CONNECTING INVERTER CABLES section).1.
Turn the inverter on.2.
Push the “Reset” button located on the GFCI receptacle rst to assure normal GFCI 3.
operation.
Plug a night light (with an ON/OFF switch) or other device (such as a lamp) into the 4.
GFCI receptacle, and turn the device ON.
Push the “Test” button located on the GFCI receptacle. The night light (or other device) 5.
should turn OFF.
Push the “Reset” button and the light (or other device) should turn ON again.6.
NOTE: If the light (or other device) remains ON when the “Test” button is pushed, the GFCI is
not working properly and should not be used. Call Customer Service (1-800-621-5485).
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS7.
Connect the inverter (see CONNECTING INVERTER CABLES section).1.
Switch the inverter On/Off switch to the ON (I) position.2.
The GREEN LED indicator light will light verifying the inverter is receiving power.3.
Switch the inverter On/Off switch to the OFF (O) position. (The GREEN LED power 4.
indicator light may ash briey and/or the internal speaker may make a brief “beep”.
This is normal.)
Make sure the device to be operated is turned OFF.5.
Plug the device into the inverter AC outlet.6.
Switch the inverter On/Off switch to the ON (I) position.7.
Turn the device on. 8.
To disconnect, reverse the above procedure.9.
NOTE: If more than one device is to be powered, start one device at a time to avoid a power
surge and overloading the inverter. The surge load of each device should not exceed the
inverter’s Continuous Operation wattage rate.
temperature of the battery charger for about 10 minutes. If the battery charger becomes
If you are using the power inverter to operate a battery charger, monitor the
abnormally warm, disconnect it from the inverter immediately.
NOTE: You can use an extension cord from the inverter to the device without signicantly
decreasing the power being generated by the inverter. Use an 18 gauge (AWG) (0.75mm2)
extension cord. For best operating results, the extension cord should be no longer than 50
feet (15.2m).
Using the Inverter to Operate a TV or Audio Device:
The inverter is shielded and ltered to minimize signal interference. Despite this, some
interference may occur with your television picture, especially with weak signals. Below are
some suggestions to try and improve reception.
Make sure the television antenna produces a clear signal under normal operating 1.
conditions (i.e. at home plugged into a standard 120 volt AC wall outlet). Also, ensure
that the antenna cable is adequately shielded and of good quality.
• 5 •
Try altering the position of the inverter, antenna cables, and television power cord. 2.
Add an extension cord from the inverter to the TV so as to isolate its power cord and
antenna cables from the 12 volt power source.
Try coiling the television power cord and the input cables running from the 12 volt power 3.
source to the inverter.
Afx one or several “Ferrite Data Line Filters” to the television power cord. Ferrite Data 4.
Line Filters can be purchased at most electronic supply stores.
Try grounding the inverter with a minimum 18 gauge (AWG) (0.75mm5.
2
) wire, using as
short a length as possible.
NOTE: You may hear a “buzzing” sound being emitted from inexpensive sound systems when
operated with the inverter. This is due to ineffective lters in the sound system’s power supply.
Unfortunately, this problem can only be resolved by purchasing a sound system with a higher
quality power supply or higher quality lter.
POWER SOURCE8.
When operating a device that draws approximately 60 watts, your average automobile
or marine battery at full charge will provide an ample power supply to the inverter for
approximately 3 hours when the engine is off. The actual length of time the inverter will
function depends on the age and condition of the battery and the power demand being placed
by the device being operated with the inverter.
If you decide to use the inverter while the engine is off, we recommend you turn OFF the
device plugged into the inverter before starting the engine. To maintain battery power, start
the engine regularly and let it run for approximately 15 to 20 minutes to recharge the battery.
Although it is not necessary to disconnect the inverter when turning over the engine, it may
briey cease to operate as the battery voltage decreases. While the inverter draws very low
amperage when not in use, it should be unplugged to avoid battery drain.
LED INDICATOR AND SHUTDOWN PROTECTION9.
The Green LED lights automatically when then inverter is plugged into a 12 volt DC power
source and is turned on. The Red LED lights, the alarm sounds and the inverter automatically
turns itself off under the following conditions:
When the power input from the vehicle’s battery drops to approximately 10.5 volts, low 1.
battery shutdown occurs and the inverter shuts off. Solution: Recharge or Replace the
battery.
When the power input from the vehicle’s battery exceeds 15 volts, high voltage overload 2.
protection occurs. Solution: Reduce the voltage range to between 12 volts and 14 volts.
The continuous load demand from the equipment or device being operated exceeds 3.
the continuous load rating of the inverter being used. Solution: Use a higher capacity
inverter or lower rated device.
The case temperature becomes hot (exceeds 145°F). Solution: Allow the inverter to 4.
cool. Do not block the cooling slots or air ow over and through the inverter. Reduce the
load on the inverter to the continuous rated output.
RESET: To reset after shutdown occurs, switch the inverter On/Off switch to the OFF (O)
position. Check the source of the problem and correct. Switch the inverter On/Off switch to
the ON (I) position.
IF THE INVERTER FUSE BLOWS10.
The power inverter is tted with fuses, which should not have to be replaced under normal
operating conditions. A blown fuse is usually caused by reverse polarity or a short circuit
within the device or equipment being operated.
If the fuses blow:
The fuse is not user replaceable; take the inverter to a qualied service person. (Call 1.
customer service at: 1-800-621-5485.)
• 6 •
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