Schumacher PI-400 User Manual

00-99-000346/0805

The advanced surge capacity of the PI-400 power invert­er gives it the means to start most electrical appliances
including: Color televisions, TV/VCR combinations,
microwaves, refrigeration units, small air conditioners.

In addition, the PI-400 power inverter consumes less bat­tery power, therefore runs for a longer time because it is
a state-of-the-art microprocessor-controlled inverter. It
runs cooler and is highly efficient.

Before Using PI-400

When you turn on an appliance or a tool that runs on a
motor, the appliance basically goes through two stages:

1. Start up - requiring an initial surge of power
(commonly known as the "starting load" or "peak
load").

2. Continuous operation - power consumption drops
(commonly known as the "continuous load").

Before using your power inverter, you need to calculate
these loads, i.e.:

1. Starting load (at start up).

2. Continuous load (on continuous operation).

The formula for power consumption (measured in either
WATTS (wattage) or AMPS (amperes)) is: AMPS x
110 (AC voltage) = WATTS. The wattage (WATTS) or
amperes (AMPS) can normally be found stamped or
printed on most appliances and equipment, or in the
user's manual. Otherwise, contact the manufacturer to
find out whether the device you are using is compatible
with a modified sine wave.

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To calculate the starting load: Starting Load = 2 x
WATTS. In general, the start up load of the appliance
or power tool determines whether your inverter has the
capability to power it.

To calculate the continuous load (same as wattage in the
above formula): Continuous load = AMPS x 110 (AC volt­age)

Attention: Always run a test to establish whether the
inverter will operate a particular piece of equipment or
appliance.

In the event of a power overload, the inverter is designed
to automatically shut down. This safety feature prevents
damaging the inverter while testing appliances and equip­ment within the 400-watt range.

If an appliance will not operate properly when first con­nected to the inverter, turn the inverter rocker switch ON
(I), OFF (0), and ON (I) again in quick succession. If this
procedure is not successful, it is likely that the PI-400
inverter does not have the required capacity to operate
the appliance in question.

Important: Make sure you connect your inverter to a 12­volt power supply only.

 Do not attempt to connect the inverter to any other
power source, including any AC power source.
 Do not try extending or otherwise changing the 12­ volt power cord attached to your inverter.

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 Incorrect operation of your inverter may result in
damage and personal injury. Electrical current on a
110-volt circuit can be very dangerous.

Your inverter features include:

A. ON/OFF Rocker Switch
B. LED Indicator Light. (Green = Power ON,
Red = Overload)
C. Two Standard Electrical 110V AC Outlets
D. 12-Volt Power Cord
E. High-Speed Cooling Fan
F. (2) 25-Amp Fuses

How To Connect your PI-400 Inverter

Make sure the ON/OFF rocker switch is in the OFF (0)
position. (If connecting in a vehicle, remove the ciga­rette lighter from its outlet.) Push the 12-volt power plug
firmly into the outlet. Switch the inverter rocker switch to
the ON (I) position. The LED indicator light should glow
GREEN verifying the inverter is receiving power. Turn
the inverter rocker switch to the OFF (0) position. (The
GREEN LED power indicator light may flash briefly and/
or the internal speaker may make a brief "beep." This is
normal). Make sure that the appliance to be operated is
turned OFF. Plug the appliance into one of the two AC
outlets. Turn the inverter rocker switch to the ON (I) posi­tion. Turn the appliance on.

Attention: The internal speaker may also make a brief
"beep" when the inverter is being connected to or discon­nected from the 12-volt power source.

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