Vector VEC029ACY, DK080706 User Manual

VEC029ACY

™

®

MULTI-FUNCTION

AC/DC JUMP-START SYSTEM

VEHICLE JUMP-STARTER • 200 WATT INVERTER

120 PSI AIR COMPRESSOR • WORKLIGHT/LANTERN

OWNER’S MANUAL

& WARRANTY INFORMATION

THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING SAFETY, OPERATION,
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE OF THIS PRODUCT. BEFORE USE, READ AND
UNDERSTAND ALL CAUTIONS, WARNINGS, INSTRUCTIONS AND PRODUCT LABELS, PLUS
YOUR VEHICLE’S BATTERY MANUFACTURER GUIDELINES. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD
RESULT IN POSSIBLE INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

TEL: [phone] • FAX: [phone] • Toll-free: 866-584-5504

4140 S.W. 30TH AVE., FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33312

www.vectormfg.com

1

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read and Understand all Warnings, Cautions and Notes before operating Power City.
Warnings
the user to conditions that can cause property damage. Notes are important operational
information.

KEEP THIS USER’S GUIDE FOR FUTURE USE.

JUMP-START WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

• There is risk of explosive gas being released when batteries are improperly charged
or discharged. Failure to follow instructions may cause property damage, explosion
hazard and/or personal injury

• Do not smoke while jump-starting

• Only attempt to jump-start a vehicle or boat in a well ventilated area

• This power system is to be used ONLY on vehicles or boats with 12 volt DC
battery systems

• Do not wear vinyl clothing when jump-starting a vehicle - friction can cause dangerous
static electricity sparks

• Remove all metal jewelry - this can cause short circuits. Always use protective eyewear
when jump-starting: contact with battery acid may cause blindness and/or severe burns.

• Never touch Power City red and black clamps together - this can cause dangerous
sparks, power arcing and/or explosion

• Do not attempt to jump-start a frozen battery

• After use as jump-starter, turn off safety switch

• Keep out of reach of children

• Vehicles that have on-board computerized systems may be damaged if vehicle battery
is jumpstarted. Before jump-starting this type of vehicle, read the vehicle’s owner’s
manual to confirm that external-starting assistance is advised

• Excessive engine cranking can damage the vehicle’s starter motor. If the engine fails to
start after the recommended number of attempts, discontinue jumpstart procedure and
look for other problems that may need to be corrected

• When safety switch is off, Polarity Alarm is enabled. If cables are connected to
another battery and the alarm sounds, the cable connections must be switched. If alarm
sounds, do not turn on safety switch

• If vehicle to be started has a positive grounded System (positive battery terminal is
connected to chassis), replace steps 9 and 10 of the jump-start procedure (below) with
the following steps A and B, and then proceed to step 11
A. Connect negative (-) black clamp to vehicle battery ‘s negative terminal.
B. Connect positive (+) red clamp to vehicle chassis or a solid, non-moving, metal
vehicle component or body part. DO NOT clamp directly to positive battery
terminal or moving part.

• Replace worn or defective parts immediately - contact Vector Technical Support
Department at toll-free 866-584-5504

• Skin: if battery acid comes in contact with skin, rinse immediately with water, then wash
thoroughly with soap and water. If redness, pain, or irritation occurs, seek immediate
medical attention

• Eyes: if battery acid comes in contact with eyes, flush eyes immediately for a minimum
of 15 minutes, seek immediate medical attention.

alert the user to hazardous conditions that can be harmful to people. Cautions alert

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CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................

1.1 General discription .............................................................................. 4

1.2 Key features ........................................................................................

1.3 Use Power City to ................................................................................

1.4 Storage location ..................................................................................

4

5
5
6

2. USE AS A JUMP-START SYSTEM .................................... 6

2.1 Jumpstart warnings ..............................................................................

6

3. USE AS A 12 VOLT DC PORTABLE POWER SUPPLY ......... 7

4. POWER INVERTER ........................................................ 7

4.1 Inverter operations ...............................................................................

4.2 Principles of operations ........................................................................

4.3 Connecting Inverter to power source away from main unit ......................

4.3.1 Procedure for connecting inverter to remote DC source ........................

4.3.2 Operating time .................................................................................

4.4 Powering an AC load ..........................................................................

4.5 Placement of the power inverter ............................................................

4.6 Operating tips .....................................................................................

4.7 Inverter fuse replacement ......................................................................

7
8
8
9
9
9
10
10
11

5. COMPRESSOR/TIRE INFLATOR ...................................... 11

5.1 Compressor use ...................................................................................

5.2 Warnings ............................................................................................

5.3 Tire Inflation or products with a valve stem .............................................

5.4 Inflate other articles (without valve stem) ................................................

5.5 Typical inflation times ...........................................................................

6. LANTERN USE ............................................................. 12

6.1 Lantern operation on main unit .............................................................

6.2 Lantern operation detached from main unit ............................................

6.2.1 Lantern operation from DC source ......................................................

6.2.2 Lantern operation 120 volt with AC recharge adapter .........................

6.3 Lamp replacement ...............................................................................

11
11
12
12
12

12
13
13
13
14

7. RECHARGING POWER CITY’S BATTERY ..................... 14

7.1 AC recharging ...................................................................................15

7.2 DC recharge .......................................................................................

7.3 Alternate DC recharge .........................................................................

7.4 Simultaneous DC recharge and inverter operation ..................................

15,16
16
16

8. MAINTENANCE/REPLACEMENT PARTS ..................... 16

9. BATTERY DISPOSAL AND WARNINGS ...................... 16

10. SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................... 17

11. WARRANTIES ........................................................... 18

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1. INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on selecting the Vector Power City® Multi-Function AC/DC Power Sys­tem. Power City is an advanced power and jump-start system with unique features that
set it far above the value and utility of ordinary jump-starters. It supplies AC for 120 volt
appliances to 200 watts, and DC for 12 volt appliances to 23 amps. It can jumpstart any vehicle
with a standard 12 volt DC electrical system: boat, truck, car, airplane, RV, personal watercraft,
snowmobile, tractor, etc. See Figure 1.

FIGURE 1

2

12

1

11

9

10

7

8

1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This advanced design is ideal for emergencies and can also enhance your fun by powering
appliances on the road and at the campsite. Be sure to read and understand all WARNINGS and
CAUTIONS before using this product. Please read this guide carefully before use to ensure optimum
performance and avoid damage to the system or items that you are using it with.

®

Power City
Primarily, it includes a special, patented, built-in mounting for a supplied, removable 12 VDC
to 120 volt AC power inverter. This allows you to operate 120 volt AC devices to 200 watts,
while still maintaining the jump-starter’s one-piece, compact styling. When the inverter is
removed from the main unit it can be fully powered from any accessory socket that can provide up to
23 amperes at 12 VDC.

A removable Lantern operates from Power City’s self-contained battery. It can be oper
ated attached to the main unit or removed from the Main Unit. Away from the Main Unit, the
Lantern is powered using an extension cord attached to the Inverter power cable. This feature is
invaluable when it becomes necessary to locate battery terminals while preparing to jumpstart a dead
battery in the dark, changing a tire, etc.

Power City is also ideal to power 12 volt DC cordless, portable, rechargeable appliances with
ratings up to 23 amperes. For information about Vector appliances, contact Vector Customer
Support for the location of the nearest retailer.

has several exclusive features that set it apart from other similar devices.

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1. INVERTER COVER

2. RETRACTABLE HANDLE

3. LANTERN ASSEMBLY
LATCH

4. LANTERN ON/OFF
SWITCH

5. 12V ACCESSORY

4

SOCKETS

6. MAIN POWER
SAFETY SWITCH

7. CHARGE STATUS
DISPLAY

8. CHARGE STATUS
PUSHBUTTON

9. NEG. (BLACK) CLAMP

10. POWER INVERTER

11. COMPRESSOR GAUGE

12. POS. (RED) CLAMP

5

6

-

The unit has an easy-to-read, series of LEDs (light emitting diodes) arranged as a charge status display
that shows when the unit is fully charged or the level of charge in the battery (from low to full). The
charge status display activates whenever the charge status pushbutton is pressed or automatically during
AC recharge operations. Two 12 volt DC outlets are provided for use with appliances that can operate
from the accessory outlet. NOTE: that all exposed electrical sockets recharge ports have covers that
help keep out dirt, dust and moisture.

Another feature is the high pressure, self-contained air compressor. This compressor allows quick
inflation of tires, sports balls and other small inflatables. An easy-to-read analog pressure gauge
allows accurate pressure readings, so there’s no guesswork about critical tire pressures. Now there
is no excuse for driving on under, or over-inflated tires. Three different types of adapter nozzles
allow for easy connection to all popular inflatables. A compressor on/off slide switch located
between the jump-start clamps controls operation of the compressor. The air compressor hose and
connector nozzle are stored on the back of the unit. (See Figure 3)

4

4

5

FIGURE 2

1. NEGATIVE (BLACK)
CLAMP

2. AIR COMPRESSOR
ON/OFF SWITCH

3. AC RECHARGE PORT

4. POSITIVE (RED) CLAMP

5. AIR COMPRESSOR
PRESSURE GAUGE

6. 120 VOLT AC CHARGER

1.2 KEY FEATURES

• On/off safety power switch (no key required, no key to get lost!)

• Cordless/rechargeable-includes recharge adapters for standard 120 volt AC wall socket
and vehicle’s 12 volt DC accessory outlet using adapter cables

• Powerful 400 boost amps; 1200 peak amps

• Includes non-spillable, maintenance-free, heavy duty, 19 ampere hour, sealed, lead-acid battery

• Audible polarity alarm to warn of reverse polarity

• Requires no maintenance (other than recharging) for optimum operation

• Heavy duty, industrial grade copper clamps and #4 AWG jumper cables-with exclusive
recessed cable holsters

• Built-in 120 PSI compressor with lighted gauge

• Built-in, removable fluorescent lantern

• Storage channels that keep jumper cables and the compressor hose out of the way until they
are needed and allow Power City to securely lay against flat surfaces

• 110 volt AC charger is Underwriter Laboratories safety tested and listed

• Easy-to-read LED battery charge status display - activated by pressing the charge status
button and automatically activated during AC recharge

1.3 USE POWER CITY TO:

• J

ump-start (using heavy duty battery cable and clamps) any vehicle with a standard 12 volt

DC battery system: boat, truck, car, airplane, RV, personal watercraft, snowmobile, tractor, etc

• Power/recharge: AC laptop computers and printers, color TVs up to 13”, reading lamps,
fans, small appliances and power hand tools, cellular phones, camcorders, power tool
rechargeable batteries that have an appropriate recharging adapter with a 120 volt AC
standard-type plug

• Operate (using 23 ampere rated 12 volt accessory sockets): 12 volt DC fans, fluorescent
worklights, air compressors, spotlights, TVs, portable radios, cassette or CD players and
more. Can operate and quick-charge a cellular phone by using the phone’s 12 volt DC
adapter cord

• Inflate truck, auto, motorcycle and trailer tires and small popular beach and camping
accessories such as volley balls, soccer beach balls, saving valuable time and effort

• Illuminate areas: under the hood, inside tents, work areas while changing tires, etc. Lantern
is removed from main unit and powered by an extension cord, for light where you need it

NOTE: Other appliances may also be used with the Power City as long as they do not exceed
the 23 ampere limit of the units 12 volt DC accessory outlet, or the 200 watt limit of the
inverter.

READ INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND PRODUCT LABELING CAREFULLY, BEFORE USING THIS
PRODUCT. FOLLOW RECOMMENDED WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, AND SAFETY PROCEDURES
AND MANUFACTURER’S GUIDELINES FOR YOUR VEHICLE BATTERY.

IMPORTANT: This unit is delivered in a partially charged state - you must fully charge it
before using it for the first time. Initial AC Charge should be for 24 hours.

Refer to Section 7 for use of recharge cables, AC adapter and detailed charging instructions.

3

2

1

6

.

5

1.4 STORAGE LOCATIONS

Figure 3 shows all removable parts and their locations. NOTE: The location of the storage
channels for the jumper cables and compressor hose and nozzle. Two cables are supplied with
Power City and they are the inverter power cable with attached lantern extension cord and the DC
recharge cable. They fit inside the cable storage hatch. Three compressor hose adapters (nozzles)
are also stored in the cable storage hatch.

FIGURE 3

1

2

3

12

6

5

11

4

1. TIRE VALVE CONNECTOR

9

2. COMPRESSOR HOSE

3. AC/DC CHARGER

4. INVERTER POWER CORD,
LANTERN EXTENSION
CORD

5. CABLE & NOZZLES
STORAGE COMPARTMENT

6. DC RECHARGE POWER
CORD

10

7. CABLE STORAGE CHANNEL

8. NEGATIVE JUMPER CABLE

9. POSITIVE JUMPER CABLE

10. COMPRESSOR HOSE
STORAGE CHANNEL

11. RETRACTABLE HANDLE

7 8

12. 3 COMPRESSOR HOSE
ADAPTERS

2. USING POWER CITY AS A JUMP-START SYSTEM

Read all Warnings, Cautions and Notes carefully before using these instructions. In particular
read and understand the WARNINGS printed on inside cover.

2.1 JUMP-START PROCEDURE

1. Turn off ignition and all accessories (radio, a/c, lights, cell phone, etc.). Place vehicle in
“park” and set the emergency brake.

2. Make sure Power City’s safety switch is turned off.

3. Observe jumpstarting negative or positive ground system, as follows: Negative ground
(negative battery Terminal connected to chassis) - most common.

4. Make sure Power City’s main unit safety switch is turned off.

5. Carefully lift negative (black) jumper cable wire from storage channel starting at clamp
end of cable.

6. Squeeze negative (black) clamp handles and slide clamp from holster.

7. Carefully lift positive (red) jumper cable wire from storage channel starting at clamp end of
cable.

8. Squeeze positive (red) clamp handles and slide clamp from holster.

9. Connect positive (+) red clamp to vehicle’s positive battery terminal.

10. Connect negative (-) black clamp to chassis or a solid, non-moving, metal vehicle
component or body part - never clamp directly to negative battery terminal or moving part. If
audible alarm sounds, DO NOT turn on safety switch reverse polarity of cable connections.

11. Turn On Power City’s safety switch

12. Start vehicle (crank engine in 5 - 6 second bursts) If engine won’t start, seek help and go
to step 15.

13. After vehicle starts turn Power City’s safety switch to off position.

14. Leave engine running.

15. Remove clamps (disconnect the negative (black) clamp first; followed by the positive (red)
clamp and store cables and clamps.

16. Squeeze negative (black) clamp handles and slide clamp into holster.

17. Carefully press negative (black) jumper cable wire into storage channel starting at lantern
end of cable.

18. Squeeze positive (red) clamp handles and slide clamp into holster.

19. Carefully press positive (red) jumper cable wire into storage channel starting at lantern
end of cable.

20. Recharge Power City as soon as possible.

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