Wagan 400W, 2003-6 User Manual

400W DC to AC

Power Inverter

Item no. 2003-6

User’s Manual

400W DC to AC Power Inverter by Wagan Tech

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User’s Manual—Read before using this equipment

©2009 Wagan Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Wagan and wagan.com are trademarks used by Wagan Corporation.

2

Your 400 Watt Power Inverter converts 12 Volt vehicle battery power into 110
volts of AC power. You can use the inverter in your vehicle to operate many
types of appliances that use AC power such as TVs, VCRs, portable computers,
power tools and lights for emergency or camping use.

The inverter works with your vehicle’s engine turned on or off (accessory mode).
It provides a continuous output of up to 400 watts.

DESCRIPTION

• 1000W Peak Power: Allows you to power appliances that require a
large amount of initial (peak) power to work (such as many TVs and
motor-powered equipment).

• Low Batter y Alarm: The inverter sounds an audible alarm then turns itself
off if the source battery becomes too low.

• Auto Shutdown/Reset Protection: The inverter temporarily shuts itself
down to protect itself from overheating.

• Overload/Short Circuit Protection: The inverter automatically turns itself
off if the connected load is too high or if it shorts.

• Fuse: The inverter comes with a fuse(s) already installed that can be
changed if damaged.

• Dual AC Outlets: Allows you to power two appliances at the same time.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Do not use the inverter in a positively grounded vehicle.

• Do not attempt to open the inverter casing. The high voltage inside the
unit is the same type of power as your electrical outlets at home.

• Do not operate the inverter in or around water. The voltage of the unit
makes it an electrical shock hazard if operated in wet conditions. Do not
let the cord of the inverter or any plugged in appliance’s cord get wet.

• Do not connect the AC inverter directly to another AC power source.

• Keep it away from children: The inverter produces power just like your
AC wall outlets at home and should be treated seriously.

• Allow at least 2 inches of clearance around the inverter for air flow.

• If you operate the inverter in a moving vehicle, you need to secure the
inverter to prevent it from shifting around while the vehicle is moving.

• If there is anything wrong with the inverter, disconnect all of the power.

• The followings operation will damage and void the warranty of the
inverter:

• Reversing polarit y by connecting the wires to the incorrect terminals.

• Connecting the inverter to a power source greater than 15 Volts DC.

• Operating the inverter and battery in or around water.

BASIC OPERATION

• Determine the right operating voltage for both input and output of the
inverter.

• Connect (+) from the inverter to (+) of battery terminal and connect (−)
from inverter to (−) of battery terminal.

• Turn ON the power switch that is located at the front of the inverter, and
the green LED light will light as indicator that the unit is working.

• Plug your appliances into AC sockets at the front of the inverter.

Sine Wave

+

+

Inverter

Battery

AC Appliance

400W DC to AC Power Inverter by Wagan Tech

3

User’s Manual—Read before using this equipment

©2009 Wagan Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Wagan and wagan.com are trademarks used by Wagan Corporation.

4

RECOMMENDATIONS

• If the power inverter makes a beeping sound, turn OFF the power
inverter, disconnect all appliances from inverter and disconnect the
inverter from the power supply. The beeping sound is the low battery
warning, which indicates that the voltage of the battery power supply is
getting low. Please restart the vehicle engine to charge to battery before
using it to operate the power inverter again.

• When you are not using the inverter, turn the power switch to OFF and
disconnect the inverter from power supply.

• Disconnect the inverter when starting the vehicle’s engine.

BATTERY CONNECTION

If you choose to connect the inverter directly to your battery terminals, it is
important to connect with the right polarit y: Connect (+) from the inverter to (+)
of batter y terminal and connect (−) from inverter to (−) of battery terminal.

MEASURING THE AC VOLTAGE

This inverter’s AC output is a modified sine wave (MSW) 115 volts AC. The
comparison of modified sine wave and household AC is shown in the figure
below.

PRODUCT USAGE DIAGRAM

This modified sine wave has a root mean square (RMS) voltage of 115 volts.
Most ordinary AC voltmeters are calibrated to read “average” voltage and
assume that the AC waveform will be a pure sine wave. These meters will not
correctly read MSW voltage, and will display about 20 to 30 volts too low.
Any multi-meter identified as “TRUE RMS” will accurately read MSW correctly

HINTS

Adding an Extension Cord

If you need an extension cord, we recommend the use of an extension cord
between the AC output of the inverter and the AC appliances. You may use up
to 100 feet of high quality extension cord. A long cord will result in reduced
output power.

Buzz in Audio Systems

Some stereo systems and “boom boxes” will emit a buzzing noise from their
loudspeakers when operated from the power inverter because the power supply
in the device does not adequately filter the modified sine wave produced by the