ATD Tools ATD?5951 User manual

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ATD-5951
400 WATT INVERTER
Welcome.
This ATD product has been carefully engineered and manufactured to give you dependable operation.
Please read this manual thoroughly before operating your newATD product, as it contains the
information you need to become familiar with its features and obtain the performance that will bring
you continued enjoyment for many years. Please keep this manual on file for future reference.
About ATD Inverters.
ATD, an innovator in portable inverter design, has developed a new line of super-efficient power inverters
with the highest surge capability in the industry. These extremely advanced, microprocessor controlled
units run cooler and more reliable than any in their class. Their superior surge capability allows them to
start even the most difficult loads, including color televisions, TV/VCR combinations, microwaves,
refrigeration units, even small air conditioners! They also have the highest efficiency available (up to
90%) which translates into longer running time and extended battery life.
Inverters convert low voltage, direct current (DC) to 110-volt alternating current (AC). Depending on the
model and its rated capacity, the inverters draw power either from standard 12 volt automobile and
marine batteries or from portable high power 12 volt sources.
Getting Started
When you turn on an appliance or a tool that operates using a motor or tubes, it requires an initial surge
of power to start up. This surge of power is referred to as the "starting load" or "peak load".
Once started, the tool or appliance requires less power to continue to operate. This is referred to as
"continuous load" in terms of power requirements. You will need to determine how much power your tool
or appliance requires to start up (starting load) and it's continued running power requirements
(continuous load). Power consumption is rated either in wattage (watts), or in amperes (amps)
and this information is usually stamped or printed on most appliances and equipment. If this information
is not indicated on the appliance or equipment, check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to
determine if the device you are using is compatible with a modified sine wave source.

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Multiply: AMPS X 110 (AC voltage) = WATTS
This formula yields a close approximation of the continuous load of your appliance
Multiply: WATTS X 2 = Starting Load
This formula yields a close approximation of the starting load of your appliance. Most often the start up
load of the appliance or power tool determines whether your inverter has the capability to power it.
To determine whether the inverter will operate a particular piece of equipment or appliance, run a test.
The inverters are designed to automatically shut down in the event of a power overload. This protection
feature prevents damage to the unit while testing appliances and equipment with ratings in the 400 watt
range.
If an appliance in the 400-watt range will not operate properly when first connected to the inverter, turn
the inverter rocker switch ON (I), OFF(O), and ON (I) 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 appliance
in question.
Important
zThe inverter is designed to operate from a 12 volt power source only. Do
not attempt to connect the inverter to any other power source, including
any AC power source.
zDo not attempt to extend or otherwise modify the 12 volt power cord attached to your inverter.
z110 volts of current can be lethal. Improper use of your inverter may result in
property damage, personal injury or loss of life.

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Connecting Your Inverter
Through the Car Cigarette Lighter or 12 Volt Power Port
1. Make sure the On/OFF rocker switch located on the front panel of the inverter is in the OFF (0)
position.
2. Connect the 12 volt power cord the power input terminals at the rear of the inverter making sure to
match the color coded cables to the color coded terminals on the inverter (RED = Positive, BLACK =
Negative). Do not overtighten these screws.
3. Remove your cigarette lighter and push the 12 volt power plug firmly into the cigarette lighter
receptacle in your vehicle.

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4. Turn the inverter rocker switch to the ON(I) position. The LED Indicator Light should glow GREEN
confirming that there is power running to the inverter.
5. Turn the inverter rocker switch to the OFF(0) position. (The GREEN LED Power Indicator light may
"blink" briefly and/ or the internal audible alarm may make a momentary "chirp." This is normal).
6. Check that the appliance to be operated is turned OFF. Plug the Appliance into one of the two AC
receptacles on the front panel of the inverter.
7. Turn the inverter rocker switch the ON(I) position. Turn the equipment or appliance on.
Directly to the 12 Volt Power Source
1. Make sure the ON/OFF rocker switch located on the front panel of the inverter is in the OFF(0)
Position.
2. Connect the cables to the power input terminals at the rear of the inverter making sure to match the
color coded cables to the color coded terminals, and tighten the screws to make a secure
connection. Do not over tighten these screws.
3. Connect the cable from the Negative (-) terminal (BLACK) on the inverter to the Negative terminal
on the 12 volt power source first. Double check to be sure that the connection is secure.
4. Check that the cable you have just installed is properly connected. Make certain that the cable is
connected to the negative terminals on both the inverter and the 12-volt power source.
5. Connect the cable from the Positive (+) terminal (RED) on the inverter to the Positive terminal on the
power source. Double check to be sure that the connection is secure.
6. Follow directions 4-7 in the above section titled "Through the Car Cigarette Lighter or 12 Volt Power
Port".
Note:
zThe audible alarm may make a momentary "chirp” when the inverter is turned OFF(0). This same
alarm may also sound when the inverter is being connected to or disconnected from
the 12-volt power source.
zUse of an extension cord from the inverter to the appliance or equipment being operated will not
significantly decrease the power being generated by the inverter. For best operating results, the
extension cord should be no more than 50 feet long.
zIf the green Led blinks when you first turn the inverter ON, this indicates that there is a short circuit
within the power supply. Turn the inverter OFF. Remove the 12 volt plug from the cigarette lighter
socket, firmly reinsert the plug, then turn the inverter ON again. Or if you are using the cables
connected to a 12 volt power source, try removing and reconnecting the clamps. If this does not
remedy the problem try using a different 12 volt power source.
Blown Automotive Fuses.
Depending on the make and model of your automobile, running the power inverter near full capacity from
your cigarette lighter port may result in a blown automotive cigarette lighter fuse. This fuse will need to
be replaced with the same size fuse. Please note, a blown automotive fuse will not cause damage
to your car wiring. To avoid blowing an automotive fuse in this situation, do not operate the power
inverter over 400 watts for extended periods of time from your cigarette lighter or 12 volt power port.

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Blown Power Inverter Fuses.
Your power inverter is equipped with a 40-amp spade type fuse. With reasonable care it should not be
necessary to replace this fuses. Most blown fuses are the result of reverse polarity or a short circuit
within the appliance or equipment being operated. If the fuse happens to blow, disconnect the appliance
or equipment immediately, find the source of the problem, repair it, then install a new fuse.
Television and Audio Suggestions
Although these inverters are shielded and filtered to minimize signal interference, some interference with
your television picture may be unavoidable, especially with weak signals. However, here are some
suggestions that may improve reception.
1. First, make sure that television antenna produces a clear signal under normal operating conditions
(i.e., at home plugged into a standard 110V AC wall outlet). Also, ensure that the antenna cable is
properly shielded and of good quality.
2. Change the positions of the inverter, antenna cables and television power cord.
3. Isolate the television, its power cord and antenna cables from the 12 volt power source by running
an extension cord from the inverter to the television set.
4. Coil the television power cord and the input cables running from the 12 volt power source to the
inverter.
5. Attach a "Ferrite Data Line Filter" to the television power cord. More than one filter may be required.
These filters are available at most electronic supply stores.
Note:
zInexpensive sound systems may emit a "buzzing" sound when operated with the inverter. This is
due to inadequate filters in the sound system. There is no solution to this problem short of
purchasing a sound system with a higher quality power supply .
Source Of Power.
Most automobile and marine batteries will provide an ample power supply to the inverter for 30 to 60
minutes even when the engine is off. Actual time may vary depending upon the age and condition of the
battery, and the power demand being placed on it by the equipment being operated with the inverter.
If you decide to use the inverter while the engine is off, we recommend that you start the engine every
hour and let it run for approximately 10 minutes to recharge the battery. We also recommend that the
device plugged into the inverter be turned OFF before starting the vehicle engine.
Although it is not necessary to disconnect the inverter when turning over the engine, it may momentarily
cease to operate as the battery voltage decreases.
When the inverter is not supplying power, it draws very low amperage from the battery and may be left
connected to the battery for up to three hours. However, we recommend the inverter always be
disconnected when not in use.
Inverter Protection Features.
The RED LED Indicator light will turn on and the inverter will turn itself off automatically when:
1. The power input from the battery drops to 9.5 volts.(When the power input drops to 10.5 volts, an
alarm will sound for an extended period).
2. The power input from the battery exceeds 15.5 volts.
3. The continuous draw of the equipment or appliance being operated exceeds 400 watts.

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4. The surge draw of the equipment or appliance being operated exceeds 800 watts.
5. The circuit temperature exceeds 165°F.
Note:
zThe inverter is equipped with a cooling fan which is designed to run continuously while the inverter is
operating. Automatic shut down caused by high circuit temperatures will occur when the cooling fan
is unable to maintain a cool enough temperature for safe operation of the inverter.
zIn the event of automatic shut down or continuous audible alarm, turn the inverter rocker switch to
the OFF(0) position until the source of the problem has been determined and resolved.
Safety Precautions.
For best results place the power inverter on a reasonably flat surface.
zKeep the inverter dry. Do not expose it to rain or moisture.
zDO NOT operate the inverter if the inverter, device being operated or any other surfaces that may
come in contact with any power source are wet. Water and many other liquids can conduct
electricity, which may lead to serious injury or death.
zAvoid placing the inverter on or near heating vents, radiators or other sources of heat. Do not leave
the inverter in the passenger compartment of your vehicle. Store in a cool dry place. Do not place
the inverter in direct sunlight. Ideal air temperature should be between 50°F and 80°F.
zIn order to properly disperse heat generated while the inverter is in operation, keep it well ventilated.
While in use, maintain several inches of clearance around the top and sides of the inverter.
zDo not use the inverter near flammable materials. Do not place the inverter in areas such as battery
compartments where fumes or gases may accumulate.
How Power Inverters Work.
There are two stages in which a power inverter changes the 12-volt DC (or battery) power into
110V AC (household current).
STAGE 1:
The inverter uses a DC-to-DC converter to increase the DC input voltage from the power source to 145
volts DC.
STAGE 2:
The inverter then converts the high voltage DC into 110V AC (household
current), using advanced MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) transistors in a
full bridge configuration. This design provides all our inverters with the capability to start and run difficult
reactive loads, while providing excellent overload capability The waveform that is generated by this
conversion is a "modified sine wave" as shown in the diagram below.

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The modified sine wave produced by our inverters has a root mean square (RMS) voltage of 110 volts.
The majority of AC voltmeters are calibrated for RMS voltage and assume that the measured waveform
will be a pure sine wave.
Consequently, these meters will not read the RMS modified sine wave voltage correctly and, when
measuring the inverter output, the meters will read about 20 to 30 volts too low. To accurately measure of
the output voltage of the inverter, use a true RMS reading voltmeter such as a Fluke 87 Fluke 8060A
Beckman 4410, Triplet 4200 or any multimeter identified as "True RMS"
In Review.
zNever attempt to operate the inverter from any power source other than a 12 volt DC volt battery.
zThe inverter is designed to be connected to the power source with the supplied cables or with gauge
wire. Do not attempt to modify the supplied cables.
zAlways make certain the power cable terminal connections run Negative (-) to Negative (-) and
Positive (+) to Positive (+). Check these connections frequently to make sure they are remain tight.
zWhile connecting the inverter to the power source, make certain that the inverter is positioned far
away from any potential source of flammable fumes or gases.
zMake certain the power consumption of the appliance or equipment you wish to operate is
compatible with the capacity of the inverter. Do not exceed 400 watts.
zWhen attempting to operate battery chargers, monitor the temperature of the battery charger for
approximately 10 minutes. If the battery charger becomes abnormally warm, disconnect it from the
inverter immediately.
zUse only 40 amp spade type fuses.
zWhen operating the inverter with an automobile or marine battery, start the engine every 30 to 60
minutes and let it run for approximately 10 minutes to recharge the battery.
zIn the event of a continuous audible alarm or automatic shut down, turn the inverter OFF
immediately. Do not restart the inverter until the source of the problem has been identified and
corrected.
zTo avoid battery drain, always disconnect the inverter when not in use.
zDo not expose the inverter to rain or moisture.
zAvoid placing the inverter near sources of heat or in direct sunlight.
zWhile in use, make sure the inverter is properly ventilated.
zDo not operate the inverter near flammable materials, fumes or gases.

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Troubleshooting
PROBLEM: Low or No Output Voltage
Reason: Poor contact with lighter socket or battery clamps
Solution: Unplug and reinsert 12 volt plug or reattach battery clamps.
Reason: Using incorrect type of voltmeter to test output voltage.
Solution: Use true RMS reading meter.
PROBLEM: Red LED Indicator On
Reason: Battery voltage below 9.5 volts.
Solution: Recharge or replace battery.
Reason: Equipment being operated draws too much power.
Solution: Use a higher capacity inverter or do not use this equipment.
Reason: Inverter is too hot (thermal shut down mode).
Solution: Allow inverter to cool. Check for adequate ventilation.
Reduce the load on the inverter to rated continuous power output.
Reason: Unit may be defective.
Solution: See Warranty and call customer service.
PROBLEM: TV Interference
Reason: Electrical interference from the inverter.
Solution: Add a ferrite data line filter on to the TV power cord.
Refer to TV & Audio section of this manual.
PROBLEM: Low Battery Alarm On All The Time
Reason: Input voltage below 10.5 volts.
Solution: Keep input voltage above 10.5 volts to maintain regulation.
Reason: Poor or weak battery.
Solution: Recharge or Replace battery.
Reason: Inadequate power being delivered to the inverter or excessive voltage drop
Solution: Check condition of cigarette lighter socket. Clean or replace ifnecessary.
Or check cable clamp connections.

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PROBLEM: TV Does Not Work
Reason: TV does not turn on.
Solution: Try turning the inverter ON/OFF/ON. Contact TV manufacturer for start up
Surge specifications and/or to see if the TV is compatible with a modified
sine wave. A larger inverter may be required.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Max. Continuous Power............................................................ 400 Watts
Surge Capability (Peak Power) ................................................... 800 Watts
No Load Current Draw .................................................................. <0.5A
Waveform ...................................................................Modified Sine Wave
Input Voltage Range ................................................................. DC10-15V
AC Receptacles .............................................. 110VAC 3 prong rounded
Fuse ....................................................................... 40 amp (spade type)
Dimensions ………….…………………………..163Wx126Lx52Hmm (6.42” x 4.96” x 2.05”)
Weight…………………………………………………………….………...….….…………… 2Ib
Power Cord Specification
1PC Parallel wire 2PAWG#12 (Black/Red) With Battery Clamp
1PC AWG#14 x 2C(Black) With Cigarette Plug

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INVERTER CABLES
200W & 400W COME WITH A CIGARETTE LIGHTER PLUG/CABLE
& CLAMP ON BATTERY CABLES
800W OR GREATER MUST BE HARD WIRED TO BATTERY
*USE THE THICKEST WIREAVAILABLE IN THE SHORTEST LENGTH PRACTICAL
Wattage 0'-4' Length 5'-10' Length
800W #2 AWG #0 AWG
1000W #0 AWG #2/0 AWG
1500W #0 AWG #2/0 AWG
2000W #2/0 AWG #4/0 AWG
3000W #2/0 AWG #4/0 AWG
6000W #2/0 AWG #4/0 AWG