ATD Tools ATD?5952 User manual

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ATD-5952
800 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 new ATD 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.
Multiply: AMPS X 110 (AC voltage) = WATTS
This formula yields a close approximation of the continuous load of your appliance.

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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 800 watt range.
If an appliance in the 800-watt range 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 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 anyAC 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.
A. ON/OFF Rocker Switch
B. LED Indicator Light. (Green = Power ON, Red = Overload)
C. Two standard NorthAmerican 110v AC Outlets
D. High-Speed cooling Fan
E. Power Input Terminal Red = Positive
F. Power Input terminal Black = Negative
G. Battery Cable Clamps
Connecting Your inverter.
1. Make sure the ON/OFF rocker switch located on the front panel of the inverter is in the
OFF(0) position.

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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. NOTE: Black= Negative,
Red=Positive.
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. 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.
7. 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.) 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.
8. Turn the inverter rocker switch to the ON(I) position. Turn the equipment or appliance on.
Note:
zLoose connections can result in a severe decrease in voltage, which may cause damage to
the wires and insulation.
zFailure to make a proper connection between the inverter and the power source will result
in reverse polarity. Reverse polarity will blow the internal fuses in the inverter and may
cause permanent damage to the inverter. Damage caused by reverse polarity is not
covered under the warranty.
zMaking the connection between the Positive terminals may cause a spark as a result of
current flowing to charge capacitors within the inverter. This is a normal occurrence. Due to
the possibility of sparking, however, it is extremely important that both the inverter and the
12 volt battery be positioned far from any possible source of flammable fumes or gases.
Failure to heed this warning could result in fire or explosion.
zIf the cables supplied with your power inverter are too short to allow for placement of the
inverter in a desired location, see the last page of this manual for recommended wire
gauges and lengths to be used. The steps outlined for making the connection and the
related safety precautions remain unchanged.
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.

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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.
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 800 watts.
4. The surge draw of the equipment or appliance being operated exceeds 1600 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.

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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.
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"
Note:
zBefore connecting the ground, make sure that the inverter rocker switch is OFF(0).
zRun the ground wire from the Grounding Terminal on the rear panel of the inverter.
zThe selection of a proper grounding point will depend on how you are using the inverter.
The grounding terminal may be connected to the chassis of your vehicle or the grounding

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system in your boat or to the earth if you are operating in a remote location.
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.
Blown Power Inverter Fuses.
Your power inverter is equipped with three 30-amp spade type fuses. With reasonable care it
should not be necessary to replace these fuses. Most blown fuses are the result of reverse
polarity or a short circuit within the appliance or equipment being operated.
If the fuses happen to blow, disconnect the appliance or equipment immediately, find the source
of the problem, repair it, then install the new fuses. The fuse compartment can be accessed
easily by unscrewing the bottom panel of the inverter.
Note:
zALWAYS disconnect your power inverter from the 12 volt power source before opening the
panel to replace a fuse.
zDo not install a fuse with a rating higher than 30 amps. Otherwise it may damage the
Inverter.
zMake sure to correct the source of the overload, which caused the blown fuse before using
the inverter again.
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.
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. Always 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

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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 800 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. Use only 30 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. To 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: Unitmaybedefective.
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: Poororweakbattery.
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
sinewave.Alargerinvertermayberequired.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Max. Continuous Power............................................................... 800 Watts
Surge Capability (Peak Power) ................................................... 1600 Watts
No Load Current Draw .................................................................. <0.9A
Waveform .....................................................................................Modified Sine Wave
Input Voltage Range ................................................................... DC10-15V
AC Receptacles ......................................................................... 110V AC 3 prong grounded
Fuse ........................................................................................... 3 x 30 amp (spade type)
Dimensions …………………….………………………. ...267Wx124Lx70Hmm (10.51” x 4.88” x 2.76”)
Weight………………………….……………………………….……. 3.3Ib
Power Cord Specification:
1PC AWG#8 (Black) With Battery Clamp
1PC AWG#8 (Red) With Battery Clamp

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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 WIRE AVAILABLE 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