Cobra CPI490 User manual

A1
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Customer Assistance
Our Thanks to You
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Cobra Power
Inverter CPI490. Properly used, this Cobra product
will give you many years of reliable service.
How Your Cobra Power Inverter Works
The Cobra power inverter is an electronic product that
has been designed and built to take low voltage DC (Direct
Current) power from your automobile or other low voltage
power supplies and convert it to standard 115 Volt AC
(Alternating Current) power like the current you have in
your home. This conversion process thereby allows you
to use many of your household appliances and electronic
products in automobiles, RVs, boats, tractors, trucks and
virtually anywhere else.
Customer Assistance
Should you encounter any problems with this product,
or not understand its many features, please refer to this
owner’s manual. If you require further assistance after
reading this manual, Cobra Electronics offers the
following customer assistance services:
For Assistance in the U.S.A.
Automated Help Desk English only.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week 773-889-3087 (phone).
Customer Assistance Operators English and Spanish.
8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday
(except holidays) 773-889-3087 (phone).
Questions English and Spanish.
Faxes can be received at 773-622-2269 (fax).
Technical Assistance English only.
www.cobra.com (on-line: Frequently Asked Questions).
English and Spanish. [e-mail] (e-mail).
For Assistance Outside the U.S.A.
Contact Your Local Dealer
©2014 Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA
www.cobra.com
Operating Instructions
400 WATT POWER INVERTER
CPI 490 Printed in China
Part No. 480-994-P
Version B
For more information or to
order any of our products,
please visit our website:
www.cobra.com
CB Radios
microTALK®2-Way Radios
Radar/Laser Detectors
Mobile GPS Navigation Systems
HighGear®Accessories
CobraMarine®VHF Radios
Power Inverters
Accessories
The Cobra line of quality
products includes:
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POWER /
FAULT
POWER
USB
DC TO AC POWER INVERTER
AC 115V/60HZ
400
17
Maintenance •
Very little maintenance is required to keep the inverter operating
properly. The exterior of the unit should be cleaned periodically
with a damp cloth to prevent accumulation of dust and dirt. At the
same time, tighten the screws on the DC input terminals. Be sure
vents and fans are free of dust or debris.
Product Service •
If you have any questions about operating or installing your new
Cobra product, or if you are missing parts…
Please call Cobra first!
DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO THE STORE!
See customer assistance on page A1.
If your product should require factory service, please call Cobra
first before sending your power inverter. This will ensure the
fastest turn-around time on your repair. You may be asked to
send your power inverter to the Cobra factory.
It will be necessary to furnish the following to have the product
serviced and returned.
1. For warranty repair include some form of proof-of-purchase,
such as a mechanical reproduction or carbon copy of a sales
receipt. If you send the original receipt, it cannot be returned.
2. Send the entire product.
3. Enclose a description of what is happening with the power
inverter. Include a typed or clearly printed name and address
of where the power inverter is to be returned.
4. Pack power inverter securely to prevent damage in transit.
If possible, use the original packing material.
5. Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier
such as United Parcel Service (UPS) or Priority Mail
to avoid loss in transit to:
Cobra Factory Service
Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA.
6. If the power inverter is in warranty, upon receipt of your power
inverter, it will either be repaired or exchanged depending on the
model. Please allow approximately three to four weeks before
contacting Cobra for status. If the power inverter is out of
warranty, a letter will automatically be sent informing you
of the repair charge or replacement charge.
If you have any questions, please call 773-889-3087 for assistance.
Maintenance and
Product Service
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Customer Assistance
Cooling Fan
A3A2
Product Features
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Introduction
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Introduction
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
On/Off
Power Switch
AC Outlet
Positive Battery
Cable Terminal
(Red)
Contents
Introduction
Our Thanks to You.................. A1
Customer Assistance ................ A1
Product Features ................... A2
Important Safety Information........... 1
Quick Evaluation Before Installation...... 3
Installation
Installation Requirements ............. 5
Mounting .......................... 6
Connecting Cables ................... 6
Power Consumption ................ 10
Operation
Turning Your Inverter On or Off........ 11
Power and Protection Indicators ....... 12
Operating Limits ................... 13
Troubleshooting Guide............... 14
Specifications...................... 15
Warranty
Warranty ......................... 16
Customer Assistance
Maintenance....................... 17
Product Service .................... 17
Protection and
Power Indicator
Features
• Two AC Receptacles
• 5V/2.1 USB Output
• Automatic Thermal
Protection/Shutdown
• Reverse Polarity Protection
• Low Battery Alarm
• Low Battery Shutdown
Negative Battery
Cable Terminal
(Black)
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®
USB Outlet
AC Outlet
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Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
1
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Introduction
Important Safety Information
Important Safety Information •
Before installing and using your Cobra power inverter,
please read these general precautions and warnings.
Caution and Warning Statements
To make the most of this inverter, it must be installed and
used properly. Please read the installation and operating
instructions carefully before installing and using it. Special
attention must be paid to the CAUTION and WARNING
statements in the manual.
CAUTION Statements specify conditions which
could cause damage to the unit or other equipment.
WARNING Statements identify conditions that
could result in personal injury or loss of life.
General Precautions
1. Never install the inverter in a boat’s
engine compartment where gas and
battery fumes are present.
2. Do not operate the inverter if it has been
dropped or damaged in any way.
3. Do not open the inverter; it contains no user-
serviceable parts. Attempting to service unit
could cause electrical shock.
NOTE Internal components remain
charged after all power is disconnected.
4. Do not expose the inverter to rain, snow,
bilge water or spray.
5. Do not obstruct the ventilation openings.
6. Do not install the inverter in zero-clearance
compartment.
CAUTION This inverter should be used in
negative ground applications only.
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
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Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
WARNING Power inverters contain components
that can produce arcs or sparks. To prevent fire
or explosion, do not install the inverter in areas or
compartments containing batteries or flammable
materials or in locations that require ignition-
protected equipment.
WARNING To reduce the risk of fire, do not cover
or obstruct the ventilation openings. Do not install
inverter in zero-clearance compartment.
Proposition 65: Warning: Wash Hands After
Handling Power Cord
The power cord on this product contains lead, a chemical
known in the state of California to cause birth defects or
other reproductive harm.
Caution: Rechargeable Appliances
Certain chargers for small nickel cadmium batteries can be
damaged if connected to the Cobra 400 watt inverter. Two
particular types of equipment are prone to this problem:
1. Small battery-operated appliances
such as flashlights, razors, and
night lights that can be plugged
directly into an AC receptacle to
recharge.
2. Certain battery chargers for
battery packs used in hand power
tools. These chargers have a
WARNING label stating that
dangerous voltages are present
at the battery terminals.
This problem does not occur with the vast majority of
battery operated equipment. Most use a separate charger
or transformer that is plugged into the AC receptacle
and produces a low voltage output. If the label on the AC
adapter or charger states that it produces a low voltage
AC or DC output (less than 30 volts), the inverter will
have no problem powering the adapter safely.
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Plug In Directly
Dangerous
Voltages
3
2
Important Safety Information
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Introduction
Output Waveform
Some very sensitive electronic equipment may not operate
satisfactory on “square wave” or “modified sine wave.”
The output waveform is referred to as “square wave” or
“modified sine wave.” It is a stepped waveform designed to
have characteristics similar to the sine wave shape of utility
power. A waveform of this nature is suitable for most AC
loads (including linear and switching power suppliers used
in electronic equipment, transformers and motors).
Quick Evaluation Before Installation •
This section provides you with basic information about the
inverter and how to check its performance before installation.
Be sure to have on hand:
£A 12 volt DC power source (such as a vehicle battery).
The power source must provide
between 11 and 15 volts DC and
be able to supply enough current to
run the test load. As a rough guide,
divide the wattage of the test load by
10 to get the current (in amperes)
the power source must deliver.
£The provided two foot cigarette lighter cable and
two foot direct-to-battery 12 gauge cable.
Only use the cables provided with your inverter.
The cigarette lighter cable is suitable for operating the
inverter at loads up to 150 watts. Connect by securely
inserting the plug into the cigarette lighter socket.
CAUTION Do not use the cigarette lighter cable
for loads higher than 150 watts. When connecting
loads larger than 150 watts, please connect the
inverter directly to the battery.
Quick Evaluation
Before Installation
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
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Caution Warning
Installation
Introduction
Power Supply
Cig. Lighter Cable 12 Gauge Cable
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£A test load that can
be plugged into the AC
receptacle on the inverter
for short term testing at
a low power level.
To check your inverter’s performance before installation:
1. Turn the inverter off (see page 11
for details). If the power source is
a DC power supply, switch it off
as well.
2. Connect cables to power
input terminals (see page 6
for details).
3. Connect cable to power source
(see page 8 for details).
4. Check to make sure all
connections are secure.
5. Turn the inverter on. If the
power source is a DC power
supply, switch it on first.
6. Plug in the test load.
The inverter should supply power
to the load. If the inverter is not
working properly, refer to the
troubleshooting guide on page 14
or power and protection indicators
section on page 12.
5
4
Quick Evaluation
Before Installation
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Introduction
Installation Requirements
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Installation
Connect Terminals
Connect Power Source
POWER /
FAULT
POWER
USB
On/Off Switch to Off
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Test Load
Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra®
POWER /
FAULT
POWER
USB
USB Connection
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
POWER /
FAULT
POWER
USB
Connect Test Load
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
Installation Requirements •
The inverter must be installed in an area that meets
all of the following requirements:
A. Dry
Do not place in an area where water can drip
or splash on the inverter.
B. Cool
Ambient air temperature should be between 30°F
and 105°F (0°C and 40°C). The cooler the better.
C. Ventilate
Allow at least one inch (three cm) of clearance around
the inverter for proper airflow. Make sure that ventilation
openings on the ends of the unit are not obstructed.
D. Safe
Do not install the inverter in the same compartment
as a battery or in any compartment that contains
flammable liquids such as gasoline.
E. Close to Battery
Install unit as close to battery as possible (without
being in the same compartment) to minimize the
length of cable required to connect the inverter to
the battery. It is better and cheaper to run longer
AC wires than longer DC wires (cables).
CAUTION To avoid fire, do not cover or obstruct
ventilation openings. Do not install inverter in a zero-
clearance compartment. Overheating may result.
CAUTION The inverter must only be connected to
batteries with a nominal output voltage of 12 volts.
It will not work with a 6 volt battery, and will be
damaged if it is connected to a 16 volt battery.
WARNING This unit contains components which
can produce arcs or sparks. To prevent fire or
explosion, do not install in compartments containing
a battery or flammable materials, or in a location
which requires ignition protected equipment.
POWER /
FAULT
POWER
USB
On/Off Switch to On
Intro Operation Customer
Assistance
Warranty
Notes
Notice
Main Icons
Secondary Icons
Caution Warning
Installation
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