Nature Power 38304 User manual

Version 1.1
Nature Power Inverters
True Sinewave Inverter
Modified Sinewave Inverter
Owner’s Manual
38304 38204
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
For safe and optimum performance, the Power Inverter must be used properly. Carefully read and follow
all instructions and guidelines in this manual and give special attention to the CAUTION and WARNING
statements.
Disclaimer
While every precaution has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this guide, Nature
Power assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Note as well that specifications and
product functionality may change without notice.
Important
Please be sure to read and save the entire manual before using your Nature Power Inverter.
Misuse may result in damage to the unit and/or cause harm or serious injury. Read manual in its
entirety before using the unit and save manual for future reference.
Thank you for purchasing the Nature Power Inverter. With our state of the art, easy to use design, this product
will offer you reliable service for providing AC power for your home, cabin, RV or Trailer. The Nature Power
Inverter can run many AC-powered appliances when you need AC power anywhere.
This manual will explain how to use this unit safely and effectively. Please read and follow these
instructions and precautions carefully.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
This section contains important safety information for the Nature Power Inverter. Each time, before using
the Nature Power Inverter, READ ALL instructions and cautionary markings on or provided with the
inverter, and all appropriate sections of this guide. The Nature Power Inverter contains no user-serviceable
parts. See Warranty section for how to handle product issues.
WARNING: Fire and/or chemical burn hazard
• Do not cover or obstruct any air vent openings and/or install in a zero-clearance compartment.
WARNING: Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or injury.
The Nature Power Inverter package includes the items list below.
• Power Inverter base unit
• Owner’s manual
• DC Input cable accessories
WARNING: Nature Power recommends that all wiring be done by a certified technician or electrician
to ensure adherence to the applicable electrical safety wiring regulations and installation codes.
Failure to follow these instructions can damage the unit and could also result in personal injury or
loss of life.
CAUTION: Before beginning your power inverter Installation, please consider the following:
• The Nature Power Inverter base unit should be used or stored in an indoor area away from direct
sunlight, heat, moisture or conductive contaminants.
• When placing the unit, allowa minimum of three inches of space around the unit for optimal
ventilation.
12V Battery Bank:
• The use of deep cycle battery is highly recommended for power inverter application.
• For battery size, you need to identify how much you will be using them between charges. Nature
Power recommends you purchase as much battery capacity as possible. See more on Battery Run
time and Load in Section 4.
Fuse or Circuit Breaker:
• DC-rated fuse or DC-rated circuit breaker connected along the DC positive line is required.
• Select a fuse or circuit breaker with a minimum of 60 ADC.
• Based on the size of the battery bank chosen on the 12V Battery Bank above, determine the
overall short circuit current rating of the battery bank from the battery manufacturer. The fuse or
circuit breaker chosen has to be able to withstand the short circuit current that may be generated
by the battery bank.
Disconnect Switch:
• Select a Disconnect Switch with the same or higher the rating of the selected fuse or circuit
breaker from the above.
• The Disconnect Switch is used to disconnect the DC power between the power inverter and the
battery bank during service, maintenance or trouble shooting.
DC Input Cable:
• Use of low resistance wire is required for all the DC connections between the inverter and the
battery bank.
• Uses minimum #10 AWG wire with maximum cable length of 5 feet.
Installing the Power Inverter System
WARNING: Electrical Shock Hazard
The unit ‘On/Off’ switch does not disconnect the DC power from the battery. Use the DC Disconnect
Switch or disconnect the DC input cables connection to disconnect the DC power from the battery
before working on any circuits connected to the unit. Failure to follow these instructions can result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Reverse the DC Input terminal will damage the unit and cannot be repaired. Damage
caused by reverse polarity connection is not covered by the warranty.
Power Inverter Installation (38304 only):
• Choose an appropriate mounting location.
• For indoor use, the orientation of the unit can be mounted in any direction except with the DC
Input panel facing downwards.
• For RV installation, the unit has to be mounted flat on horizontal surface.
• Use mounting template below to mark the positions of the mounting screws.
• Drill the 4 mounting holes and place the inverter in position and fasten the inverter to the mounting
surface.
1. INTRODUCTION
2. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
3. INSTALLATION
Material Prepare for Installation
Typical Wiring block diagram of the Power Inverter:
Power Inverter
38304
38204
Disconnect
Switch Fuse or Circuit Breaker 12 V Battery Bank
(Charger system
sold separately is
required to charge
the battery bank
when battery is
discharged)
Pos +
Neg -
AC
LOADS
• When working with electrical equipment or lead acid batteries, have someone nearby in case of an
emergency.
•
Study and follow all the battery manufacturer’s specific precautions when installing, using and servicing the
battery connected to the inverter.
• Wear eye protection and gloves.
• Avoid touching your eyes while using this unit.
• Keep fresh water and soap on hand in the event battery acid comes in contact with eyes. If this occurs,
cleanse right away with soap and water for a minimum of 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
• Batteries produce explosive gases. DO NOT smoke or have an open spark or fire near the system.
• Keep unit away from moist or damp areas.
• Avoid dropping any metal tool or object on the battery. Doing so could create a spark or short circuit which
goes through the battery or another electrical tool that may create an explosion.
WARNING: Shock Hazard. Keep away from children!
•Avoid moisture. Never expose unit to snow, water etc.
• Unit provides 120 VAC; treat AC output sockets the same as regular wall AC sockets at home.
WARNING: Explosion hazard!
• DO NOT use the Nature Power Inverter in the vicinity of flammable fumes or gases (such as
propane tanks or large engines).
• AVOID covering the ventilation openings. Always operate unit in an open area.
LIMITATIONS ON USE
•Do not use in connection with life support systems or other medical equipment or devices.
38304 38204
‘Power’ indicator
‘Fault’ indicator
USB
On/Off Switch
Fan opening
DC Input
Terminals
147.0mm
161.0mm
Understanding the unit features

Understanding the LED indicators
‘Power’ indicator: Indicator turn on indicate unit is ON.
‘Fault’ indicator: Indicator turns on indicate fault was detected. Unit has shutdown. To reset unit,
remove the fault condition and reset unit by using the toggle switch and turn
unit off and on again.
Understanding the fan operation
The fan on the unit will automatically turns on when it sense the internal temperature of the unit reach
to its preset level.
AC Load on Power Inverter
Although the Power Inverter can provide high surge power up to two times the rated output power,
some appliances may still trigger on the inverter protection system. A higher power inverter is required
for those appliances.
For 38204 , with modified sine wave output, some appliances like speed controllers found in some
fans, power tools and some power tools’ AC charger may not like the modified sine wave generated
by the inverter, those appliances may not work or may be damaged if they are connected to the
inverter. If you are unsure about powering any device with the inverter, contact the manufacturer of the
device.
Estimate Run time on Load
Following run time is an estimate based on using a 12V-120AH battery bank for reference. Actual run
time may vary. those appliances may not work or may be damaged if they are.
One Year Limited Warranty
The limited warranty program is the only one that applies to this unit, and it sets forth all the
responsibilities of Nature Power. There is no other warranty, other than those described herein. Any
implied warranty of merchantability of fitness for a particular purpose on this unit is limited in duration
to the duration of this warranty.
This unit is warranted, to the original purchaser only, to be free of defects in materials and
workmanship for one year from the date of purchase without additional charge. The warranty does not
extend to subsequent purchasers or users.
Manufacturer will not be responsible for any amount of damage in excess of the retail purchase price
of the unit under any circumstances. Incidental and consequential damages are specifically excluded
from coverage under this warranty.
This unit is not intended for commercial use. This warranty does not apply to damage to units from
misuse or incorrect installation/connection. Misuse includes wiring or connecting to improper polarity
power sources.
If you are experiencing any problems with your unit, please contact our customer service department
at [email protected] or Phone [phone] before returning product to retail store.
After speaking to a customer service representative, if products are deemed non-working or
malfunctioning, the product may be returned to the purchasing store.
If such a unit is returned less than one year from the purchase date, manufacturer will repair the unit
or, at its discretion, replace it, free of charge. If the unit is repaired, new or reconditioned replacement
parts may be used, at manufacturer’s discretion. A unit may be replaced with a new or reconditioned
unit of the same or comparable design. The repaired or replaced unit will then be warranted under
these terms for the remainder of the warranty period. The customer is responsible for the shipping
charges on all returned items.
Limitations:
This warranty does not cover accessories, such as adapters and batteries, damage or defects result
from normal wear and tear (including chips, scratches, abrasions, discoloration or fading due to usage
or exposure to sunlight), accidents, damage during shipping to our service facility, alterations,
unauthorized use or repair, neglect, misuse, abuse, failure to follow instructions for care and
maintenance, fire and flood.
Nature Power Inverters are Made in China.
Power Inverter DC Input Connection:
•Connect one end of the negative DC input cable to the Power Inverter DC negative terminal
(black). Connect the other end of the negative DC input cable to the battery negative terminal.
• Make sure the Disconnect Switch is in the OFF position.
• Connect one end of the positive DC input cable to the Power Inverter DC positive terminal (red).
Connect the other end of the positive DC input cable to one of the terminal of the Disconnect
Switch.
• Connect a DC input cable between the other terminal of the Disconnect Switch and one side of
the terminal of thefuse holder.
• Connect a DC input cable between the other terminal of the fuse holder and the battery positive
terminal.
• Install the selected fuse to the fuse holder.
• Turn Disconnect Switch to ON position.
Connect unit using the Lighter plug cable:
CAUTION: Due to the limitations of the 12V lighter plug socket in vehicles, the unit should be used
with the DC cable with lighter plug only to supply AC power to products that require 150W
(120VAC/1.3 A) or less. If the appliance requires more than 150W, use the optional DC cable clips
for battery connection.
• Attach the red ring-type connector to the positive (+) DC terminal (red) on the power inverterand
connect the black ring type connector to the negative (-) DC terminal (black) on the Power inverter.
• Tighten the nut on each DC terminal.
• Insert the light plug of this cable to the fused 12V lighter plug socket.
• Unit is ready for use.
Connect unit using the Battery clips cable:
CAUTION: Please be sure all the connections are tight before the use of the unit.
• Attach the red ring-type connector to the positive (+) DC terminal (red) on the power inverter and
connect the black ring type connector to the negative (-) DC terminal (black) on the Power inverter.
• Attach the negative (black) clip to the negative (-) battery terminal.
• Attach the positive (red) clip to the fuse or circuitry breaker of the 12V battery bank as indicated on
‘Typical Wiring block diagram of the Power Inverter’ on page 5.
• Unit is ready for use.
Testing the Power Inverter:
• Turn unit on by using the On/Off button on the unit. The ‘Power’ light turns on indicating the Nature
Power Inverter is ON. AC output is now available.
• Plug in a small AC load like a 25W table lamp or small appliance to the AC socket to verify AC is
available.
• The unit is successfully installed and functioning properly.
Test the GFCI monthly:
• Use the following instruction to perform a monthly test on the GFCI to ensure the GFCI is
functioning properly.
• Turn unit on and plug a small AC load (40W light bulbs) to the GFCI.
• Check the AC load is ON.
• Press ‘Test’ button and observe a click sound. Check AC load is turned off.
• Press ‘RESET’ button and check the AC load is back ON again.
WARNING: RISK OF EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
• Do not plug surge-protected power bars into the unit’s 120 VAC outlets. The surge protected
components on the surge-protected power bar may not like the modified sine wave output
generate by the inverter.
• Do not connect an AC power source like utility power or generator to the unit 120 VAC outlets.
Turn ON and OFF the unit
• Toggle the On/Off switch to ‘ON’ position to turn unit ON.
• ‘Power’ indicator will turn green.
• 120 VAC Output is available at the AC output socket. (For 38304, 5V USB is also available.)
• Toggle the On/Off switch to ‘Off’ position to turn unit off. ‘Power’ indicator will turn off.
Problem Symptom Solution
No AC output and
‘Power’ indicator is off. The unit is off Turn unit ON using the toggle switch
No power to inverter Check fuse or the Disconnect switch (if
installed) is either blown or turn OFF
No AC output. ‘Fault’
indicator is ON Unit detect fault and has shutdown Verify the error condition and make correction and reset unit
Products connected to
unit malfunction or
overheat (38204 )
Products connected to unit do
not accept modified sine wave
output generated by the
inverter
Products are not compatible with the modified
sine wave output generated by inverter. See
“AC Load on Power Inverter” in Section 4 . Use
NATURE POWER Inverter with sine wave
output
No AC output. ‘Power’
indicator is ON (38304
only)
GFCI was tripped Check load. Reset the GFCI by pressing the
reset button on the GFCI
7. WARRANTY
Customer Service: 1-800-588-0590
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.naturepowerproducts.com
4. UNIT OPERATION
5. TROUBLESHOOTING
To trouble shoot the unit, please note the error code display on the main unit and review the
“Understanding the Error Codes” in section 4.
Load Consumption Estimate Run time
Cordless Phone 5W 150 hrs
Clock/Radio 8W 100 hrs
Table Lamp 40W/60W 27 hrs/ 18 hrs
Freezer (8.8 cu. ft.) 80W 15 hrs
20” LCD TV 100W 11.5 hrs
Sump Pump (1/2 hp) 350W Not applicable (surge too high)
6. SPECIFICATIONS
Note: Specifications are subject to change without notices.
Specification 38304 38204
Inverter
AC Output Power 400W
AC Output Current 3.3A 3.3A
AC Surge Power (Peak) 800W
AC Output Voltage 120Vac
60Hz 120Vac 60Hz
AC Output Waveform True Sine Wave
(<3%THD) Modified Sine Wave
Nominal DC Input Voltage 12.5 VDC
No Load battery draw < 0.8 ADC < 0.3 ADC
DC Input Voltage operating range 10.5 –15.5 VDC
Under Voltage Alarm 11.2 VDC
Under Voltage Shutdown 10.5 VDC
Under Voltage Recovery 11.8 VDC
Over Voltage Shutdown 15.5 VDC
AC Output socket GFCI Duplex receptacle NEMA
5-15P
DC Output
USB Output 5V / 1000mA Not applicable
Safety and Environmental
Conformance UL 458,
CSA C22.2 no. 107.1 UL 458, CSA C22.2 no. 107.1
Agency Markings cETLus cETLus
Operating Temperature 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Storage Temperature -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
Relative Humidity 5-90% noncondensing
Operating Altitude Up to 9,843ft (3000 meters) above sea level
Weights and Dimensions
Weights 3.8 lbs (1.73 kg) 1.6 lbs (0.73 kg)
Dimensions 6.9x7.9x2.3”(175x200x89mm) 4 x 6 x 2”(101x152x51mm)