Portawattz POWER PAC Assembly instructions
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction........................................................................ 1
2.0 Safety First Before You Use the PowerPAC .................. 2
3.0 Quick Start Guide .............................................................. 3
3.1 Overview .................................................................................................. 3
3.2 An Explanation of Power Ratings and Battery Life ...................................... 4
3.3 Operating 115 Volt AC Appliances and Equipment ..................................... 4
3.4 Operating 12 Volt DC Accessories............................................................. 5
3.5 Recharging the PowerPAC ........................................................................ 5
3.6 Using the PowerPAC to Jump-Start Your Vehicle ....................................... 5
4.0 Indicators, Controls and Connectors ................................ 6
4.1 Display Panel ........................................................................................... 6
4.1.1 The Battery Level Indicator ............................................................. 6
4.1.2 The Recharge Indicator.................................................................. 6
4.1.3 The Charger Input Socket .............................................................. 7
4.1.4 The DC Power Socket .................................................................... 7
4.2 The AC Inverter ........................................................................................ 7
4.3 The High-Power DC Connector ................................................................. 7
5.0 Powering 115 Volt AC Appliances and Equipment ........... 8
5.1 General Information .................................................................................. 8
5.2 Connecting Your AC Appliances and Equipment ........................................ 8
5.3 Automatic Overload, Overheating and Low Battery Protection .................... 9
5.4 Interference with Electronic Equipment.....................................................10
5.4.1 Buzzing Sound in Audio Systems..................................................10
5.4.2 Television Interference .................................................................. 10
5.5 Battery Operating Times ..........................................................................11
6.0 Powering 12 Volt DC Accessories ................................... 12
6.1 Connecting 12 Volt DC Accessories .........................................................12
6.2 Battery Operating Times ..........................................................................13
7.0 Vehicle or Boat Engine Starting Assistance .................. 14
7.1 Jump-Starting Direct to the Battery ..........................................................14
7.2 Jump-Starting via a Vehicles Lighter Plug Socket ....................................15
PORTAWATTZ PowerPAC is a trademark of Statpower Technologies Corporation. Copyright © 1999 Statpower
Technologies Corporation. All rights reserved.
8.0 Recharging the PowerPAC .............................................. 16
8.1 General Information on Batteries and Charging .........................................16
8.1.1 Charging Options ......................................................................... 16
8.1.2 Battery Self-Discharge and Shelf Life ............................................16
8.2 Recharging with the AC Charger ..............................................................16
8.3 Recharging from Your Vehicle ..................................................................17
8.4 Recharging with a Generators 12 Volt DC Power Outlet............................17
8.5 Recharging with a Solar Panel ..................................................................18
9.0 Connecting to an External Battery ................................. 19
9.1 Extended Operating Time .........................................................................19
9.2 Connecting an External Battery ................................................................19
10.0 Troubleshooting ............................................................. 20
11.0 Specifications ................................................................ 21
12.0 Limited Warranty (USA and Canada only) .................... 22
13.0 Other Products from Statpower Technologies ............. 24
1
PORTAWATTZ PowerPAC Owners Manual
1.0 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Statpower PORTAWATTZ PowerPAC
(PowerPAC). The PowerPAC is designed for best performance and value in
a portable backup power source. It will temporarily power a wide variety of
appliances and equipment when utility power is unavailable or during a power
outage, and will even jump-start your car in an emergency.
Read this manual before using the PowerPAC and save it for future
reference.
Be sure to charge the PowerPAC immediately after purchase (see Section
8.0). The PowerPACs automatic charging system is intended to be left
permanently plugged into a wall outlet, to keep its battery fully charged and
ready for use.
The following main topics are covered in this manual:
How to use the PowerPAC as a source of 115 volts AC to
run household or workplace appliances.
How to use the PowerPAC as a source of 12 volts DC to
run typical auto or marine accessories.
How to use the PowerPAC to jump-start a vehicle.
How to recharge the PowerPAC battery.
2PORTAWATTZ PowerPAC Owners Manual
2.0 Safety First Before You Use the
PowerPAC
Misuse of the PowerPAC may result in danger to the user. We urge you to
pay special attention to all CAUTION and WARNING statements. CAUTION
statements identify conditions or practices that may result in damage to the
PowerPAC or to other equipment. WARNING statements identify conditions
that may result in personal injury or loss of life.
WARNING! Shock hazard. Keep away from children.
The PowerPAC generates the same potentially lethal AC power as a
normal household wall outlet. Treat it with the same respect that you
would any AC outlet.
Do not insert any objects into the PowerPACs AC outlets, its DC
Power Socket, or the ventilation holes in its AC inverter. Do not expose
the PowerPAC to water.
Do not, under any circumstances, connect the PowerPAC AC
receptacle to power utility AC distribution wiring.
Failure to follow the above safety instructions may result in personal
injury and/or damage to the PowerPAC.
WARNING! Explosion hazard.
Do not use the PowerPAC where there are flammable fumes or gases,
such as in the bilge of a gasoline powered boat, or near propane
tanks. Do not use the PowerPAC in an enclosure containing
automotive-type lead acid batteries. These batteries, unlike the sealed
battery in the PowerPAC, vent explosive hydrogen gas which can be
ignited by sparks from electrical connections.
When working on electrical equipment, always ensure someone is
nearby to help you in an emergency.
WARNING! Heated surface.
The PowerPACs AC inverter chassis may become uncomfortably
warm, reaching 60° C (140° F) under extended high power operation.
Ensure at least 5 cm. (2 in.) air space is maintained on all sides of the
PowerPAC. During operation, keep away from materials that may be
affected by high temperatures such as blankets, pillows and sleeping
bags.
CAUTION
Do not connect any AC load, whose neutral conductor is connected to
ground, to the PowerPAC.
Do not expose the PowerPAC to temperatures in excess of 40° C or
100° F.
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PORTAWATTZ PowerPAC Owners Manual
3.0 Quick Start Guide
3.1 Overview
The following basic instructions are intended to get those already
familiar with AC inverters and battery packs off to a fast start. But
be sure to fully read this manual later! The diagram below shows
the PowerPACs key features.
Figure 1
4PORTAWATTZ PowerPAC Owners Manual
3.2 An Explanation of Power Ratings and Battery
Life
AC powered appliances are rated by how much electrical power
(in watts) they consume. The PowerPACs AC inverter is capable
of generating a maximum of 300 watts to power appliances
plugged into the PowerPACs AC receptacles. As an example, a
40 watt light bulb can be operated from the PowerPAC for up to
3 hours on a fully charged PowerPAC battery.
12 volt DC auto and marine accessories are generally rated
according to how much electrical current (in amperes or amps)
they draw from the battery. A typical small 12 volt fluorescent
light draws 0.7 amps. When connected to the PowerPACs DC
Power Socket, this light could be expected to operate up to 40
hours before the PowerPACs battery needs recharging. The
PowerPAC is designed to supply up to 12 amps from its DC Power
Socket.
Remember: The fewer watts an AC appliance uses, or the fewer
amps a DC accessory draws, the longer the PowerPAC will
operate before recharging is required.
3.3 Operating 115 Volt AC Appliances and
Equipment
1. Ensure the PowerPAC battery is fully charged. See Section
8.0 for details.
2. Turn the AC inverter switch ON. The green POWER light
indicates AC power is available at the AC outlets.
3. Plug the AC appliance(s) you wish to operate into the AC
outlet(s) and switch the appliance(s) ON, one at a time. The
PowerPAC will operate most devices rated up to 300 watts.
4. In the event of an overload, low battery voltage, or
overheating, the AC inverter will automatically shut down and
its red FAULT light will illuminate. See Section 5.3 for details.
5. Fully recharge the PowerPAC battery as soon as possible
after each use.
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PORTAWATTZ PowerPAC Owners Manual
3.4 Operating 12 Volt DC Accessories
1. Ensure the PowerPAC battery is fully charged. See Section
8.0 for details.
2. Plug the accessory into the PowerPACs DC Power Socket,
and switch the accessory on (if required). The PowerPAC
will operate any 12 volt DC auto or marine accessory that
draws 12 amps or less.
3. Because the DC Power Socket is internally wired direct to
the PowerPACs battery, extended operation of a 12 volt
accessory may result in excessive battery discharge.
Important: Care must be taken to ensure the battery does
not become totally discharged. See Section 6.1 for details.
3.5 Recharging the PowerPAC
1. The batterys charge condition may be seen by pressing the
Battery Status Button on the PowerPACs display panel.
2. To recharge, plug the AC Charger into a household AC outlet,
and plug the AC Charger cord into the Charger Input Socket
on the PowerPACs panel. The Recharge Indicator will change
from amber to green when charging is complete (typically
after 30 hours). It is safe to leave the AC Charger connected
indefinitely.
3. Charging may also be done from an automobile cigarette
lighter. See Section 8.3 for details.
3.6 Using the PowerPAC to Jump-Start Your
Vehicle
Due to potential dangers, see Section 7.0 for a detailed
explanation.
6PORTAWATTZ PowerPAC Owners Manual
4.0 Indicators, Controls and
Connectors
Refer to Figure 1 in Section 3.1 for location of the items identified below.
4.1 Display Panel
The display panel is located on the front of the PowerPAC, directly
below its carrying handle. Located on the display panel, you will
find the PowerPACs DC Power Socket, the Charger Input Socket,
a Recharge Status Indicator light, and a Battery Level Indicator
that is actuated by the Battery Status Button.
4.1.1 The Battery Level Indicator
The Battery Level Indicator indicates the state of charge of
the PowerPACs battery. Its function is similar to the fuel
gauge in a car. When pressing and holding the Battery
Status Button, one or more of the displays four lights will
illuminate, showing the approximate amount of charge
remaining in the battery. The following diagram shows the
function of each light:
When the battery is fully charged, all four lights will
illuminate. When discharged (empty), only the red E light
will illuminate and the battery must be recharged promptly.
The diagram shows the battery is approximately ¾ full.
Battery condition is indicated most accurately when the
battery has been unused for several minutes. Pressing the
Battery Status Button while supplying power to an appliance
may result in the battery appearing more empty than it
really is.
4.1.2 The Recharge Indicator
The Recharge Indicator operates only when the battery is
being recharged through the Charger Input Socket. It will
not operate when other charging methods are used. When
charging the battery with the AC Charger, this light will glow
amber, then change to green when the battery is fully
charged and the charging process has automatically
stopped.
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PORTAWATTZ PowerPAC Owners Manual
4.1.3 The Charger Input Socket
The AC Charger supplied with the PowerPAC connects to
this socket when recharging is required. Other low power
charging devices can also be connected here. See Sections
8.2 and 8.5 for full details.
4.1.4 The DC Power Socket
The DC Power Socket is a cigarette lighter style connector
used for powering 12 volt DC auto or marine accessories
as explained in Section 6.0, and for recharging the
PowerPAC from your cars electrical system as explained
in Section 8.3.
4.2 The AC Inverter
The front-mounted AC inverter is the heart of the PowerPAC. It
converts 12 volts DC supplied by the PowerPACs battery to 115
volts AC power. Two standard AC receptacles mounted on the
right side of the inverter supply the AC power to appliances you
intend to operate from the PowerPAC. The inverters ON/OFF
switch, and its POWER and FAULT indicator lights are mounted
on the same side of the inverter as the AC receptacles. A low
battery voltage alarm warns you when the inverter has nearly
discharged the battery, prior to automatic low voltage shutdown.
You will find full details on the inverter, and how to use it, in Section
5.0.
4.3 The High-Power DC Connector
The High-Power DC Connector, located on the lower left side of
the PowerPAC, is a high current capacity connector wired directly
to the PowerPACs battery. The Jump-Start Cable supplied with
the PowerPAC connects to the High-Power DC Connector to allow
jump-starting of a vehicle in an emergency. Be sure to read
Section 7.0 for full details before any attempt is made to use this
feature. The High-Power DC Connector can also be used to
connect an external battery to the PowerPAC to increase battery
capacity. See Section 9.0 for more details.
8PORTAWATTZ PowerPAC Owners Manual
5.0 Powering 115 Volt AC Appliances
and Equipment
5.1 General Information
The PowerPAC is capable of powering most 115 volt AC
appliances and equipment that use 300 watts or less. Its AC
output waveform, called a quasi-sine wave or modified sine
wave, is designed to function similarly to the sine wave shape
of utility power. Most AC appliances rated for 300 watts or less
will operate normally from the PowerPAC.
CAUTION: Do not use the PowerPAC with the following
equipment:
Small battery operated appliances such as rechargeable
flashlights, some rechargeable shavers, and night-lights
that are plugged directly into an AC receptacle to
recharge.
Certain battery chargers for battery packs used in hand
power tools. These chargers will have a warning label
stating that dangerous voltages are present at the
chargers battery terminals.
The power, or wattage, rating of AC appliances and equipment
is the average power they use. During the first moments after
they are switched on, many appliances such as televisions,
monitors, laser printers and appliances with motors, consume
much more power than their average rating. Although the
PowerPAC can supply momentary surge power greater than 300
watts, some appliances may exceed its capabilities and trigger
the inverters safety overload shutdown circuit. See details in
Section 5.3 for the reset procedure. If this problem occurs when
attempting to operate several appliances at the same time, try
first switching on the inverter with all appliances switched off,
then one by one switch each on, starting with the high surge
appliance first.
5.2 Connecting Your AC Appliances and
Equipment
The following steps assume you have fully charged your
PowerPACs battery. See Section 8.0.
1. Turn on the AC inverter switch located on the inverters right
side. The green POWER light that illuminates adjacent to
the switch indicates AC power is now on and available at the
two inverter AC outlets. See Figure 1 in Section 3.1.
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PORTAWATTZ PowerPAC Owners Manual
2. Plug the AC appliance or equipment you wish to operate into
one of the two inverter outlets and switch the appliance on.
The appliance should operate normally, just as it would if
plugged into a wall receptacle.
3. As the appliance is operated, you can check the level of the
battery as detailed in Section 4.1.1. This will give you an
idea of how much time remains until the battery needs
recharging.
4. As the battery becomes nearly discharged, or empty, a low
voltage warning will sound. This will give you time to shut
down a computer, for example. If this warning is ignored, the
inverter will switch off automatically a few minutes later to
prevent battery damage. See Section 5.3 for full details.
5. Fully recharge the PowerPAC battery as soon as possible
after each use.
5.3 Automatic Overload, Overheating and Low
Battery Protection
The PowerPACsAC inverter has built-in protection against output
overload, and from overheating. If an AC appliance rated higher
than 300 watts (or which draws excessive surge power at start
up) is connected, or if the inverter exceeds a safe temperature, it
will automatically shut off. The green POWER light will go off,
the red FAULT light will switch on and an alarm will sound. To
reset, unplug the appliance and let the inverter cool. Then, switch
the inverter OFF for 5 seconds, then switch back ON. Normal
operation will resume.
If the battery is allowed to discharge excessively, damage may
occur. To prevent this, the AC inverter has a built-in audible
warning that alerts you when the battery is nearly discharged
and it is time to recharge the PowerPAC. If this warning is ignored,
the inverter will automatically switch off and the red FAULT light
will illuminate when the battery reaches empty. Promptly
recharge the battery. See Section 8.0.
10 PORTAWATTZ PowerPAC Owners Manual
5.4 Interference with Electronic Equipment
5.4.1 Buzzing Sound in Audio Systems
Some inexpensive stereo systems and boom-boxes will
emit a buzzing sound from their loudspeakers when
operating from the AC output of the PowerPAC. This is
because the power supply in the equipment does not
adequately filter the modified sine wave produced by the
PowerPAC inverter. Unless the stereo can be operated
directly from the PowerPACs 12 volt DC Power Socket,
the only solution is a sound system with a higher quality
internal power filter.
5.4.2 Television Interference
The PowerPACs AC inverter is shielded to minimize
interference with TV signals. In some cases, particularly
with weak TV signals, some interference may still be visible
in the form of scrolling lines across the screen. In this case,
take the following corrective measures:
1. Use an extension cord to position the PowerPAC as far
away as possible from the television, antenna and
cables.
2. Adjust the orientation of the PowerPAC, television,
antenna and cables to minimize interference.
3. Maximize TV signal strength by using a better antenna,
and ensure a shielded antenna cable is used.
4. Try a different TV. Different models of TV sets vary
greatly in their susceptibility to interference.
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PORTAWATTZ PowerPAC Owners Manual
5.5 Battery Operating Times
Below are typical AC appliances and equipment that may be
operated by the PowerPAC with estimated operating times.
* This appliance uses power intermittently which extends
operating time.
Operating times will vary depending on the battery charge level
and the actual appliance being operated. The PowerPAC will not
operate appliances rated at more than 300 watts, such as hair
dryers, microwave ovens, and toasters.
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12 PORTAWATTZ PowerPAC Owners Manual
6.0 Powering 12 Volt DC Accessories
6.1 Connecting 12 Volt DC Accessories
The PowerPAC can operate any accessory that is intended to
run from a cars cigarette lighter outlet. Simply insert the
accessorys plug into the DC Power Socket on the PowerPACs
display panel. The PowerPACs DC Power Socket will operate
any 12 volt DC auto, marine or other 12 volt accessory that draws
12 amps or less. The following steps assume you have first fully
charged your PowerPACs battery according to instructions in
Section 8.0.
1. Plug the accessory into the PowerPACs DC Power Socket,
and switch the accessory on (if required).
2. The 12 volt appliance should operate until the battery runs
out of power.
3. If an accessory that draws more than 12 amps (or which is
defective and has a short circuit) is connected, an internal
circuit breaker will open after a short time and switch power
to the accessory off. If this occurs, unplug the accessory and
the breaker will automatically reset after a few seconds.
4. The DC Power Socket does not automatically switch off the
load when the battery is discharged. To protect the battery
against damage resulting from total discharge, it is strongly
recommended that the AC inverter is switched on, even when
powering 12 volt accessories only. This will enable the
inverters alarm to warn you when the 12 volt accessory has
nearly depleted the battery. The power used by the inverter
to monitor the battery will be negligible.
5. Fully recharge the PowerPAC battery as soon as possible
after each use.
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PORTAWATTZ PowerPAC Owners Manual
6.2 Battery Operating Times
Below are typical DC accessories that may be operated by the
PowerPAC with estimated operating times.
Operating times will vary depending on the battery charge level
and the specific accessory being operated.
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14 PORTAWATTZ PowerPAC Owners Manual
7.0 Vehicle or Boat Engine Starting
Assistance
7.1 Jump-Starting Direct to the Battery
The PowerPAC may be used to jump-start a 12 volt vehicle or
small boat engine using the Jump-Start Cable supplied. Jump-
starting causes very high current surges and possible sparking.
Unless care is taken, the possibility of battery explosion exists.
Read the safety warnings in Section 2.0 before proceeding, then
follow these instructions exactly. Before proceeding, be sure to
attach the rubber feet supplied to the recesses in the back of the
PowerPAC as shown in Figure 1.
1. Turn off the vehicle or boat ignition, and all accessories.
2. Engage the park or emergency brake and place the
transmission in park or neutral.
3. If jump-starting a boat engine, purge the engine compartment
and bilge of all fumes before jump-starting.
4. Lay the PowerPAC on its back on a flat stable surface near
the battery and clear of all moving parts of the engine.
5. Do not connect the Jump-Start Cable to the PowerPAC yet.
Connect its red positive (+) clamp to the positive (+) terminal
of the engine battery.
WARNING: Connecting to the negative terminal can lead to a
battery explosion later in this procedure. The batterys positive
terminal is identified as being larger in diameter than the negative
terminal. In most vehicles it has a red wire connected to it. Do
not proceed until you are sure you have connected to the positive
terminal.
6. Connect the black negative (-) clamp to the engine block,
cylinder head, or other stationary heavy metal part of the
motor, as far from the battery as possible. Do not attach the
black negative clamp to the battery terminal.
7. Making sure that the cables are clear of belts and fans, plug
the Jump-Start Cable into the High-Power DC Connector on
the lower left side of the PowerPAC, and start the engine.
8. If the vehicle fails to crank, unplug the Jump-Start Cable,
then disconnect the jumper cable clamps. Ensure that the
contact area is clean, then repeat steps 5 through 7.
15
PORTAWATTZ PowerPAC Owners Manual
9. Let the motor run at fast idle for 5 minutes to fast-charge the
PowerPACs battery, then while the cable clamps are still
connected, unplug the Jump-Start Cable from the PowerPAC.
Disconnect the black (negative) cable clamp, and then as a
last step, disconnect the red (positive) cable clamp.
7.2 Jump-Starting via a Vehicles Lighter Plug
Socket
The following simple procedure is often sufficient to start a vehicle
when its battery is not completely dead.
1. Connect your vehicles cigarette lighter socket to the
PowerPACs DC Power Socket using the DC Charge Cable.
You may need to switch the ignition key to the accessory
position to energize the cigarette lighter plug.
2. Wait 15 minutes while the PowerPAC partially charges your
vehicles battery, then attempt to start the engine.
3. Once the engine starts, leave the PowerPAC connected for
at least 5 minutes to recharge its battery.
4. If your engine does not start, attempt to jump-start as
described in Section 7.1.
16 PORTAWATTZ PowerPAC Owners Manual
8.0 Recharging the PowerPAC
8.1 General Information on Batteries and
Charging
8.1.1 Charging Options
A variety of charging options are possible with the
PowerPAC:
Charging with the fully automatic plug it
in and forget it AC Charger.
Charging from your vehicle as you drive.
Charging from a generator equipped with
a 12 volt battery charging outlet.
Charging from a solar panel.
8.1.2 Battery Self-Discharge and Shelf Life
All rechargeable batteries gradually discharge when left
standing. Periodic charging is necessary to ensure
maximum battery capacity. When the AC Charger is
connected via the PowerPACs Charger Input Socket, the
circuitry built into the PowerPAC will regulate the charging
process, ensuring the battery is always fully charged, but
never overcharged. To ensure safe recharging and
maximum battery life, charge only with Statpower supplied
or approved products.
CAUTION: Due to inherent self-discharge, lead acid batteries
must be charged at least every 3 months, especially in a warm
environment. Leaving a battery in a discharged state, or not
recharging every 3 months, risks permanent damage.
8.2 Recharging with the AC Charger
Recharging with the AC Charger is a true plug it in and forget it
charging method. To use it, follow these steps:
1. Disconnect any 12 volt DC accessories and switch the inverter
OFF.
2. Insert the AC Charger plug into the Charger Input Socket on
the PowerPACs display panel.
3. Plug the AC Charger into a standard 115 volt AC receptacle.
4. As the PowerPAC charges, its Recharge Indicator will glow
amber. A typical recharge may take up to 30 hours.
