Power Bright PW900-12 User manual

PW900-12
POWER INVERTER
ONDULEUR DE COURANT
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION. S.V.P., LIRE CE MANUEL AVEC SOIN AVANT UTILISATION
PowerBright
TM
110 VOLT

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Welcome
Please read this manual thoroughly before operating your new PowerBright product,
as it contains the information you need to become familiar with its features and obtain
the performance needed for your operation. Please keep this manual on file for future
reference.
About PowerBright Inverters
PowerBright, 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, and even small air conditioners! They also boast the highest
efficiency available (up to 90%), which translates into longer running time and
extended battery life.
PowerBright 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.

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Getting Started
When turning on an appliance or a tool that operates using a motor, 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 the "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 in 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.
Multiply: AMPS X (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.
110

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IMPORTANT
Your inverter is designed to operate from a 12V power source only. Do not
attempt to connect the inverter to any other power source, including any AC power source.
Do not attempt to extend or otherwise modify the connector cables provided with you
inverter.
110V 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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A. ON/OFF Switch
B. LED Indicator Light. (Green = Power On, Red = Overload)
C.Two standard North American 110V AC Outlets
D. High-Speed cooling Fan
E. Power Input Terminal Red = Positive
F. Power Input Terminal Black = Negative
G. Battery Cable Clips
PowerBright™

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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.
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.
Black = Negative, Red = Positive.
3. Connect the cable from the Negative (-) terminal (BLACK) on the inverter to the Negative
terminal on the 12V power source. Double check 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 12V power source.
5. Connect the cable from the Positive (+) terminal (RED) on the inverter to the Positive
terminal on the power source. Double check that the connection is secure.
6. Turn the inverter rocker switch to the ON (|) 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 (O) position. The GREEN LED Power Indicator light
may blink briefly and/or the internal audible alarm may make a momentary chirp. This is
normal.
8. 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.
9. Turn the inverter rocker switch to the ON (|) position. Turn the equipment or appliance on.
NOTE
Loose connections can result in a severe decrease in voltage which may cause damage to
the wires and insulation.
Failure 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.
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Making 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 12V battery be positioned far from any possible source of flammable fumes or gases.
Failure to heed this warning could result in fire or explosion.
If the cables supplied with your power inverter are too short to allow for placement of the
inverter in a desired location, the inverter may be connected to the power source using a #6
gauge wire. The steps outlined for making the connection and the related safety precautions
remain unchanged.
The 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 12V power source.
Use 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.
TELEVISION AND AUDIO SUGGESTIONS
Although all our 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 improver reception.
1. First, make sure that the television antenna produces a clear signal under normal operating
conditions (i.e., at home plugged into a standard 110 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 12V 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 12V power source to
the inverter.
5. Attach a Ferrite Data Line Filter to the television power cord.
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INVERTER PROTECTION FEATURES
The LED Indicator light will turn from GREEN to RED and the inverter will turn itself off
automatically when:
1. The power input from the battery drops to 9.5V. (When the power input drops to 10.5V, an
alarm will sound for an extended period).
2. The power input from the battery exceeds 15.5V.
3. The continuous draw of the equipment or appliance being operated exceeds 900 watts.
4. The surge draw of the equipment or appliance being operated exceeds 1800 watts.
5. The circuit temperature exceeds 165 °F.
NOTE
The inverter is equipped with a thermal fan which is designed to run if the inverter should
need to be cooled while in operation. 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.
In 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.
Keep the inverter dry. Do not expose it to rain or moisture. Do not operate the inverter if the 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.
Avoid placing the inverter on or near heating vents, radiators or other sources or heat. Do not
place the inverter in direct sunlight. Ideal air temperature should be between 50°and 80°F .
In 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.
Do not use the inverter near flammable materials. Do not place the inverter in areas such as
battery compartments where fumes or gases many accumulate.
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HOW POWER INVERTERS WORK
There are two stages in which a power inverter changes the 12V DC (or battery) power into
STAGE 1:
The inverter uses a DC to DC converter to increase the DC input voltage from the power
source to 145V DC.
STAGE 2:
The inverter then converts the high Voltage DC into 110V AC (household current), using
advanced MOSEFT transistors in a full bridge configuration.
This design provides all PowerBright™ 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 110V. 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 20V to 30V too low.To
accurately measure of the output voltage of the inverter, use a true RMS reading voltme-
ter such as a Fluke 87, Fluke 8060A, Beckman 4410, Triplet! 4200 or any multimeter
identified as True RMS.
More than one filter may be required. These filters are available at most electronic supply
stores.
MODIFIED SINE WAVE
110V AC (household current).

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NOTE
Before connecting the ground, make sure that the inverter rocker switch is OFF (0).
Run the ground wire from the Grounding Terminal on the rear panel of the inverter.
The selection of a proper grounding point will depend on here you are suing the inverter.
The grounding terminal may be connected to the chassis of your vehicle or the grounding
system in your boat or to the earth if you are operating in a remote location.
Inexpensive 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 FUSES
Your power inverter is equipped with two four 35 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, and then install the new fuses. The fuse compartment can be
accessed easily by unscrewing the bottom panel of the inverter. You will find the fuse in the
location indicated by the diagram on page 8.
ALWAYS disconnect your power inverter from the 12V power source before opening the
panel to replace a fuse.
Do not install a fuse with a rating higher than 35 amps. Doing so may damage the inverter.
Make sure to correct the source of the overload which caused the blown fuse before using
the inverter again.
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PAGE 10
SOURCE 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 if 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 PW900-12 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.

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IN REVIEW
Never attempt to operate the PW900-12 from any power source other than a 12V battery.
The E 900-12 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.
While connecting the inverter to the power source, make certain the inverter is positioned
far away from any potential source of flammable fumes or gases.
Make certain the power consumption of the appliance or equipment you whish to operate is
compatible with the capacity of the inverter. Do not exceed 900 watts.
When 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 35 amp spade type fuses.
When 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.
In the event of a continuous audible alarm or automatic shut off, 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.
Do not expose the inverter to rain or moisture.
Avoid placing the inverter near sources of heat or in direct sunlight.
While in use, make sure the inverter is properly ventilated.
Do not operate the inverter near flammable materials, fumes or gases.
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RP

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TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM: Low or no output voltage
Reason Solution
Poor contact with the battery terminals Clean terminals thoroughly
Using incorrect type of voltmeter to test
output voltage
Use true RMS reading meter
PROBLEM: Overload LED stays ON
Reason Solution
Battery voltage below 10V Recharge or replace battery
Equipment being operated draws too
much power
Use a higher capacity inverter or do not
use this equipment
Inverter is too hot (thermal shutdown
mode)
• Allow inverter to cool
• Check for adequate ventilation
• Reduce the load on the inverter to rated
continuous power output
Unit may be defective See warranty and call customer service

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TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM: TV interference
Reason Solution
Electrical interference from the inverter Add a ferrite data line filter onto the TV
power cord
PROBLEM: Low battery alarm on all the time
Reason Solution
Input voltage below 10V Keep input voltage above 10V to maintain
regulation
Poor or weak battery condition Recharge or replace battery
Inadequate power being delivered to the to
the inverter or excessive voltage drop
• Use lower gauge wire
• Keep wire length as short as possible
PROBLEM: TV does not turn ON
Reason Solution
TV does not turn on • Try turning the inverter ON/OFF/ON
• Contact TV manufacturer for start up surge
and/or if the TV is compatible with a
modified sine wave

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SPECIFICATIONS
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SERVICE WARRANTY
Your PowerBright™ equipment is guaranteed against any manufacturing defects for one full year
from date of purchase.
This warranty card is issued only at the time of original purchase; it is non-transferable.
Damage caused by accident, misuse, do-it-yourself repairs, sand or water is not covered by
this warranty, witch is only valid at a PowerBright™ facility.
All mail or transportation costs including insurance are at the expense of the owner. All other
claims of any nature are not covered.
This warranty card is valid only in USA and Canada.
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INTRODUCTION
Cet onduleur PowerBright™ a été conçu pour vous offrir des années d’utilisation sûre et fiable.
Veuillez lire attentivement cette notice avant d’utiliser votre appareil afin de vous familiariser
avec ses caractéristiques et en optimiser les capacités. Conservez cette notice pour pouvoir
y référer au besoin.
À PROPOS DES ONDULEURS POWERBRIGHT™
Révolutionnant le domaine des onduleurs portatifs, PowerBright™ a créé une toute nouvelle
ligne d’onduleurs à haute performance. Le courant transitoire de crête développé par ses
onduleurs gérés par microprocesseur excède les capacités de la majorité des produits de
même type offerts dans l’industrie, tout en offrant une stabilité et une fiabilité accrues. Leur
puissance supérieure permet d’alimenter des appareils domestiques tels que téléviseur,
magnétoscope, four à micro-ondes, réfrigérateur et même de petites unités de climatisa-
tion! En atteignant la plus haute efficacité disponible (jusqu’à 90 %),ils maximisent la péri-
ode d’utilisation et la durée de vie de la batterie.
Ces onduleurs transforment le courant continu d’une batterie en courant alternatif de 110V.
Selon le modèle et la consommation de courant requise, les onduleurs peuvent être bran-
chés à la prise 12 V de votre voiture, camionnette, bateau ou véhicule récréatif ou directe-
ment à une batterie 12 V.

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UTILISATION DES ONDULEURS
Lorsque vous mettez en marche un appareil ou un outil fonctionnant avec un moteur ou des
tubes, une charge initiale est requise pour effectuer le démarrage. Cette charge de courant
est communément appelée « puissance de surtension » ou « puissance maximum ». Il est
important de déterminer la consommation de courant requise par les appareils que vous
souhaitez alimenter au démarrage et la charge nominale requise de façon continue.
La consommation de courant requise par un appareil est généralement indiquée en watts
ou en ampères sur la plupart des appareils. Si cette information n’est pas indiquée, vérifiez
la notice d’utilisation ou contactez le manufacturier pour vous assurer que votre appareil est
compatible avec une onde sinusoïdale modifiée.
Pour calculer la consommation de courant d’un appareil en watts, utilisez l’équation
suivante :
Intensité de courant en ampères X 110 (tension CA) = WATTS
Cette formule fournit la charge nominale continue approximative requise par l’appareil.
Pour déterminer la puissance de surtension approximative requise par l’appareil que vous
souhaitez alimenter, utilisez la formule suivante:
WATTS x 2 = puissance de surtension.
En général, le résultat obtenu par cette formule vous indiquera si votre onduleur est assez
puissant pour alimenter votre appareil. Pour déterminer si votre onduleur est assez puissant
pour alimenter un appareil en particulier, vous pouvez aussi effectuer un test. Les onduleurs
sont conçus pour s’éteindre automatiquement en cas de surcharge. Cette protection évite
de causer un dommage à l’onduleur en cas de surcharge.
Si un appareil de 900 watts ne fonctionne pas correctement lorsque branché à un
onduleur, allumez, éteignez et rallumez rapidement l’onduleur. Si cette procédure se révèle
infructueuse, il y a de fortes chances que votre onduleur ne soit pas assez puissant pour
alimenter l’appareil en question.

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RENSEIGNEMENTS IMPORTANTS
Cet onduleur ne peut être branché qu’à une source de 12V. Ne tentez pas de le brancher à
une autre source d’alimentation.
Ne tentez pas de modifier ou d’allonger le cordon d’alimentation de 12V de votre onduleur.
Un courant de 110V peut être mortel. Le mauvais emploi ou le branchement inadéquat de
l’onduleur peut endommager l’appareil auquel il est raccordé ou créer des situations
dangereuses pour l’utilisateur.
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A. Interrupteur MARCHE/ARRÊT
B. LED VERT = Onduleur allumé LED ROUGE = Surcharge
C. 2 prises 110V AC standards (Amérique du Nord)
D.Ventilateur de refroidissement
E. Borne rouge = Positif
F. Borne noire = Négatif
G. Câbles à pinces pour batterie

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BRANCHEMENT DE L’ONDULEUR
1. Assurez-vous que l’interrupteur situé sur le panneau avant de l’onduleur est à sa position
d’arrêt (OFF/0).
2. Prenez les câbles munis de pinces à batterie et branchez les cosses à anneaux dans les
deux bornes du panneau arrière de l’onduleur en vous assurant de fixer la pince
positive (rouge) à la borne positive (rouge) de la batterie (12V) et la pince négative (noire) à
la borne négative (noire) de la batterie (12V). Serrez fermement les écrous sans forcer.
3. Mettez l’interrupteur de l’onduleur en marche (ON/I). Une diode verte devrait s’allumer
indiquant que l’onduleur fonctionne et que du courant est disponible.
4. Éteignez l’interrupteur (OFF/0). La diode verte pourrait clignoter brièvement et une alarme
pourrait se faire entendre momentanément. Tout est normal.
5. Assurez-vous que l’appareil que vous souhaitez utiliser est éteint. Branchez l’appareil dans
l’une des deux prises CA situé sur le panneau avant de l’onduleur.
6. Allumez l’interrupteur de l’onduleur (ON/I). Allumez ensuite votre appareil.
NOTE
Une mauvaise connexion peut entraîner une diminution du courant et endommager les fils.
Une mauvaise connexion entre l’onduleur et la batterie (12V) peut causer une polarité
inversé, ce qui pourrait faire sauter un fusible et causer des dommages permanents à
l’onduleur. Ces dommages ne sont pas couverts par la garantie.
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Effectuer une connexion entre les deux pôles positifs de vos appareils pourrait causer une
étincelle dû au courant continu du condensateur à l’intérieur de l’onduleur. Ceci est normal.
À cause des possibilités d’étincelles, il est important que l’onduleur et la batterie soient à
une bonne distance de tout matériel inflammable. Ignorer cet avertissement peut entraîner
un incendie ou une explosion.
Si les câbles de votre onduleur sont trop courts pour vous permettre de placer l’appareil à
l’endroit désiré, l’onduleur peut être connecté à la batterie en utilisant une rallonge élec-
trique (calibre #6). Toutes les étapes reliées au branchement et à la sécurité de l’appareil
restent les mêmes.
Une alarme pourrait se faire entendre momentanément lors de la mise en marche de l’ondu-
leur ou lorsque l’onduleur est branché ou débranché de la source 12 V.
L’utilisation d’une rallonge électrique entre l’appareil et l’onduleur ne diminue pas significa-
tivement l’intensité du courant généré par l’onduleur. Pour de meilleurs résultats, la rallonge
électrique ne devrait pas dépasser 50 pieds.
PROBLÈMES AUDIO ET VIDÉO COMMUNS
Même si ces onduleurs sont munis d’un équipement destiné à réduire les risques de para-
sites qui nuiraient à la réception de certains canaux de télévision, l’interférence est parfois
inévitable, spécialement si le signal est faible. Voici quelques suggestions qui pourraient
améliorer la réception :
1. Assurez-vous que l’antenne de votre téléviseur produit un signal clair dans des conditions
normales d’utilisation (lorsque votre téléviseur est branché dans une prise murale de 110V
à la maison). Assurez-vous également que les câbles d’antenne sont blindés et de bonne
qualité.
2. Changez l’orientation de l’onduleur, des câbles d’antenne et du cordon d’alimentation de
votre téléviseur.
3. Éloignez votre téléviseur, son cordon d’alimentation et les câbles d’antenne, de la source
12V, en utilisant une rallonge électrique entre l’onduleur et le téléviseur.
4. Torsadez le cordon d’alimentation de votre téléviseur aux câbles d’entrée se situant entre la
source 12V et l’onduleur.
5. Ajoutez un ou plusieurs filtres antiparasites au cordon d’alimentation de votre téléviseur.
Ces filtres sont vendus dans la plupart des centres spécialisés en électronique.
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