Schumacher Pi-70 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Power Inverter Models
PI-70, PI-120 and PI-140
Converts 12V DC Battery Power to
120V AC Household Power
CAUTION:
Before using your inverter, Read, Understand and Follow all
Safety and Operating Instructions. Save These Instructions.
Schumacher Electric Corporation
Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056 U.S.A.
Send Warranty Product Repairs to:
Customer Service Returns
P.O. Box 280
1025 E. Thompson
Hoopeston, IL 60942-0280
Questions? Call Customer Service:
1-800-621-5485 (Hours: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm CST)
00-99-000919/0909

TRADEMARK ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Schumacher® is a registered trademark of Schumacher Electric
Corporation
Schumacher® Logo is a registered trademark of Schumacher
Electric Corporation
PI-70, PI-120 and PI-140 ™ is a trademark of
Schumacher Electric Corporation
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
PI-70, PI-120 and PI-140 Owner’s Manual
© 2008 Schumacher Electric Corporation
The information, specications and illustrations in this manual are
based on the latest information available at the time of printing.
TRADEMARK ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
TRADEMARK ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 5
INVERTER FEATURES 6
BEFORE USING YOUR POWER INVERTER 6
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS(MODELS PI-70 AND
PI-140) 8
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (MODEL PI-120) 9
POWER SOURCE 9
LED INDICATOR AND SHUTDOWN PROTECTION 10
IF THE INVERTER FUSE BLOWS 11
TROUBLESHOOTING 12
SPECIFICATIONS 12
REPLACEMENT PARTS 14
LIMITED WARRANTY 14

• 5 •
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS1.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Keep the inverter well ventilated in order to properly dis-•
perse heat generated while it is in use. Make sure there are
several inches of clearance around the top and sides and
do not block the slots of the inverter.
Make sure the inverter is not close to any potential source•
of ammable fumes, gases or clothing.
Do not place the inverter in areas such as battery compart-•
ments or engine compartments where fumes or gases may
accumulate.
Keep the inverter dry.•
DO NOT allow the inverter to come into contact with rain or•
moisture.
DO NOT operate the inverter if you, the inverter, the device•
being operated or any other surfaces that may come into
contact with any power source are wet. Water and many
other liquids can conduct electricity, which may lead to seri-
ous injury or death.
Do not place the inverter on or near heating vents, radiators•
or other sources of heat or ammable materials.
Do not place the inverter in direct sunlight. The ideal air•
temperature for operation is between 50° and 80°F.
Only connect the power inverter to a 12-volt accessory•
outlet or 12-volt airplane power outlet. Do not attempt to
connect the inverter to any other power source, including an
AC power source. Connecting to a 6-volt or 16-volt battery
will cause damage to the inverter.
Make sure the AC plug and/or USB connection is tight.•
Do not modify the AC or USB receptacle in any way.•
Do not try extending or otherwise changing the 12-volt•
power cord attached to your inverter.

• 6 •
Incorrect operation of your inverter may result in damage•
and personal injury. WARNING: The inverter output is 120V
AC and can shock or electrocute the same as any ordinary
household AC wall outlet.
Do not open – No user serviceable parts inside.•
This device does not include an internal Ground Fault Cir-•
cuit Interrupter (GFCI).
Use only 10-amp fuses (Model PI-70).•
Use only 15-amp fuses (Models PI-120 and PI-140).•
WARNING: Pursuant to California Proposition 65, this product
contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
INVERTER FEATURES2.
LED Indicator Light (Green = Power ON)1.
Standard Electrical 120V AC Outlet2.
12-Volt Power Plug3.
USB Power Port (Models PI-120 and PI-140)4.
Low-Battery Protection5.
BEFORE USING YOUR POWER INVERTER3.
When you turn on a device or a tool that runs on a motor, the
device basically goes through two stages:
Start Up – Requiring an initial surge of power (commonly1.
known as the “starting or peak load”).
Continuous Operation – Power consumption drops (com-2.
monly known as the “continuous load”).
The wattage (WATTS) or amperes (AMPS) can normally be
found stamped or printed on most devices and equipment, or
in the user’s manual. Otherwise, contact the manufacturer to
nd out whether the device you want to use is compatible with a
modied sine wave.

• 7 •
To calculate the wattage: Wattage = AMPS x 120 (AC Voltage).
To calculate the starting load: Starting Load = 2 x WATTS. In
general, the start up load of the device or power tool determines
whether your inverter has the capability to power it.
To calculate the continuous load: Continuous Load = AMPS x
120 (AC Voltage).
ATTENTION: Always run a test to establish whether the inverter
will operate a particular piece of equipment or device. In the
event of a power overload, the inverter is designed to automati-
cally shut down. This safety feature prevents damaging the
inverter while testing devices and equipment within the wattage
range of the inverter.
IMPORTANT (Models IP-120 and IP-140): This inverter is
designed to power 100 watt devices or less when used with the
vehicle 12 volt accessory port. To use the full output you must
purchase a 12 volt accessory outlet to battery clips adapter
(Schumacher Model SAC-103) and connect the inverter directly
to the battery.
NOTE (Models IP-120 and IP-140): The 100 watt limit is to ac-
commodate the fuse ratings for all vehicles. Some vehicles may
allow the full output. If the fuse blows when you switch on the
device you are trying to use, you have to either use a smaller
device or you must purchase the 12 volt accessory outlet to bat-
tery clips adapter (Schumacher Model SAC-103) and connect
the inverter directly to the battery.
IMPORTANT: This inverter uses a nonsinusoidal waveform.
Therefore we do not recommend you use it to power the follow-
ing devices:
Switch Mode Power Supplies;1.
Linear Power Supplies;2.
Class 2 Transformers;3.

• 8 •
Line Filter Capacitors;4.
Shaded Pole Motors;5.
Fan Motors;6.
Microwave Ovens;7.
Fluorescent and High Intensity Lamps (with a Ballast);8.
and
Transformerless Battery Chargers.9.
Doing so, may cause the device to run warmer or overheat.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS4.
(MODELS PI-70 AND PI-140)
If connecting in a vehicle, remove the cigarette lighter1.
from its outlet.
Push the 12-volt power plug rmly into the outlet.2.
The LED indicator light should glow GREEN verifying the3.
inverter is receiving power.
Make sure the device to be operated is turned OFF.4.
Plug the device into the inverter AC outlet or USB port.5.
Turn the device on.6.
To disconnect, reverse the above procedure.7.
NOTE: You may hear a “buzzing” sound being emitted from in-
expensive sound systems when operated with the inverter. This
is due to ineffective lters in the sound system’s power supply.
Unfortunately, this problem can only be resolved by purchasing
a sound system with a higher quality power supply or higher
quality lter.

• 9 •
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (MODEL PI-120)5.
Plug the included power cable into the inverter. Note the1.
plug will only t into the outlet one way.
If connecting in a vehicle, remove the cigarette lighter2.
from its outlet.
Push the 12-volt power plug rmly into the outlet. Note: In 3.
an airplane power outlet the plug will only t into the outlet
one way.
The LED indicator light should glow BLUE verifying the4.
inverter is receiving power. If the LED indicator is not on,
read “LED INDICATOR AND SHUTDOWN PROTEC-
TION” section.
Make sure the device to be operated is turned OFF.5.
Plug the device into the inverter AC outlet or USB outlet.6.
Turn the device on.7.
To disconnect, reverse the above procedure.8.
NOTE: You may hear a “buzzing” sound being emitted from in-
expensive sound systems when operated with the inverter. This
is due to ineffective lters in the sound system’s power supply.
Unfortunately, this problem can only be resolved by purchasing
a sound system with a higher quality power supply or higher
quality lter.
POWER SOURCE6.
Your average automobile or marine battery at full charge will
provide an ample power supply to the inverter for approximately
3 hours when the engine is off. The actual length of time the
inverter will function depends on the age and condition of the
battery and the power demand being placed by the device be-
ing operated with the inverter.

• 10 •
If you decide to use the inverter while the engine is off, we rec-
ommend you turn OFF the device plugged into the inverter and
disconnect the inverter’s plug from the 12-volt accessory outlet
before starting the engine. To maintain battery power, start the
engine every 2 to 3 hours and let it run for approximately 30
minutes to recharge the battery.
Although it is not necessary to disconnect the inverter when
turning over the engine, it may briey cease to operate as the
battery voltage decreases. While the inverter draws very low
amperage when not in use, it should be unplugged to avoid
battery drain.
LED INDICATOR AND SHUTDOWN7.
PROTECTION
The LED glows GREEN automatically when plugged into a 12-
volt DC source and will not glow under the following conditions,
(Note: On Model PI-120 a BLUE LED will glow):
When the power input from the vehicle’s battery drops1.
to approximately 10-volts, low battery shutdown occurs
and inverter shuts off. Solution: Recharge or Replace the
battery.
When the power input from the vehicle’s battery exceeds2.
15-volts, high voltage protection occurs. Solution: Reduce
the voltage range to between 12-volts and 14-volts.
The continuous load demand from the equipment or3.
device being operated exceeds the continuous load rating
of the inverter being used. Solution: Use a higher capacity
inverter or lower rated device.
The case temperature becomes hot (exceeds 145°F). So-4.
lution: Allow the inverter to cool. Do not block the cooling
slots or air ow over and through the inverter. Reduce the
load on the inverter to the continuous rated output.

• 11 •
RESET: To reset after shutdown occurs, remove the 12-volt
plug from the accessory outlet. Check the source of the problem
and correct. Reinsert the 12-volt plug into the accessory outlet.
IF THE INVERTER FUSE BLOWS8.
Your power inverter is tted with a fuse, which should not have
to be replaced under normal operating conditions. A blown fuse
is usually caused by reverse polarity or a short circuit within the
device or equipment being operated.
If the fuse does blow:
Disconnect the device or equipment immediately.1.
Find the source of the problem, and repair it.2.
Install a new fuse, (10-amp for Model PI-70 and 15-amp3.
for Models PI-120 and PI-140). The fuse can be found on
the end of the plug on the inverter.
Do not tighten the fuse cap too tight; nger tight is suf-4.
cient.
ATTENTION: Do not install a fuse higher than 10-amp for
Model PI-70, and 15-amp for Models PI-120, PI-140, as this
may damage the inverter. Make sure to correct the cause of the
blown fuse before using the inverter again.

• 12 •
TROUBLESHOOTING9.
PROBLEM REASON SOLUTION
LEDs do not light,
or inverter does not
function.
Poor contact at ter-
minals.
Fuse Blown.
Inverter shutdown.
Inverter may not be
working properly.
Unplug and reinsert the
12-volt plug.
See “IF THE INVERTER
FUSE BLOWS” section.
See “LED INDICATOR
AND SHUTDOWN
PROTECTION” section.
See Warranty and
call Customer Service
1-800-621-5485 (Hours:
7:00 am – 5:00 pm
CST).
SPECIFICATIONS10.
Model: PI-70
Maximum Continuous Power 70 Watts
Surge Capability (Peak Power) 140 Watts
No Load Current Draw <0.2A
Wave Form Modied Sine Wave
Input Voltage Range 10.5V – 15.5V DC
Output Voltage Range 120V ± 10% AC
Low Battery Shutdown 10.5V ± .5V DC
High Battery Shutdown 15.0V – 16.0V DC
Optimum Efciency >85%
AC Outlet One, 120V AC 3-Prong
Fuse 10-Amp (250V)
Dimensions 5” L x 2.5” W x 1.5” D
Weight approximately .45 lbs.

• 13 •
Model: PI-120
Maximum Continuous Power 120 Watts
Surge Capability (Peak Power) 240 Watts
No Load Current Draw <0.2A
Wave Form Modied Sine Wave
Input Voltage Range 10.5V – 15.5V DC
Output Voltage Range 120V ± 10% AC
Low Battery Shutdown 10.5V ± .5V DC
High Battery Shutdown 15.0V – 16.0V DC
Optimum Efciency >85%
AC Outlet One, 120V AC 3-Prong
DC Outlet One, USB 5V 0.5 Amp
Fuse 15-Amp (250V)
Dimensions 3.5”H x 2.75” W x .875” D
Weight approximately .4 lbs.
Model: PI-140
Maximum Continuous Power 140 Watts
Surge Capability (Peak Power) 280 Watts
No Load Current Draw <0.3A
Wave Form Modied Sine Wave
Input Voltage Range 10.5V – 15.5V DC
Output Voltage Range 120V ± 10% AC
Low Battery Shutdown 10.5V ± .5V DC
High Battery Shutdown 15.0V – 16.0V DC
Optimum Efciency >85%
AC Outlet One, 120V AC 3-Prong
DC Outlet One, USB 5V 0.5 Amp
Fuse 15-Amp (250V)
Dimensions 5.5” L x 2.5” W x 1.5” D
Weight approximately .45 lbs.

• 14 •
REPLACEMENT PARTS11.
Fuses – Replacement fuses can be purchased at most elec-
tronic component retailers.
12V Accessory Plug and Airplane Adapter with Cable – P/N:
06-99-000329 (Model PI-120)
LIMITED WARRANTY12.
SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC CORPORATION, 801 BUSI-
NESS CENTER DRIVE, MOUNT PROSPECT, IL 60056-2179,
MAKES THIS LIMITED WARRANTY TO THE ORIGINAL
RETAIL PURCHASER OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS LIMITED
WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE OR ASSIGNABLE.
Schumacher Electric Corporation (the “Manufacturer”) war-
rants this inverter for two years from the date of purchase at
retail against defective material or workmanship that may occur
under normal use and care. If your unit is not free from defec-
tive material or workmanship, Manufacturers obligation under
this warranty is solely to repair or replace your product, with a
new or reconditioned unit, at the option of the Manufacturer. It
is the obligation of the purchaser to forward the unit, along with
mailing charges prepaid to the Manufacturer or its authorized
representatives in order for repair or replacement to occur.
Manufacturer does not provide any warranty for any acces-
sories used with this product that are not manufactured by
Schumacher Electric Corporation and approved for use with this
product. This Limited Warranty is void if the product is misused,
subjected to careless handling, repaired, or modied by anyone
other than Manufacturer or if this unit is resold through an unau-
thorized retailer.
Manufacturer makes no other warranties, including, but not
limited to, express, implied or statutory warranties, including
without limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability or

• 15 •
implied warranty of tness for a particular purpose. Further,
Manufacturer shall not be liable for any incidental, special or
consequential damage claims incurred by purchasers, users or
others associated with this product, including, but not limited to,
lost prots, revenues, anticipated sales, business opportunities,
goodwill, business interruption and any other injury or damage.
Any and all such warranties, other than the limited warranty
included herein, are hereby expressly disclaimed and excluded.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental
or consequential damages or length of implied warranty, so the
above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This war-
ranty gives you specic legal rights and it is possible you may
have other rights which vary from this warranty.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY EXPRESS LIMITED
WARRANTY AND THE MANUFACTURER NEITHER AS-
SUMES OR AUTHORIZES ANYONE TO ASSUME OR MAKE
ANY OTHER OBLIGATION TOWARDS THE PRODUCT
OTHER THAN THIS WARRANTY.
Schumacher Electric Corporation Customer Service
1-800-621-5485
Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST
Schumacher and the Schumacher Logo are registered trade-
marks of
Schumacher Electric Corporation

MANUAL DEL PROPIETARIO
MODELOS DE CONVERTIDOR DE ENERGÍA
PI-70, PI-120 Y PI-140
Convierte la Energía de Baterías de 12V de CD
a 120V de CA de Energía Doméstica
PRECAUCIÓN:
Antes de usar su convertidor, Lea, Entienda y Siga todas las
instrucciones De Seguridad y Operación. Guarde Estas Instruc-
ciones.
Schumacher Electric Corporation
Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056 U.S.A.
Envíe las Reparaciones de Garantía del Producto a:
Servicio al Cliente Devoluciones
P.O. Box 280
1025 E. Thompson
Hoopeston, IL 60942-0280
¿Preguntas? Llame al Servicio de Atención al Cliente: 1-800-
621-5485 (Horario: De 7:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m. CST(Tiempo del
Centro))

RECONOCIMIENTOS DE MARCAS DE FÁBRICA
Schumacher® es marca registrada de la Schumacher Electric
Corporation
Schumacher® Logo es marca registrada de la Schumacher
Electric Corporation
PI-70, PI-120 y PI-140 ™ es marca de la
Schumacher Electric Corporation
DATOS DE PROPIEDAD INTELECTUAL
PI-70, PI-120 y PI-140 Owner’s Manual
© 2008 Schumacher Electric
Corporation
La información, las especicaciones y las ilustraciones en el
presente manual se basan en la información más al día disponible
a la hora de imprimir.
RECONOCIMIENTOS DE MARCAS DE FÁBRICA

ÍNDICE
SECCIÓN PÀGINA
RECONOCIMIENTOS DE MARCAS DE FÁBRICA 17
INSTRUCCIONES IMPORTANTES DE SEGURIDAD 19
CARACTERÍSTICAS DEL CONVERTIDOR 20
ANTES DE USAR SU CONVERTIDOR DE ENERGÍA 21
INSTRUCCIONES DE OPERACIÓN(MODELOS
PI-70 Y PI-140) 23
INSTRUCCIONES DE OPERACIÓN
(MODELO PI-120) 23
FUENTE DE ENERGÍA 24
INDICADOR LED Y PROTECCIÓN DE APAGADO 25
SI SE QUEMA EL FUSIBLE DEL CONVERTIDOR 26
RESOLUCIÓN DE PROBLEMAS 27
ESPECIFICACIONES 27
PIEZAS DE REPUESTO 29
GARANTÍA LIMITADA 29

• 19 •
INSTRUCCIONES IMPORTANTES1.
DE SEGURIDAD
GUARDE ESTAS INSTRUCCIONES
Mantenga el convertidor bien ventilado para dispersar•
apropiadamente el calor generado cuando está en uso.
Asegúrese de que haya varias pulgadas de libramiento
alrededor de la parte superior y lados y no bloquee las
ranuras del convertidor.
Asegúrese de que el convertidor no esté cerca de ninguna•
fuente potencial de gases inamables, gases o ropa.
No coloque el convertidor en áreas tales como com-•
partimientos de baterías o compartimientos del motor
donde los vapores o gases pueden acumularse.
Mantenga el convertidor seco.•
NO OPERE el convertidor si usted, el convertidor, el•
dispositivo a ser operado o cualquier otra supercie puede
entrar en contacto con cualquier fuente de energía que está
húmeda. El agua y muchos otros líquidos pueden conducir
electricidad, lo cual puede llevar a una lesión seria o la
muerte.
NO OPERE el convertidor si usted, el convertidor, el•
dispositivo a ser operado o cualquier otra supercie que
puede entrar en contacto con cualquier fuente de energía
está húmeda. El agua y muchos otros líquidos pueden
conducir electricidad, lo cual puede llevar a una lesión seria
o la muerte.
No coloque el convertidor sobre o cerca de ventilas de•
calefacción, radiadores u otras fuertes de calor o materiales
inamables.
No coloque el convertidor en la luz directa del sol. La•
temperatura del aire ideal para la operación es entre 50° y
80°F.

• 20 •
Solamente conecte el convertidor de energía a una toma•
de corriente accesoria de 12 V o a una toma de energía
de 12 V en un avión. No intente conectar el convertidor a
cualquier otra fuente de energía, incluyendo una fuente
de energía de CA (corriente alterna). El conectarlo a una
batería de 6 V o 16 V dañará el convertidor.
Asegúrese de que la clavija de CA y/o la conexión USB•
estén ajustadas.
No modique la toma de CA o USB de ninguna manera.•
No trate de extender o cambiar de forma alguna el cable de•
corriente de 12 V sujeto a su convertidor.
La operación incorrecta de su convertidor puede resultar•
en daño y lesión personal. ADVERTENCIA: La salida del
convertidor es de 120 V CA y puede dar una descarga o
electrocutar igual que cualquier toma de corriente de pared
doméstica de CA ordinaria.
No abrir - No contiene partes que el usuario pueda reparar.•
Este dispositivo no incluye un Interruptor de Circuito con•
Conexión a Tierra (GFCI por sus siglas en inglés) interno.
Usa solamente fusibles de 10 amp (Modelo PI-70).•
Use solamente fusibles de 15 amp (Modelos PI-120 y PI-•
140).
ADVERTENCIA: De acuerdo a la Proposición 65 de California,
este producto contiene químicos conocidos al Estado de Cali-
fornia como causantes de cáncer y defectos congénitos u otros
daños reproductivos.
CARACTERÍSTICAS DEL CONVERTIDOR2.
Luz Indicadora LED (Verde = Encendido (Power ON))1.
Toma de Corriente Eléctrica Estándar de 120 V de CA2.
Clavija de Energía de 12 V3.
Puerto de Corriente o USB (Modelos PI-120 y PI-140)4.
Protección Contra Batería Baja5.