Solar PI1500X User manual

PI1500X Power Inverter
User’s Manual
featuring
Warning: This product contains chemicals, including lead, known to the
State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
Failure to follow instructions may cause damage or explosion, always
shield eyes. Read entire instruction manual before use.
WARNING

Congratulations! You have just purchased the finest quality power inverter on
the market. We have taken numerous measures in our quality control and in
our manufacturing processes to ensure that your product arrives in top
condition and that it will perform to your satisfaction.
In the rare event that your SOLAR power inverter contains a damaged item,
is missing any specific item or requires warranty service, please call
Technical Service at [phone]. Save your purchase receipt, it is
required for warranty service.
SAFETY SUMMARY
WARNING
Read these instructions completely before using the SOLAR power
inverter and save them for future reference. Before connecting the SOLAR
power inverter to a car, truck, boat or to power any equipment, read these
instructions and the instruction manual/safety information provided by the
car, truck, boat or equipment manufacturer. Following all manufacturers’
instructions and safety procedures will reduce the risk of accident.
Working around lead-acid batteries may be dangerous. Lead-acid
batteries release explosive gases during normal operation, charging and
jump starting. Carefully read and follow these instructions for safe use.
All lead-acid batteries (car, truck and boat) produce hydrogen gas which
may violently explode in the presence of fire or sparks. Do not smoke,
use matches or a cigarette lighter while near batteries. Do not handle
the battery while wearing vinyl clothing because static electricity sparks
are generated when vinyl clothing is rubbed.
Always wear eye protection, appropriate protective clothing and other
safety equipment when working near lead-acid batteries. Do not touch
eyes while working on or around lead-acid batteries.
Inverters bodies may become extremely hot during operation. Take
extreme caution when handling the unit and when determining it's location
for use.
Use extreme care while working within the engine compartment, because
moving parts may cause severe injury. Read and follow all safety
instructions published in the vehicle's Owner's Manual.
Vehicle batteries contain liquid acids which are hazardous if spilled.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Never open the inverter case – severe shock hazard!
Your power inverter is designed to operate from a 12 Volt DC power source
only. NEVER attempt to connect your SOLAR power inverter to any other
power source, including any AC power source.
Your power inverter is designed to be connected to the 12 Volt power source
using the connection cables provided. Do not attempt to modify the provided
connection cables or use other means of connecting to the 12 Volt power
source.
Do not operate the SOLAR power inverter in the vicinity of flammables, such
as gasoline, etc. Do not operate the inverter in areas where fumes or gases
may accumulate, such as battery compartments.
Do not operate the power inverter if you, the inverter, the device being
powered or any other surfaces that may come into contact with the 12 Volt
power source are wet. Do not expose your power inverter to rain or moisture.
Keep your SOLAR power inverter well ventilated when in operation. When in
use, maintain several inches of clearance around the top and sides of the
power inverter. Avoid placing the power inverter near sources of heat, such
as heat vents and radiators, or in direct sunlight.
Loose connections can result in a severe decrease in voltage, and may cause
damage to the wires and insulation in the power inverter. Always check that
all connections are correct and secure prior to powering the inverter or any
device connected to it.
When connecting device/appliance power cords to the inverter, pull on the
plug and never on the wire when disconnecting. Do not operate a
device/appliance with a damaged power cord.
To avoid battery drain, always disconnect your SOLAR power inverter when
not in use.

PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS
Someone should always be within range of your voice or close enough to
come to your aid when you work near a lead-acid battery.
Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts
skin, clothing or eyes. Protective eyewear should always be worn when
working near lead-acid batteries.
If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and
water. If acid enters eye, immediately flood eye with running cold water for at
least 10 minutes and get medical attention immediately.
Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping a metal tool onto battery. It
might spark or short circuit battery or other electrical part that may cause
explosion.
Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces and
watches when working with a lead-acid battery. A lead-acid battery can
produce a short-circuit current high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal
causing a severe burn.
NEVER connect your SOLAR power inverter to a frozen battery.
While some of our smaller units are designed to plug into a 12 Volt vehicle
outlet, larger models must be properly connected to a battery. Extreme care
must be taken to follow all applicable codes when working with electricity.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Assessing the Capacity of Your SOLAR Power Inverter to Power
a Specific Device
When you first switch on a powered tool or appliance that utilizes a motor,
that device requires an initial surge of power. This initial surge of power
required to start the device is referred to as the “peak power”. After initial
start-up the device then requires less power to operate, which is referred to
as its “continuous power”.

It is important that you determine both the “peak power” and “continuous
power” demands of any device you plan to operate using your power
inverter. The power demands of any particular device are usually stamped or
printed on the device and are usually expressed in either Wattage (Watts) or
Amperes (Amps). If this information is not indicated or the device, reference
that device’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to ensure that it is
compatible with a modified sine wave power source.
To determine the power needs of a particular device, use the following
formulas:
Amps Indicated x 110 (AC Voltage) = Watts
(This Wattage amount is roughly equivalent to the “continuous power”
demand.)
Watts x 2 = “Peak Power”
(This is roughly equivalent to the initial “peak power” demand of the device at
start-up.)
In most cases, the “peak power” demand of the device is the determining
factor in whether your power inverter has the capacity to power that device.
To determine whether your inverter has the capacity to power a specific
device, test that device using your power inverter.
Your SOLAR power inverter is designed to automatically shut down in the
event of a power overload. This feature protects the inverter in the event that
you attempt to power a device with a power demand exceeding the inverter’s
capacity.
If a specific device that is close to the maximum operating range of your
power inverter will not power properly using the power inverter, turn the
inverter power switch ON (I), OFF (O) and ON (I) again in quick succession. If
this procedure is not successful, it is likely that your power inverter does not
have the capacity to operate that particular device.
In the event the automatic shut down protection occurs or the inverter
sounds a continuous audible alarm, turn OFF the power inverter immediately.
Do not re-start the SOLAR power inverter until the source of the problem has
been identified and corrected.

How Power Inverters Work
Power inverters utilize a two-step method to convert 12 Volt direct current
(DC) power into 110 Volt AC power. In the first step, the power inverter uses
a DC to DC converter to increase the DC voltage from the original 12 Volts
DC to 145 Volts DC. In the second step, the power inverter converts high
voltage DC power into 110 Volt AC power using advanced micro-circuitry
which we refer to as Sonic Compression technology.
It is this Sonic Compression technology that enables SOLAR power inverters
to accommodate strenuous “peak power” and “continuous power” demands,
while at the same time, providing the assurance of automatic overload
protection.
The modified sine wave produced using our Sonic Compression technology
has a root mean square (RMS) voltage of 110 Volts. Most AC voltmeters are
calibrated to measure the RMS voltage of a pure sine wave. For this reason,
most voltmeters will not measure the output voltage of your power inverter
correctly, typically showing an output about 20-30 Volts below the actual
output. To accurately measure the the output voltage of your SOLAR power
inverter, use only a voltmeter identified as a “True RMS” reading voltmeter.
Connecting Your SOLAR Power Inverter
1. Make sure the ON/OFF power switch on the power inverter is in the OFF
(O) position.
2. Connect the 12 Volt adapter to the 12 Volt outlet in the vehicle or on
the 12 Volt power source.
3. Turn the inverter power switch to the ON (I) position. The LED Indicator
Light should light green, indicating that there is power coming to the
inverter.
4. Turn the inverter power switch to the OFF (O) position. (The LED
Indicator Light may blink or the internal audible alarm may sound
briefly. This is normal.)
5. Ensuring that the device to be powered is turned OFF, plug the device
into the 110 Volt AC receptacle on the power inverter.

6. Turn the inverter power switch to the ON (I) position. Then, turn the
device to be powered on. Always use this sequence when powering
devices using your SOLAR power inverter. Never connect a device
when its power switch is in the ON position.
Things to remember when operating your SOLAR power inverter:
Loose connections can result in a severe decrease in voltage and may cause
damage to the wires and insulation in the power inverter. Always check that
all connections are correct and secure prior to powering the inverter and any
device connected to it.
When attempting to power any device using your inverter, monitor the
temperature of the device for approximately 10 minutes. If the device being
powered becomes abnormally warm, disconnect it from the power inverter
immediately.
When using an automobile or marine battery to power the inverter, start the
vehicle’s engine every 30 to 60 minutes and let it run for approximately 10
minutes to recharge the vehicle’s battery. We recommend that the device
being powered by the inverter, as well as the inverter itself, be turned OFF
before starting the vehicle’s engine.
When your power inverter is not in use and turned OFF, it draws a very low
amperage from the 12 Volt power source when connected. As a result, we
recommend that you disconnect the power inverter from the 12 Volt power
source when not in use.
Use of an extension cord between the SOLAR power inverter and the device
being powered will not significantly decrease the power generated by the
power inverter. For best results, do not use an extension cord longer than
50 ft.
Suggestions When Using Your SOLAR Power Inverter to
Power Television and Audio Devices:
Although your SOLAR power inverter is shielded and filtered to minimize
signal interference, some interference with your television and audio
equipment may be unavoidable, particularly when they have weak signals.
Here are a few suggestions to improve your reception under these
circumstances:

1. Make sure the television/audio antenna on the device produces a clear
signal under normal operating conditions (when plugged into a
standard 110 Volt AC outlet). Also, ensure that the antenna is properly
shielded and of good quality.
2. Change the positions of the power inverter, antenna, and tv/audio
power cord to see if a change of their relative positions improves your
reception.
3. Isolate the television/audio device, its power cord and antenna cables
from the power inverter and 12 Volt power source by running an
extension cord from the television/audio device power cord to the
inverter.
4. Coil the television power cord and the power cables running from the
12 Volt power source to the power inverter.
5. Attach a “Ferrite Data Line Filter”, available at most electronic supply
stores, to the television/audio device power cord. More than one filter
may be required.
SOLAR Power Inverter Safety Features
Your SOLAR power inverter is equipped with automatic shut off protection
which will be activated if any of several unsafe operating conditions exist. In
the event that any of the following conditions occurs, the power inverter will
shut down:
1. The power input from the 12 Volt power source drops to 9.5 Volts.
(When the power from the 12 Volt power source drops to 10.5 Volts, an
extended audible alarm will sounds, warning you that your power
source is low.)
2. The power input from the 12 Volt power source exceeds 15.5 Volts.
3. The “continuous power” demand from the powered device exceeds
the continuous power rating of your power inverter.
4. The “peak power” demand from the powered device exceeds the peak
power rating of your power inverter.
5. The circuit temperature within the power inverter exceeds 165˚F.

Note: Your power inverter is equipped with a cooling fan, which is
designed to run continuously when the inverter is in use. Automatic
shut down caused by high circuit temperature will occur when the
cooling fan is unable to maintain a cool enough temperature for safe
operation of the power inverter.
In the event the automatic shut down protection occurs or the inverter
sounds a continuous audible alarm, turn OFF the power inverter immediately.
Do not re-start the power inverter until the source of the problem has been
identified and corrected.
SOLAR Power Inverter Maintenance – Replacing Blown fuses
Your SOLAR power inverter is equipped with fuses of specific amperage
rating and physical design. In most cases, the fuses should not need to be
replaced. If you require replacement fuses, it is important that you purchase
and install the correct replacement fuse(s). Please reference the chart below
to determine the correct fuse(s) for your product.
Model No. No. of Fuses Fuse Rating Fuse Type
PI15000X 1 15 Amp Spade Type
ALWAYS disconnect your SOLAR power inverter from the 12 Volt power
source prior to attempting to replace the fuse(s). ALWAYS use the proper
replacement fuse(s) as indicated in the chart above. Make sure to address
the root source of the overload that caused the blown fuse prior to using
your power inverter again.

TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem: Low or no output voltage from the power inverter
Answer: Check connections between the 12 Volt power source and
the power inverter as detailed in Connecting Your Power
Inverter.
Answer: Using the incorrect type of voltmeter to test the output
voltage. To accurately measure the the output voltage of
your SOLAR Power Inverter, use only a voltmeter identified as
a “True RMS” reading voltmeter.
Problem: Red LED ON
Answer: The voltage of the 12 Volt power source may have dropped
below 9.5 Volts – check 12 Volt power source voltage and
recharge as needed.
Answer: The device being powered is placing a power demand on the
inverter that is beyond its operating capacity – use a higher
capacity power inverter or cease powering that device using
your power inverter.
Answer: The inverter is too hot – allow the inverter to cool. Check for
adequate ventilation. If problem persists, reduce the the load
on the power inverter to the rated continuous power.
Problem: Low Battery Alarm on Continuously
Answer: The voltage of the 12 Volt power source may have dropped
below 10.5 Volts – check 12 Volt power source voltage and
recharge as needed.
Answer: Poor or weak 12 Volt power source – recharge or replace the
battery.
Answer: Inadequate power delivery from the 12 Volt power source –
check the connections between the 12 Volt power source and
the power inverter.
Problem: Poor Television/Audio Device Reception
Answer: Refer to “Suggestions When Using Your Power Inverter to
Power Television and Audio Devices” section within this
Operator’s Manual.

Specifications
Electrical Specifications 150 W
Maximum continuous AC power 150
Surge capacity (peak) 300
Surge Capacity Peak Seconds 1
Peak efficiency 90%
No load current draw <0.3 A
DC Low Voltage Alarm YES
DC Low Voltage Shut-Down YES
DC Over Voltage Shut-Down YES
Over Temperature Protectoin YES
Cooling Fan YES
Overload Protection YES
Input voltage range 10 - 15 VDC
AC output frequency 60 +/-4 Hz
AC output voltage 115 VAC RMS +/-10%
Output waveform Modified sine wave
General Specifications 150 W
AC receptacle Triple
DC connection Hardwire
Recommended DC fuse 15A
Dimensions (H x W x L) TBA
Weight
1.25 lb (0.56Kg)
Warranty One year
Output temperature range "32° F to 104° F (0° C to 40° C)"
LED indicators Power on and fault

WARRANTY
SOLAR Power Inverters are guaranteed to be free from defects in materials
and workmanship for one (1) year from the original date of purchase –
original purchase receipt required to obtain warranty.
This warranty is not extended to products which, in Clore Automotive's sole
judgement, have been misused, abused or modified from their original state.
The foregoing warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, whether oral, written,
expressed, implied or statutory, including, but not limited to, implied
warranties of fitness for a particular purpose or merchantability.
To obtain service under this warranty, return your SOLAR Power Inverter to
the place of purchase, along with your dated sales receipt, for an exchange.
Your product can also be sent back to Clore Automotive for exchange – visit
www.cloreautomotive.com for shipping address.
This manual is available in a multilingual version (English, Spanish, French) on
our web site at:
http://www.cloreautomotive.com/site_prod.asp?sku_pk=328
Este manual está disponible en una versión multilingüe (inglés, español,
francés) en nuestro sitio web en:
http://www.cloreautomotive.com/site_prod.asp?sku_pk=328
Ce manuel est disponible dans une version multilingue (l'anglais, espagnol,
français) sur notre site web à :
http://www.cloreautomotive.com/site_prod.asp?sku_pk=328
841-019-150 ©2006 Clore Automotive