Tripp Lite PINV300SW-120 User manual

1
Owner’s Manual
Tripp Lite
DC-to-AC Sine Wave
Inverters
Series Models: PINV300SW-120, PINV600SW-120,
PINV1000SW-120, PINV1500SW-120
Input: 12V DC Output: 110V 60 Hz AC
1111 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609 USA • tripplite.com/support
Copyright © 2021 Tripp Lite. All rights reserved.
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
Register your product today and be
automatically entered to win an ISOBAR®
surge protector in our monthly drawing!
tripplite.com/warranty
Español 28 • Français 55

2
Congratulations! You’ve purchased a high-quality inverter designed
to function as a mobile energy source powered by your automotive
battery. Tripp Lite inverters convert 12V DC (battery) power into 110V
AC (household) power, allowing you to use equipment you commonly
use at home—computers, appliances, electronics, power tools and
more—while traveling by automobile or working at remote locations
that lack AC power. Tripp Lite inverters include advanced features that
protect your equipment, lengthen the service life of your battery and
ensure you’ll always have battery power to start your vehicle:
• Pure Sine-Wave Output
• Automatic Overload Protection
• Automatic Low-Battery Protection
• High-Performance DC-to-AC Inversion
• Simple, Maintenance-Free Operation
• AC Outlets (Varies by model)
• USB-A 5V 2.1A Charging Port
• USB-C 5V 3A / 9V 2A / 12V 1.5A (18W Max) Charging Port
• Wired Remote Control (PINV1000SW-120/PINV1500SW-120
models only)
Important Safety Instructions 3
Feature Identification 6
Battery Selection 9
Mounting 10
Battery Connection 16
Operation 20
Troubleshooting /Maintenance 23
Service 26
Warranty & Product Registration 27
Reliable AC Power Wherever You Need It

3
Important Safety Instructions
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
This manual contains important instructions and warnings
that should be followed during the installation, operation
and storage of all Tripp Lite Inverters. Failure to heed these
warnings may affect warranty.
CAUTION: A battery can present a risk of electric shock
and burn from high short-circuit current. Observe proper
precautions. There are no user serviceable parts inside
the inverter. Do not open. Do not short or bridge the
battery terminals with any object.
Location Warnings
• Install your Inverter (whether for a mobile or stationary application)
in a location or compartment that minimizes exposure to heat, dust,
direct sunlight and moisture.
• Although your Inverter is moisture resistant, it is NOT waterproof.
Flooding the unit with water will cause it to short circuit and could
cause personal injury due to electric shock. Never immerse the
unit, and avoid any area where standing water might accumulate.
Mounting should be in the driest location available.
• Leave a minimum of 20 inches (51 cm) clearance at front and
back of the Inverter for proper ventilation. The heavier the load
of connected equipment, the more heat will be generated by the
unit. Any compartment that contains the Inverter must be properly
ventilated with adequate outside airflow to avoid overheating the
Inverter.
• Ambient temperature should be kept between -5°F and 77°F
(-20°C and 25°C).
• Do not install the Inverter directly near magnetic storage media, as
this may result in data corruption.

4
Important Safety Instructions
• Do not install near flammable materials, fuel or chemicals.
• Do not mount unit with its front or rear panel facing down (at any
angle). Mounting in this manner will seriously inhibit the unit’s
internal cooling, eventually causing product damage not covered
under warranty.
Battery Connection Warnings
• Multiple battery systems must be comprised of batteries of identical
voltage, age, amp-hour capacity and type.
• Because explosive hydrogen gas can accumulate near batteries
if they are not kept well ventilated, your batteries should not be
installed (whether for a mobile or stationary application) in a “dead
air” compartment. Ideally, any compartment would have some
ventilation to outside air.
• Sparks may result during final battery connection. Always observe
proper polarity as batteries are connected.
• Do not allow objects to contact the two DC input terminals. Do not
short or bridge these terminals together. Serious personal injury or
property damage could result.
• Connect the Inverter to the battery with recommended DC fusing
(see Battery Connection) along with properly sized battery cabling
Ground Connection Warnings
• Safe operation requires connecting the Inverter’s main grounding
screw directly to the frame of the vehicle or earth ground.

5
Important Safety Instructions
Equipment Connection Warnings
Use of this equipment in life support applications where failure of this
equipment can reasonably be expected to cause the failure of the life
support equipment or to significantly affect its safety or effectiveness is
not recommended.
Operation Warnings
• Your inverter does not require routine maintenance. Do not open the
device for any reason. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
• Potentially lethal voltages exist within the inverter as long as the
battery is connected. During any service work, the battery should
therefore be disconnected.
• Do not connect or disconnect batteries while the inverter is
operating. Dangerous arcing may result.

6
Feature Identification
PINV300SW-120 / PINV600SW-120
PINV1000SW-120 / PINV1500SW-120
A
A
C
CE
D
D
F
F
G
G
H
H
B
B

7
Feature Identification
AAC Outlets: NEMA 5-15R outlets allow you to connect
equipment that normally plugs into an AC utility outlet.
BLED Status Indicators: When the switch is set to the ON
position, the power status LED will illuminate green during normal
operation and along side the fault conditions. The Fault LED will
illuminate red when certain fault conditions occur.
Function
LED
Fault (Red)* Power (Green)
Input under-voltage alarm Off On
Input under-voltage shutdown On On
Input over-voltage shutdown On On
Overload shutdown On On
Output short-circuit On On
* The internal audible alarm activates for all alarm and fault conditions.
CON/OFF Switch: When you set the switch to the ON position,
the Inverter provides AC power by converting DC power from the
connected 12V battery system. Set the switch to the OFF position
to shut down the Inverter and conserve the battery’s charge when
you are not using connected equipment. Also, set the switch to
the OFF position to reset the Inverter if it has shut down due to
overload or other critical events. Select models include a wired
REMOTE port to extend ON/OFF control to a remote location with
the included PINVSWRM remote panel. The remote provides
ON/OFF control and operation status LEDs to let you know the
inverter is ON and working correctly or not. See the Operation
section for more information.
DUSB Charging Ports: 5V DC 2.1A USB-A and 5V 3A / 9V 2A /
12V 1.5A (18W Max) USB-C charging ports support smartphones,
tablets, telematics and other electronic devices.

8
ERemote Control Port (PINV1000SW-120/PINV1500SW-120
models only): The 6-conductor telephone-style jack on the front
panel can be used with the included remote control module
(Tripp Lite model PINVSWRM). The remote module allows the
Inverter to be mounted out of sight in a compartment or cabinet,
while operated conveniently from your vehicle’s dashboard. See
Mounting and Operation section instructions for use of the
remote control module.
FDC Input Terminals: These positive and negative terminals
connect to the battery via the included or user-supplied cabling.
See Battery Connection for instructions.
GCooling Fan: This fan regulates the internal temperature of
the inverter and prolongs service life. It will only activate if the
temperature or load demand goes beyond the set thresholds.
HMain Ground Lug: Connects to an earth ground or a vehicle
grounding system in order to properly ground the inverter. See
Battery Connection for instructions.
Feature Identification

9
Battery Selection
Match Battery Amp-Hour Capacity to Your
Application
Select a battery or system of batteries that will provide your Inverter
with proper DC voltage and an adequate amp-hour capacity to power
your application. Even though Tripp Lite Inverters are highly efficient
at DC-to-AC inversion, their rated output capacities are limited by the
total amp-hour capacity of connected batteries, plus the output of an
alternator (when one is used).
STEP 1) Determine Total Wattage Required
Add the wattage ratings of all equipment you will connect to your
Inverter. Wattage ratings are typically listed in equipment manuals
or on nameplates. If your equipment is rated in amps, multiply that
number times AC utility voltage to estimate watts. (Example: a drill
requires 2.5 amps. 2.5 amps × 120 volts = 300 watts.)
Step 2) Determine DC Battery Amps Required
Divide the total wattage required (from Step 1, above) by the battery
voltage to determine the DC amps required, then multiply by 1.2 to
account for conversion losses.
Step 3) Estimate Battery Amp-Hours Required
Multiply the DC amps required (from Step 2, above) by the number of
hours you estimate the equipment will operate exclusively from battery
power before recharging the batteries. This will provide an estimate of
how many battery power amp-hours (from one or several batteries) you
should connect to your Inverter.
Note: Battery amp-hour ratings are usually given for a 20-hour discharge rate.
Actual amp-hour capacities are less when batteries are discharged at faster
rates. For example, batteries discharged in 55 minutes provide only 50% of their
listed amp-hour ratings, while batteries discharged in 9 minutes provide as little
as 30% of their amp-hour ratings.

10
Mounting
WARNING!
Mount your Inverter BEFORE DC battery connection. Failure
to follow these instructions may lead to personal injury and/
or damage to the Inverter and connected systems. Ensure the
inverter never is mounted in a vertical position (fan or outlet side
facing up or down). Mounting an inverter in a vertical position
allows debris to enter the unit and inhibit proper operation of its
cooling system, which can void the inverter’s warranty.
Tripp Lite recommends permanently mounting the Inverter in the
configurations illustrated below. The Inverter features integral mounting
brackets on the unit. The user can use the included or user-supplied
mounting hardware and is responsible for determining whether
hardware and mounting surfaces adequately support the weight of the
unit.
Use the measurements as shown in the following diagrams to install
two of the included or user-supplied fasteners at the DC side of the
unit, leaving the heads slightly raised. Slide the unit over the fasteners
to engage the mounting bracket slots. Tighten fasteners. Install two
additional fasteners over the remaining mounting brackets in the front
for proper securement.
Flat Surface
Mount
Wall Mount

11
Mounting
PINV300SW-120 Mounting Dimensions
9.13 in. (232 mm)
6.73 in. (171 mm) 6.34 in. (161 mm)
5.59 in. (142 mm)
7.95 in. (202 mm)
.28 in. (7 mm)
3.23 in.
(82 mm)
3.03 in.
(77 mm)
0.20 in.
(5 mm)
1.30 in.
(33 mm) 0.20 in.
(5 mm)

12
Mounting
PINV600SW-120 Mounting Dimensions
10.39 in. (264 mm)
6.73 in. (171 mm)
6.34 in. (161 mm)
6.77 in. (172 mm)
9.13 in. (232 mm)
.28 in. (7 mm)
4.41 in.
(112 mm)
3.03 in.
(77 mm)
1.30 in.
(33 mm)
0.20 in.
(5 mm)
0.20 in.
(5 mm)

13
PINV1000SW-120 / PINV1500SW-120 Mounting
Dimensions
Mounting
14.60 in. (371 mm)
8.27 in. (210 mm)
7.87 in. (200 mm)
9.96 in. (253 mm)
13.07 in. (332 mm)
4.13 in.
(105 mm)
3.15 in.
(80 mm)
1.38 in.
(35 mm)

14
Mounting
1.96 in. (50 mm)
2.36 in. (60 mm)
2.56 in. (65 mm)
0.07 - Ø 0.11 in.
(2 - Ø3 mm)
3.19 in. (81 mm) 2.87 in. (73 mm)
0.98 in.
(25 mm)
0.86 in.
(22 mm)
*All mounting dimensions are accurate to +/- 0.1 inch (2.5 mm).
Remote Control Mounting Instructions
1. To mount the remote to a permanent location, ensure the 20 ft.
(6 m) remote cable can reach the inverter’s RJ12 remote port.
2. The following mounting dimensions* should be used when
installing the remote to a permanent mounting location:

15
Mounting
3. Using the center-to-center spacing of the mounting holes, mark the
locations for installation.
4. Secure the remote to its permanent location with user-supplied
hardware. Tighten by hand to reduce the possibility of cracking the
remote module at its mounting points.
5. Connect the remote’s wired connector to the inverter’s RJ12 port
labeled “REMOTE”.
6. Set the inverter’s main power switch to the OFF position.
7. Test the connection and operation by pressing ON/OFF until the
green status LED shows on the remote module.

16
Battery Connection
WARNING!
Make sure the inverter power switch is in the OFF position,
connect with included DC Wiring to the positive and negative
terminals. Though your Inverter is a high-efficiency converter of
electricity, its rated output capacity is limited by the length and
gauge of the cabling running from the battery to the unit. Use
the included cabling or the shortest length and largest diameter
cabling (recommended 5 AWG 16.77 mm²) with ring terminals
to fit your Inverter’s DC Input terminals. Shorter and heavier
gauge cabling reduces DC voltage drop and allows for maximum
transfer of current. Your Inverter is capable of delivering peak
wattage at up to 200% of its rated continuous wattage output
for brief periods of time. Heavier gauge cabling should be used
when continuously operating heavy-draw equipment under these
conditions.
Recommended Cabling and Fusing
Model
Included Wire
Gauge and
Quantity
(1x Red/1x Black)
Included
Cable
Length
DC Fuse Size
(User-Supplied)
Ground
Wire Size
and Length
(Included)
PINV300SW-120 12 AWG
(3.33 mm²)
18.9 in.
(48 cm)
60A
18 AWG
(0.75 mm2)
39.4 in.
(100 cm)
PINV600SW-120 8 AWG
(8.37 mm²) 80A
PINV1000SW-120 6 AWG
(13.3 mm²) 200A
PINV1500SW-120 5 AWG
(16.77 mm²) 200A

17
Battery Connection
To Connect the Inverter to Batteries:
1. Locate the positive (+) red and negative (-) black terminals on the
DC input terminal side of the inverter.
2. From the positive and the negative terminals, remove the
protective covers, hex nut, split lock washer and flat washer.
3. Place the positive ring connector onto the positive inverter
terminal. Place the negative ring connector onto the negative DC
input terminal.
4. Place a flat washer and split lock on top of each ring connector.
Put the positive and negative hex nuts over these and tighten to
create a secure connection and prevent excessive heating at this
connection. Insufficient tightening of the terminals could void your
warranty.
5. Install the positive and negative protective covers.
6. Connect Ground: Using the ground wire, directly connect the
Main Ground Screw to the vehicle’s chassis or earth ground.
See Feature Identification to locate the Main Ground Screw.
All installations must comply with national and local codes and
ordinances.
7. Connect Fuse: In addition to the protection provided by the
Inverter’s internal fuses, NEC article 551 requires that you connect
the Inverter’s positive DC Terminal(s) directly to UL-listed fuse(s)
and fuse block(s) within 18 in. (457 mm) of the battery. Refer to
the diagrams below for proper fuse placement.
FUSE 18 in.
(457 mm)

18
Battery Connection
WARNING!
• Failure to properly ground your Inverter to a vehicle’s chassis
or earth ground may result in a lethal electrical shock hazard.
• Never attempt to operate your Inverter by connecting it
directly to output from an alternator rather than a battery or
battery bank.
• Observe proper polarity with all DC connections.

19
Battery Connection
PINV1000SW-120 / PINV1500SW-120 12V Battery
Connection
12V
12V
FUSE 18 in.
(457 mm)
FUSE 18 in.
(457 mm)
Vehicular Applications
Your Inverter’s Nominal DC Input Voltage must match the voltage
of your battery or batteries. 12V DC is used in most vehicular
applications. It is possible to connect your Inverter to the main battery
within your vehicle’s electrical system. In many vehicular contexts, the
Inverter will be connected to one or more dedicated auxiliary (house)
batteries, which are isolated from the drive system to prevent possible
draining of the main battery.
PINV300SW-120 / PINV600SW-120 12V Battery
Connection

20
Operation
Operating Modes
After mounting and connecting your Inverter according to the
instructions in this manual, use the ON/OFF switch to choose the
Inverter’s operating mode.
ON: When you set the switch to the ON position, the Inverter provides
AC power to connected equipment by converting DC power from your
vehicle’s battery. The green LED will illuminate to indicate it is working.
OFF: Set the switch to the OFF position to shut down the Inverter
completely. Doing this will prevent it from drawing power from your
vehicle’s battery. Also set the switch to the OFF position to reset the
Inverter if it has shut down due to low battery, overload or other critical
condition.
1. Connect the Inverter (see Battery Connection section).
2. Switch the Inverter’s ON/OFF switch to the ON position.
3. The green LED indicator will illuminate, indicating the Inverter is
receiving power.
4. Make sure the device(s) to be operated are turned OFF.
5. Plug the device(s) into the Inverter’s AC outlets.