Tripp Lite PowerVerter PV 1000HF User manual

1
Owner’s Manual
PowerVerter®
DC-to-AC Inverters
Models: PV1000HF, PV1800HF & PV3000HF
Input Output
12 VDC 120V, 60 Hz. AC
1111 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609 USA • tripplite.com/support
Copyright © 2022 Tripp Lite. All rights reserved.
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
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Reliable AC Power Wherever You Need It!
Congratulations! You’ve purchased the most advanced, feature-rich Inverter designed as a mobile energy source for your
vehicle. PowerVerter Inverters efficiently convert DC (battery) power into 120V AC (household) power, allowing you to
use equipment you commonly use at home—appliances, entertainment systems, computers, power tools and more—while
cruising the open road or out on the open water. PowerVerter Inverters, through a high-efficiency conversion process and a
charge conservation setting, draw the highest level of performance from your batteries without overtaxing them,
lengthening their service life. An automatic low battery shutdown feature ensures you'll always have plenty of power for
starting purposes.
PV1000HF PV1800HF PV3000HF
• Automatic
Overload Protection
• Automatic “Battery-
Saver” Low Voltage
Shutdown
• High Efficiency
DC-to-AC Inversion
• Multi-Function
Lights & Switches
• Optional Remote
Control Capability
(Module included with
PV3000HF)

2
Table of Contents
Important Safety Instructions 3
Feature Identification 4
Operation 5
Application Guide 7
Mounting (optional) 8
Battery Connection 9
Troubleshooting 11
Specifications 12
Service 13
Maintenance 13
Warranty and Product Registration 13

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.
Location Warnings
• Install your Inverter in a location or compartment in your vehicle that minimizes exposure to heat, dust, direct sunlight
and moisture. Flooding the unit with water will cause it to short circuit and could cause personal injury due to electric
shock.
• Leave a minimum of 2" clearance at front and back of the Inverter for proper ventilation. To avoid overheating the
Inverter, any compartment that contains the Inverter must be properly ventilated with adequate outside air flow. The
heavier the load of connected equipment, the more heat will be generated by the unit.
• Do not install the Inverter directly near magnetic storage media, as this may result in data corruption.
• Do not install near flammable materials, fuel or chemicals.
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 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 DC input terminals. Do not short or bridge these terminals together. Serious personal
injury or property damage could result.
Ground Connection Warnings
• Safe operation requires connecting the Inverter's Main Ground Lug directly to the frame of the vehicle or earth ground.
• For protection against possible electrical shock hazards, if the Inverter is operated in wet or damp conditions, a user-
supplied, portable GFCI (ground fault circuit interruptor) must be connected between each Inverter receptacle and the
equipment it powers.
Equipment Connection Warnings
• Do not use a Tripp Lite Inverter in life support or healthcare applications where a malfunction or failure of
a Tripp Lite Inverter could cause failure of, or significantly alter the performance of, a life support device or
medical equipment.
• You may experience uneven performance results if you connect a surge suppressor, line conditioner or UPS system to
the output of the Inverter.
Operation Warnings
• Your Inverter does not require routine maintenance.
• Potentially lethal voltages exist within the Inverter as long as the battery supply is connected. During any service work,
the battery supply should therefore be disconnected.
• Do not connect or disconnect batteries while the Inverter is operating from the battery supply. Dangerous arcing may
result.

4
Identify the premium features on your specific model and quickly locate instructions on how to maximize their use.
1Operating Mode Switch: controls Inverter operation.
Set this 3-position rocker switch to “ON” to have your
Inverter provide connected equipment with AC power
by converting DC power from an attached battery. Set
switch to “OFF” when not using connected equipment
to prevent battery drain. Set switch to “REMOTE” to
remotely monitor and control the Inverter with the use
of an optional remote module.
2“LOAD” Indicator Lights: intuitive “tra󰀩c light”
signals show approximate equipment load level. See
page 4 for instructions on reading indicator lights.
3“BATTERY” Indicator Lights: intuitive “tra󰀩c light”
signals show approximate charge level of your battery.
See page 4 for instructions on reading indicator lights.
4DC Power Terminals: connect to your battery
terminals. See page 7 for connection instructions.
5AC Receptacles: allow you to connect equipment
that would normally be plugged into a utility outlet.
PV3000HF models include two receptacles that accept
either 15- or 20-amp plugs.
6Resettable Circuit Breaker(s): protect your Inverter
against damage due to overload. PV3000HF models
include two separate 20-amp circuits. See page 4 for
resetting instructions.
7Remote Control Module Connector: allows remote
monitoring and control with an optional module
(Tripp Lite model APSRM4, sold separately or included
with PV3000HF models). See remote module owner’s
manual for connection instructions.
8Battery Charge Conserver (Load Sense) Dial:
conserves battery power by setting the low-load level
at which the Inverter automatically shuts o󰀨. See page
4 for setting instructions.
9Multi-Speed Cooling Fan(s): quiet, e󰀩cient fans
prolong equipment service life.
10 Main Ground Lug: properly grounds the Inverter to
vehicle grounding system or earth ground. See page 7
for connection instructions.
Low Battery Alarm/Shutdown (internal, not
shown): automatically detects low voltage and shuts
down Inverter to preserve vehicle battery.
Overload Alarm/Shutdown (internal, not shown):
automatically detects wattage overload on Inverter
outlets and shuts down Inverter as a protective
measure.
PV3000HF Rear Panel
PV3000HF Front Panel
PV1800HF Rear PanelPV1800HF Front PanelPV1000HF Rear PanelPV1000HF Front Panel
Feature Identification
4
8
8
8 3
3
3 7
7
7 2
2
2 1
1
1
44 1010 49 95
6 6 910 4 9
5
5 5

5
“BATTERY” Indicator Lights: These three lights will
illuminate in several sequences to show the approximate
charge level of your connected battery:
Approximate Battery Charge Level†
Indicator Illuminated Battery Capacity
1Green 91%–Full
2Green & Yellow 81%–90%
3Yellow 61%–80%
4Yellow & Red 41%–60%
5Red 21%–40%
6Flashing Red (slowly)* 1%–20%
7Flashing Red (quickly)** 0% (Inverter
has shutdown)
“LOAD” Indicator Lights: These three lights will illuminate
in several sequences to show the approximate equipment
load level on the Inverter’s AC receptacles.
Approximate Equipment Load Level
Indicator Illuminated Load Level
1Green 0%-50%
2Green & Yellow 51%-75%
3Yellow 76%-90%
4Red > 90%
5Flashing Red (quickly)** OVERLOAD
(Inverter has
shutdown)
† Charge levels listed are approximate. Actual conditions vary
depending on battery condition and load. * Approximately
½ second on, ½ second off. ** Approximately ¼ second on,
¼ second off. See “Resetting Your Inverter to Restore AC Power”
to reset after Inverter shut down.
Operation
Switch Modes
Switch between the following operating modes as appropriate to your situation:
“ON”: Switch to this
setting to provide
connected equipment
with AC power.
“OFF”: Switch to
this setting to shut
down the Inverter
completely, preventing
it from drawing power
from the batteries. Use this switch to
automatically reset the unit if it shuts
down due to low battery or overload.
Use an optional remote control module
(Tripp Lite model APSRM4, sold
separately or included with PV3000HF
models) to reset unit due to overload
only.
“REMOTE”: Switch to
this setting to remotely
monitor and control the
Inverter with the use
of an optional remote
module. See remote module’s owner’s
manual for operating instructions.
Indicator Lights
Your Inverter is equipped with a simple, intuitive, user-friendly set of indicator lights. These easily-remembered “traffic
light” signals will allow you, shortly after first use, to tell at a glance the charge condition of your batteries, as well as
ascertain approximate equipment load level.
1
4
7
2
5
3
6
1
4
2
5
3

6
Operation
Resetting Your Inverter to Restore AC Power
Your Inverter may cease supplying AC power in order to protect itself from overload or to protect your electrical system. To
restore normal functioning:
Low Battery Shutdown Reset: Set operating mode switch to “OFF” and run vehicle engine to recharge battery. When
battery is adequately charged, switch operating mode switch back to either “REMOTE” or “ON.”
Overload Shutdown Reset: Set operating mode switch to “OFF” and remove some of the connected electrical load (ie:
turn off some of the AC devices drawing power which may have caused the overload of the unit). Wait one minute, then
switch operating mode switch back to either “REMOTE” or “ON.”
Output Circuit Breaker Reset (Select Models): Alternatively, check output circuit breaker(s) on the unit's front panel. If
tripped, remove some of the electrical load, then wait one minute to allow components to cool before resetting the circuit
breaker. See Troubleshooting for other possible reasons AC output may be absent.
Set Battery Charge Conserver (Load Sense) Dial
In order to save battery power, the Inverter automatically shuts off in the absence of any power demand
from connected equipment or appliances (the electrical load). When the unit detects a load, it automatically
turns on. Users may choose the minimum load the Inverter will detect by adjusting the Battery Charge
Conserver Dial (see diagram). Using a small tool, turn the dial clockwise to lower the minimum load that will
be detected, causing the Inverter to turn on for smaller loads. When the dial is turned fully clockwise, the
Inverter will operate even when there is no load. Turn the dial counterclockwise to set a higher minimum load, causing the
Inverter to stay off until the new minimum load is reached. When the dial is turned fully counterclockwise, the Inverter will
turn on when it detects any load greater than approximately 150 Watts.
Note: The factory setting for the dial is fully clockwise. However, based on the threshold load to which you’d like the Inverter to
respond, you should adjust the dial counterclockwise to reduce its sensitivity until the Inverter is active only when connected
equipment or appliances are actually in use.
Connect Remote Control—OPTIONAL
All models feature an 8-conductor telephone style receptacle on the front panel for use with an optional remote control
module (Tripp Lite model APSRM4, sold separately or included with PV3000HF models). The remote module allows
the Inverter to be mounted in a compartment or cabinet out of sight, while operated conveniently from your vehicle’s
dashboard. See instructions packed with the remote control module.

7
Application Guide
540 watts ÷ 12V = 45 DC Amps
45 DC Amps × 5 Hrs. Runtime
× 1.2 = 270 Amp-Hours
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 and the support of your vehicle’s
alternator if the engine is kept running.
300W + 220W + 20W = 540W
¼" Drill Orbital Sander
Cordless Tool
Charger
300W + 140W + 100W = 540W
Blender Color TV
Laptop
Computer
• STEP 1: Determine Total Wattage Required
Add the wattage ratings of all equipment you will connect
to your Inverter. Wattage ratings are usually listed in
equipment manuals or on nameplates. If your equipment
is rated in amps, multiply that number times AC utility
voltage to determine watts. (Example: a ¼ in. drill
requires 2½ amps. 2½ amps × 120 volts = 300 watts.)
Note: Your Inverter will operate at higher efficiencies at about
75% - 80% of nameplate rating.
• STEP 2: Determine DC Battery Amps Required
Divide the total wattage required (from step 1, above)
by the battery voltage (12) to determine the DC amps
required.
• STEP 3: Estimate Battery Amp-Hours Required
(for operation unsupported by the alternator)
Multiply the DC amps required (from step 2, above)
by the number of hours you estimate you will operate
your equipment exclusively from battery power before
you have to recharge your batteries. Compensate for
inefficiency and wiring losses by multiplying this number
by 1.2. This will give you a rough estimate of how
many amp-hours of battery power (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.
Appliances
Example
Tools
You must allow your batteries to recharge long enough to replace the charge lost during Inverter operation or else you will
eventually run down your batteries.
Note: For Tripp Lite Inverters over 1000 watts used in mobile applications, Tripp Lite recommends you use at least two batteries, if
possible, fed by a heavy-duty alternator anytime the vehicle is running. Tripp Lite Inverters will provide adequate power for ordinary
usage within limited times without the assistance of your vehicle’s alternator. However, when operating extremely heavy electrical
loads at their peak, you may wish to “assist your batteries” by running your vehicle engine faster than normal idling.

8
Vehicular and Non-Vehicular
Horizontal Mount
Install and tighten four user-supplied fasteners through
Inverter mounting slots and into a rigid horizontal surface.
Install fasteners as far back in the mounting slots as
possible, otherwise the Inverter may slide back and forth
if fasteners loosen.
Mounting (optional)
WARNING! If you choose to mount your Inverter, mount it and wire its DC input BEFORE DC battery
connection. Failure to follow these instructions may lead to personal injury and/or damage to the
Inverter and connected systems.
Tripp Lite Inverters are designed for horizontal mounting in a variety of vehicular or non-vehicular applications. User must
supply mounting hardware and is responsible for determining if the hardware and mounting surface are suitable to support
the weight of the Inverter. Contact Tripp Lite if you require further assistance in mounting your Inverter.

9
PV1000HF
PV1800HF
Connect your Inverter to your batteries using the following procedures—always loosely twist each pair of cables
(one positive and one negative) together:
Connect DC Wiring
Connection to Two DC Terminals
PV1000HF and PV1800HF models include two DC terminals; PV3000HF models include
four DC terminals (two positive and two negative). For PV3000HF models, it is acceptable
to use only one set of cables to connect your battery to only one positive and one negative
DC terminal, however, your PV3000HF may provide reduced output power. It doesn’t make
a difference which positive and negative terminal you choose for the connection because
both positive terminals are internally bonded and both negative terminals are also internally
bonded.
Regardless of the model, you must run positive cable(s) through user-supplied UL-listed
fuse(s) and fuse block(s) of the proper size: PV1000HF—175 amp fuse, PV1800HF—250
amp fuse, PV3000HF—500 amp fuse.
See Specifications page for Minimum Recommended Cable Sizing Chart. An excellent source of
cables are battery jumper cables. Output performance will decrease if you use only one jumper
cable.
Connection to Four DC Terminals
To obtain maximum output power from PV3000HF models, it is recommended (but not
required) that you use four 00 gauge cables to connect your battery to all four DC terminals.
In this connection you must run two positive cables of equal length through two user-
supplied UL-listed 250-amp fuses and fuse blocks. Use the equivalent of two 00 cables in
all other connections within the battery system.
Length & Gauge of Cables
Although 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 shortest length and largest diameter cabling (maximum
00 gauge) 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 instantaneously. See Specifications page for details. Heavier gauge cabling should be used
when continuously operating heavy draw equipment under these conditions. Tighten your Inverter and battery terminals
to approximately 3.5 Newton-meters (2.58 foot lbs.) of torque to create an efficient connection and to prevent excessive
heating at this connection. Insufficient tightening of the terminals could void your warranty.
Connect Ground
Using a #8 AWG wire or larger, directly connect the Main Ground Lug to the vehicle’s chassis ground or earth ground. See
Feature Identification section to locate Main Ground Lug. All installations must comply with national and local codes and
ordinances.
Battery Connection
PV3000HF

10
Battery Connection
Connect Fuse
In addition to the protection provided by the Inverter’s internal fuses, NEC article 551 requires that you connect your
Inverter’s positive DC Terminal(s) directly to a UL-listed fuse(s) and fuse block(s) within 18 inches of the battery. See
diagrams below for proper fuse placement.
WARNING! Never attempt to operate your Inverter by connecting it directly to output from an alternator
rather than a battery or battery bank.
CAUTION! Observe proper polarity with all DC connections. Reversed polarity will cause internal
damage to your Inverter.
Vehicular
Your Inverter’s Nominal DC Input Voltage must match the voltage of your battery or batteries—12 Volts 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.
Note: Connection to all four DC terminals is recommended to
provide the maximum output power from PV3000HF models.
112 Volt Alternator
2Vehicle Battery Ground
312 Volt Main Battery
412 Volt Auxiliary (House)
Battery
5UL-Listed Fuses & Fuse
Blocks (mounted within
18 inches of the battery)
6Battery Isolator
7Large Diameter Cabling,
Maximum 00 Gauge to Fit
Terminals
88 AWG (minimum) Ground
Wire to Vehicle Frame or Earth
Ground
12 Volt Main Battery Connection—two DC terminals
12 Volt Main and Auxiliary (House) Battery Connection (Isolated Parallel)—two DC terminals
1
1
2
2
2
3 7
7
6
8
8
4
3
5
5
Note: Connection to all four DC terminals is recommended to
provide the maximum output power from PV3000HF models.