Wagan Elite 180W User manual

Item no. 2200
User’s Manual
Elite 180W
DC to AC Pure Sine Inverter

©2010 Wagan Corporation
All Rights Reserved
Wagan and wagan.com are trademarks used by Wagan Corporation

©2010 Wagan Corporation
All Rights Reserved
Wagan and wagan.com are trademarks used by Wagan Corporation 3
User’s Manual—Read before using this equipment
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Wagan Tech 180 Watt Pure Sine Wave DC to
AC Power Inverter. It delivers a true sine wave AC identical to that of commercial
power. Use this inverter to power AC appliances in your vehicle. Pure Sine Wave
AC means that your sensitive electronics such as audio/video systems, computers
and communications equipment will operate properly. Furthermore, appliances with
motors operate cooler, quieter and more efficiently when they are powered by sine
wave AC.
This inverter is powered from 12 volts DC and it will continuously deliver 180
watts (360 Watts momentary peak) AC power at 120 Volts, 60 Hz. Superior
surge capability of 360 watts allows the inverter to start most difficult motorized
appliances. Advanced microprocessor-controlled circuits run cooler and are more
reliable than competing units.
It also operates at high efficiency (up to 90%) that results in long run time and
extended battery life compared to other inverters with this level of power output.
A USB Power Port provides a convenient way to power USB appliances or charge
cell phones, PDAs and personal audio-video devices.
This Wagan 180 watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter is an indispensable addition to your
compliment of mobile power equipment. With minimal care and proper treatment it
will provide years of reliable service.
Read and understand this manual before installing and operating this inverter. Keep
this manual for future use.
G e n e r a l I n s t r u c t io n s
• Keep the inverter away from any direct heat source or combustible materials.
• Keep well ventilated—this device generates heat.
• Keep the inverter away from combustible gases.

www.wagan.com
4
Elite 180W Pure Sine Inverter by Wagan Tech
©2010 Wagan Corporation
All Rights Reserved
Wagan and wagan.com are trademarks used by Wagan Corporation
• Do not continuously operate any equipment over 180 watts.
• This inverter is designed to operate from a 12 volt DC power source only.
• Do not attempt to connect the inverter to any other power source, including
any AC power source.
• Incorrect battery polarity will damage the inverter and void the warranty.
• Keep this inverter in a dry environment.
• Do not open the inverter; there are no user serviceable parts inside.
WARNING
INVERTER OUTPUT CAN BE LETHAL. IMPROPER USE OF THIS INVERTER
MAY RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY OR LOSS OF
LIFE.
Front P a n e l
The Front Panel view shows the inverter’s ON/OFF Switch, Indicators, AC Outlet
and USB Power Port.
• ON/OFF Switch — This switch controls AC output of the inverter.
• Operating LED (Green) — When this green LED is lit, the inverter is operating
normally.
• FAULT LED (Red) — This indicator turns RED as the inverter shuts down
because of: Excessive Temperature, Overload, Under Voltage or Over
voltage.
Immediately turn off all AC appliances if the FAULT LED is lit. Allow the
inverter to cool before continuing. Make sure that the ventilation vents are not
blocked.

www.wagan.com
©2010 Wagan Corporation
All Rights Reserved
Wagan and wagan.com are trademarks used by Wagan Corporation 5
User’s Manual—Read before using this equipment
If an inverter “shutdown” was preceded by a buzzing sound, there may
excessive load, in combination with a low voltage or cable problem.
• AC Outlet — This outlet can supply up to 1.5 Amps at 120V AC 60 Hz
• USB Power Port — This power port can supply 5 volts at 500 mA for
charging or powering cell phones, PDA’s, GPS and other small electronic
devices.
• Audible Alarm (internal to the inverter) — When the Audible Alarm makes
a buzzing sound, the inverter senses a low battery condition. The user
should reduce the AC load, charge the battery, and check the DC cable for
excessive losses.
AC Outlet
Operating
LED
Fault LED
Cooling Vents
USB Power Port
ON/OFF Switch

www.wagan.com
6
Elite 180W Pure Sine Inverter by Wagan Tech
©2010 Wagan Corporation
All Rights Reserved
Wagan and wagan.com are trademarks used by Wagan Corporation
Rear Panel
• Positive Terminal — Positive (+) DC Input (Red)
• Negative Terminal — Negative (−) DC Input (Black)
• Cooling Fan — High-speed and load controlled
Cooling Fan Positive (+) Red Terminal
Negative (−) Black Terminal

www.wagan.com
©2010 Wagan Corporation
All Rights Reserved
Wagan and wagan.com are trademarks used by Wagan Corporation 7
User’s Manual—Read before using this equipment
L o a d C o n s i d era t i o n s
The startup load of an appliance is a major factor of whether this inverter can
power it.
Startup load is momentary. With many appliances, it is approximately twice the
continuous load, but some appliance startup loads can be as high as eight times the
continuous load.
To determine if an appliance or tool will operate with this inverter, run a test. This
inverter will automatically shut down in the event of an output overload, so there is
no danger of damaging either the inverter or the equipment. When lit, a red LED
indicator signals a fault.
Maximum Power from Switched Accessory Sockets
Most vehicular accessory sockets that are controlled through a vehicle’s ignition
switch are fused at 15 Amps. This limits inverter output to approximately 140 watts.
A user has some options to power appliances to 180 watts.
1. Install a separate fused DC accessory socket wired to the vehicle’s battery.
Fuse this circuit at 20 Amps.
2. Change Inverter power cords and wire a fused cable to the vehicle’s battery.
Fuse this circuit at 20 Amps.
There is no danger in leaving the inverter directly wired to the battery if the inverter
is turned OFF after use. Further, all inverters will shut off when the battery discharges
to 9.5 volts. This battery voltage is still enough to allow the vehicle to start.
Determining Maximum Appliance Wattage
Do not exceed the 180 watt maximum AC load or the inverter will shut down.
Most other electrical tools, appliances, and audio/video equipment have labels
that list the unit’s power requirements in watts. If the tool or device is rated in amps,

www.wagan.com
8
Elite 180W Pure Sine Inverter by Wagan Tech
©2010 Wagan Corporation
All Rights Reserved
Wagan and wagan.com are trademarks used by Wagan Corporation
multiply the amps by 120 (120V AC) to determine the watts. For example, an
appliance rated at 0.5 amps will draw 60 watts.
WATTS = VOLTS × AMPS
Remember to consider the startup surge that motorized appliances will cause. Do
not exceed the 360 watt momentary surge rating of this inverter. This can cause
immediate overload shut down and or blow a fuse. A fuse protects the Accessory or
Lighter Socket.
Connecting the Inverter
1. Connect the red and black prongs of the supplied DC Adapter Cord into the
inverter.
Be sure to insert them into the correct polarity terminals on the rear of the
inverter. Reverse polarity connection will blow the fuse in the inverter and can
permanently damage to the inverter. Damage caused by reverse polarity will
void the warranty.
2. Connect the Plug end of the DC Adapter Cable into your vehicle’s 12V DC
accessory outlet. You may need to place the ignition switch to Accessory
Position if the vehicle engine is not operating.
3. Plug the AC appliance cord into the inverter’s AC receptacle, and/or your
USB appliance into the USB Power Port.
4. Place the ON/OFF power switch in the ON position. The green LED should
turn on, indicating the inverter is powered and operating normally.
5. While the Inverter is not in use, place the inverter’s ON/OFF Power Switch
to the OFF position, and optionally unplug the DC Adapter cable from the
vehicle’s DC outlet.

www.wagan.com
©2010 Wagan Corporation
All Rights Reserved
Wagan and wagan.com are trademarks used by Wagan Corporation 9
User’s Manual—Read before using this equipment
Operating Issues: Television and Audio Equipment Suggestions.
Although all 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 improve reception.
• Make sure that the television antenna produces a clear signal under normal
operating conditions (i.e. at home plugged into a standard 110/120V AC
wall outlet). Also ensure that the antenna cable is properly shielded and of
good quality.
• Sometimes vehicle alternators produce some electrical noise. There are filters
available to mount on the alternator to reduce noise.
• Change the positions of the inverter, antenna cables and television power
cord.
• Isolate the television, its power cord and antenna cables from the 12 volt
power source by running an extension cord from the inverter to the television
set.

www.wagan.com
10
Elite 180W Pure Sine Inverter by Wagan Tech
©2010 Wagan Corporation
All Rights Reserved
Wagan and wagan.com are trademarks used by Wagan Corporation
Troubleshooting
PROBLEM: Low or No Output Voltage – Fault LED Lit
Reason Solution
Poor contact with battery, inverter
terminals or DC socket.
Clean terminals thoroughly. Reinstall
and tighten. Clean DC socket with non-
metallic abrasive emery stick.
PROBLEM: No Output Voltage – No LEDs Lit
Reason Solution
Fuse blown Check vehicle’s Accessory Socket Fuse
and if blown, replace with the same
type and rating fuse.
PROBLEM: Inverter is Shut Down – Fault LED Lit
Reason Solution
Battery voltage below 10 Volts Charge or replace battery.
Inverter is too hot (thermal shut down
mode).
• Allow inverter to cool.
• Check for adequate ventilation.
• Reduce the load on the inverter to
rated continuous power output.