SOLAR PI1500X Power Inverter User Manual
- June 12, 2024
- Solar
Table of Contents
SOLAR PI1500X Power Inverter
Product Information:
The PI1500X Power Inverter is a high-quality power inverter designed to operate from a 12 Volt DC power source. It is equipped with numerous safety features to ensure safe and efficient usage. The power inverter is capable of converting DC power from a car, truck, boat, or other 12 Volt power sources into AC power for operating various devices. It is an ideal solution for powering electronics, appliances, and tools on the go.
Important Safety Instructions:
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Always read the entire instruction manual before using the power inverter.
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Shield your eyes and follow all safety instructions to prevent damage or explosions.
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Avoid exposing yourself to chemicals emitted by the product.
For more information on potential risks, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. -
In case of any damage, missing items, or warranty service, contact Technical Service at 913-310-1050. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty purposes.
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Prior to using the power inverter, read the instruction manual and safety information provided by the vehicle or equipment manufacturer.
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Wear eye protection and appropriate protective clothing when working near lead-acid batteries.
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Exercise extreme caution when handling the power inverter as it may become extremely hot during operation.
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Follow all safety instructions published in the vehicle’s
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Owner’s Manual when working within the engine compartment.
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Handle vehicle batteries with care as they contain hazardous liquid acids.
Product Usage Instructions:
- Ensure that your power inverter is connected to a 12 Volt DC power source only. Do not attempt to connect it to any other power source, including AC power.
- Use the provided connection cables to connect the power inverter to the 12 Volt power source. Do not modify the cables or use alternative means of connection.
- Avoid operating the power inverter near flammable substances or areas where fumes or gases may accumulate, such as battery compartments or gasoline-filled areas.
- Ensure that neither the power inverter, the device being powered, nor any surface in contact with the 12 Volt power source are wet before operating the power inverter.
- Adequately ventilate the power inverter during operation by keeping it away from heat sources, such as heat vents, radiators, and direct sunlight.
- Prior to powering the inverter or any connected device, always check that all connections are correct and secure to prevent voltage decrease and potential damage.
WARNING
Failure to follow instructions may cause damage or explosion, always shield your eyes. Read the entire instruction manual before use.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals, including Vinyl-
Chloride, Styrene, and Acrylonitrile, which are known to the State of
California to cause cancer. For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
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
913-310-1050. 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, or 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 accidents.
- 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.
MPORTANT 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. 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 the eye, immediately flood eye with running cold water
for at least 10 minutes and get medical attention immediately.
Be extra cautious to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto the
battery. It might spark or short circuit battery or other electrical part that
may cause an 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. 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:
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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 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 arecalibrated
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
- Make sure the on/off power switch on the power inverter is in the off (O) position.
- Connect the 12 Volt adapter to the 12 Volt outlet in the vehicle or on the 12 Volt power source.
- 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.
- Turn the inverter power switch to the off (O) position.
- Ensuring that the device to be powered is turned off, plug the device into the 110 Volt AC receptacle on the power inverter.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Coil the television power cord and the power cables running from the 12 Volt power source to the power inverter.
- 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:
- The power input from the 12 Volt power source drops to 9.5 Volts.
- The power input from the 12 Volt power source exceeds 15.5 Volts.
- The “continuous power” demand from the powered device exceeds the continuous power rating of your power inverter.
- The “peak power” demand from the powered device exceeds the peak the power rating of your power inverter.
- 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 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
PI1500X :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 loadon the power inverter to the rated continuous power.
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 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 Single
- DC connection Hardwire
- Recommended DC fuse 15A
- 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
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 the shipping address.
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>