Cobra CPI 2575 120 Volt AC Power Inverter Instruction Manual

Our Thanks to You

Thank you for purchasing the Cobra CPI 2575 inverter. Properly used, this Cobra product will give you many years of reliable service.

How Your Cobra Power Inverter Works
The Cobra power inverter is an electronic product that has been designed and built to take low voltage DC (Direct Current) power from your automobile or other low voltage power supplies and convert it to standard 115 volt AC (Alternating Current) power like the current you have in your home. This conversion process thereby allows you to use many of your household appliances and electronic products in automobiles, RVs, boats, tractors, trucks and virtually anywhere else.

Customer Assistance
Should you encounter any problems with this product, or not understand its many features, please refer to this owner’s manual. If you require further assistance after  reading this manual, Cobra Electronics offers the following customer assistance services:

For Assistance in the U.S.A.
Automated Help Desk English only. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 773-889-3087 (phone).
Customer Assistance Operators English and Spanish.
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday (except holidays) 773-889-3087 (phone).
Questions English and Spanish.
Faxes can be received at 773-622-2269 (fax).
Technical Assistance English only.
www.cobra.com (on-line: Frequently Asked Questions). English and Spanish. productinfo@cobra.com (e-mail).
For Assistance Outside the U.S.A.
Contact Your Local Dealer

Product Features

Features

• Three AC Receptacles
• Voltage & Power Meter
• Remote On/Off Capable
• Automatic Thermal Protection/Shutdown
• Reverse Polarity Protection
• Low Battery Alarm
• Low Battery Shutdown

Important Safety Information

Before installing and using your Cobra power inverter, please read these general precautions and warnings.

Caution and Warning Statements
To make the most of this inverter, it must be installed and used properly. Please read the installation and operating instructions carefully before installing and using it. Special attention must be paid to the CAUTION and WARNING statements in the manual.

CAUTION Statements specify conditions which could cause damage to the unit or other equipment.
WARNING Statements identify conditions that could result in personal injury or loss of life.

General Precautions

1. Never install the inverter in a boat’s engine compartment where gas and battery fumes are present.

2. Do not operate the inverter if it has been droppedor damaged in any way.

3. Do not open the inverter; it contains no userserviceable parts. Attempting to service unit could cause electrical shock.
   NOTE Internal components remain charged after all power is disconnected.

4. Do not expose the inverter to rain, snow, bilge water or spray.

5. Do not obstruct the ventilation openings.

6. Do not install the inverter in zero-clearance compartment.

CAUTION This inverter should be used in negative ground applications only

Important Safety Information

WARNING Power inverters contain components that tend to produce arcs or sparks. To prevent fire or explosion, do not install the inverter in areas or compartments containing batteries or flammable materials or in locations that require ignition-protected equipment.

WARNING To reduce the risk of fire, do not cover or obstruct the ventilation openings. Do not install inverter in zero-clearance compartment.

Caution: Rechargeable Appliances
Certain chargers for small nickel cadmium batteries  can be damaged if connected to the Cobra 2500 wattinverter. Two particular types of equipment are prone to this problem:

1. Small battery-operated appliances such as flashlights, razors, and night lights that can be plugged directly into an AC receptacle to recharge.

2. Certain battery chargers for battery packs used in hand power tools. These chargers have a WARNING label stating that dangerous voltages are present at the battery terminals.

This problem does not occur with the vast majority of battery operated equipment. Most use a separate charger or transformer that is plugged into the AC receptacle and produces a low voltage output. If the label on the AC adapter or charger states that it produces a low voltage AC or DC output (less than 30 volts), the inverter will have no problem powering the adapter safely.

Cobra 2500 Watt Output Waveform
Some very sensitive electronic equipment may not operate satisfactory on “square wave” or “modified sine wave.”
The output waveform is referred to as “square wave” or “modified sine wave.” It is a stepped waveform designed to have characteristics similar to the sine wave shape of utility power.
A waveform of this nature is suitable for most AC loads (including linear and switching power suppliers used in electronic equipment, transformers and motors).

Quick Evaluation Before Installation
This section provides you with basic information about the inverter and how to check its performance before installation.
Be sure to have on hand:

A 12 volt DC power source (such as a vehicle battery). The power source must provide between 11 and 15 volts DC and be able to supply enough current to run the test load. As a rough guide, divide the wattage of the test load by 10 to get the current (in amperes) the power source must deliver.

Cables to connect the power source to the inverter (not included).

The cables must be as short and thick as possible in order to reduce the voltage drop between the power source and the inverter when it is drawing current from the power source.

If the cable suffers an excessive voltage drop, the inverter may shut down when drawing higher currents because the voltage at the inverter dropped below 10 volts.

4 AWG stranded copper cable is recommended. It should be no longer than four

feet (one and one-half meters).

The end of the cable that connects to the inverter must have its insulation stripped off for about one-half inch (one and one-half cm) back from the end, exposing the bare copper.

The other end of the cable, which connects to the power source, must be terminated with a lug or other connector that provides a secure, low resistance connection.

For example, if the power source is a battery, the cable must be terminated with a battery terminal that clamps to the post on the battery.

Quick Evaluation Before Installation

A test load that can be plugged into the AC receptacle on the inverter for short term testing at a low power level. The following cables are recommended for testing low power level test loads only.

To check your inverter’s performance before installation:

1. Turn the inverter off (see page 14 for details). If the power source is a DC power supply, switch it off as well.

2. Connect cables to power input terminals (see page 8 for details).

3. Connect cables to power source (see page 8 for details).

4. Check to make sure all connections are secure.

5. Turn the inverter on. If the power source is a DC power supply, switch it on first.

6. Plug in the test load

The inverter should supply power to the load. If the inverter is not working properly, refer to the troubleshooting guide on page 20 or power and protection indicators section on page 16

NOTE A USB device can be used to check the output of the USB Outlet.

Mounting

WARNING This unit contains components which can produce arcs or sparks. To prevent fire or explosion, do not install in compartments containing a battery or flammable materials, or in a location which requires ignition protected equipment.
WARNING This unit is suitable for installation in negative ground applications only. Do not attempt to install to a positive ground application.

Installation Requirements
The inverter must be installed in an area that meets all of the following requirements:

A Dry
Do not place in an area where water can drip or splash on the inverter.
B. Cool
Ambient air temperature should be between 30°F and 105°F (0°C and 40°C). The cooler the better.
C. Ventilate
Allow at least one inch (three cm) of clearance around the inverter for proper airflow. Make sure that ventilation openings on the ends of the unit are not obstructed.
D. Safe
Do not install the inverter in the same compartment as a battery or in any compartment that contains flammable liquids such as gasoline.
E. Close to Battery
Install unit as close to battery as possible (without being in the same compartment) to minimize the length of cable required to connect the inverter to the battery. It is better and cheaper to run longer AC wires than longer DC wires (cables).

CAUTION To avoid fire, do not cover or obstruct ventilation openings. Do not install inverter in a zero-clearance compartment. Overheating may result.
CAUTION The inverter must only be connected to batteries with a nominal output voltage of 12 volts. It will not work with a 6 volt battery, and will be damaged if it is connected to a 16 volt battery.

Mounting

WARNING This unit contains components which can produce arcs or sparks. To prevent fire or explosion, do not install in compartments containing a battery or flammable materials, or in a location which requires ignition protected equipment.

WARNING This unit is suitable for installation in negative ground applications only. Do not attempt to install to a positive ground application

To mount your inverter:

1. Place the inverter on a flat surface with the mounting bracket against the mounting surface.
   

2. Mount to secure surface using mounting hardware that is corrosion resistant (not included).
   

The inverter can be mounted horizontally or vertically. If mounted vertically, neither end of the unit should be at  the top (to avoid foreign material from falling or settling into the unit).

Connecting Cables

Connecting Cables (not included)
Power wire and wiring are very important to the performance of the inverter. Because the inverter has a low voltage, high current input, low resistance wiring is essential between the battery and inverter. This is so it can deliver the maximum amount of energy to the load.

Use only copper wire. Aluminum wire has about one-third more resistance than copper wire of the same size, plus it is difficult to make good, low- resistance connections to aluminum wire.

We recommend #4 AWG copper cable (90°C insulation rating) as the minimum size for connections between the battery and inverter.

Keep the cable length as short as possible, no more than four feet (one and a half meters). This will keep the voltage drop to a minimum.

If the cable has too much voltage drop, the inverter may shut down when drawing higher currents because voltage at the inverter may drop below 10 volts. If you must use longer cables, choose thicker cables, such as #2 AWG, and trim the ends of the cable to fit the terminals

1. To connect the cables between the inverter and the battery:
   1. Press the Power Button on the inverter to the off position. If the power source is a DC power supply, switch it off as well.
   

2. On the end of the cable that connects to the inverter, strip back the insulation about one-half inch (one and one-half cm), exposing the bare copper conductor.
   

3. Connect cable to the Power Input Terminals on input end of the inverter. The red terminal is positive (+) and the black terminal is negative (-). Insert the bare ends of the cables into the terminals and tighten the screws to clamp the wires securely.
   It is a good idea to check and tighten these screws from time to time. They can become loose by vibrations or thermal cycling.
   

4. Connect cables to the power source:
   a. Connect the cable from the Negative (Black) Terminal of inverter to the Negative Terminal of the power source. Make a secure connection
   b. Connect the cable from the Positive (Red) Terminal of the inverter to the Positive Terminal of the power source (the battery’s main fuse or the battery selector switch, if you are using one). Make a secure connection.

Connecting Cable

You might observe a spark when you make this connection since current can flow to charge capacitors in the inverter.
All power connections to your Cobra inverter must be Positive to Positive and Negative to Negative.

CAUTION Electrical installations must meet local and national wiring codes, and should be performed by a qualified electrician.

CAUTION Do not connect the inverter and another AC source (such as a generator or utility power) to the AC wiring at the same time. The inverter will be damaged if its output is connected to AC voltage from another source. Damage can even occur if the inverter is switched off.

CAUTION Do not connect the inverter to an AC branch circuit that has high-power consumption loads. It will not operate electric heaters, air conditioners, stoves, and other electrical appliances that consume more than 2500 watts.

CAUTION Loose connectors result in excessive voltage drop and may cause over heated wires and melted insulation.

CAUTION Reverse polarity connections (positive to negative) will blow internal fuses in the inverter and may permanently damage the unit. Such damage is not covered by the warranty.

CAUTION We recommend a main fuse in the battery’s positive cable to protect against DC wiring circuits (external to the inverter). The fuse should be as close to the battery as possible. We recommend a Buss Fuse ANL-250 or equivalent. The specific fuse ampere rating should be sized to allow operation of all your DC powered equipment.

CAUTION Remove any jewelry (watch, ring, etc.). Be careful not to short circuit the battery with any metallic object (wrench, etc.).

WARNING If you are making a permanent AC connection to the inverter, make sure that the AC wiring steps are performed before any DC wiring is done. (DC hook-up energizes internal components, regardless of the position of the On/Off Switch). Working on AC connections in such a circumstance may result in an electric shock.

WARNING 115 volt AC power is potentially lethal. Do not work on AC wiring when it is connected to the inverter (even if it is switched off) unless the DC power source is physically disconnected from the inverter. Also, do not work on AC wiring if it is connected to another AC power source such as a generator or the utility line.

WARNING You may observe a spark when making the connection because current can flow to charge the capacitors in the inverter. Do not make this connection in the presence of flammable fumes. Explosion or fire may result. Thoroughly ventilate the battery compartment before making this connection.

Power Consumption
For each piece of equipment you will be operating from the inverter, you must determine the battery’s reserve capacity (how long the battery can deliver a specific amount of current – in automotive batteries, usually 25 ampere) or ampere-hour capacity (a measure of how many amperes a battery can deliver for a specified length of time).

Example – Reserve capacity: a battery with a reserve capacity of 180 minutes can deliver 25 ampere for 180 minutes before it is completely discharged.

Example – Ampere-hour capacity: a battery with an ampere-hour capacity of 100 ampere-hours can deliver 5 ampere for 20 hours before it is completely discharged.

To determine the battery ampere-hour capacity you require:

1. Determine how many watts each piece of equipment consumes. This can normally be found on the product label. If only the current draw is given, multiply the current draw by 115 to get the watt consumption.
2. Estimate the time (in hours) that each piece of equipment will be running between battery charging cycles.
3. Calculate the total watt-hours of energy consumption (power x operating time) using the average power consumption and the total estimated running time (in hours). **Power x Operating Time = Watt-Hours.
   100 watts x 2 hours = 200 watt-hours

115 watts x 3 hours = 345 watt-hours

300 watts x 15 minutes = 75 watt-hours

**

Ground Wiring

There is a screw on the rear panel for Chassis Ground. This is to connect the chassis of the inverter to ground. The Chassis Ground Screw must be connected to a grounding point, which will vary depending on where the unit is installed. Use a #8 AWG copper wire (preferably with green/yellow insulation) to connect the chassis ground screw to the grounding point.

In a vehicle : Connect the Chassis Ground to the chassis of the vehicle.
In a boat: Connect to the Boat Grounding System.
In a fixed location: Connect the Chassis Ground Screw to earth ground by connecting to a ground rod (a metal rod pounded into the earth) or other proper service entrance ground.

Remote On/Off Switch

Turning Your Inverter On or Off
Be sure to have your power inverter properly installed before attempting to turn the unit on (see installation page 6).

To turn the power inverter on:

1. If a DC power supply is being used as the power source, switch it on.
2. On the Output End , press the Power Button to on.
   

The inverter is now ready to deliver AC power to your loads. If several loads are to be operated by the inverter, turn them on separately, after the inverter has been turned on. This will ensure that the inverter does not have to deliver the starting currents required for all the loads at once.

NOTE The Power Button turns the control circuit in the inverter on and off. It does not disconnect power from the inverter.
When the button is in the off position, the inverter draws no current from the battery. When it’s in the on position, but no power is being supplied to a load, the inverter draws less than 600 milliamperes from the battery. This is low current draw. It would take more than a week to discharge a 100 amperehour battery at this rate depending on the age of the battery.

Remote On/Off Switch

An optional Remote On/Off Switch (see page 24 to order accessories) can be connected to the Remote Jack allowing you to turn the Cobra power inverter on or off from a convenient location when the inverter is installed in an out of reach location

Operating Indicators

Indicators at the Output End of the unit show the unit’s power status and alarms for conditions that could cause it to shut down.

Power on – The Voltage Input and Power Output indicators automatically toggle between input and output values at three-second intervals. The three LEDs indicate the mode the meter is in and the three digits indicate the voltage or power value.
Current Overload Protection – If the inverter is overloaded, it will shut down to protect itself. The meter will flash as shown to indicate Overload Protect.

To restore normal operation, disconnect the excessive load and turn the unit Off and On again using the Power Button.

Short Circuit Protection – If the AC output of the inverter is shortcircuited for one second or more, it will shut down to protect itself. The meter will flash as shown to indicate Short Circuit Protect and an alarm will sound.

To restore normal operation, disconnect the short circuit and turn the unit Off and On again using the Power Button.

Low Voltage Protection – If the DC input voltage drops below the alarm threshold of 11.3V +/- 0.3V the meter will flash as shown to indicate Low Voltage Protection, but the unit will continue to operate. If the input voltage drops to 10.0V or less, the inverter will shut down to protect itself, the meter will continue to flash as shown, and an alarm will sound. To restore normal operation, return the DC input voltage to at least 12V. The inverter will automaticallyreturn to normal operation.

High Voltage Protection –
If the DC input voltage rises above 15.0V, the inverter will shut down to protect  itself, the meter will flash as shownto indicate Over Voltage Protection, and an alarm will sound.
To restore normal operation, return the DC input voltage to less than 15V. The inverter will automatically return to normal operation.

Operating Indicators

Over Temperature Protection – If the internal inverter temperature rises above the alarm threshold, the meter will flash as shown, an alarm will sound to indicate Over Temperature Protect, and the unit will continue to operate. If the internal temperature rises to 40ºC (104ºF), the inverter will shut down to protect itself, the meter will flash as shown and the alarm will continue to sound.

NOTE Internal inverter temperature can rise due to being operated in a high heat environment or due to the fan or vents being blocked during operation (even in relatively cool outside air).

To restore normal operation, turn the unit Off and allow it to cool. The inverter will automatically return to normal operation after it has cooled.

Operating Limits

Power Output
The inverter can deliver 2500 watts for about 60 minutes. The inverter must cool for 15 minutes before it can resume operation at 2500 watts. Note: The wattage rating applies to resistive loads.

The inverter will operate most AC loads within its power rating. Some induction motors used in freezers, pumps, and other motor-operated equipment require very high surge currents to start. The inverter may not be able to start some of these motors even though their rated current draw is within the inverter’s limits. The inverter will normally start single phase induction motors rated at one-half HP or less.

Input Voltage
The inverter will operate from input voltage ranging from 10 volts to 15 volts. Optimum performance will occur when the voltage is between 12 volts and 14 volts. If the voltage drops below 11.3V +/- 0.3V, an audible low battery warning will sound. The inverter will shut down if the input voltage drops below 10.3V +/- 0.3V. This protects the battery from being over-discharged. It will restart when the input voltage exceeds 12V+/-0.3V.

The inverter will also shut down if the input voltage exceeds 15.5V+/-0.5V. This protects the inverter against excessive input voltage. Although the inverter has protection against over-voltage, it may still be damaged if the input voltage were to exceed 16 volts.

Troubleshooting Guide

cable
No output voltage after prolonged use| Thermal shutdown| Allow inverter to cool off. Reduce load, continuous operation input current required. Improve ventilation; Make sure ventilation openings in the inverter are not obstructed. Reduce ambient temperature.
No output voltage, “Protect” indicator lighted| Short circuit| Check load for proper operation
No output voltage| Inverter switched off No power to inverter| Turn inverter on.
Check wiring to inverter.
Low battery alarm on all the time| Poor DC wiring Poor battery condition|

For Products Purchased Outside the U.S.A.
Please contact your local dealer for warranty information.
Trademark Acknowledgement
Cobra®, Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® and the snake design are registered trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA. Cobra Electronics Corporation™ is a trademark of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA.

Specifications

Continuous output power (1 hour) . . . . . . . . . . . 2500W
Surge rating (0.1 second) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5000W
Peak efficiency (12V – 1⁄2 load) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 88%
Efficiency (full load, 12V) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 83%
No load current draw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . < 0.6A (12.6V)
Output waveform (resistive load) . . . Modified sine wave
Output frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58HZ – 62HZ
Output voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109V – 120V
USB output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5V
Input voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.4VDC – 14.4VDC
Alarm voltage (unload) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11.0V – 11.6V
Shutdown voltage (unload) . . . . . . . . . . . 10.0V – 10.6V
Operating temperature range . . . . . . . . . . . . 0°C – 40°C (32°F – 104°F)
Storage temperature range . . . . . . . . . . . . -40°C – 85°C (-40°F – 185°F
Protection . . . . . . . . . .Overload, short-circuit, overtemp, reverse polarity, under/over voltage

Notes
All protection is automatically recovered. To protect the battery, if the unit needs to be restarted after low voltage protection, the voltage of DC input should be above 12V.

Warranty and Trademark  Acknowledgement

Limited Two-Year Warranty

For Products Purchased in the U.S.A.

Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that its Cobra power inverter, and the component parts thereof, will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for a period of two years from the date of first consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the first consumer purchaser, provided that the product is utilized within the U.S.A.

Cobra will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective power inverters, products or component parts upon delivery to the Cobra Factory Service department, accompanied by proof of the date of first consumer purchase, such as a duplicated copy of a sales receipt.

You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship the product for warranty service, but the return charges will be at Cobra’s expense, if the product is repaired or replaced under warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state.

Exclusions : This limited warranty does not apply:

1. To any product damaged by accident.
2. In the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized alterations or repairs.
3. If the serial number has been altered, defaced, or removed.
4. If the owner of the product resides outside the U.S.A.

All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are limited in duration to the length of this warranty. Cobra shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential or other damages; including, without limitation, to damages resulting from loss of use or cost of installation. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.

To extend the life of the fan, it will stop when there is no load. The speed of the fan increases as the load increases.

The unit is completely insulated in input and output for added safety

Maintenance and Product Service

Very little maintenance is required to keep the inverter operating properly. The exterior of the unit should be cleaned periodically with a damp cloth to prevent accumulation of dust and dirt. At thesame time, tighten the screws on the DC input terminals. Be surevents and fans are free of dust or debris.

Product Service
For any questions about operating or installing this new Cobra product, or if parts are missing…PLEASE CALL COBRA FIRST…do not return this product to the store. See customer assistance on page A1.

If your product should require factory service, please call Cobra first before sending your power inverter. This will ensure the fastest turn-around time on your repair. You may be asked to send your power inverter to the Cobra factory.

It will be necessary to furnish the following to have the product serviced and returned.

1. For warranty repair include some form of proof-of-purchase, such as a mechanical reproduction or carbon copy of a sales receipt. If you send the original receipt, it cannot be returned.

2. Send the entire product.

3. Enclose a description of what is happening with the power inverter. Include a typed or clearly printed name and address of where the power inverter is to be returned.

4. Pack power inverter securely to prevent damage in transit. If possible, use the original packing material.

5. Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier such as United Parcel Service (UPS) or Priority Mail to avoid loss in transit to:
   Cobra Factory Service Cobra Electronics Corporation 6500 West Cortland Street Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA

6. If the power inverter is in warranty, upon receipt of your power inverter, it will either be repaired or exchanged depending on the model. Please allow approximately three to four weeks before contacting Cobra for status. If the power inverter is out of warranty, a letter will automatically be sent informing you of the repair charge or replacement charge.

7. If you have any questions, please call773-889-3087 for assistance.

Accessories and Customer Assistance Order Form

An optional Remote On/Off Switch can be connected to the Remote Jack allowing you to turn the Cobra CPI 2575 inverter on or off from a convenient location when the inverter is installed in an out of reach location.

Name
Address (No P.O. Boxes)
City : State/Province Zip Country
Telephone
Credit Card Number Type: ❒ Visa ❒ Mastercard ❒ Discover Exp. Date
Customer Signature

Optional Accessories
You can find quality Cobra products and accessories at your local Cobra dealer, or in the U.S.A., you can order directly from Cobra.

Ordering from U.S.A.
Call 773-889-3087 for pricing or visit www.cobra.com.

For credit card orders, complete and return this order
form to fax number 773-622-2269. Or call 773-889-3087 (Press 1 from the main menu) 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.

Make check or money order payable to: Cobra Electronics, Attn: Accessories Dept. 6500 West Cortland Street, Chicago, IL 60707 USA
To order online, please visit our website: www.cobra.com

References

• Communication Radios & Automotive Electronics | Cobra.com
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