Cobra CPI-150 BK 150 Watt Modified Sine Power Inverter Instruction Manual

: June 17, 2024
: Cobra

Table of Contents

Cobra CPI-150 BK 150 Watt Modified Sine Power Inverter
Product Information
OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
How Your Cobra® Power Inverter Works
Rechargeable Appliances
Quick Checkout
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
CONTROLS & INDICATORS
OPERATING LIMITS
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
MAINTENANCE & SERVICE
POWER CONSUMPTION
SPECIFICATIONS
LIMITED WARRANTY
Products Includes
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Cobra CPI-150 BK 150 Watt Modified Sine Power Inverter

Product Information

Specifications

Product Name: Power Inverter
Model: CPI 150
Power Output: 150 Watts
AC Output: 110 volt AC
DC Input: 11 to 15 volt DC

FAQ

Q: Can I use the CPI 150 with small battery-operated appliances?
- A: Certain small battery-operated appliances that can be plugged directly into an AC receptacle for recharging may get damaged if connected to the CPI 150. Please refer to the CAUTION section in the manual for more information.
Q: How can I check the performance of my CPI 150 before installing it?
- A: You can perform a performance check using a 12 volt DC power source (such as a vehicle battery) and a test load (such as a lamp or small appliance). Please refer to the Performance Check section in the manual for detailed instructions.

OVERVIEW

Congratulations

Thank you for purchasing the CPI 150 Power Inverter from Cobra®. When used properly, your unit will give you many years of reliable service. The operating features of your CPI 150 include:

Automatic thermal protection/shutdown
Reverse polarity protection
AC receptacle
Low battery alarm
Low battery shutdown

OVERVIEW

Cobra-CPI-150-BK-150-Watt-Modified-Sine-Power-Inverter-
FIG-1

INTRODUCTION

For Best Results

Your CPI 150 must be installed and used properly in order to provide the best possible results. Please read all instructions carefully before installing and using the unit. Pay special attention to CAUTION and WARNING statements in this manual.

CAUTION

CAUTION: statements specify conditions that could cause damage to the unit or other equipment.

STOP WARNING

WARNING: statements identify conditions that could result in person injury or loss of life.

Cobra® 150W Output Waveform

This unit’s output waveform is referred to as ”square wave“ of ”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).

How Your Cobra® Power Inverter Works

Cobra-CPI-150-BK-150-Watt-Modified-Sine-Power-Inverter-
FIG-2

The Cobra® Power Inverter takes low voltage DC (direct current) power from your automobile or other low voltage power supply and converts it to standard 110 volt AC (alternating current) power like the electrical current you have in your home. Simply by plugging your CPI 150 into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket, you can use many of your household appliances and electronic products in automobiles, RVs, boats, tractors, trucks, and virtually anywhere else.

Customer Assistance

You can receive technical assistance with your unit through one of our customer support services:

Automated Help Desk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 773-889-3087.
Customer Service Operators are available at
- 773-889-3087
- Monday – Friday,
- 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST.
Questions can be faxed to 773-622-2269.
Automated Technical Assistance is available 24 hrs., 7 days a week via e-mail at: [email protected].
On-line answers to frequently asked questions can be found at: www.cobra.com

For additional Customer Service information.

Rechargeable Appliances

CAUTION: Certain rechargers for small nickel cadmium batteries can be damaged if connected to the CPI 150. Two types of equipment are particularly prone to this problem:

Small battery operated appliances that can be plugged directly into an AC receptacle for recharging, including flashlights, razors, and night lights.
Certain battery chargers for battery packs used in hand power tools, specifically those that have a WARNING label stating that dangerous voltages are present at the battery terminals. Problems do not occur with the vast majority of battery operated tools, most of which use a separate charger or transformer that plugs into an AC receptacle and produces a low voltage output. If the label on your tool’s AC adapter or charger states that is produces a low voltage AC or DC output (less than 30 volts) you can safely power the charger with your CPI 150.

Quick Checkout

In order to check the performance of your CPI 150 before installing it, please have the following on hand:

A 12 volt DC power source (such as a vehicle battery)
A test load such as a lamp or other small appliance that can be plugged into the AC receptacle on the inverter.

Power Source

You will need an 11 to 15 volt DC power source capable of supplying 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) that the power source must supply. A fully charged standard automotive battery will work fine.

Connecting to the Power Source

Your CPI 150 comes with a 20 inch cigarette lighter plug wire for connection to the power source.

WARNING

Do not connect to the power source if flammable fumes are present.
Explosion or fire may result. Thoroughly ventilate the battery compartment before making a connection.

To connect your inverter to the power source:

Cobra-CPI-150-BK-150-Watt-Modified-Sine-Power-Inverter-
FIG-3

Push the inverter’s ON/OFF switch to OFF.
If the power source is a DC power supply, switch it off.
Insert the cigarette lighter plug into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
Plug the power cord from the test load into the inverter’s AC receptacle.

Testing

Cobra-CPI-150-BK-150-Watt-Modified-Sine-Power-Inverter-
FIG-5

Turn on the inverter. It should supply power to the load.
If the inverter does not appear to work properly, refer to the Troubleshooting Guide.

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

The location where you install your CPI 150 must be:

dry–Do not install the unit where water can drip or splash on it.
cool–Ambient air temperature should be between 30° and 105° F (0° and 40° C). The cooler the better.
ventilated–Allow at least 1 inch (3 cm) of clearance around the unit for proper air flow. Make sure that ventilation openings on the ends of the unit are not obstructed.

CAUTION

To prevent fire, do not cover or obstruct ventilation openings. Do not install the unit in a zero-clearance compartment. Overheating may result.
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.

Turning on Your Power Inverter

Cobra-CPI-150-BK-150-Watt-Modified-Sine-Power-Inverter-
FIG-6

Turn on your CPI 150 by pushing the ON/OFF switch to ON.
The unit is now ready to deliver AC power to your loads.

CONTROLS & INDICATORS

On/Off Switch

Cobra-CPI-150-BK-150-Watt-Modified-Sine-Power-Inverter-
FIG-7

The ON/OFF switch turns the control circuit in the inverter on and off. It DOES NOT disconnect power from the inverter.
When the switch is in the OFF position, the inverter draws no current from the battery.
When it is the in ON position, but no power is being supplied to the load, the inverter draws less than 500 milliamperes from the battery.
This is low current draw. It would take more than a week to discharge a 100 ampere-hour battery at this draw rate.
You don’t have to worry about excessive drain on a battery if you leave the inverter switched on for a few days.
However, you should switch it off if you are not planning to recharge the battery within about a week.

Fault Indicator

Cobra-CPI-150-BK-150-Watt-Modified-Sine-Power-Inverter-
FIG-8

The “fault” indicator of your CPI 150 will light whenever the unit detects excessively high or low input voltage, or begins to overheat.

OPERATING LIMITS

OPERATING LIMITS INPUT VOLTAGE/AUTO SHUTDOWN

Power Output

Your CPI 150 will deliver 150 watts continuously. It can deliver 180 watts for about 30 minutes, after which it must cool for about 15 minutes before it can resume operation at 150 watts. (NOTE: the wattage rating applies to resistive loads.)

Input Voltage

Your CPI 150 will operate from input voltage ranging from 10 to 15 volts.
Optimum performance occurs when the voltage is between 12 and 14 volts.
If the voltage drops below 10.7 ± 0.3 volts, an audible low battery alarm will sound.
The inverter will automatically shut down if the input voltage drops below 10.0 ± 0.3 volts. This protects the battery from being over-discharged. The inverter will restart when the input voltage exceeds 12.0 ± 0.5 volts.

The inverter will also shut down if the input voltage increases to 15.0 ± 0.5 volts. This helps protect the unit from damage due to excessive input voltage. Although the inverter is protected in this way, it may still be damaged should the input voltage exceed 16 volts.

Automatic Shutdown

The unit will automatically go into thermal shutdown if it becomes overheated due to excessive input voltage, poor circulation or high ambient temperature.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Cobra-CPI-150-BK-150-Watt-Modified-Sine-Power-Inverter-
FIG-10

MAINTENANCE & SERVICE

Maintaining Your Inverter

Your CPI 150 requires very little maintenance to keep it operating properly. The exterior of the unit should be cleaned periodically with a damp cloth to prevent accumulation of dust and dirt. At the same time, tighten the screws on the DC input terminals. Keep vents and fans free from dust or debris.

Service

You can receive technical assistance with your unit through one of our customer support services:
- Automated Help Desk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 773-889-3087.
Customer Service Operators are available at
- 773-889-3087
- Monday throughFriday,
- 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST.
Questions can be faxed to 773-622-2269.
Automated Technical Assistance is available 24 hours, 7 days a week via e-mail at: [email protected].
On-line answers to frequently asked questions can be found at: www.cobra.com

If you suspect that your unit requires service, please call 773-889-3087 BEFORE shipping it to Cobra®. This will ensure that you receive service as quickly as possible.

If you are asked to send your unit to the Cobra® factory, please follow these steps:

Send the complete unit.
For warranty repair, enclose some form of proof-of purchase, such as a photocopy or carbon copy of a sales receipt. If you send the original receipt, it cannot be returned.
Enclose a typed or clearly written description of the problem you are having with your unit, plus the name and address where you want the unit returned.
Pack the unit securely to prevent damage during transit. If possible, use the original packing materials.
Ship prepaid and insured using a traceable carrier such as United Parcel Service (UPS), Federal Express, or first class mail with delivery confirmation. Ship to: Cobra® Factory Service, Cobra Electronics Corporation, 6500 West Cortland Street, Chicago, IL 60707 USA
Please allow 3-4 weeks before contacting us about the status of your service. Call 773-889-3087 for assistance.

If your unity is under warranty, it will either be repaired or replaced upon receipt, depending on the model. If your unit is out of warranty, you will receive a letter informing you of the repair or replacement charge.

POWER CONSUMPTION

For each piece of equipment you will be powering with your CPI 150, you must determine the battery’s capacity (how long the battery can deliver a specific amount of current). For example, automotive batteries usually provide 25 amperes of current. A battery with a reserve capacity of 180 minutes can deliver 25 amperes for 180 minutes before it is completely discharged.

Calculate the total watt-hours of energy consumption (power X operating time), then divide the watt-hours by 10 to determine how may 12 volt ampere hours will be consumed.

Cobra-CPI-150-BK-150-Watt-Modified-Sine-Power-Inverter-
FIG-11

- up to 10 inch

SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications

1. Continuous output power (4 hours)           150w
2. Continuous output power (30 minutes)      180w
3.   Surge rating (0.1second)                         300w
4. Peak efficiency (12V—1/2 load)               90%
5.   Efficiency (full load, 12V)                        >83%
6. No load current draw                       < 0.1 A (12.6V)
7. Output waveform (resistive load)      Perfect modified

sine wave

8. Output frequency                               60HZ±2HZ
9. Output voltage                                  110V+/-5%
10. Input voltage                                    10-15 VDC
11. Alarm voltage (unload)                     10.7 V ±0.3V
12. Shutdown voltage (unload)                 10.0V ±0.3V
13. Operating temperature range                -10° C-40° C
14. Storage temperature range                 -40° C to 85° C
15. Protection Overload, short-circuit, Overtemp
16. 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.
The unit is completely insulated in input and output for added safety.

LIMITED WARRANTY

LIMITED 2-YEAR WARRANTY

©Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street Chicago, Illinois 60707 USA

Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants that its Cobra® Power Inverter, and the component parts thereof, will be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of 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, a defective inverter upon delivery to the Cobra® Factory Service Department, accompanied by proof of the date of first consumer purchase, such as duplicated sales receipt. You must pay 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 vary from state to state.

Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply

to any product damaged by accident;
in the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized alterations or repairs;
if the serial number has been altered, defaced or removed;
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, 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.