Schumacher Electric PID-760 Power Inverter Owner’s Manual
- June 6, 2024
- Schumacher ELECTRIC
Table of Contents
Power Inverter
MODEL
PID-760
PLEASE SAVE THIS OWNER’S MANUAL AND READ IT BEFORE EACH USE.
This manual will explain how to use the inverter safely and effectively.
Please read and follow these instructions and precautions carefully.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual will show you how to use your
inverter safely and effectively. Please read, understand and follow these
instructions and precautions carefully, as this manual contains important
safety and operating instructions.
WARNING: The inverter output is 120V AC and can shock or electrocute the
same as any ordinary household AC wall outlet.
1.1 Keep out of reach of children.
1.2 For the most effective use, place the power inverter on a flat surface.
1.3 Keep the inverter well ventilated in order to properly disperse heat
generated while it is used. Make sure there are several inches of clearance
around the top and sides and do not block the slots of the inverter.
1.4 Make sure the inverter is not close to any potential source of flammable
fumes or clothing.
1.5 Do not place the inverter in areas such as battery compartments or engine
compartments where fumes or gases may accumulate.
1.6 Keep the inverter dry. DO NOT allow the inverter to come into contact with
rain or moisture.
1.7 DO NOT operate the inverter if you, the inverter, the device being
operated or any other surfaces that may come into contact with any power
source are wet. Water and many other liquids can conduct electricity, which
may lead to serious injury or death.
1.8 Do not place the inverter on or near heating vents, radiators or other
sources of heat or flammable materials.
1.9 Do not place the inverter in direct sunlight. The ideal air temperature
for operation is between 50° and 80°F.
1.10 Only connect the power inverter to a 12-volt battery or power supply. Do
not attempt to connect the inverter to any other power source, including an AC
power source. Connecting to a 6 volt or 16-volt battery will cause damage to
the inverter.
1.11 Make sure the AC plug is tight.
1.12 Do not modify the AC receptacle in any way.
1.13 Do not try extending or otherwise changing the 12-volt power cord
supplied with your inverter. Make sure the cord connections are tight.
1.14 Incorrect operation of your inverter may result in damage and personal
injury.
1.15 Do not use the inverter with a product that draws a higher wattage than
the inverter can provide, as this may cause damage to the inverter and
product.
1.16 Do not open No user-serviceable parts inside.
1.17 This device does not include an internal Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI). For GFCI protection, use a Coleman Cable 02822 GFCI outlet.
1.18 Restrictions on Use: This inverter may not be used in life support
devices or systems.
Failure of this inverter can reasonably be expected to cause the failure of
that life support device or system, or to affect the safety or effectiveness
of that device or system.
PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
2.1 Wear complete eye and clothing protection when working near lead-acid
batteries. Always have someone nearby for help.
2.2 Remove all personal metal items from your body, such as rings, bracelets,
necklaces and watches. A lead-acid battery can produce a short circuit current
high enough to weld a ring to metal, causing a severe burn.
2.3 Never smoke or allow a spark or flame in the vicinity of the battery or
engine.
BEFORE USING YOUR INVERTER
This inverter is designed to be used with a single battery, up to group 31
(130 Ah or smaller). The recommended source of power is a 12 Volt deep-cycle
battery, due to their high reserve capacity. Automotive batteries are
recommended for only a short period of time of an hour or less.
Do not use the inverter with a product that draws a higher wattage than the
inverter can provide, as this may cause damage to the inverter and product.
When you turn on a device or a tool that runs on a motor, the device goes
through two stages:
1. Start-Up Requiring an initial surge of power (commonly known as the
“starting” or “peak” load).
2. Continuous Operation Power consumption drops (commonly known as the
“continuous load”).
The wattage (WATTS) or amperes (AMPS) can normally be found stamped or printed
on most devices and equipment, or in the user’s manual. Otherwise, contact the
manufacturer to find out whether the device you want to use is compatible with
a modified sine wave.
To calculate the wattage: Wattage = AMPS x 120 (AC Voltage).
To calculate the starting load: Starting Load = 2 x wattage.
In general, the startup load of the device or power tool determines whether
your inverter has the capability to power it.
Always run a test to establish whether the inverter will operate a particular
piece of equipment or device. In the event of a power overload, the inverter
is designed to automatically shut down.
This safety feature prevents damaging the inverter while testing devices and
equipment within the wattage range of the inverter.
When using the vehicle’s 12-volt accessory port, this inverter is designed to
supply 60 to 70 watts when the vehicle is not running. With the vehicle’s
engine running, it can supply up to 100 watts. To use the full output, you
must connect the inverter directly to your battery.
NOTE: The 100-watt limit is to accommodate the fuse ratings for all
vehicles. Some vehicles may allow full output. If the vehicle fuse blows when
you switch on the device you are trying to use, you have to either use a
smaller device or you must connect the inverter directly to the battery.
IMPORTANT: This inverter uses a modified sine waveform (diagram A) which
is not quite the same as power company electricity (diagram B). For the
following devices, we strongly recommend that you use caution and check the
device’s manual to make sure it is compatible with the modified sine waveform.
- Switch-mode power supplies
- Linear power supplies
- Class 2 transformers
- Line filter capacitors
- Shaded pole motors
- Fan motors
- Microwave ovens
- Fluorescent and high-intensity lamps (with a ballast)
- Transformerless battery chargers
Using the inverter with any of these devices may cause the device to run warmer or overheat.
Modified sine waveform produced by the inverter
Pure sine waveform typical of home AC outlet
IMPORTANT: If you are using the power inverter to operate a battery
charger, monitor the temperature of the battery charger for about 10 minutes.
If the battery charger becomes abnormally warm, disconnect it from the
inverter immediately.
NOTE: You can use an extension cord from the inverter to the device
without significantly decreasing the power being generated by the inverter.
For best-operating results, the extension cord should be no longer than 50
feet.
CONNECTING INVERTER CABLES
The inverter and power source must be in the OFF mode.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to connect your inverter only to a 12-volt power
supply.
INVERTER CONNECTION:
- Locate the positive and negative plastic terminals on the right side of the inverter and remove the terminal caps completely.
- Install the positive (red) cable ring lug onto the positive (red) terminal screw. Install the negative (black) cable ring lug onto the negative (black) terminal screw. Tighten each terminal so that the cable cannot come loose.
CONNECTING INVERTER CABLE TO A VEHICLE (100 watts maximum):
- Remove the cigarette lighter from its outlet.
- Push the 12-volt power plug firmly into the outlet.
CONNECTING INVERTER CABLES TO 12V BATTERY OR 12V POWER SOURCE:
- Keep hands, hair, clothing, and jewelry clear of battery terminals.
- Wear eye protection and clothing protection.
- Connect the negative (black) inverter terminal cable to the power source negative (-) or battery terminal. Make sure the connection is secure.
- Connect the positive (red) inverter terminal cable to the power source positive (+) or battery terminal. Make sure the connection is secure.
- To disconnect the inverter, reverse the above steps.
NOTE: The internal speaker may make a brief “beep” when the inverter is
being connected to or disconnected from the 12-volt power source.
CAUTION: Failure to make the correct connections will result in blown
fuses and permanent damage to the inverter.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
- Connect the inverter (see Connecting Inverter Cables section)
- Press and hold the ON/OFF switch to turn the inverter on. (The internal speaker will make a brief “beep”. This is normal.)
- The digital display turns on.
- Make sure the device to be operated is turned OFF.
- Plug the device into the inverter AC outlet.
- Turn the inverter on. The Watts LED will glow and the digital display will show O.
- Turn the device on. The display will now show the total wattage used by the device. To change the digital display, press the ON/OFF switch.
- To disconnect, reverse the above procedure.
- Press and hold the ON/OFF switch to turn the inverter off.
NOTE: If more than one device is to be powered, start one device at a
time to avoid a power surge and overloading the inverter. The surge load of
each device should not exceed the inverter’s Continuous Operation wattage
rate.
CAUTION: If there is a short circuit or power surge in the device, will
display and the alarm will sound. Press the ON/OFF switch to turn off the
alarm. If the displays after several attempts, there is a short circuit or the
device requires more “starting” or “peak” load than the inverter is capable of
providing.
USING THE USB PORT
The USB port provides up to 2.0A at 5V DC.
- Plug the device into the USB port.
- Press and hold the ON/OFF switch to turn the inverter on. (The internal speaker will make a brief “beep”. This is normal.)
- Turn the USB device on.
- Reverse these steps when finished using the USB port.
USING THE INVERTER TO OPERATE A TV OR AUDIO DEVICE:
The inverter is shielded and filtered to minimize signal interference. Despite
this, some interference may occur with your television picture, especially
with weak signals. Below are some suggestions to try and improve reception.
- Try altering the position of the inverter, antenna cables, and television power cord. Add an extension cord from the inverter to the TV, to isolate its power cord and antenna cables from the 12-volt power source.
- Try coiling the television power cord and the input cables running from the 12 volt power source to the inverter.
- Affix one or several “Ferrite Data Line Filters” to the television power cord. Ferrite Data Line Filters can be purchased at most electronic supply stores.
- Try grounding the inverter with an 18 AWG (minimum) wire, using as short a length as possible.
NOTE: You may hear a “buzzing” sound being emitted from inexpensive sound systems when operated with the inverter. This is due to ineffective filters in the sound system’s power supply. Unfortunately, this problem can only be resolved by purchasing a sound system with a higher quality power supply or higher quality filter. WARNING: The inverter draws power, even when the switch is OFF. To avoid battery drain, disconnect the inverter when not in use.
POWER SOURCE
Your average automobile or marine battery at full charge will provide an ample
power supply to the inverter for approximately 3 hours when the engine is off.
The actual length of time the inverter will function depends on the age and
condition of the battery and the power demand being placed by the device being
operated with the inverter.
If you decide to use the inverter while the engine is off, we recommend you
turn OFF the device plugged into the inverter and disconnect the inverter’s
plug from the 12-volt accessory outlet before starting the engine. To maintain
battery power, start the engine every 2 to 3 hours and let it run for
approximately 10 minutes to recharge the battery. Although it is not
necessary to disconnect the inverter when turning over the engine, it may
briefly cease to operate as the battery voltage decreases. While the inverter
draws very low amperage when not in use, it should be unplugged to avoid
battery drain.
HOW POWER INVERTERS WORK
There are two stages involved in transforming 12 volt DC (battery) power into
120 volt AC (household voltage):
STAGE 1: The power inverter uses a DC to DC transformer to increase the
12 volt DC input voltage from the power source to 145 volt DC.
STAGE 2 : The inverter then converts the 145 volt DC into 120 volts AC
(household voltage) using advanced MOSFET transistors in a full-bridge
configuration. A modified sine wave is generated by this conversion.
LED DISPLAY
The LED display identifies the current status of the inverter.
VOLTS DC: The voltage of the vehicle’s battery, Portable Power jump starter,
or DC power source.
VOLTS AC: The voltage supplied to the device through the AC receptacle.
WATTS: The power or wattage supplied to the device plugged into the inverter.
An audio alarm will sound when any of the following codes are displayed. To
stop the alarm, press the ON/OFF switch:
The inverter is not functional.
The vehicle’s battery voltage is more than 15.5 volts. The inverter will
automatically restart after the voltage drops below 15.0 volts.
The continuous load demand from the device exceeds the inverter’s wattage
output.
The inverter is overheated and automatically turns off for a period of 1 to 3
minutes to cool. Make sure the inverter is well ventilated. It will
automatically restart after it cools.
The vehicle’s battery voltage is less than 10.5 volts. Short circuit, power
surge, or overload in the device.
IF THE INVERTER FUSE BLOWS
Your power inverter is fitted with a fuse, which should not have to be
replaced under normal operating conditions. A blown fuse is usually caused by
reverse polarity or a short circuit within the device or equipment being
operated.
If the fuse does blow, take the inverter to a qualified technician for repair.
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM | POSSIBLE CAUSE | REASON/SOLUTION |
---|---|---|
The alarm is on. | The display shows off. The device demands too much surge |
power.
The device has a short circuit
The display shows LOb. The 12-volt battery is too low.
The display shows voltage between 10.5 and 11.0 volts.
The display shows Hib. 12-volt voltage is too high.| Cycle the inverter power
OFF and ON. If the problem persists, use
a larger inverter or a smaller device.
Remove the defective device.
Recharge/replace battery.
12V battery is low. Recharge or replace the battery. The inverter will
automatically shut off after the battery voltage reaches 10.5 volts.
If in a vehicle, repair/replace the alternator or charging system. Use a
properly sized and rated 12-volt battery. If the input voltage returns to 15
volts or less, the inverter will automatically restart.
The alarm is on. (continued)| The display shows HIP. The device demands more
than the
inverter’s continuous power rating.
The display shows HOT. The inverter is too hot.| Cycle the inverter power OFF
and ON. If the problem persists, use a larger inverter or a smaller device.
Increase the ventilation to the inverter. Move the inverter to a
cooler area. Reduce the power consumption of the device. The
inverter will automatically reset after cooling.
---|---|---
The inverter does not turn on.| Poor contact at terminals Fuse is blown.|
Check for poor connection to the battery or power supply. Make sure connection
points are clean. Rock clamps back and forth for a better connection. A blown
fuse is usually caused by reverse polarity or a short circuit within the
inverter. To replace, contact a qualified service
the technician who will diagnose the problem and replace the fuse(s) with the
appropriate replacement(s).
Device does not operate properly when first connected to the inverter.| The
inverter may not have the required capacity to operate the device.| Turn the
inverter switch OFF and
ON, to reset the inverter.
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
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