Cobra POWER 500W Power Inverter

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Cobra POWER 500W Power Inverter (Model CPI500W). Used properly, this Cobra product will give you reliable power to run your appliances and devices. Please read this manual thoroughly before you install and set up your new power inverter.

How Your Power Inverter Works

The Cobra POWER 500 Power Inverter is a power conversion device designed to operate from low Voltage DC (Direct Current) power from your vehicle battery and converts it to standard 115 Volt AC (Alternating Current) power, similar to what you have in your home. This conversion process allows you to use many household appliances and electronic products in automobiles, RVs, boats, trucks, and virtually anywhere else with a 12 Volt battery.

Product Features

• 500 Watts Continuous Power
• 1000 Watts Peak Power
• 90% Efficiency
• (2) GFCI Protected AC Outlets
• USB-A Fast Charge Port (5V/3.0A, 9V/1.67A)
• USB-C Fast Charge Port (5V/3.0A, 9V/1.67A)
• LED Indicator
• Compatible with Cobra Remote On/Off Controller with Fast Charge USB* (*Sold Separately)
• Pentagon Protection® Safety
• Rugged Industrial Design

What's Included

• Cobra CPI500W Power Inverter
• 16" #10 AWG Power Cables
• 16" 12-Volt Accessory Cable
• Quick Start Guide

Optional Accessories

Available at www.cobra.com:

• CPIALCDG1 - Remote On/Off controller with Fast Charge USB

Controls and Connections

The Cobra POWER 500W inverter features several ports and controls:

Front Panel:

• A. Negative Power Input Terminal: Connects to the negative terminal of the DC power source.
• B. Cooling Fans: Regulate the inverter's temperature, activating when it exceeds a preset limit and deactivating as it cools.
• C. Positive Power Input Terminal: Connects to the positive terminal of the DC power source.
• D. USB-A Fast Charge Port: Provides 5V/3.0A, 9V/1.67A charging.
• E. Power/Fault LED Indicator: Dual color light indicating power status and faults.
• F. USB-C Fast Charge Port: Provides 5V/3.0A, 9V/1.67A charging.
• G. Port for Cobra Remote On/Off Controller with Fast Charge USB: RJ45 port for connecting the optional remote controller.
• H. (2) GFCI Protected AC Outlets: Standard household outlets for powering AC devices.
• I. Power Switch: Turns the inverter on and off.

Included Cables:

• J. Power Cables: Heavy-duty cables for connecting to a vehicle battery.
• K. 12 Volt Accessory Cable: Cable with a cigarette lighter plug for connecting to a vehicle's accessory port.

Optional Accessory:

• L. Cobra Remote On/Off Controller with Fast Charge USB (Model CPIALCDG1): Allows remote operation and charging.

Important Product / Safety Information

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 dropped or damaged.
3. Do not open the inverter; it contains no user-serviceable parts. Attempting to service the unit could cause electrical shock. 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 a zero-clearance compartment.
7. Do not allow water or liquids to contact the power inverter.
8. Do not use appliances with damaged or wet cords.

CAUTION: This inverter should be used in negative ground applications only.

CAUTION: The inverter must only be connected to batteries with a nominal output voltage of 12 volts. Connecting to a 6 Volt battery will damage it, and connecting to a 24 Volt battery will also cause damage.

WARNING: Power inverters contain components that can produce arcs or sparks. To prevent fire or explosion, do not install the inverter in areas with batteries or flammable materials, or in locations requiring ignition-protected equipment.

WARNING: To avoid fire, do not cover or obstruct ventilation openings. Do not install the inverter in a tight space or closed compartment where airflow may be restricted.

Proposition 65 Warning: Wash Hands After Handling Power Cord. The power cord on this product contains lead, a chemical known in the state of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Caution: Rechargeable Appliances

Certain chargers for small nickel cadmium batteries can be damaged if connected to a Cobra POWER 500W inverter (Modified Sine Wave). These chargers operate more efficiently with a Cobra Pure Sine Wave inverter. Two types of equipment prone to this problem:

1. Small battery-operated appliances (flashlights, razors, night lights) that plug directly into an AC receptacle for recharging.
2. Certain battery chargers for battery packs used in hand power tools, which may have WARNING labels indicating dangerous voltages at the battery terminals.

This issue does not affect most battery-operated equipment, which use separate chargers or transformers producing low voltage output. If the AC adapter or charger label states it produces a low voltage AC or DC output (less than 30 volts), the inverter will power it safely.

Cobra 500W Output Waveform

The inverter produces a "modified sine wave" output, a stepped waveform similar to utility power. This waveform is suitable for most AC loads, including linear and switching power supplies, transformers, and motors. However, some very sensitive electronic equipment may not operate satisfactorily.

Pentagon Protection®

Cobra power inverters provide five levels of protection:

1. Over-Temperature: Auto-shut off when safe operating temperature is exceeded.
2. Reverse Polarity: Inverter will not operate if connected incorrectly to the power source.
3. Over-Voltage: Auto-shutdown if DC input exceeds safe operating levels.
4. Low Voltage Alarm: An alarm sounds to indicate a low battery voltage condition.
5. Low Voltage Cutoff: Automatically shuts off to prevent a dead battery condition.

Getting Started

This section provides basic information and tips before installation.

To get started, you will need:

1. A 12 Volt DC battery (e.g., vehicle battery). To understand the required current, divide the appliance's Watts by 10.
2. Cables to connect your inverter to the vehicle battery (included, 16" length).

Determining Power Requirements

Before operating, understand your device's power requirements. Calculate the Watts by multiplying Amps by 110 Volts.

Power Consumption

For each piece of equipment, determine the battery's reserve capacity or ampere-hour capacity.

• Ampere-hour capacity example: A 100 Ah battery can deliver 5 Amps for 20 hours.

To determine the battery Ampere-hour capacity you require:

1. Determine Watts consumed by each piece of equipment (found on product label, or Amps x 115 Volts).
2. Estimate how long you need the appliance to run.
3. Calculate Watt-Hours needed: Total AC load (Watts) x Length of time (Hours).

Example: A laptop using 100 Watts for 2 hours requires 200 Watt-hours.

4. Divide Watt-hours by 10 to determine battery (12 Volt) ampere-hours consumed.

Determining DC Power Requirements

To calculate the approximate power in Amps required for the continuous AC load, divide the Wattage by 10. For example, a 500 Watt load requires 50 Amps at 12VDC. Add any DC appliances powered by the battery bank.

Mounting the Inverter

Do not mount the inverter under the hood of any vehicle. Choose a cool, dry, well-ventilated area inside the vehicle, as close to the battery as possible. Place the inverter on a flat, secure surface. Ensure no wires, fuel lines, or fluid tanks are behind the mounting surface. Use corrosion-resistant mounting hardware (not included).

What you will need:

• Assess mounting needs based on surface type (wood, fiberglass, etc.).
• Gather necessary tools (drill, screwdriver).
• Determine mounting hardware size.

Mounting Instructions:

1. Ensure the inverter is OFF.
2. Check for wires, fuel lines, or fluid tanks behind the planned drilling area.
3. Position the inverter horizontally. If mounting on a wall, ensure the front faces out. Do not mount vertically to prevent debris entry.
4. Mark mounting screw locations before drilling.
5. Remove the inverter and drill the (4) mounting holes.
6. Fasten the inverter using corrosion-resistant screws.

Installation and Connection

Connecting Directly to a Vehicle Battery

Instructions:

1. Mount the inverter inside the vehicle in a well-ventilated location close to the battery.
2. Disconnect the NEGATIVE (-) or black battery terminal of the vehicle.
3. Route cables close to the battery.
4. Install insulated terminal boots on the inverter end of the power cables (RED = positive, BLACK = negative).
5. Connect the BLACK Cable to the Negative (-) terminal on the Inverter.
6. Connect the RED Cable to the Positive (+) terminal on the Inverter.
7. Connect the other end of the RED cable to the (+) terminal on the vehicle battery.
8. Visually inspect to ensure the red wire or its connectors are not touching any metal parts of the vehicle or the black wire connectors.
9. Connect the other end of the BLACK cable to the (-) terminal on the vehicle battery. Caution: There is normally a spark at the point of contact at the negative terminal.
10. Check all connections: RED cable to POSITIVE (+) terminals, BLACK cable to NEGATIVE (-) terminals.
11. Press the POWER button to turn on your inverter.
12. If you purchased the Cobra Remote On/Off Controller with Fast Charge USB (Model CPIALCDG1), plug it into the RJ45 jack labeled "REMOTE".

Connecting to a Vehicle Accessory Port

Instructions:

1. Mount your inverter in a well-ventilated area of the vehicle.
2. Remove the thumb cap on the inverter for each terminal.
3. Connect the RED (+) 12V Accessory Cable ring terminal to the RED (+) inverter terminal.
4. Screw the thumb cap back on the RED (+) inverter terminal.
5. Connect the BLACK (-) 12V Accessory Cable ring terminal to the BLACK (-) inverter terminal.
6. Screw the thumb cap back on the BLACK (-) inverter terminal.
7. Make sure the inverter is in the OFF position "O".
8. Plug the 12V Accessory Cable into the vehicle accessory port*.
9. When turning your inverter ON, press the left side of the power switch (ON or "-"). When turning your inverter OFF, press the right side of the power switch (OFF or "O").

*The 12V Accessory Cable can support up to 120 Watts on average. Do not overload. Refer to your vehicle manual for the maximum load your vehicle's accessory port can handle.

Safety Warnings

CAUTION: Do not connect the inverter and another AC source (e.g., generator or utility power) to the AC wiring simultaneously. The inverter will be damaged if its output is connected to AC voltage from another source, even if switched off.

CAUTION: Do not connect the inverter to an AC branch circuit with high-power consumption loads. It will not operate electric heaters, air conditioners, stoves, or other appliances consuming more than 500 watts.

CAUTION: Loose connectors can cause excessive voltage drop, overheating wires, and melted insulation.

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

CAUTION: We recommend a main fuse (60 Amp ANL or equivalent) in the positive battery cable to protect against DC wiring short circuits. Size the fuse to allow operation of all DC powered equipment.

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

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

WARNING: If making a permanent AC connection, ensure AC wiring steps are completed before any DC wiring. DC hook-up energizes internal components regardless of the switch position. Working on AC connections in this state may result in electric shock.

WARNING: 115 volt AC power is potentially lethal. Do not work on AC wiring when connected to the inverter (even if off) unless the DC power source is physically disconnected. Do not work on AC wiring if connected to another AC source (generator, utility line).

WARNING: A spark may occur when making connections due to capacitor charging. Do not make connections in the presence of flammable fumes, as explosion or fire may result. Thoroughly ventilate the battery compartment before connecting.

Operation

Turning Your Power Inverter On and Off

Ensure the inverter is properly installed before turning it on.

To turn the power inverter on:

1. If using a DC power supply, switch it on.
2. On the output end, press the Power Button to ON.

The inverter is now ready to deliver AC power. If operating multiple loads, turn them on separately after the inverter is on. This prevents the inverter from having to deliver all starting currents at once.

NOTE: The Power Button controls the inverter's circuit but does not disconnect power. When OFF, the inverter draws no current. When ON but not supplying a load, it draws less than 600 milliamperes, which would take over a week to discharge a 100 Ah battery.

Cobra Remote On/Off Controller with Fast Charge USB

The inverter has an RJ-45 "REMOTE" jack for compatibility with the optional Cobra Remote On/Off Controller with Fast Charge USB. This allows convenient ON/OFF control from anywhere in your vehicle and fast charging of devices. It offers multiple mounting options.

*Sold Separately. Can be purchased on www.cobra.com.

Operating Indicators

Indicators show power status and alarms.

• Green Light: Power on (steady).
• Red Light and/or Alarm:
• Current overload: Red light blinks continuously, then inverter shuts down.
• DC input voltage overload: Red light turns on, inverter shuts down.
• DC input voltage shortage: Alarm sounds, red light turns on, inverter shuts down when voltage is too low.
• Temperature overload: Red light blinks, inverter shuts down.

NOTE: A momentary alarm sound and/or red light flash at startup is normal.

Operating Limits

Power Output

The inverter can deliver 500 watts for approximately 60 minutes. It requires a 15-minute cool-down period before resuming operation at 500 watts. This rating applies to resistive loads. The inverter may not start some induction motors requiring high surge currents, but it will normally start single-phase induction motors rated at one-half HP or less.

Input Voltage

Operates from 10 to 15 volts DC. Optimum performance is between 12 and 14 volts. An audible low battery warning sounds if voltage drops below 10.5V +/- 0.3V. The inverter shuts down if voltage drops below 9.5V +/- 0.3V to protect the battery. It restarts when input voltage exceeds 12V +/- 0.3V. The inverter shuts down if input voltage exceeds 15.5V +/- 0.5V to protect against excessive input voltage. Input voltage exceeding 16 volts may damage the inverter.

Troubleshooting Guide

Specifications

Specifications subject to change without notice.

Warranty & Trademark Acknowledgement

Limited Two-Year Warranty (For Products Purchased in the U.S.A.)

Cobra Electronics Corporation warrants its power inverter and component parts to be free of defects in workmanship and materials for two years from the date of first consumer purchase, provided the product is used within the U.S.A. Cobra will repair or replace defective units at its option, upon delivery to the Cobra Factory Service department with proof of purchase. Initial shipping charges are the customer's responsibility; return charges are Cobra's expense for warranted repairs/replacements. This warranty grants specific legal rights, which may vary by state.

Exclusions

This limited warranty does not apply:

1. To products damaged by accident.
2. To products misused, abused, or altered/repaired without authorization.
3. If the serial number has been altered, defaced, or removed.
4. If the owner resides outside the U.S.A.

Implied warranties (merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose) are limited to the warranty duration. Cobra is not liable for incidental, consequential, or other damages resulting from loss of use or installation cost. Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranty duration or exclusion of incidental/consequential damages.

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®, Pentagon Protection®, and the snake design are registered trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA. Cobra Electronics Corporation™ is a trademark of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA. Other trademarks and trade names belong to their respective owners.

Maintenance & Product Service

Maintenance

Little maintenance is required. Clean the exterior periodically with a damp cloth to prevent dust and dirt accumulation. Tighten DC input terminal screws. Ensure vents and fans are free of dust or debris.

Product Service

For questions about operating or installing this Cobra product, please visit www.cobra.com.

Product Overview and Wattage Reference

The POWER 500W is ideal for travelers, campers, RV enthusiasts, or power outage situations. Count on Cobra for Power Where You Need It.

Appliance Wattage Reference Chart

This chart provides typical wattage requirements for various appliances. Multiply Amps x Volts = Watts to determine power needs.

Note: The wattage requirements for devices can vary. Check the device's ID tag for amperage and multiply by voltage (115V for AC devices) to determine Watts.

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