Cobra POWER 500W Power Inverter Quick Start Guide

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Cobra POWER 500 Watt Inverter (Model CPI500W). The POWER 500W is ideal for travelers, campers, RV enthusiasts, or for when a power outage occurs. Count on Cobra for Power Where You Need It.

Download the full CPI500W manual at: cobra.com/manuals

Cobra® 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 are those of their respective owners. ©2020 Cobra Electronics Corporation.

POWER 500W Features

The Cobra POWER 500W inverter includes the following features:

• A. Negative Power Input Terminal: Connects the negative cable from the power source.
• B. Cooling Fan: Regulates the temperature of the inverter, turning on when temperature exceeds a preset limit and turning off when the temperature reduces.
• C. Positive Power Input Terminal: Connects the positive cable from the power source.
• D. USB-A Fast Charge port: Provides fast charging capabilities (5V/9V/15W).
• E. Power/Fault LED Indicator: Shows the operational status and any faults.
• F. USB-C Fast Charge port: Provides fast charging capabilities (5V/9V/15W).
• G. Port for Cobra Remote On/Off Controller: Connects to an optional remote controller with a fast charge USB port (Sold Separately)*.
• H. (2) GFCI Protected AC Outlets: Two grounded AC outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter protection.
• I. Power Switch: Turns the inverter on and off.
• J. Power Cables: Cables for connecting to a power source.
• K. 12 Volt Accessory Cable: For connecting to a vehicle's accessory port.
• L. Cobra Remote On/Off Controller: An optional accessory for remote operation (Sold Separately)*.

*Model CPIALCDG1

Connecting Directly To A Vehicle Battery

Steps:

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 the 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 and make sure 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, making sure the RED cable is connected to the POSITIVE (+) terminals and the BLACK cable is connected to the NEGATIVE (-) terminals.
11. Press the POWER button to turn on your inverter.

Diagram Description: The diagram illustrates connecting the inverter directly to a vehicle battery. It shows a car battery with positive (+) and negative (-) terminals. Red and black cables are depicted connecting from the inverter's positive and negative posts to the corresponding battery terminals. A warning symbol (triangle with exclamation mark) is displayed next to the battery terminals, emphasizing the importance of correct connection.

Connecting To A Vehicle Accessory Port

Steps:

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. Plug the 12V Accessory Cable into the vehicle accessory port*.
8. Place the power switch into the ON position by pressing the left side of the switch to turn ON your inverter. Place the power switch into the OFF position by pressing the right side of the switch to turn OFF your inverter.

Diagram Description: This section illustrates connecting the inverter via a 12V accessory port. The diagram shows the inverter's positive (+) and negative (-) terminals, to which the red and black ring terminals of the 12V accessory cable are connected, respectively. The other end of the cable, a 12V plug, is shown being inserted into a vehicle's accessory port. A note indicates that the 12V Accessory Cable can support up to 120 Watts on average and advises referring to the vehicle manual for the accessory port's maximum load capacity.