NPower 450W FLEX-POWERPACK XL Owner's Manual

Important Information

IMPORTANT: For safe and optimum performance, the Jump Starter must be used properly. Carefully read and follow all instructions and guidelines in this manual and give special attention to the CAUTION and WARNING statements.

WARNING: Please keep this manual for future reference.

Battery Leakage/Seeping: Unit must be stored upright or else some batteries will leak and cause damage not covered by the manufacturer.

Conventions Used

The following conventions are used in this manual:

WARNING: Warnings identify conditions that could result in personal injury or loss of life.

CAUTION: Cautions identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to the unit or to other equipment.

NOTE: These notes describe an important action item or an item that you must pay attention to.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

1. Introduction

Easy-to-use and designed for reliable service, the 450W FLEX POWERPACK XL can run many AC appliances and 12V DC appliances whenever you need power for work or play, at home or on the road.

Features/Benefits

The 450W FLEX POWERPACK XL:

• Jumpstarts vehicle engines (With 500-800 amp)
• 250 psi air compressor (Inflates tires and small sports equipment)
• Powers 110V AC appliances (Run electronic appliances up to 450W)
• Charges USB-chargeable devices
• LED light for emergency
• Powers 12V DC appliances

2. What's Included

NOTE: Battery is not included.

3. Battery Choices Available

Buy one of these batteries with maximum dimensions of 7.67*5.15*7.32 inches:

1. U1 Battery
2. U1-R Battery
3. Sealed Lead Acid AGM Battery
   • Item# 829421 NPower 18Ah can provide up to 500 Amp jumpstart power
   • Item# 82942 NPower 22Ah can provide up to 800 Amp jumpstart power

4. Installing the Battery

CAUTION: Batteries contain acid and produce explosive gasses. Shield eyes and face from batteries all the time.

CAUTION: Wrong connection on the battery terminals will trigger the alarm and damage the powerpack. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CONNECT THE BATTERY TERMINAL TO THE CORRECT BATTERY TERMINAL CABLE.

Battery Installation Procedures:

1. Turn ALL (Jumpstart, AC, USB, and Compressor) switches to “OFF” position.
2. Unscrew the back cover of the powerpack.
3. Lay down the powerpack on a flat surface and put in your choice of battery (U1/U1-R/AGM).
4. Connect the red battery terminal cable to the positive (+) terminal of your battery.
5. Connect the black battery terminal cable to the negative (-) terminal of your battery.
6. Put back the cover and tighten the screws.

NOTE: Since AGM battery is usually thinner than U1 battery, we include a black plastic box to hold the battery, please see below.

[Description of image: Two views of the powerpack, showing the battery compartment and how a battery fits inside.]

5. Specifications

Electrical specifications

12 DC section

AC Power Section

Internal battery charging controller system

Air compressor

Accessories

Physical specifications

6. Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: The 450W FLEX POWERPACK XL is not intended for use in connection with life support systems or other medical equipment or devices.

WARNING: Shock Hazard. Keep away from children

The Powerpack generates the same potentially lethal AC power as a normal household wall outlet. Do not insert foreign objects into the AC outlet, DC Powerpack Socket, Jumpstart Cable Port, the ventilation holes; do not expose this product to water, rain, snow, condensation, or spray.

WARNING: Explosion Hazard

Do not use this product near flammable fumes, or gases. Do not use this product in an enclosure containing automotive-type lead-acid batteries. These batteries, unlike the sealed AGM battery, vent explosive hydrogen gas which can be ignited by sparks from electrical connections.

When working on electrical equipment, always ensure someone is nearby to help you in an emergency.

WARNING: Heated Surface

Ensure at least 2” (5cm) air space is maintained on all sides of the Powerpack. During operation, keep away from materials that may be affected by high temperatures such as blankets, pillows and sleeping bags.

WARNING: Fire Hazard

Never allow jumpstart cables' red and black clips to touch each other or another common metal conductor. This could cause damage to the unit and/or create a sparking/explosion hazard.

WARNING: Fire Hazard

Jumpstart cable clips must be connected positive to positive (red clip to battery "+") and negative to negative (black clip to battery "-"or engine ground). A reverse polarity connection (positive to negative) may cause damage to the unit and/or create a sparking/explosion hazard.

WARNING: Fire Hazard

The jumpstart feature is designed for short term operation only- less than 5 seconds. Operating the jumpstart feature for more than 5 seconds may cause damage to the unit. Allow the Powerpack to cool down for at least 3 minutes after each jumpstart.

WARNING: Risk of Explosion, Fire or Burns

The battery terminals exposed at the Jumpstart Cable Port have enough energy present to cause a spark, creating an explosion hazard, or to cause burns if a metal object contacts both terminals. Always clip the plastic guard over the Port when not in use.

WARNING: Fire Hazard

Do not leave the compressor unattended while operating. The compressor is designed for short term operation only. Operation of the compressor over an extended period of time will cause the compressor unit to overheat and may cause damage. Allow the compressor to cool down for 10 minutes after each 10 minutes of continuous operation.

CAUTION: Equipment Damage

Do not connect any AC appliance with neutral conductor connected to ground to the Powerpack.

CAUTION: Equipment Damage

Do not expose the Powerpack to temperatures over 104°F (40℃).

Precautions when working with batteries

WARNING: Explosion and Fire Hazard

1. Follow all instructions published by the battery manufacturer and the manufacturer of the equipment in which the battery is installed.
2. Make sure the area around the battery is well-ventilated.
3. Never smoke or allow sparks or flame in vicinity of the engine or batteries.
4. Be careful not to drop metal objects on the battery or allow metal tool to simultaneously touch the positive and negative cable ends or battery terminals. This may cause a spark or short-circuit the battery or other electrical parts and cause an explosion.
5. Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches when working with batteries. Batteries produce a short-circuit current high enough to weld a ring or other similar objects to metal, causing a severe BURN.
6. If you need to remove a battery, always remove the positive terminal from the battery first. Make sure all accessories are off so you don't cause an arc.
7. Someone should be within range of your voice, or close enough to come to your aid when you work near batteries.
8. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing, and eyes.
9. Wear complete eye and clothing protection. Avoid touching your eyes while working near batteries.
10. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enters your eyes, immediately flood them with running cold water for at least twenty minutes and get medical attention immediately.
11. Keep a supply of baking soda on hand in the area of the batteries. Baking soda neutralizes lead-acid battery electrolyte.

Precautions for using rechargeable appliance

CAUTION: Equipment Damage

The output of the powerpack inverter is a modified sine wave. Most rechargeable battery-operated equipment uses a separate charger or transformer that is plugged into an AC receptacle and produces a low voltage charging output. Some chargers for rechargeable batteries can be damaged if connected to the 450W powerpack.

CAUTION: Do not use the following with the 450W powerpack:

• Small battery-operated appliances like flashlights, razors, and night lights that can be plugged directly into an AC receptacle to recharge.
• Some chargers for battery packs used in hand power tools.

Note: If you are unsure about using your rechargeable appliance with the powerpack, contact the equipment manufacturer to determine the rechargeable appliance's compatibility with the modified sine wave (non-sinusoidal) AC waveform.

Attention: Charge Before Use

Charge the powerpack with your choice of battery for at least 48 hours immediately after purchase. Recharge after each use and at least once every three months. See "Recharging the Powerpack Battery". Failure to follow these instructions will void the product warranty.

7. Features

[Description of image: Front view of the NPower 450W FLEX-POWERPACK XL unit with numbered callouts pointing to various features like USB ports, AC outlets, LED lights, switches, battery indicators, and clamps.]

1. USB power port: provides 5V/500mA.
2. USB power indicator: illuminates when the USB switch is on and there is electricity in the USB port.
3. Slip switch: Controls USB power and LED lamps. Left: USB power active. Right: White LED lamps illuminate. Middle: USB port and LED lamps are off.
4. Charging indicator: A double-color LED. Red indicates charging; green indicates fully charged.
5. DC input port: For charging the unit's internal battery using the AC to DC adapter charger.
6. Battery capacity indicator: Shows battery level with LED lights:
   • U<12.2V: Only red LED lights.
   • 12.2V<U<12.4V: Red and yellow LED light.
   • 12.4V<U<12.6V: Red, yellow, and one green LED light.
   • U>12.6V: Red, yellow, and two green LEDs all light.

Note: It is recommended that you check the battery voltage after 30 minutes charging.

7. Battery capacity button: Press to check the battery level via the capacity indicator.
8. Correct connecting indicator: A green LED that lights when the clamps are connected correctly (red clamp to positive, black clamp to negative).
9. Reverse polarity LED indicator: A red LED that lights, accompanied by an alarming sound from the buzzer, if clamps are connected incorrectly.
10. 110V AC socket switch: Enables the 110V AC output when switched ON.
11. 110V AC socket: A 110V AC output port.
12. White LED lamps: Four white LEDs for emergency use.
13. 12V DC socket: An input or output port for cigarette plugs to charge the internal battery or power 12V accessories.

Note: The unit contains a 15A fuse for 12V DC socket over current protection.

Note: It is recommended that you use the unit to power 12V accessories less than 8A.

Note: It is recommended that you charge your choice of battery by the AC to DC adapter charger (provided) which has protection function. There is no protection function if you choose to charge the battery by using the clamps or the cigarette plug.

14. Jumpstart power switch: A manual rotary switch. When jumpstarting a vehicle, turn off this switch and the vehicle engine, connect the unit to the vehicle, then turn on the switch. Pay attention to the operation process.
15. Red battery clamp.
16. Black battery clamp.

Note: They should connect with the vehicle when the unit is used to jump start a vehicle. Be sure that the jumpstart switch is in the OFF position and the clips are connected in the right way: red to positive polarity, and black to negative polarity.

17. Portable handle.

[Description of image: Rear view of the NPower 450W FLEX-POWERPACK XL unit with numbered callouts pointing to features like the pressure gauge, compressor switch, valve connector, and AC to DC adapter input.]

18. Pressure gauge: Shows the PSI (lbs/in²).
19. Compressor switch: Turns the compressor unit on and off.
20. Valve connector with connector hose.

[Description of image: The AC to DC adapter charger with a black casing and a cord with a plug.]

21. AC to DC adapter charger

Features of the AC to DC charger

• Input voltage: 110V AC
• Output voltage: 13.5V DC
• Input current: 0.5A

Note: It is recommended that you use the AC to DC adapter to charge the battery.

22. Reverse polarity indicator (battery terminal cable): When you connect your choice of battery to the wrong battery terminal cable, there is an alarming sound indicating an error.

Note: It will damage the product when the error occurs.

8. Operations

CAUTION: Read all operating instructions before operating the Powerpack.

CAUTION: The Powerpack is not intended for use as a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).

Operating Environment Requirements

AC Appliance

The Powerpack has one AC power outlet for use with AC appliances. You can either plug the appliance directly into the AC outlet or use an AC power bar to increase the number of outlets available. However, for continuous operations, the combined loads must be less than 360W. The less wattage used, the longer the Powerpack will operate before recharging is required.

Some appliances may be difficult or impossible to operate from the Powerpack. They may have high surge requirements or may be incompatible with the output waveform of the Powerpack. See "High Surge Appliances” and “Trouble Appliance".

Typical AC appliances that can be used on the Powerpack are listed in the table below.

Note: The table below is only for reference; the actual operating time will be based on the actual AC appliances' wattage.

[Placeholder for a table listing typical AC appliances and their estimated run times, which was not fully transcribed in the provided text.]

Operating AC Appliance:

1. Check battery status to ensure the battery is fully charged.
2. Open the AC Outlet cover.
3. Turn the AC socket switch ON.
4. Plug the AC appliance into AC outlets.
5. Turn the AC appliance ON.
6. Recharge the Powerpack immediately after use. See “Recharging the Powerpack Battery".

Low battery alarm

An audible alarm will begin to beep intermittently when the battery reaches 11.0VDC. The Powerpack must be reset manually after all AC and DC loads are removed. If the alarm warning is ignored and a manual reset is not performed, the unit will perform a complete shutdown automatically.

Overload and Over-Temperature Protection

In the event of an overload (>360W) or overheating, the Powerpack automatically shuts down power to the AC outlets. If the alarm warning is ignored and a manual reset is not performed, the unit will perform a complete shutdown automatically.

High surge appliance

The wattage rating of an AC appliance is the average power used by the appliance. Appliances such as televisions, computer monitors, and appliances with motors consume much more power than their average rating when they are first switched on. Although the Powerpack can supply momentary surge power up to 600W, some appliances may exceed the capabilities of the Powerpack and trigger the inverter's safety overload shutdown circuit.

Trouble Appliance

The output of the Powerpack inverter is a modified sine wave. Some equipment may be damaged by the inverter's modified sine wave output (non-sinusoidal).

Some appliances, including the types listed below, may be damaged if they are connected to the inverter:

• Electronics that modulate RF (radio frequency) signals on the AC line will not work and may be damaged.
• Speed controllers found in some fans, power tools, kitchen appliances, and other loads may be damaged.
• Some chargers for small rechargeable batteries can be damaged.
• Metal halide arc (MHI) lights can be damaged.

Note: If you are unsure about powering any device with the inverter, contact the manufacturer of the device to determine whether it is compatible with the modified sine wave output of the inverter.

12 V DC Appliances

The Powerpack can operate one 12V DC auto, RV, marine, or other portable DC appliance that draws 15 amps or less from its DC socket. When the unit's emergency light, USB port, and air compressor are also running, the combined load must not exceed 124 W. The less combined wattage used, the longer the Powerpack will operate before recharging is required.

Typical 12V DC appliances that can be used on the Powerpack are listed in the table below.

Note: The table below is only for reference; the actual operating time will be based on the actual DC appliances using wattage.

Operating DC Appliance:

1. Check battery status to ensure the battery is fully charged.
2. Open the DC socket/USB port cover.
3. Plug the DC appliance into the DC socket.
4. Turn the DC appliance ON.
5. Recharge the Powerpack immediately after use.

NOTE: There is no 12V cigarette plug attached for this unit!

USB Devices

The Powerpack can charge one USB-chargeable device through its USB port. Compatible devices include most MP3 players, PDAs, digital cameras, and camcorders that have internal batteries which can be charged via the USB port of a desktop/laptop computer.

USB-chargeable devices usually include a special USB cable (not supplied) that attaches one end to the USB port and the other end to the device.

9. Jumpstarting a Vehicle's Engine

You can use the Powerpack to jumpstart a vehicle (or boat engine) that has a 12V starting battery using the jumpstart cables supplied with the unit.

WARNING: Fire Hazard

Never allow cables' red and black clamps to touch each other or another common metal conductor. This could cause damage to the unit and/or create a sparking/explosion hazard.

WARNING: Fire Hazard

The connection of the cables to the vehicle's battery terminals must be positive to positive (red clamp to battery "+") and negative to negative (black clamp to battery "-"). A reverse polarity connection may cause damage to the unit and/or create a sparking/explosion hazard.

NOTE: Closely follow these instructions for boosting your vehicle as they may be different from the instructions supplied with other boosting products or boosting cables.

To jump start a vehicle with the powerpack:

1. Turn off the vehicle and all accessories.
2. Place the Powerpack on a flat and stable surface near the battery which needs to be started. Ensure that the Powerpack's jumpstart power switch is “OFF”.
3. Connect the red positive (+) clamp of the cables to the positive (+) terminal of the engine battery.
4. Connect the black negative (-) clamp of the cables to the engine block, cylinder head, or other stationary heavy metal part of the motor. If the red “Reverse Polarity” LED illuminates, then reverse polarity has been detected. Correct polarity must be established before proceeding. Disconnect the boosting clamps from the vehicle's battery and repeat steps (3) and (4).
5. Switch on the jumpstart power switch. Before starting the engine, make sure the booster pack and the cables are clear of the metal parts and other moving things.
6. Crank the engine for 5 seconds or until it starts, whichever is first.

WARNING: Fire hazard

Do not crank the engine for more than 5 seconds. The jumpstart feature is designed for short term operation only. Operating the boosting feature for more than 5 seconds may cause damage to the unit. Allow the 450W FLEX POWERPACK XL to cool down for at least 3 minutes after each boost.

7. Switch off the jumpstart power switch.
8. Remove the red positive (+) clamp and then the black negative (-) clamp from the engine battery.

10. Using the Air Compressor

WARNING: Fire Hazard

The compressor is designed for short term operation only. Operating the compressor over an extended period of time will cause the compressor unit to overheat, which could lead to fire. Allow the compressor to cool down for 10 minutes after each 10 minutes of continuous operations.

WARNING: Fire Hazard

Do not leave the compressor unattended while in operation. Keep out of reach of children.

WARNING: Risk of Personal Injury or Damage to Equipment

Do not exceed the recommended pressure of either the compressor or the object being inflated. The compressor is capable of inflating to 250 PSI. If the recommended pressure is exceeded, an explosion may result.

WARNING: Risk of Personal Injury or Damage to Equipment

If the Powerpack shuts off due to over-temperature conditions, turn OFF the Compressor switch and allow the compressor to cool for 15 minutes before re-starting. If the power switch is not turned off, the compressor will automatically turn itself on when it reaches an acceptable operating temperature. If left unattended, it is possible that the unit can over-inflate the object being inflated and create an explosion hazard.

CAUTION: Equipment Damage

The Powerpack cannot be used to inflate large capacity inflatables such as float tubes, large air mattresses, transport truck tires, and inflatable boats. These types of products require extended inflating times which may damage the compressor.

Inflating Tires

CAUTION:

If the pressure gauge on the compressor indicates more than twice the recommended pressure for the object you are inflating and you have only started to inflate the object, the valve connector is incorrectly connected to the valve stem. This may damage the Powerpack. Remove and reattach the valve connector to the valve stem.

To inflate your vehicle, motorcycle, or bicycle tires:

1. Locate Valve Connector.
2. Remove from storage and uncoil hose.
3. Remove Valve Stem Cap from tire to be inflated.
4. Place Valve Connector firmly and completely over valve stem on the tire.
5. Press the Thumb Latch toward the housing until it locks into the closed position.
6. Press the Compressor switch to turn the compressor ON.
7. Inflate to desired pressure.
8. Press the Compressor switch to turn the compressor OFF.
9. Press the Thumb Latch away from the housing and remove from valve stem.
10. Double-check the air pressure with a pressure gauge.
11. Replace Valve Stem Cap.

Inflating small sports equipment

You can use the compressor to inflate small sports equipment such as balls (Soccer balls and footballs).

CAUTION:

The Powerpack cannot be used to inflate large capacity inflatables such as float tubes, large air mattresses, transport truck tires, and inflatable boats. These types of products require extended inflating times which may damage the compressor.

To inflate small sports equipment:

1. Choose the appropriate nozzle adapter (not supplied).
2. If an adapter is required, insert the nozzle adapter into the valve connector, turning it clockwise to tighten, and close the thumb latch.
3. Place the valve connector fully on the valve stem or into the valve receptacle on the item to be inflated.
4. Turn the compressor ON and inflate to appropriate pressure.
5. Turn the compressor OFF before removing valve connector from the valve stem.
6. Remove nozzle adapter from the valve connector and store in storage compartment or Accessory Bag.

CAUTION:

Allow the compressor to cool down for 10 minutes after each 10 minutes of continuous operation. Repeat if necessary.

Note: Leave the thumb latch in the open position for storing to relieve pressure on the internal mechanism.

11. Recharging the Powerpack Battery

You can recharge the battery using one of the following methods:

• The AC Charger (supplied) plugged into a standard 110 V wall outlet.
• Use the DC-to-DC charging cable (not supplied) with the cigarette 12V power outlet in your vehicle as you drive.

CAUTION: Do not operate AC or DC appliances while the Powerpack is being charged.

Charging with the AC charger

Using the AC Charger is the simplest method for recharging the battery. While charging from an AC source, the charging status LED indicator will light red. When the battery has reached capacity, the indicator will light green.

Charging when the battery is fully discharged takes around 28 hours.

NOTE: Recharge the 450W FLEX POWERPACK XL as soon as possible after each use. When not used, the Booster Pack should be recharged every 3 months!

To recharge with AC charger:

1. Turn the rotary switch to the “OFF” position.
2. Plug the 110V AC charger into the charger input socket on the front of the unit.
3. Plug the 110V AC charger into a 110V AC electrical socket.
4. Never stop until the battery is fully charged (approximately 28 hours).

CAUTION:

The 28-hour charging time for the unit assumes that there is 110V at the AC wall outlet. If the voltage is less than 110V AC, it may take more than 28 hours to fully recharge.

Once fully charged, the charging current automatically reduces to a floating charge mode, and the unit may be left permanently connected to the AC charger.

Charging with the DC to DC charging cable with cigarette 12V Power outlet

WARNING: Fire and Explosion Hazard

Do not use this recharging method if your vehicle's electrical system operates above 15V. This may lead to accumulations of hydrogen, causing exposure to fire and explosion hazard. This condition is typically found in marine appliances or portable generators with DC output.

Important: The powerpack will automatically shut down, i.e., disconnect from the DC source in the event of an over-voltage condition such as reaching over 15V DC.

However, it is recommended to detach the DC to DC charging cable from the unit and vehicle as soon as the battery is fully charged or if the vehicle's engine is turned off. Do not leave the powerpack permanently connected to the vehicle's 12 accessory outlet.

To recharge with the DC to DC charging cable with cigarette 12V power outlet:

1. Open the plastic cover that protects the DC socket.
2. Insert one plug of the DC to DC charging cable into the 12VDC accessory socket in the vehicle.
3. Insert the other plug of the DC to DC charging cable into the DC socket on the front of the powerpack.

12. Troubleshooting

Buzzing and in audio systems and radios

Some inexpensive stereo systems and AM-FM radios have inadequate internal power supply filtering and “buzz” slightly when powered by the powerpack. Generally, the only solution is an audio product with a higher quality filter.

Television interference

The Powerpack is shielded to minimize its interference with TV signals. However, with weak TV signals, interference may be visible in the form of lines scrolling across the screen. The following should minimize or eliminate the problem:

• Increase the distance between the inverter and the TV, antenna, and cables.
• Adjust the orientation of the inverter, television, antenna, and cables.
• Maximize TV signal strength by using a better antenna and use shielded antenna cable where possible.

WARNING: Electric Shock Hazard

Do not remove the cover of the Powerpack or disassemble the Powerpack except to install the battery. The Powerpack does not contain any internal user-serviceable parts, and attempting to service the unit yourself could result in electrical shock or burn.

13. Warranty

One Year Limited Warranty Program

NPower warrants this product for one year limited against any defects in materials or workmanship. The defective products will be replaced and repaired at no charge within one year.

This warranty lasts for 12 months from the date of purchase at the point of sale to you. This warranty does not apply where the product has been misused, improperly installed, physically damaged or altered, either internally or externally, or damaged from improper use.

NPower will repair or replace the defective product free of charge. Proof of purchase is required. Warranty term is not extended if NPower repairs or replaces a product.

NPower owns all parts removed from repaired products.

To qualify for the warranty, make sure the product has not been disassembled or modified without prior authorization. If you require warranty service with your product, please return it to the place of purchase along with a copy of your dated proof of purchase or call customer service at 800-222-5381 for details.

Note: Warranty does not apply to battery.

Note: Any damage caused by the battery is to be referred to the battery manufacturer.