HighGear by Cobra HG PI2000 2000 Watt Power Inverter

How Your Cobra Power Inverter Works

The Cobra Power Inverter is an electronic product designed to convert low voltage DC (Direct Current) power from your automobile or other low voltage power supplies to standard 115 Volt AC (Alternating Current) power, similar to what you have in your home. This allows you to use household appliances and electronic products in automobiles, RVs, boats, tractors, trucks, and virtually anywhere else.

Features of This Product

• Automatic thermal protection/shutdown
• Reverse polarity protection
• Three AC receptacles
• Low battery alarm
• Low battery shutdown
• Battery voltage and current meters

Controls and Indicators

The inverter features the following controls and indicators:

• 1. On/Off Power Switch: Turns the control circuit on and off. It does not disconnect power from the inverter.
• 2. Battery Voltage and Current Meter: Displays the battery's voltage and current.
• 3. AC Outlets: Receptacles for connecting AC loads.
• 4. Battery Cable Terminals: Terminals for connecting the DC power source.
• 5. Ground Terminal: For connecting the inverter's chassis to ground.

[Diagram showing the front and rear panels of the inverter with numbered controls and indicators.]

Introduction

To ensure the best performance, this inverter must be installed and used properly. Please read the installation and operating instructions carefully before use. Pay close attention to CAUTION and WARNING statements, which indicate conditions that could cause damage to the unit, equipment, or result in personal injury or loss of life.

Cobra 2000W Output Waveform

The output waveform is a "square wave" or "modified sine wave." It is a stepped waveform that approximates the sine wave shape of utility power. This waveform is suitable for most AC loads, including linear and switching power supplies used in electronic equipment, transformers, and motors.

Caution: Rechargeable Appliances

Certain rechargers for small nickel cadmium batteries may be damaged if connected to the Cobra 2000W inverter. Specifically, small battery-operated appliances that plug directly into an AC receptacle for recharging, and battery chargers for power tool battery packs that have a WARNING label stating dangerous voltages at the battery terminals.

Most battery-operated equipment uses a separate charger or transformer that produces a low voltage output (less than 30 volts). The inverter can safely power these without issue.

Quick Checkout

Before installation, perform a quick checkout:

• Ensure you have a 12-volt DC power source (e.g., vehicle battery).
• Have a set of cables to connect the power source to the inverter.
• Have a test load that can be plugged into the inverter's AC receptacle.

Power Source Requirements

The power source must provide between 11 and 15 volts DC and be able to supply sufficient current for the test load. A rough guide: divide the load's wattage by 10 to estimate the required current in amperes.

Cables

Use cables that are as short and thick as possible to minimize voltage drop. #4 AWG stranded copper cable, no longer than 1.5 meters (4 ft.), is recommended. For short-term testing at low power, #16 AWG copper cable is suitable for loads up to 100W, #12 AWG for 250W, and #8 AWG for 500W.

Strip about 1/2 inch (1.25cm) of insulation from the end of the cable connecting to the inverter. The other end, connecting to the power source, should have a secure, low-resistance connection, such as a battery terminal clamp.

Testing/Connection

Connection Steps:

1. Turn the inverter's ON/OFF switch to the OFF position. If using a DC power supply, switch it off as well.
2. Connect the cables to the inverter's power input terminals (red for positive, black for negative). Tighten screws securely.
3. Connect the negative (black) cable from the inverter to the negative terminal of the power source. Ensure a secure connection.
4. Connect the positive (red) cables from the inverter to the positive terminal of the power source. Ensure a secure connection.
5. If using a DC power supply, turn it on. Turn the inverter's ON/OFF switch to ON. Check the voltage meter; it should read between 11 and 14 volts.
6. Turn the inverter's ON/OFF switch to OFF. Plug the test load into the AC receptacle and leave it switched OFF.
7. Turn the inverter's ON/OFF switch to ON and then turn the test load ON. The inverter should supply power. If not, consult the troubleshooting section.

WARNING: A spark may occur when making connections due to capacitor charging. Do not make connections in the presence of flammable fumes to avoid explosion or fire. Ventilate battery compartments thoroughly.

Installation

Install the inverter in an area that meets the following requirements:

• Dry: Avoid areas where water can drip or splash on the inverter.
• Cool: Maintain ambient air temperature between 30°F and 105°F (0°C and 40°C). Cooler is better.
• Ventilate: Allow at least 1 inch (3cm) of clearance around the inverter for airflow. Ensure ventilation openings are not obstructed.
• Safe: Do not install in the same compartment as a battery or flammable liquids like gasoline. Avoid locations requiring ignition-protected equipment.
• Close to Battery: Install as close to the battery as possible (without sharing the compartment) to minimize DC cable length. Longer AC wires are preferable to longer DC cables.

CAUTION: Do not cover or obstruct ventilation openings, as overheating may result.

WARNING: This unit contains components that produce arcs or sparks. Do not install in compartments with batteries or flammable materials, or in locations requiring ignition-protected equipment.

Mounting/Cables

Mounting

Mount the inverter on a flat surface using the bottom mounting bracket. Use corrosion-resistant hardware of at least #10 size. The inverter can be mounted horizontally or vertically.

Cables

Low voltage, high current input requires low-resistance wiring between the battery and inverter for maximum energy transfer. Use only copper wire. Recommended minimum size is two #4 copper cables (90° C insulation rating), with a maximum length of 4 ft. (1.5 meters) to minimize voltage drop.

CAUTION: Only connect to 12-volt batteries. Connecting to a 6-volt battery will prevent operation, and connecting to a 16-volt battery will cause damage.

WARNING: When making permanent AC connections, perform AC wiring steps before DC wiring. Working on energized AC connections can result in electric shock. Disconnect the DC power source before working on AC wiring.

WARNING: 115 Volt AC power is lethal. Disconnect the DC power source before working on AC wiring.

Ground Wiring

Connect the chassis ground screw on the rear panel to a grounding point. Use a #8 AWG copper wire (preferably green/yellow insulated) for this connection.

• In a vehicle: Connect to the vehicle's chassis.
• In a boat: Connect to the boat's grounding system.
• In a fixed location: Connect to earth ground via a ground rod or proper service entrance ground.

Warning: Do not operate the inverter without connecting it to ground. Electrical shock hazard may result.

DC Wiring

Follow these steps for DC wiring:

1. Ensure the inverter's ON/OFF switch is in the OFF position.
2. Connect cables to the inverter's power input terminals (red to positive, black to negative). Tighten screws securely.
3. Connect the negative (black) cable from the inverter to the negative terminal of the battery. Ensure a secure connection.
4. Double-check that the negative cable connects the inverter's negative terminal to the battery's negative terminal. All power connections must be positive-to-positive and negative-to-negative.
5. Connect the positive (red) cable from the inverter to the battery's main fuse or battery selector switch. Ensure a secure connection.

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

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

CAUTION: We recommend a main fuse (e.g., Buss Fuse ANL-250) in the battery's positive cable, placed as close to the battery as possible, to protect against DC wiring short circuits.

CAUTION: Do not connect the inverter to an AC branch circuit with high-power consumption loads like electric heaters, air conditioners, or stoves, as it will not operate appliances consuming more than 2000 watts.

WARNING: Do not make connections in the presence of flammable fumes. Ventilate the battery compartment before making connections.

Operation

Turn the inverter ON using the ON/OFF switch. If operating multiple loads, turn them on separately after the inverter is on to manage starting currents.

Controls and Indicators / Operating Limits

ON/OFF Switch

Turns the control circuit ON and OFF. Does not disconnect power.

When OFF, the inverter draws minimal current. When ON but not powering a load, it draws less than 500 milliamperes from the battery. It would take over a week to discharge a 100 Ah battery at this rate. Switch OFF if the battery will not be recharged within a week.

Power Output

The inverter delivers 2000 watts continuously and can deliver 2400 watts for approximately 30 minutes. It requires a 15-minute cool-down period before resuming 2000-watt operation. The wattage rating applies to resistive loads.

Input Voltage

The inverter operates optimally between 12 and 14 volts DC. It accepts input voltages from 10 to 15 volts DC.

• Low Battery Warning: An audible alarm sounds if the input voltage drops below 10.5 +/- 0.3V.
• Low Voltage Shutdown: The inverter shuts down if the input voltage drops below 9.5V +/- 0.3V to protect the battery from over-discharge. It will restart when the voltage exceeds 10.5V +/- 0.3V.
• Over-Voltage Shutdown: The inverter shuts down if the input voltage exceeds 15.75V +/- 0.75V to protect the inverter.

WARNING: Although protected against over-voltage, the inverter may still be damaged if the input voltage exceeds 16 volts.

Troubleshooting Guide

Maintenance

Little maintenance is required. Periodically clean the exterior with a damp cloth. Tighten DC input terminal screws. Ensure vents and fans are free of dust or debris.

Notes:

• All protection is automatically recovered.
• To restart after low voltage protection, DC input voltage should be above 12V.
• Fan stops when there is no load to extend its life. Fan speed increases with load.
• The unit is completely insulated for added safety.

Power Consumption

To determine battery capacity needs, calculate the watt-hours of energy consumption (power x operating time) for each piece of equipment. Divide watt-hours by 10 to find the required 12-volt ampere-hours.

Specifications

1. CONTINUOUS OUTPUT POWER (4 HOURS): 2000W
2. CONTINUOUS OUTPUT POWER (30 MINUTES): 2400W
3. SURGE RATING (0.1SECOND): 4000W
4. PEAK EFFICIENCY (12V-1/2 LOAD): 90%
5. EFFICIENCY (FULL LOAD, 12V): >83%
6. NO LOAD CURRENT DRAW: <0.8 A (12.6V)
7. OUTPUT WAVEFORM (RESISTIVE LOAD): PERFECT MODIFIED SINE WAVE
8. OUTPUT FREQUENCY: 60HZ±2HZ
9. OUTPUT VOLTAGE: 115V+/-5%
10. INPUT VOLTAGE: 10-15 VDC
11. ALARM VOLTAGE (UNLOAD): 10.5 V ±0.3V
12. SHUTDOWN VOLTAGE (UNLOAD): 9.5V ±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

Limited Three Year Warranty

COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION warrants its COBRA Power Inverter and its component parts to be free from defects in material and workmanship for 3 years from the date of consumer purchase, provided the product is used within the U.S.A.

COBRA will, at its option, repair or replace a defective inverter free of charge upon delivery to the COBRA factory Service Department, accompanied by proof of purchase (e.g., a duplicated sales receipt).

The customer is responsible for initial shipping charges for warranty service. Return shipping charges for repaired or replaced products under warranty will be covered by COBRA.

Exclusions:

• Accidental damage.
• Misuse, abuse, or unauthorized alterations or repairs.
• Altered, defaced, or removed serial numbers.
• Products used 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 incidental, consequential, or other damages, including loss of use or cost of installation.

Some states may not allow limitations on implied warranty duration or incidental/consequential damages, so these limitations may not apply to you.

[Image of a 3-year warranty seal]

Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707

If You Think You Need Service

For technical assistance, call the Automated Help Desk at (773) 889-3087, available 24/7. A Consumer Service Representative can be reached at the same number from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, CST.

Technical assistance is also available online in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section at www.cobraelectronics.com or via email to productinfo@cobraelectronics.com.

If you think you need service, call 1.773.889.3087.

If your product requires factory service, call Cobra first before sending it in to ensure the fastest repair turnaround time.

You may be asked to send the unit to the Cobra factory. Please include the following:

1. Proof-of-purchase (e.g., sales receipt). Original receipts cannot be returned.
2. The entire product.
3. A description of the issue, including your typed or clearly printed name and return address.
4. Pack the unit securely to prevent transit damage, using original packing material if possible.
5. Ship prepaid and insured via a traceable carrier (e.g., UPS, First Class Mail) to: Cobra Factory Service, Cobra Electronics Corporation, 6500 W. Cortland St., Chicago, IL 60707.
6. If the unit is under warranty, it will be repaired or exchanged. Allow approximately 3 to 4 weeks for status updates. If out of warranty, you will be notified of repair or replacement charges. For questions, call 1.773.889.3087.

Cobra Electronics Corp. © 2000
Printed in China
Part No. 480-311-P-001