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 Service and Support

For any questions about operating or installing this new Cobra product, please contact Cobra first. Do not return the product to the retail store. Contact information for Cobra may vary depending on your country. For the latest information, please visit www.cobra.com/support or call 1-800-543-1608. For factory service, visit www.cobra.com/support and follow the instructions.

What's in the Box

• 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 inverter features the following controls and connection points:

• 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 temperature exceeds a preset limit and deactivating when it reduces.
• C. Positive Power Input Terminal: Connects to the positive terminal of the DC power source.
• D. USB-A Fast Charge port: Supports 5V/3.0A, 9V/1.67A fast charging.
• E. Power/Fault LED Indicator: Shows the operational status and any faults.
• F. USB-C Fast Charge port: Supports 5V/3.0A, 9V/1.67A fast charging.
• G. Port for Cobra Remote On/Off Controller with Fast Charge USB: Connects to the optional remote controller (Sold Separately).
• H. (2) GFCI Protected AC Outlets: Standard household AC outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter protection.
• I. Power Switch: Turns the inverter's control circuit on and off.
• J. Power Cables: Included cables for connecting to a battery.
• K. 12 Volt Accessory Cable: Included cable for connecting to a vehicle's 12V accessory port.
• L. Cobra Remote On/Off Controller with Fast Charge USB: An optional accessory for remote operation and charging (Sold Separately).

** Fast Charge works only on devices capable of supporting a charge up to 10W.

Important Product / Safety Information

Before installing and using your Cobra power inverter, please read these general precautions and warnings.

Caution and Warning Statements

Special attention must be paid to the CAUTION and WARNING statements in the manual.

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 in any way.
3. Do not open the inverter; it contains no user-serviceable parts. Attempting to service the unit could cause electrical shock. NOTE: 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. Do not connect to a 6 Volt battery, and it will be damaged if connected to a 24 Volt battery.

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

WARNING: To avoid fire, do not cover or obstruct the ventilation openings. Do not install the power 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.

Appliance Considerations

Rechargeable Appliances

Certain chargers for small nickel-cadmium batteries can be damaged if connected to a Cobra POWER 500W inverter. Two particular types of equipment are prone to this problem:

1. Small battery-operated appliances such as flashlights, razors, and night lights that can be plugged directly into an AC receptacle to recharge.
2. Certain battery chargers for battery packs used in hand power tools. These chargers often have a WARNING label stating that dangerous voltages are present at the battery terminals.

This problem does not occur with the vast majority of battery-operated equipment. Most use a separate charger or transformer that plugs into the AC receptacle and produces a low voltage output. If the label on the AC adapter or charger states that it produces a low voltage AC or DC output (less than 30 volts), the inverter will have no problem powering the adapter safely.

Cobra 500W Output Waveform

Some very sensitive electronic equipment may not operate satisfactorily on the output waveform referred to as "modified sine wave" which this inverter is designed for. It is a stepped waveform designed to have characteristics similar to the sine wave shape of utility power. A waveform of this nature is suitable for most AC loads, including linear and switching power suppliers used in electronic equipment, transformers, and motors.

Pentagon Protection®

Cobra power inverters provide five levels of protection:

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

For detailed specifications, refer to the Specifications section of this manual, starting on page 18.

Getting Started

This section provides basic information about the inverter and tips before installation. To get started, you will need:

1. A 12 Volt DC battery (e.g., vehicle battery). To understand how much current your battery must deliver, divide the number of Watts from your AC appliance or device by 10.
2. Cables to connect your inverter to the vehicle battery. These come with your POWER 500W Inverter and provide a length of 16".

Determining the Power Requirements for Your Pro Inverter

Before turning on your power inverter and plugging in an appliance or device, understand its power requirements. To determine these, you need to know the Watts of your device. This can be calculated by multiplying the Amps by 110 Volts (see below).

Power Consumption

For each piece of equipment you will operate from the power inverter, determine the battery's reserve capacity (how long the battery can deliver a specific amount of current – automotive batteries usually have 25 ampere reserve) or ampere-hour capacity (a measure of how many amperes a battery can deliver for a specified length of time).

Example – Ampere-hour capacity: A battery with an ampere-hour capacity of 100 ampere-hours can deliver 5 amperes for 20 hours before being completely discharged.

To determine the battery Ampere-hour capacity you require:

1. Determine how many Watts each piece of equipment consumes. This is usually found on the product label. If only the Amperage is provided, multiply the Amps by 115 to determine the power in Watts.
2. Estimate how long you need your appliance to run.
3. Calculate the Amp-hour rating for the battery: multiply the total AC load (in Watts) by the length of time (in Hours) needed to run your appliance. This gives you the Watt-Hours needed.
4. Divide the watt-hours by 10 to determine how many battery (12 volt) ampere-hours will be consumed.

Formulas:

• AC AMPS X 110 (AC Voltage) = WATTS (approximates continuous load).
• WATTS X 2 = Starting load for most appliances, tools, and devices (approximates startup load). Exceptions are motorized appliances like pumps, freezers, and air conditioners, which can have startup loads up to eight times the rated Watts.

For electrically sensitive equipment, contact the manufacturer to determine if the device is compatible with modified sine wave AC. If not, a Pure Sine Wave Inverter is recommended.

Determining the DC Power Requirements

Your power inverter requires a 12-Volt battery input. To calculate the approximate power in Amps for a 12-Volt battery bank, you need to know the current, or Amps, required for powering the continuous AC load. A shortcut method is to divide the continuous AC load Wattage by 10. For example, for a 500 Watt continuous AC load, the current (Amps) is: 500 / 10 = 50 Amps at 12VDC. Add to this load any DC appliances that may also be powered by the battery bank.

Mounting the Inverter

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

What You Will Need:

• Assess your mounting needs depending on the inverter and type of surface (e.g., wood or fiberglass).
• Gather the necessary tools depending on the surface (e.g., drill or screwdriver).
• Determine the size of mounting hardware. Use only corrosion-resistant screws (not included).

Mounting Instructions:

1. Make sure the inverter is OFF.
2. Check for wires, fuel lines, or fluid tanks behind the wall or surface you plan to drill.
3. Position the power inverter horizontally when choosing the mounting location. If mounted on a wall, ensure the front of the inverter faces outward. Do not mount vertically to prevent debris or dust from falling into the power inverter.
4. Mark the locations of the mounting screws before drilling.
5. Remove the inverter and drill the (4) mounting holes.
6. Fasten the inverter to the mounting surface using corrosion-resistant screws (not included).

Power 500W Installation: Connecting to the Battery

Follow these steps to connect the inverter to your vehicle's battery:

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 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, ensuring 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.
12. If you purchased the Cobra Remote On/Off Remote Controller with Fast Charge USB (Model CPIALCDG1) accessory, plug the controller into the RJ45 jack labeled “REMOTE”.

Power 500W 12V Accessory Installation: Connecting to the 12V Accessory

Follow these steps to connect the inverter using the 12V accessory cable:

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 to the RED (+) inverter terminal.
4. Screw the thumb cap back on the RED (+) inverter terminal.
5. Connect the BLACK (-) 12V Accessory Cable ring 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, place the power switch into the ON or "-" position by pressing the left side of the switch. When turning your inverter OFF, place the power switch into the OFF or "O" position by pressing the right side of the Power Switch.

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

Additional Cautions and Warnings

CAUTION: Do not connect the inverter and another AC source (such as a generator or utility power) to the AC wiring at the same time. The inverter will be damaged if its output is connected to AC voltage from another source. Damage can even occur if the inverter is switched off.

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

CAUTION: Loose connectors result in excessive voltage drop and may cause overheated wires and melted insulation.

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

CAUTION: We recommend a main fuse in the battery's positive cable to protect against DC wiring short circuits (external to the inverter). The fuse should be as close to the battery as possible. We recommend a 60 Amp ANL fuse or equivalent. The specific fuse ampere rating should be sized to allow operation of all your DC powered equipment.

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

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

WARNING: If you are making a permanent AC connection to the inverter, make sure that the AC wiring steps are performed before any DC wiring is done. (DC hook-up energizes internal components, regardless of the position of the On/Off Switch). Working on AC connections in such a circumstance may result in an electric shock.

WARNING: 115 volt AC power is potentially lethal. Do not work on AC wiring when it is connected to the inverter (even if it is switched off) unless the DC power source is physically disconnected from the inverter. Also, do not work on AC wiring if it is connected to another AC power source such as a generator or the utility line.

WARNING: You may observe a spark when making the connection because current can flow to charge the capacitors in the inverter. Do not make this connection in the presence of flammable fumes. Explosion or fire may result. Thoroughly ventilate the battery compartment before making this connection.

Turning Your Power Inverter On and Off

Be sure to have your power inverter properly installed before attempting to turn the unit on (see installation beginning on page 10).

To turn the power inverter on:

1. If a DC power supply is being used as the power source, switch it on.
2. On the Output End, press the Power Button to ON.

The power inverter is now ready to deliver AC power to your loads. If several loads are to be operated by the inverter, turn them on separately, after the inverter has been turned on. This will ensure that the inverter does not have to deliver the starting currents required for all the loads at once.

NOTE: The Power Button turns the control circuit in the inverter on and off. It does not disconnect power from the inverter.

When the button is in the off position, the inverter draws no current from the battery. When it's in the on position, but no power is being supplied to a load, the inverter draws less than 600 milliamperes from the battery. This is low current draw. It would take more than a week to discharge a 100 ampere-hour battery at this rate, depending on the age of the battery.

Cobra Remote On/Off Controller with Fast Charge USB

Your Cobra POWER inverter is equipped with an RJ-45 jack labeled "REMOTE" for compatibility with the Cobra Remote On/Off Controller with Fast Charge USB* to allow you to conveniently turn the inverter ON and OFF from anywhere inside your vehicle, as well as fast charge your devices at the same time. This is perfect for use while driving, traveling, camping, or tailgating when your inverter is out of reach. Four mounting options allow you to install it permanently, use it while driving in a cup holder, or clip it to the back of a seat or another place inside your vehicle.

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

Operating Indicators

Indicators on the power inverter show the unit's power status and alarms for conditions that could cause it to shut down. The power and protection indicator includes a dual color green and red light, and an alarm.

Green Light

Power on: The green light should remain on steady.

Red Light and/or Alarm

• Current overload: The red light will blink continuously, then the inverter will shut down. The inverter will continue to check for appropriate current levels while trying to restart the load.
• DC input voltage overload: The red light will turn on, and the inverter will shut down. The inverter will continue to check for appropriate voltage levels while trying to restart the load.
• DC input voltage shortage: As a warning that the voltage is getting low, the internal alarm will sound. When the voltage is too low, the inverter will shut down, and the light will turn red. The inverter will continue to check for appropriate voltage levels while trying to restart the load.
• Temperature overload: The red light will blink, then the inverter will shut down. The inverter will continue to check for appropriate temperature levels while trying to restart the load.

NOTE: A momentary sound of the internal alarm and/or flash of the red light is normal at start up.

Operating Limits

Power Output

The inverter can deliver 500 watts for about 60 minutes. The inverter must cool for 15 minutes before it can resume operation at 500 watts. Note: The wattage rating applies to resistive loads.

The inverter will operate most AC loads within its power rating. Some induction motors used in freezers, pumps, and other motor-operated equipment require very high surge currents to start. The inverter may not be able to start some of these motors even though their rated current draw is within the inverter's limits. The inverter will normally start single-phase induction motors rated at one-half HP or less.

Input Voltage

The inverter will operate from input voltage ranging from 10 volts to 15 volts. Optimum performance will occur when the voltage is between 12 volts and 14 volts. If the voltage drops below 10.5V +/- 0.3V, an audible low battery warning will sound. The inverter will shut down if the input voltage drops below 9.5V +/- 0.3V. This protects the battery from being over-discharged. It will restart when the input voltage exceeds 12V +/- 0.3V. The inverter will also shut down if the input voltage exceeds 15.5V +/- 0.5V. This protects the inverter against excessive input voltage. Although the inverter has protection against over-voltage, it may still be damaged if the input voltage were to exceed 16 volts.

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 that its Cobra power inverter, and the component parts thereof, will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for a period of two years from the date of first consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the first consumer purchaser, provided that the product is utilized within the U.S.A.

Cobra will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective power inverters, products, or component parts upon delivery to the Cobra Factory Service department, accompanied by proof of the date of first consumer purchase, such as a duplicated copy of a sales receipt. You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship the product for warranty service, but the return charges will be at Cobra's expense, if the product is repaired or replaced under warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state.

Exclusions:

This limited warranty does not apply:

1. To any product damaged by accident.
2. In the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized alterations or repairs.
3. If the serial number has been altered, defaced, or removed.
4. If the owner of the product resides 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 any incidental, consequential, or other damages; including, without limitation, damages resulting from loss of use or cost of installation. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.

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.

Maintenance & Product Service

Maintenance

Very little maintenance is required to keep the inverter operating properly. The exterior of the unit should be cleaned periodically with a damp cloth to prevent accumulation of dust and dirt. At the same time, tighten the screws on the DC input terminals. Be sure vents and fans are free of dust or debris.

Product Service

For any questions about operating or installing this new Cobra product, please go to www.cobra.com.