Schumacher Calculator PI 1500 User Guide

1500 Watt DC to AC Power Inverter  
Conver ts 12V DC Batter y Power  
to 110V AC Home Power  
OW NER' S M A NUA L  
– SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS –  
The recommended source of power is a 12-volt deep-cycle battery  
due to their high reserve power capacity. Automotive batteries  
are recommended for only a short period of time of an hour or less.  
Model PI-1500  
00-99-000628/0206  
 
do not place the inverter in direct sunlight. The ideal air  
temperature for operation is between 30º and 105ºF.  
• Keep the inverter well ventilated in order to properly dis-  
perse heat generated while it is in use.  
• While in use, make sure there are several inches of clear-  
ance around the top and sides of the inverter.  
Do not use the inverter near flammable materials.  
do not place or install the inverter in areas such as bat-  
tery or engine compartments where fumes or gases may  
accumulate.  
only connect the power inverter to a 12-volt battery. Con-  
necting to a 6V or 16V battery will cause damage to the  
inverter.  
only connect the power inverter to a 12-volt battery with  
the supplied 12-volt power cords. Make sure the cord  
connections to the inverter are tight.  
do not modify the positive and negative cables or plug in  
any way.  
• Make sure the power consumption of the device or equip-  
ment you want to operate is compatible with the capacity  
of the inverter, and does not exceed 1500 watts.  
• If you are using the power inverter to operate battery  
charger,monitorthetemperatureofthebatterychargerfor  
about 10 minutes. If the battery charger becomes abnor-  
mally warm, disconnect it from the inverter immediately.  
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• If you are powering the inverter with an automobile or ma-  
rine battery, start the engine every 30 to 45 minutes and  
let it run for about 10 minutes to recharge the battery.  
• Ifyouhearacontinuousalarmorautomaticshutdown,turn  
the inverter oFF immediately. do not restart the inverter  
until the source of the problem has been identified and  
corrected.  
disconnect the inverter when not in use in order to avoid  
battery drain.  
Before Using PI-1500  
It is important to know the continuous wattage of the  
device you plan to use with the inverter. The PI-1500  
must be used with devices drawing 1500 watts or less. If  
the wattage is not marked on the device, an estimate can  
be made by multiplying the AC input current (Amps) by  
the AC voltage (110V).  
devices like TVs, fans or electric motors require addi-  
tional power to start (commonly known as the “starting  
or peak power”). The PI-1500 can supply a momentary  
surge in wattage; however even devices rated less than  
the maximum 1500 watts can exceed the inverters surge  
capability and cause an automatic overload shutdown.  
Make sure the device you are using is compatible with a  
modified sine wave inverter.  
Attention: Always run a test to establish whether the invert-  
er will operate a particular piece of equipment or device.  
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In the event of a power overload, the inverter is designed  
to automatically shut down. This safety feature prevents  
damaging the inverter while testing devices and equip-  
ment within the 1500-watt range.  
If a device will not operate properly when first connected  
to the inverter, turn the inverter rocker switch oN (I), oFF  
(o), and oN (I) again in quick succession. If this proce-  
dure is not successful, it is likely that the PI-1500 inverter  
does not have the required capacity to operate the device  
in question.  
Important: Make sure you connect your inverter to a  
12-volt power supply only. Connecting to another voltage  
including any AC power source, will result in damage.  
do not try extending or otherwise changing the 12-volt  
power cord of your inverter.  
Install in negative ground applications only.  
Incorrect operation of your inverter may result in  
damage and personal injury. electrical current on a  
110-volt circuit can be very dangerous.  
Fastening the PI-1500 to a Flat Surface  
For convenience, the PI-1500 can be fastened to a flat  
surface, horizontally or vertically. The area where the  
inverter is to be fastened must be dry, well ventilated and  
away from any combustible products or fumes.  
1. Turn off the PI-1500.  
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2. Place the back of the PI-1500 with the mounting bracket  
against a secure and flat surface.  
3. Attach the inverter to the flat surface using corrosion  
resistant screws.  
Inverter Features:  
A. oN/oFF Rocker Switch – Turns inverter on and off.  
B. led Indicator light – (Green = power oN, Red =  
overload, interruption in power).  
C. Two, 110V GFCI AC outlets  
d. one Pair, 12-Volt Power Cords  
e. Two, High Speed Cooling Fans – keeps inverter cool.  
The speed of the fan is faster as the load increases. Fan  
does not run when inverter turned off.  
F. Analogic output Power display - shows 110V AC  
continuous power consumed.  
G. Positive Battery Cable Terminal (Red) – accepts positive  
connector cable.  
H. Negative Battery Cable Terminal (Black) – accepts  
negative connector cable.  
I. Ground Terminal – grounds inverter to reduce electrical  
shock.  
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Grounding the PI-1500  
To avoid electrical shock, it is necessary to ground the  
PI-1500 Inverter as well as the device powering it. The  
inverter should be grounded using #8 AWG copper wire  
(not included).  
Note: do not turn on the inverter or the power source  
until the inverter and the power source are grounded.  
1. Turn off the PI-1500.  
2. locate the chassis ground screw underneath the  
negative terminal on the left side of the inverter. Unscrew  
the two hex nuts and one washer.  
3. Strip the insulation of the wire back 1.5 inches and in  
between the two washers, wrap the bare end of the  
#8 AWG copper wires around the threaded screw  
extension.  
4. Holding the wire in place, screw the hex nut on the  
threaded screw extension and then screw on the last  
hex nut to secure the wire connection.  
5. Using the other washer and hex nut, secure the opposite  
end of the wire and attach it appropriately so the inverter  
is grounded correctly.  
a. Vehicle – connect to the chassis or unpainted frame  
part or engine block of vehicle.  
b. Boat – connect to boat grounding system.  
c. Fixed location – connect to a ground rod or other  
appropriately rated ground.  
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Connecting Inverter Cables  
The inverter and the power source must be in the oFF  
mode.  
Inverter Connection:  
1. locate the positive and negative plastic terminals  
located on the left side of the inverter. Using a flathead  
or standard screwdriver, unscrew the positive (red) and  
negative (black) terminal screws just enough to be able  
to insert the bare end of the connector cables.  
2. Insert the bare end of the positive (red) cable into the  
positive terminal and bare end of the negative (black)  
cable into the negative terminal. Tighten each terminal  
screw so the cable cannot come loose.  
Connecting Inverter Cables to 12V Battery or 12V  
Power Source  
1. Keep hands, hair, clothing and jewelry clear of battery  
terminals.  
2. Wear protective eye and clothing protection.  
3. Connect the negative (black) inverter terminal cable to  
the power source negative battery terminal. Connect  
the positive (red) inverter terminal cable to the power  
source positive terminal. Make sure the connections are  
secure.  
Note: Failure to make the correct connections will result in  
blown fuses and permanent damage to the inverter.  
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Connecting Your PI-1500  
to turn oN:  
1. Push the rocker switch, located on the right side, to the  
oN” (I) position. The led indicator light should glow  
GReeN verifying the inverter is receiving power and can  
deliver power to your device. (A brief audio alarm may  
sound or red LED may flash. This is normal.)  
2. Turn on the power source or device to be powered.  
Note: If more than two devices are to be powered, start  
one device at a time to avoid a power surge and overload-  
ing the inverter. The surge load of each device should not  
exceed 1500 watts.  
You can use an extension cord from the inverter to the  
device without significantly decreasing the power being  
generated by the inverter. For best operating results, the  
extension cord should be no longer than 50 feet.  
to turn oFF:  
1. Push the rocker switch, located on the right side, to the  
oFF” (o) position.  
2. Turn off the power source and the device.  
3. disconnect inverter from power source and device.  
4. Wait for the inverter to be cool to the touch before  
disconnecting it from the power source.  
Note: The PI-1500 inverter and device should always  
be unplugged when not in use.  
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Using GFCI outlet  
The GFCI (Ground Fault Interrupter) must be tested before  
each use. To test:  
1. Turn the inverter oN.  
2. Push the "ReSeT" button located on the GFCI receptacle,  
first to assure normal GFCI operation.  
3. Plug a nightlight (with an "oN/oFF" switch) or other  
product (such as a lamp) into the GFCI receptacle and  
turn the product "oN."  
4. Push the "TeST" button located on the GFCI receptacle.  
The nightlight or other product should go "oFF."  
5. Push the "ReSeT" button, again. The light or other  
product should go "oN" again.  
Note: If the light or other product remains "oN" when  
the "TeST" button is pushed, the GFCI is not working  
properly and should not be used. Call Customer Service.  
The PI-1500 includes two, "GFCI" (Ground Fault Circuit  
Interrupter) outlets located on the right side of the invert-  
er. The purpose of a GFCI outlet is to quickly stop the  
flow of electricity in the event a ground fault occurs on the  
device plugged into the inverter’s GFCI outlet. Use only a  
3-prong grounded plug when using the GFCI outlet.  
Note: The GFCI outlet could have been shipped in the  
“tripped” position. It needs to be “reset” to ensure safe  
electrical operation. The inverter needs to be oN, con-  
nected to a power source and a device plugged into the  
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inverter to reset. To reset: press the “TeST” button (stops  
flow of electricity to outlet) on the outlet face. Next, press  
the “RESET” button (restores flow of electricity to outlet)  
on the outlet face.  
LeDs and Audio Alarms  
Green – Power on  
Red light and/or Audio Alarm  
Current overload – Red led glows for a short time and  
inverter shuts down. Current load too high for inverter.  
Reduce current demand.  
Voltage overload – Red led glows and inverter shuts  
down. Voltage range of 15.5V ± 0.5V dC too high for  
inverter. Voltage exceeding 16 volts may damage the  
inverter. Reduce voltage range to 12 volts to 14 volts.  
Voltage Shortage – Alarm sounds indicating voltage is  
getting low (10.5V ± 0.3V dC). Inverter shuts down and  
red light glows when voltage falls below 10.0V ± 0.3V dC.  
Inverter needs voltage source between 12 volts and 14  
volts.  
Temperature overload – Red led glows for a short time  
and inverter shuts down. Provide ample ventilation for  
inverter to restart.  
Analogic output Power display - shows AC continuous  
power consumed. Five lights indicate half of the continu-  
ous output power and ten lights indicate full continuous  
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power consumption. When the inverter is oFF, no lights  
appear.  
Using the Inverter to operate a tV or Audio Device  
The inverter is shielded and filtered to minimize signal  
interference. despite this, some interference may occur  
with your television picture, especially with weak signals.  
Below are some suggestions to try and improve reception.  
Make sure the television antenna produces a clear signal  
under normal operating conditions (i.e., at home plugged  
into a standard 115V AC wall outlet). Also, ensure that the  
antenna cable is adequately shielded and of good quality.  
Try altering the positions of the inverter, antenna cables,  
and television power cord. Add an extension cord from  
the inverter to the TV so as to isolate its power cord and  
antenna cables from the 12-volt power source.  
Try coiling the television power cord and the input cables  
running from the 12 -volt power source to the inverter.  
Affix one or several "Ferrite Data Line Filters" to the tele-  
vision power cord. Ferrite data line Filters can be pur-  
chased at most electronic supply stores including Radio  
Shack - Part Number 2ꢀ3-105.  
Attention: You may hear a "buzzing" sound being emit-  
ted from inexpensive sound systems when operated with  
the inverter. This is due to ineffective filters in the sound  
system. This problem can only be resolved by purchasing  
a sound system with a higher quality power supply.  
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Blown Fuse  
A blown fuse is usually caused by reverse polarity or a  
short circuit within the device or equipment being operated.  
If the fuse blows, take the inverter to a qualified techni-  
cian for repair.  
Power Source  
Your average automobile or marine battery will provide an  
ample power supply to the inverter for 30 to 45 minutes  
even when the engine is off. The actual length of time the  
inverter will function depends on:  
1. Age and condition of the battery.  
2. Power demand being placed by the equipment being  
operated with the inverter.  
If you decide to use the inverter while the engine is off:  
turn oFF the device plugged into the inverter before  
starting the engine. Start the engine every hour and let it  
run for approximately 10 minutes to recharge the battery.  
Attention: Although it is not necessary to disconnect the  
inverter when starting the engine, it may briefly cease  
to operate as the battery voltage decreases. When  
the inverter is not supplying power, it draws a very low  
amperage from the battery. The inverter may be left con-  
nected to the battery for up to three hours. It is recom-  
mended that the inverter always be disconnected when  
not in use.  
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Safety Features  
The led Indicator light will turn from GReeN to Red and  
the inverter will automatically turn itself off when:  
1. The power input from the battery drops to approximately  
10 volts. (When the power input drops to approximately  
10.5 volts, an alarm will sound for an extended period).  
2. The power input from the battery exceeds 15.5 volts.  
3. The continuous load demand from the equipment or  
device being operated exceeds 1500 watts.  
4. The case temperature exceeds 140 ºF.  
Attention: The PI-1500 is fitted with cooling fans that run  
as needed while the inverter is operating. If the cooling  
fans are unable to maintain a cool enough temperature  
for safe operation, the inverter will automatically shut  
down. If the inverter automatically shuts down or a con-  
tinuous audible alarm is heard:  
1. Turn the inverter rocker switch to the oFF (o).  
2. determine the source of the problem, and resolve it  
before continuing to use the inverter.  
How Do Power Inverters Work?  
There are two stages involved in transforming 12-volt dC  
(or battery) power into 110V AC (household voltage):  
StAGe 1: The PI-1500 power inverter uses a dC to dC  
transformer to increase the 12-volt dC input voltage from  
the power source to 145-volts dC.  
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StAGe 2: The inverter then converts the 145-volts dC  
into 110-volts AC (household voltage) using advanced  
MOSFET transistors in a full bridge configuration. A "modi-  
fied sine wave" waveform is generated by this conversion.  
troubleshooting  
PRoBLeM: Low or No output Voltage  
Reason/Solution  
1. Poor contact at terminals.  
Unhook and rehook the 12-volt connections.  
2. Using incorrect type of voltmeter to test output  
voltage.  
Use a true RMS reading meter.  
PRoBLeM: Red LeD on  
Reason/Solution  
1. Battery voltage below 11 volts.  
Recharge or replace battery.  
2. equipment being operated is drawing too much  
power.  
Use a higher capacity inverter or do not use this  
equipment.  
3. Inverter is too hot (thermal shut down mode).  
Allow inverter to cool. Check for adequate ventilation.  
Reduce the load on the inverter to rated continuous  
power output.  
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PRoBLeM: Audible Alarm on All the time  
Reason/Solution  
1. Input voltage below 11 volts.  
Recharge or replace battery to maintain adequate power  
input.  
2. Poor or weak battery condition.  
Recharge or replace battery.  
PRoBLeM: Device Does Not Work  
Reason/Solution  
1. Device does not turn on.  
Try turning the inverter oN, then oFF, then oN again.  
Contact the device manufacture for start up surge and/or  
if the device is compatible with a modified sine wave.  
An inverter producing a larger power out-put may be  
required.  
2. Inverter may be defective.  
See warranty and call customer service.  
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SPeCIFICAtIoNS:  
Maximum Continuous Power ............................ 1500 watts  
Surge Capability (Peak Power)........................ 3000 Watts  
No load Current draw ............................................. < 0.6A  
Wave form...........................................Modified Sine Wave  
Input Voltage Range....................................10.5V–15V dC  
AC outlets..................................................Two, 110V GFCI  
LIMIteD WARRANtY  
Schumacher electric Corporation warrants your inverter to  
be free from defects in material and workmanship, except-  
ing abuse or misuse, for a period of one year from the date  
of sale to the original user or consumer purchaser. If your  
inverter malfunctions or fails within the 12-month warranty  
period because of a defect in material or workmanship, we  
will repair it without charge or replace it.  
This warranty is in lieu of all other express warranties.  
The duration of any implied warranty, including but not  
limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability or fit-  
ness for a particular purpose made in respect to your  
inverter, is limited to the period of the express warranty  
set forth above.  
For warranty service, return your product, with inverter  
as well as proof of purchase to the factory or a desig-  
nated agent:  
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Schumacher electric Corporation,  
Warranty Service department  
1025 Thompson, Hoopeston, Il 60942  
Phone: 800-621-5485 (Hours: ꢀ a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CST)  
You will be responsible for all insurance and freight or  
other transportation charges to the factory or point of  
repair. We will return your inverter freight prepaid if repair  
is covered under warranty. Your inverter should be prop-  
erly packed to avoid damage in transit since we will not  
be responsible for any such damage.  
In no event shall Schumacher Electric Corporation be liable  
for consequential damages. Some states do not allow limita-  
tions on the length of the implied warranty or the exclusion  
or limitations of incidental or consequential damages, so the  
above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This  
warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also  
have other rights which may vary from state to state.  
Schumacher Website: www.batterychargers.com  
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