Owner’s Manual
®
PowerVerter
PV1000HF, PV1800HF
& PV3000HF
1111 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609 USA
DC-to-AC Inverters
Customer Support: (773) 869-1234
Input
Output
12 VDC
120V, 60 Hz. AC
GROUND
PV1000HF
PV1800HF
PV3000HF
• Automatic Overload Protection
Reliable AC Power Wherever You Need It!
Congratulations! You’ve purchased the most advanced, feature-rich
Inverter designed as a mobile energy source for your vehicle.
PowerVerter Inverters efficiently convert DC (battery) power into
120V AC (household) power, allowing you to use equipment you
commonly use at home—appliances, entertainment systems, computers,
power tools and more—while cruising the open road or out on the
open water. PowerVerter Inverters, through a high-efficiency conversion
process and a charge conservation setting, draw the highest level of
performance from your batteries without overtaxing them, lengthening
their service life. An automatic low battery shutdown feature ensures
you'll always have plenty of power for starting purposes.
• Automatic “Battery-Saver” Low Voltage Shutdown
• High Efficiency DC-to-AC Inversion
• Multi-Function Lights & Switches
• Optional Remote Control Capability
(Module included with PV3000HF)
Contents
Specifications
Safety
2
2
3
4
5
Mounting
6
7
Battery Connection
Feature Identification
Operation
Troubleshooting/Service/
Maintenance/Warranty
8 (back page)
Warranty Registration
8 (back page)
Application Guide
Copyright © 2004. PowerVerter® is a registered trademark of Tripp Lite. All rights reserved.
Feature Identification
Identify the premium features on your specific model and quickly locate instructions on how to maximize their use.
1
7
Operating Mode Switch: controls Inverter operation. Set this
3-position rocker switch to “ON” to have your Inverter provide
connected equipment with AC power by converting DC power
from an attached battery. Set switch to “OFF” when not using
connected equipment to prevent battery drain. Set switch to
“REMOTE” to remotely monitor and control the Inverter with
the use of an optional remote module.
Remote Control Module Connector: allows remote monitoring
and control with an optional module (Tripp Lite model
APSRM4, sold separately or included with PV3000HF models).
See remote module owner’s manual for connection instructions.
8
Battery Charge Conserver (Load Sense) Dial: conserves battery
power by setting the low-load level at which the Inverter auto-
matically shuts off. See page 4 for setting instructions.
2
3
“LOAD” Indicator Lights: intuitive “traffic light” signals show
approximate equipment load level. See page 4 for instructions
on reading indicator lights.
9
Multi-Speed Cooling Fan(s): quiet, efficient fans prolong
equipment service life.
10
Main Ground Lug: properly grounds the Inverter to vehicle
grounding system or earth ground. See page 7 for connection
instructions.
“BATTERY” Indicator Lights: intuitive “traffic light” signals
show approximate charge level of your battery. See page 4 for
instructions on reading indicator lights.
Low Battery Alarm/Shutdown (internal, not shown): auto-
matically detects low voltage and shuts down Inverter to preserve
vehicle battery.
4
5
DC Power Terminals: connect to your battery terminals. See
page 7 for connection instructions.
AC Receptacles: allow you to connect equipment that would
normally be plugged into a utility outlet. PV3000HF models
include two receptacles that accept either 15- or 20-amp plugs.
Overload Alarm/Shutdown (internal, not shown): automatically
detects wattage overload on Inverter outlets and shuts down
Inverter as a protective measure.
6
Resettable Circuit Breaker(s): protect your Inverter against
damage due to overload. PV3000HF models include two separate
20-amp circuits. See page 4 for resetting instructions.
8
2
3
7
1
BATTERY
LOAD
LOAD
SENSE
HI
MED
LOW
LOW
MED
HI
REMOTE
GREATER
LOAD
ON
LESSER
LOAD
ON
REMOTE
OFF
ON
Observe proper polarity. Reversed polarity
will blow internal fuses. See manual.
CAUTION!
12V DC
GROUND
4
9
4
10
PV1000HF Rear Panel
5
PV1000HF Front Panel
8
2
3
7
1
BATTERY
LOAD
LOAD
SENSE
HI
MED
LOW
LOW
MED
HI
REMOTE
GREATER
LOAD
ON
LESSER
LOAD
ON
REMOTE
OFF
ON
Observe proper polarity. Reversed polarity
will blow internal fuses. See manual.
CAUTION!
12V DC
GROUND
4
9
4
10
5
PV1800HF Rear Panel
PV1800HF Front Panel
8
2
5
3
7
1
5
20A
15A
15A
20A
BATTERY
LOAD
LOAD
Observe proper polarity. Reversed polarity
will blow internal fuses. See manual.
SENSE
CAUTION!
GREATER
LOAD
ON
LESSER
LOAD
ON
HI
MED
LOW
LOW
MED
HI
12V DC
REMOTE
REMOTE
OFF
ON
OUTPUT
CIRCUIT
BREAKER
20A
OUTPUT
CIRCUIT
BREAKER
20A
GROUND
10
9
PV3000HF Rear Panel
4
9
6
PV3000HF Front Panel
3PV
Operation
Switch Modes
Resetting Your Inverter to Restore
AC Power
Switch between the following operating modes as appropriate to
your situation:
Your Inverter may cease supplying AC power in order to protect
itself from overload or to protect your electrical system. To restore
normal functioning:
“ON”: Switch to this setting to provide connected
equipment with AC power.
REMOTE
OFF
ON
Low Battery Shutdown Reset: Set operating mode switch to
“OFF” and run vehicle engine to recharge battery. When battery is
adequately charged, switch operating mode switch back to either
“REMOTE” or “ON.”
“OFF”: Switch to this setting to shut down the Inverter
completely, preventing it from drawing power from
the batteries. Use this switch to automatically reset
the unit if it shuts down due to low battery or overload.
Use an optional remote control module (Tripp Lite model APSRM4,
sold separately or included with PV3000HF models) to reset unit
due to overload only.
REMOTE
OFF
ON
Overload Shutdown Reset: Set operating mode switch to “OFF”
and remove some of the connected electrical load (ie: turn off some
of the AC devices drawing power which may have caused the over-
load of the unit). Wait one minute, then switch operating mode
switch back to either “REMOTE” or “ON.”
“REMOTE”: Switch to this setting to remotely
monitor and control the Inverter with the use of an
optional remote module. See remote module’s
Output Circuit Breaker Reset (Select Models): Alternatively,
check output circuit breaker(s) on the unit's front panel. If tripped,
remove some of the electrical load, then wait one minute to allow
components to cool before resetting the circuit breaker. See
Troubleshooting for other possible reasons AC output may be absent.
REMOTE
OFF
ON
owner’s manual for operating instructions.
Indicator Lights
Set Battery Charge Conserver
(Load Sense) Dial
In order to save battery power, the Inverter automatical-
ly shuts off in the absence of any power demand from
connected equipment or appliances (the electrical
load). When the unit detects a load, it automatically turns on. Users
may choose the minimum load the Inverter will detect by adjusting
the Battery Charge Conserver Dial (see diagram). Using a small tool,
turn the dial clockwise to lower the minimum load that will be
detected, causing the Inverter to turn on for smaller loads. When the
dial is turned fully clockwise, the Inverter will operate even when
there is no load. Turn the dial counterclockwise to set a higher minimum
load, causing the Inverter to stay off until the new minimum load is
reached. When the dial is turned fully counterclockwise, the Inverter
will turn on when it detects any load greater than approximately 150 Watts.
LOAD
SENSE
Your Inverter is equipped with a simple, intuitive, user-friendly set of
indicator lights. These easily-remembered “traffic light” signals will
allow you, shortly after first use, to tell at a glance the charge condition
of your batteries, as well as ascertain approximate equipment load level.
GREATER
LOAD
ON
LESSER
LOAD
ON
“BATTERY” Indicator Lights: These three lights will illuminate in
several sequences to show the approximate charge level of your con-
nected battery:
Approximate Battery Charge Level†
Indicator Illuminated
Green
Battery Capacity
91%–Full
1
2
3
4
1
2
5
3
6
Green & Yellow
Yellow
81%–90%
61%–80%
41%–60%
21%–40%
1%–20%
Yellow & Red
Red
Note: The factory setting for the dial is fully clockwise. However, based on the threshold load to which
you’d like the Inverter to respond, you should adjust the dial counterclockwise to reduce its sensitivity
until the Inverter is active only when connected equipment or appliances are actually in use.
5
6
7
4
7
Flashing Red (slowly)*
Connect Remote Control—OPTIONAL (included with PV3000HF)
All models feature an 8-conductor telephone style receptacle on the
front panel for use with an optional remote control module (Tripp Lite
model APSRM4, sold separately or included with PV3000HF models).
The remote module allows the Inverter to be mounted in a compartment
or cabinet out of sight, while operated conveniently from your vehicle’s
dashboard. See instructions packed with the remote control module.
Flashing Red (quickly)** 0% (Inverter
has shutdown)
“LOAD” Indicator Lights: These three lights will illuminate in
several sequences to show the approximate equipment load level on
the Inverter’s AC receptacles.
Approximate Equipment Load Level
Indicator Illuminated
Green
Load Level
0%-50%
1
1
4
2
3
2
3
4
Green & Yellow
Yellow
51%-75%
76%-90%
> 90%
Red
5
Flashing Red (quickly)** OVERLOAD
(Inverter has
shutdown)
5
† Charge levels listed are approximate. Actual conditions vary depending on battery condition
and load. * Approximately ½ second on, ½ second off. ** Approximately ¼ second on, ¼ second
off. See “Resetting Your Inverter to Restore AC Power” to reset after Inverter shut down.
4PV
Application Guide
Match Battery Amp-Hour Capacity to Your Application
Select a battery or system of batteries that will provide your Inverter with proper DC voltage and an adequate amp-hour capacity to power
your application. Even though Tripp Lite Inverters are highly efficient at DC-to-AC inversion, their rated output capacities are limited by
the total amp-hour capacity of connected batteries and the support of your vehicle’s alternator if the engine is kept running.
Example
Tools
• STEP 1: Determine Total Wattage Required
¼" Drill
Orbital Sander
Cordless Tool Charger
Add the wattage ratings of all equipment you will connect to your Inverter.
Wattage ratings are usually listed in equipment manuals or on nameplates. If
your equipment is rated in amps, multiply that number times AC utility voltage
to determine watts. (Example: a ¼ in. drill requires 2½ amps. 2½ amps × 120
volts = 300 watts.)
300W
+
220W
+
20W
=
=
540W
540W
Appliances
Color TV
Note: Your Inverter will operate at higher efficiencies at about 75% - 80% of nameplate rating.
Blender
Laptop Computer
300W
+
140W
+
100W
540 watts ÷ 12V = 45 DC Amps
• STEP 2: Determine DC Battery Amps Required
Divide the total wattage required (from step 1, above) by the battery voltage (12)
to determine the DC amps required.
• STEP 3: Estimate Battery Amp-Hours Required (for operation
unsupported by the alternator)
Multiply the DC amps required (from step 2, above) by the number of hours
you estimate you will operate your equipment exclusively from battery power
before you have to recharge your batteries. Compensate for inefficiency and
wiring losses by multiplying this number by 1.2. This will give you a rough
estimate of how many amp-hours of battery power (from one or several batteries)
you should connect to your Inverter.
45 DC Amps × 5 Hrs. Runtime
× 1.2 = 270 Amp-Hours
NOTE: Battery amp-hour ratings are usually given for a 20-hour discharge rate. Actual amp-hour capacities are less when
batteries are discharged at faster rates. For example, batteries discharged in 55 minutes provide only 50% of their
listed amp-hour ratings, while batteries discharged in 9 minutes provide as little as 30% of their amp-hour ratings.
You must allow your batteries to recharge long enough to replace the charge lost during Inverter operation or else you will eventually run down your batteries.
NOTE: For Tripp Lite Inverters over 1000 watts used in mobile applications, Tripp Lite recommends you use at least two batteries, if possible, fed by a heavy-duty alternator anytime the vehicle is
running. Tripp Lite Inverters will provide adequate power for ordinary usage within limited times without the assistance of your vehicle’s alternator. However, when operating extremely heavy electrical
loads at their peak, you may wish to “assist your batteries” by running your vehicle engine faster than normal idling.
5PV
optional
Mounting
WARNING! If you choose to mount your Inverter, mount it and wire its DC input
BEFORE DC battery connection. Failure to follow these instructions may lead to
personal injury and/or damage to the Inverter and connected systems.
Tripp Lite Inverters are designed for horizontal mounting in a variety of vehicular or non-vehicular applications. User must supply mounting
hardware and is responsible for determining if the hardware and mounting surface are suitable to support the weight of the Inverter. Contact
Tripp Lite if you require further assistance in mounting your Inverter.
Vehicular and Non-Vehicular Horizontal Mount
Install and tighten four user-supplied fasteners through Inverter
mounting slots and into a rigid horizontal surface. Install fasteners
as far back in the mounting slots as possible, otherwise the Inverter
may slide back and forth if fasteners loosen.
GROUND
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Battery Connection
Connect your Inverter to your batteries using the following procedures—always loosely twist each pair of cables (one positive and
one negative) together:
• Connect DC Wiring:
Connection to Four DC Terminals
To obtain maximum
output power from
PV3000HF models, it is
recommended (but not
required) that you use
gauge cabling should be used when continu-
ously operating heavy draw equipment
under these conditions. Tighten your
Inverter and battery terminals to approxi-
mately 3.5 Newton-meters (2.58 foot lbs.) of
Connection to Two DC Terminals
P V 1 0 0 0 H F
a n d
P V 1 8 0 0 H F m o d e l s
include two DC termi-
nals; PV3000HF models
include four DC terminals
(two positive and two
negative). For PV3000HF
models, it is acceptable to
use only one set of cables
to connect your battery to
only one positive and one
negative DC terminal,
torque
to
create
an
efficient
connection and to prevent excessive heating
PV3000HF
four 00 gauge cables to
PV1000HF
PV1800HF
connect your battery to all four DC at this connection. Insufficient tightening of
terminals. In this connection you must run the terminals could void your warranty.
two positive cables of equal length through
• Connect Ground: Using a #8 AWG wire
two user-supplied UL-listed 250-amp fuses
or larger, directly connect the Main Ground
and fuse blocks. Use the equivalent of two
Lug to the vehicle's chassis ground or earth
00 cables in all other connections within the
ground. See Feature Identification section to
PV3000HF
battery system.
locate Main Ground Lug. All installations
must comply with national and local codes
however, your PV3000HF may provide Length & Gauge of Cables
reduced output power. It doesn’t make a Although your Inverter is a high-efficiency and ordinances.
difference which positive and negative converter of electricity, its rated output
• Connect Fuse: In addition to the
terminal you choose for the connection capacity is limited by the length and gauge
because both positive terminals are internally of the cabling running from the battery to
bonded and both negative terminals are also the unit. Use the shortest length and largest
protection provided by the Inverter’s
internal fuses, NEC article 551 requires that
you connect your Inverter’s positive DC
Terminal(s) directly to a UL-listed fuse(s)
and fuse block(s) within 18 inches of the
battery. See diagrams below for proper fuse
placement.
internally bonded.
diameter cabling (maximum 00 gauge) to fit
your Inverter’s DC Input terminals. Shorter
and heavier gauge cabling reduces DC volt-
age drop and allows for maximum transfer
of current. Your Inverter is capable of deliv-
ering peak wattage at up to 200% of its rated
continuous wattage output instantaneously.
See Specifications page for details. Heavier
Regardless of the model, you must run posi-
tive cable(s) through user-supplied UL-listed
fuse(s) and fuse block(s) of the proper size:
PV1000HF—175 amp fuse, PV1800HF—
250 amp fuse, PV3000HF—500 amp fuse.
See Specifications page for Minimum Recommended Cable Sizing
Chart. An excellent source of cables are battery jumper cables.
Output performance will decrease if you use only one jumper cable.
WARNING! Never attempt to operate your Inverter by connecting it directly to output from an alternator rather than
a battery or battery bank.
CAUTION! Observe proper polarity with all DC connections. If polarity is reversed, the Inverter’s 40-amp internal
fuses will blow. To access internal fuses, disconnect all equipment and batteries from the Inverter. Then, unscrew
and remove front panel; slide out bottom panel to access fuses. Replace blown fuses with an equal number of new
fuses of the same type and amperage. Replace front panel and screws.
Vehicular
Your Inverter’s Nominal DC Input Voltage must match the voltage of your battery or batteries—12 Volts in most vehicular applications. It is possible
to connect your Inverter to the main battery within your vehicle’s electrical system. In many vehicular contexts, the Inverter will be connected
to one or more dedicated auxiliary (house) batteries which are isolated from the drive system to prevent possible draining of the main battery.
1
2
3
4
7
12 Volt Alternator
3
1
Vehicle Battery Ground
12 Volt Main Battery
2
12 Volt Inverter
12 Volts
8
12 Volts
12 Volt Auxiliary (House)
Battery
5
Note: Connection to all four DC terminals
is recommended to provide the maximum
output power from PV3000HF models.
12 Volt Main Battery Connection—two DC terminals
5
UL-Listed Fuses & Fuse
Blocks (mounted within 18
inches of the battery)
4
7
6
1
2
12 Volts
6
7
12 Volt Inverter
Battery Isolator
12 Volts
5
Large Diameter Cabling,
Maximum 00 Gauge to Fit
Terminals
8
Note: Connection to all four DC terminals
is recommended to provide the maximum
output power from PV3000HF models.
3
12 Volts
2
8
8 AWG (minimum) Ground
Wire to Vehicle Frame or
Earth Ground
12 Volt Main and Auxiliary (House) Battery Connection (Isolated Parallel)—two DC terminals
7PV
Troubleshooting
Try these remedies for common Inverter problems before calling for assistance. Call Tripp Lite Customer Service at (773) 869-1234 before
returning your unit for service.
Operating Mode Switch
BATTERY
LOAD
LOAD
SENSE
Battery Indicator Lights
Load Indicator Lights
GREATER
LOAD
ON
LESSER
LOAD
ON
HI
MED
LOW
LOW
MED
HI
REMOTE
REMOTE
OFF
ON
SYMPTOM
PROBLEMS
CORRECTIONS
Set Operating Mode Switch to “REMOTE” or “ON.”
No AC Output
Operating Mode Switch is set to “OFF.”
(All Indicator Lights Are OFF)
User-supplied UL-listed external DC input fuses have blown. Replace fuses.
Red Battery Indicator Light
Is Rapidly Flashing
(¼ Second Flashes)
Unit has shut down due to excessive battery discharge.
Unit has shut down due to overload.
Run your engine to raise battery voltage. Check external battery
connections and fuse. Reset by moving Operating Mode Switch
to “OFF.” Wait one minute and switch to “REMOTE” or “ON.”
If unit remains in shutdown mode after several attempts to reset
contact Tripp Lite Customer Service for assistance.
Red Load Indicator Light
Is Rapidly Flashing
(¼ Second Flashes)
Reduce load. Reset by moving Operating Mode Switch to “OFF.”
Wait one minute and switch to “REMOTE” or “ON.” If unit remains in
shutdown mode after several attempts to reset contact Tripp Lite
Customer Service for assistance.
Connected Equipment Experiences
Buzzing Sound Or Picture Distortion
Audio/Video interference.
Loose cable connections.
Reposition equipment antennas and Inverter.
Inverter Output Seems Intermittent
Check and secure all connections.
Service
If you are returning your Inverter to Tripp Lite, please pack it carefully, using the ORIGINAL PACKING MATERIAL that came with the
unit. Enclose a letter describing the symptoms of the problem. If the Inverter is within the warranty period, enclose a copy of your sales
receipt. To obtain service you must obtain a Returned Material Authorization (RMA) number from Tripp Lite or an authorized Tripp Lite
service center.
Maintenance
Your Inverter requires no maintenance and contains no user-serviceable or replaceable parts, but should be kept dry at all times. Periodically
check, clean and tighten all cable connections, as necessary, both at the unit and at the battery.
Limited Warranty
Tripp Lite warrants its Inverters to be free from defects in materials and workman-
ship for a period of one year (domestic) or 120 days (export) from the date of retail
purchase by end user.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, TRIPP LITE MAKES NO WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states do not permit lim-
itation or exclusion of implied warranties; therefore, the aforesaid limitation(s) or
exclusion(s) may not apply to the purchaser.
Warranty Registration
warranty of your new Tripp Lite product. You'll be
automatically entered into a drawing for a chance
to win a FREE Tripp Lite product!*
Tripp Lite’s obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing (at its
sole option) any such defective products. To obtain service under this warranty you
must obtain a Returned Material Authorization (RMA) number from Tripp Lite or an
authorized Tripp Lite service center. Products must be returned to Tripp Lite or an
authorized Tripp Lite service center with transportation charges prepaid and must
be accompanied by a brief description of the problem encountered and proof of
date and place of purchase.This warranty does not apply to equipment which has
been damaged by accident, negligence or misapplication or has been altered or
modified in any way, including opening of the unit’s casing for any reason. This
warranty applies only to the original purchaser who must have properly regis-
tered the product within 10 days of retail purchase.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED ABOVE, IN NO EVENT WILL TRIPP LITE BE LIABLE
FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAM-
AGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT, EVEN IF ADVISED OF
THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE. Specifically, Tripp Lite is not liable for
any costs, such as lost profits or revenue, loss of equipment, loss of use of equip-
ment, loss of software, loss of data, costs of substitutes, claims by third parties,
or otherwise.
* No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Some restrictions
apply. See website for details.
Tripp Lite has a policy of continuous improvement. Specifications are subject to
change without notice.
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200409046 93-2283
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