How Your Cobra Power Inverter Works The Cobra power inverter is an electronic product that has been designed and built to take low voltage DC (Direct Current) power from your automobile or other low voltage...
Product Features Introduction Features Reverse Polarity Protection Two AC Receptacles Low Battery Alarm 5V/2.1 USB Output Low Battery Shutdown Automatic Thermal Protection/Shutdown Protection and Power Indicator On/Off AC Outlet Power Switch AC Outlet USB Outlet POWER / FAULT POWER Negative Battery Positive Battery Cable Terminal Cable Terminal...
Important Safety Information Introduction Important Safety Information Before installing and using your Cobra power inverter, please read these general precautions and warnings. Caution and Warning Statements To make the most of this inverter, it must be installed and used properly. Please read the installation and operating instructions carefully before installing and using it.
Page 6
Caution: Rechargeable Appliances Certain chargers for small nickel cadmium batteries can be damaged if connected to the Cobra 400 watt inverter. Two particular types of equipment are prone to this problem: 1. Small battery-operated appliances Plug In Directly...
Cig. Lighter Cable 12 Gauge Cable CAUTION Do not use the cigarette lighter cable for loads higher than 150 watts. When connecting loads larger than 150 watts, please connect the inverter directly to the battery. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
Page 8
Quick Evaluation Before Installation Introduction A test load that can Test Load be plugged into the AC receptacle on the inverter for short term testing at a low power level. To check your inverter’s performance before installation: 1. Turn the inverter off (see page 11 FAULT On/Off Switch to Off for details).
WARNING This unit contains components which can produce arcs or sparks. To prevent fire or explosion, do not install in compartments containing a battery or flammable materials, or in a location which requires ignition protected equipment. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
Mounting and Connecting Cables Installation Mounting To mount your inverter: 1. Place the inverter on a flat surface with the mounting bracket against the mounting surface. Mounting Brackets 2. Mount to secure surface using mounting hardware that is corrosion resistant (not included). Mounting Hardware The inverter can be mounted horizontally or vertically.
Page 11
Such damage is not covered by the warranty. CAUTION Remove any jewelry (watch, ring, etc.). Be careful not to short circuit the battery with any metallic object (wrench, etc.). Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
Page 12
You might observe a spark when you make this connection since current can flow to charge capacitors in the inverter. All power connections to your Cobra inverter must be Positive to Positive and Negative to Negative. Connect Power Source...
Page 13
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. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
Power Consumption Installation Power Consumption For each piece of equipment you will be operating from the inverter, you must determine the battery’s reserve capacity (how long the battery can deliver a specific amount of current — in automotive batteries, usually 25 amperes) or ampere-hour capacity (a measure of how many amperes a battery can deliver for a specified length of time).
500 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. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
Power and Protection Indicators Operation Power and Protection Indicators 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 inverter will also shut down if the input voltage exceeds 15.75V+/-0.75V. 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. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
Troubleshooting Guide Operation Troubleshooting Guide Problem/Symptom Possible Causes Solution Low output voltage Overload Reduce the load. No output voltage Low input voltage Recharge battery. Check connections and cable. No output voltage Thermal Allow inverter after prolonged use shutdown to cool off. Reduce load, continuous operation input...
To extend the life of the fan, it will stop when there is no load. The speed of the fan increases as the load increases. The unit is completely insulated in input and output for added safety. Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...
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, to damages resulting from loss of use or cost of installation.
Please allow approximately three to four weeks before contacting Cobra for status. If the power inverter is out of warranty, a letter will automatically be sent informing you of the repair charge or replacement charge.
Page 22
2-Way Radios Radar/Laser Detectors Mobile GPS Navigation Systems HighGear Accessories ® CobraMarine VHF Radios ® Power Inverters Accessories For more information or to order any of our products, please visit our website: www.cobra.com Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra ®...