Vector Compact Elite VEC010INV - Manual (Page 14)

OPERATION OF INVERTER
1. Insert the unit into the vehicle’s (or jump-starter’s) accessory outlet.
2. Rotate the plug slightly to make sure there is good contact.
3. A green LED light on the inverter will indicate a proper operation.
4. If the inverter does not work, make sure the ignition/accessory switch is actually
powering the accessory outlet. Some vehicles need the ignition switch turned on.
5. Plug in the AC appliance.
PROTECTIVE FEATURES
The inverter monitors the following conditions:
Low Battery Voltage — this condition is not harmful to the inverter but could damage the
power source, so the inverter automatically shuts down when input voltage drops to 10.6
volts. When this condition is corrected, the unit will auto-reset.
Over Voltage Protection — the inverter will automatically shut down when the input
voltage exceeds 15 volts DC.
Short Circuit Protection — the inverter will automatically shut down when short circuit
occurs. The inverter will auto-reset after removing the short circuit. If the inverter’s fuse
fails, disconnect the shorter load and replace the fuse inside the Pocket Inverter. See the
Fuse Replacement section if a bad fuse is suspected.
OPERATING TIPS
The Pocket Power Inverter should only be operated in locations that are:
DRY — Do not allow water or other liquids to come into contact with the inverter.
COOL — Surrounding air temperature should be between –20°C and 40°C - ideally
between 15°C and 25°C (60–80°F). Keep the inverter away from direct sunlight, when
possible.
VENTILATED — Keep the area surrounding the inverter clear to ensure free air circulation
around the unit. Do not place items on or over the inverter during operation. The unit will
shut down if the internal temperature gets too hot. The inverter will auto-reset after it
cools down.
SAFE — Do not use the inverter near flammable materials or in any locations that may
accumulate flammable fumes or gases. This is an electrical appliance that can briefly
spark when electrical connections are made or broken.
Rated Versus Actual Current Draw of Equipment
Most electrical tools, appliances, electronic devices and audio/visual equipment have
labels that indicate the power consumption in amps or watts. Be sure that the power
consumption of the item to be operated is below 70 watts. If the power consumption is
rated in amps, simply multiply by the AC volts (110/120) to determine the wattage.
Resistive loads are the easiest for the inverter to run; however, it will not run larger
resistive loads (such as electric stoves and heaters) that require more wattage than the
inverter can deliver. Inductive loads (such as TVs and stereos) require more current to
operate than do resistive loads of the same wattage rating. For safety reasons, the unit will
simply shut down if it is overloaded. To restart the unit, simply remove the load and the
unit will auto reset.
Note: This inverter will not operate appliances and equipment that generate heat,
such as hair dryers, electric blankets, microwave ovens, and toasters.
HOW THIS INVERTER WORKS
This inverter is an electronic device that converts low voltage DC (direct current) electricity
from a battery to 110/120 volt AC (alternating current) household power. In designing this
inverter, Vector has incorporated design techniques previously employed in computer
power supplies. The result of these design innovations is a smaller, lighter and easier-to-
use power inverter. The Pocket Power Inverter converts power in two stages. The first
stage is a DC-to-DC conversion process that raises the low voltage DC at the inverter input
to 145 volts DC. The second stage is a MOSFET bridge stage that converts the high voltage
DC into 110/120 volts, 60 Hz AC. The DC-to-DC converter stage uses creative, high
frequency, zero voltage switching power conversion techniques that replace the bulky
transformers found in less technologically advanced models.The inverter stage uses
advanced power MOSFET transistors in a full bridge configuration. This ensures excellent
overload capability and the ability to operate reactive loads like lamp ballasts and small
induction motors.
Pocket Power Inverter 70 Output Waveform
The AC output waveform of this inverter is known as a modified sine wave. It is a stepped
waveform that has characteristics similar to the sine wave shape of utility power. This type
of waveform is suitable for most AC loads, including linear and switching power supplies
used in electronic equipment, transformers, and small motors.
The modified sine wave produced by this inverter has an RMS (root mean square)
voltage of 110/120 volts, which is the same as standard household power. Most AC
voltmeters (both digital and analog) are sensitive to the average value of the waveform
rather than the RMS value. They are calibrated for RMS voltage under the assumption
that the waveform measured will be a pure sine wave. These meters will not correctly
read the RMS voltage of a modified sine wave. Non-TRUE RMS meters will read about
20 to 30 volts low when measuring the output of this inverter. For accurate
measurement of the output voltage of this unit, use a TRUE RMS reading voltmeter such
as a Fluke 87, Fluke 8080A, Beckman 4410, or Triplett 4200.
110/120 Volt AC output