Tripp Lite Portable Generator PV1000HF PV1800HF PV3000HF User Manual

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 vehicles 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  
6PV  
 
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.  
8PV  
200409046 93-2283  
 

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