User Instructions 800, 1000, 1500 and 2500 Watt Power Inverters Models SPV-8, SPV-10, SPV-15 and SPV-25
Safety Information IMPORTANT Read all the Cautions and Warnings before installing and using the power inverter. The inverter must be properly installed. If you are not familiar with 12 volt high current wiring, it is recommended that you have a professional automotive installer install the inverter.
Table of Contents Safety Information ...................................................................................................2 Introduction..............................................................................................................4 Key Features.............................................................................................................4 Package Includes......................................................................................................
Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of a Sima power inverter. It provides 115 VAC anywhere you have 12 volts DC in your car, truck, RV or boat. It is designed to be easy to use and to provide years of dependable service. Key Features High-efficiency operation to provide the most output with the least battery power usage.
Overview of the Power Inverter The Sima power inverter is an electronic device that converts the low voltage 12 volt from a battery or other power source to 115 VAC to run standard household appliances. (See the section on How it Works to learn more about the technology used in the Sima power inverter.
Installation Installation Overview There are three basic steps you need to follow when installing the power inverter. 1) Mounting: Mount the inverter securely 2) Wiring: Wire the inverter to a 12 volt source 3) Testing: Test for proper operation Step #1: Mounting the Inverter The power inverter should be secured to a solid flat surface capable of handling the weight of the unit.
Step #2: Wiring Inverter to 12 Volt Power The power inverter requires connection to a standard 12 volt DC power source as found in most cars, trucks, RVs and boats. The power source must provide between 11 and 15 volts DC. The power source must be able to provide sufficient current to power the load. See the chart below that shows minimal wire sizing and current draw at full load.
INSTALLATION TIP To minimize electrical interference, keep the DC power cables as short as possible and twist them with 1 to 3 twists per foot. This minimizes radiated interference from the cables. Permanent Installation Figure 3, Wiring the power inverter (SPV-8 shown) CAUTION: Always use adequate wire size and fusing for any installation Wiring Steps • Disconnect the positive battery terminal before doing any wiring to the inverter.
• Connect the GROUND terminal to earth or chassis ground using at least a # 8 wire. It is recommended to crimp a ring type terminal to the ground wire and attach it to the ground lug. WARNING Do not operate the inverter without the ground connection. Electrical shock hazard could result. • Double check all wiring for proper polarity and there are no frayed wires. • Install the fuse and reconnect the wire to the battery.
If the inverter does indicate proper voltage, turn the power switch off and check your wiring and external fuse. With the inverter turned off, plug the appliance you want to use into the 115 VAC power outlet on the unit. Turn the power switch on the power inverter on so the VOLTAGE meter indicates between 12 and 14 volts. Turn on the appliance. The appliance should now be operational. Check the Troubleshooting section if you have any difficulties.
Operation Equipment Power Usage It is important to use only products that draw less than the power rating of the power inverter. Use of products greater than the rated power rating may either cause the protection circuitry of the power inverter to shut down or the fuse to blow. Repeated use of excessive power draw can cause failure of the power inverter. How to calculate power usage. Most products have a power rating on them such as 45 watts. Others may be marked with their current draw, such as .9 amps.
the charge in your car’s battery. In addition, the power inverter will also draw a small current, less than 0.1 amp, when turned off and not operating. Therefore, it should be disconnected from your car’s battery if your vehicle will not be used for more than a day. The following chart shows typical operation time for two typical car batteries with the engine not running for various loads. Check the size of your battery.
Under Voltage Mode The amber segments will light and the power inverter will begin to beep if the battery voltage drops below about 10.5 volts. When the voltage reaches about 10 volts, the power inverter will shut off protecting your battery from being completely discharged. Note, it is normal for the unit to emit a short beep when first connected to the power source. Over Voltage Mode The amber segments will light if the battery voltage goes up to about 14.5 volts.
How the Inverter Works The Sima power inverter has two electronic sections. The first section converts 12 volts DC to approximately 160 volts DC using modern high frequency conversion techniques that uses small lightweight efficient transformers. The second section converts the 160 volts DC to 115 VAC using high efficiency power MOSFET transistor devices. The inverters generate a modified sine wave that works with almost every product on the market.
Troubleshooting Problem Unit does not operate Cause Input voltage is below 11 volts Fuse blown Fan does not run but unit operates Unit operates for a short period and then turns off Normal when unit is cool Unit operates for a while and gets hot VOLTS meter indicates 10.5 volts and alarm is on Inverter is in thermal shutdown mode Input voltage is below 10.
Power Switc h Off On On On On On On On Voltage Meter Off 11 to 13 volts Greater than 14.5 volts 10 to 10.5 volts Less than 10.5 volts Off Off Off OVER TEMP Light Light Status Chart OVER LOAD Light Beeper Fan* Off Off Off Off Off Off Off On* Unit is off Normal Operation Off Off On On* High input voltage, above 14 volts Off Off On On* Off Off On On* On Off Off Off On Off On Off Off On Off Off Low input voltage, 10.5 to 10.
Product Specifications KEY FEATURES Input Input no-load current Output type Output, Watts, 20 minutes continuous 10 minutes Output, peak Frequency, +/- 1% Outlets Volt meter Current meter Remote turn on capability Protection Thermal Low battery alarm Low battery shutdown Output short circuit Size (inches) Weight: unit/gross Package Includes: User Manual Alligator cables SPV-8 SPV-10 SPV-15 SPV-25 12 - 14 volts DC 12 - 14 volts DC 12 - 14 volts DC 12 - 14 volts DC < 0.55 A < 0.6 A < 0.6 A < 0.
90 Day Limited Warranty Sima Products Corp. (“Company”) warrants that if the accompanying product proves to be defective to the original purchaser in material or workmanship within 90 days from the original retail purchase, the Company will, at the Company’s option, either repair or replace same without charge (but no cash refund will be made).
