Power Consumption

2. On the left side panel, switch the On/Off Switch to on.

The inverter is now ready to deliver AC power to your loads. If several loads are to be operated by the inverter,turn them on separately,after the inverter has been turned on. This will ensure that the inverter does not have to deliver the starting currents required for all the loads at once.

On/Off Switch to On

•

Be sure to have your power inverter properly installed before attempting to turn the unit on (see installation page 5).

To turn the power inverteron:

1. If a DC power supply is being

used as the power source,switch

it on.

TurningYourInverterOn or Off

Operation

Power On and Off

Installation

Power Consumption

•

For each piece of equipment you will be operating from the inverter,you must determine the battery’sreserve capacity (how long the battery can deliver a specific amount of current – in automotivebatteries,usually 25 amperes) or ampere-hourcapacity(a measure of how many amperes a battery can deliver for a specified length of time).

Example – Reserve capacity:a battery with a reserve capacity of 180 minutes can deliver 25 amperes for 180 minutes before it is completely discharged.

Example – Ampere-hour capacity: a battery with an ampere-hour capacity of 100 ampere-hours can deliver

5 amperesfor 20 hours beforeit is completelydischarged.

To determinethe battery ampere-hour capacityyou require:

1.Determine how many watts each piece of equipment consumes. This can normally be found on the product label. If only the current draw is given, multiply the current draw by 115 to get the watt consumption.

2.Estimate the time (in hours) that each piece of equipment will be running between battery charging cycles.

3.Calculate the total watt-hours of energy consumption (power x operating time) using the average power consumption and the total estimated running time (in hours). Power x OperatingTime = Watt-Hours.

Laptop

TV/VCR (up to 25")

Blender

50 watts x 2 hours	115 watts x 3 hours	300 watts x 15 minutes
= 100 watt-hours	= 345 watt-hours	= 75 watt-hours

4.Divide the watt-hoursby 10 to determine how many power supply’s(12 volt) ampere-hourswill be consumed.

On/Off Switch to Off

To turn the power inverteroff:

1. On the left side panel, switch the On/Off Switch to off.

NOTE The On/Off Switch turns the control circuit in the inverter on and off. It does not disconnect power from the inverter.

NOTE When the switch is in the off position, the inverter draws no current from the battery. When it’s in the on position, but no power is being supplied to the load, the inverter draws less than 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.


10		Nothing Comes Close to a Cobra® 11

CPI 880 specifications

Cobra Electronics CPI 880 is a highly regarded power inverter designed to meet the growing demand for reliable mobile power solutions. With its robust features, it allows users to convert 12V DC power from a vehicle's battery into 120V AC power, enabling the operation of a wide range of devices. This compact inverter is particularly popular among outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and professionals who require portable power on the go.

One of the standout features of the CPI 880 is its power output. With a peak power of 880 watts and a continuous output of 400 watts, it can easily handle various electronics, such as laptops, mobile devices, small appliances, and even power tools when necessary. The inverter includes multiple AC outlets, which allows users to power multiple devices simultaneously, enhancing usability and convenience.

To safeguard against potential electrical issues, the CPI 880 is equipped with several protection mechanisms. These include overload protection, short-circuit protection, and over-temperature shutdown, ensuring the safety of both the inverter and the devices it powers. The built-in cooling fan operates quietly and efficiently, dissipating heat and maintaining optimal performance during extended use.

Cobra Electronics has incorporated advanced technologies into the CPI 880 to improve its efficiency and longevity. The inverter features a modified sine wave output, which is sufficient for many electronic devices. However, users with sensitive electronics should note that pure sine wave inverters provide cleaner power and are often recommended for more delicate equipment.

Portability is another crucial aspect of the CPI 880. The durable design, combined with lightweight materials, makes it easy to transport and store. It's particularly beneficial for campers and road trippers who need a dependable power source for a variety of scenarios.

In addition to its functionality, the CPI 880 is user-friendly, featuring an easy-to-read LED display that indicates power status and battery level. This gives users another layer of awareness, preventing accidental battery depletion.

Overall, the Cobra Electronics CPI 880 stands out as a versatile and powerful inverter solution. Its combination of efficient power conversion, safety features, and portability makes it an excellent choice for anyone in need of reliable power on the move. Whether for work or leisure, this inverter meets the demands of modern mobile lifestyles effectively.