PMP1200 Models
Welcome
This COLEMAN® product has been carefully engineered and manufactured to give you dependable operation. Please read this manual thoroughly before operating your new COLEMAN® product, as it contains the information you need to become familiar with its features and obtain the performance that will bring you continued enjoyment for many years. Please keep this manual on file for future reference.
How Power Inverters Work
Power inverters convert low voltage DC (direct current) power to 120 volt AC (alternating current) household power. This conversion process thereby allows you to use household products, power tools, and other electronic products away from normal AC power sources (standard 120V wall outlets). Depending on the model and its rated capacity, inverters can draw power either from standard
The waveform that is generated by this conversion is a “modified sine wave”. The modified sine wave produced by our inverters has a root square mean (RMS) voltage of 120 volts, which is the same as standard household power. The majority of AC voltmeters are calibrated for RMS voltage under the assumption that the measured waveform will be a pure sine wave.Therefore, these meters will not read the RMS modified sine wave voltage correctly. They will read about 20 to 30 volts too low. To accurately measure the output voltage of the inverter, use a true RMS reading voltmeter such as a Fluke 87, Fluke 8060A, Beckman 4410,Triplett 4200 or any voltmeter identified as a “true RMS”.
Controls and Components
Front Panel
1.LED Indicator Light (Green = Power ON, Red = Overload)
2.ON/OFF Power Switch
Owner’s Manual
Rear Panel
5.Power InputTerminal Red = Positive
6.Cooling Fan
7.Ground LugTerminal
8.Power InputTerminal Black = Negative
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CAUTION
•The inverter is designed to operate from a
•120 volts can inflict serious injury, damage or death. Improper use of the inverter may result in property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
Getting Started
When you turn on an appliance or tool that operates using a motor or a tube (such as a television), it requires an initial surge of power to start up. This surge of power is referred to as the “starting load” or “peak load”. Once started, the appliance or tool requires less power to continue to operate. This is referred to as the “continuous load”.
You will need to determine how much power your appliance or tool requires to start up (peak power) and it’s continued operating power requirements (continuous load).
Power consumption is rated in either wattage (watts) or amperes (amps). This information is usually stamped or printed on most appliances and equipment.
3. | 120 Volt AC Outlets | 4 |
4. | Protective Outlet Covers |
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If this information is not indicated on the actual product, check the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the power consumption. Be sure that the power consumption of the item you wish to operate is rated at 1200 watts or less.
Multiply: AMPS x 120 (AC voltage) = WATTS
This formula yields a close approximation of the continuous load of the appliance.
To determine whether the inverter will operate a particular item, run a test. All COLEMAN® inverters are designed to automatically shut down in the event of a power overload. This protection feature prevents damage to the unit while testing items with ratings in the
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