Sunforce 36170 Manual

The Sunforce 36170 is a 12-Volt, 400-Watt Power Inverter designed to convert DC battery power to standard household AC power for operating various electronic devices and tools in vehicles, boats, or off-grid locations. It features two AC outlets, overload protection, low/high voltage alarms, thermal shutdown, and a cooling fan. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, operation, specifications, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Inverter unit, DC input cables with alligator clips, user manual. Designed for portable power needs.

Feature	Description
Power Output	400 Watts continuous, 800 Watts surge
AC Outlets	Two standard 3-prong (NEMA 5-15R) outlets
Input Voltage	12V DC (from vehicle battery or other 12V source)
Output Waveform	Modified sine wave
Protections	Overload, short circuit, low/high voltage, over-temperature
Indicators	Power ON, overload, low/high voltage alarms
Cooling	Built-in cooling fan
DC Input Cables	Heavy-duty with alligator clips for battery connection
Dimensions	Compact design for portable use
Operating Temp	0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure proper ventilation.

1. Connect to battery: Attach red alligator clip to positive (+) terminal and black clip to negative (-) terminal of a 12V battery.
2. Secure connections: Ensure clips are firmly attached to prevent arcing.
3. Place inverter: Position on a stable, dry surface away from heat sources and flammable materials.
4. Grounding: For safety, connect the grounding terminal (if provided) to a suitable ground.

WARNING! Do not connect to AC mains. Ensure battery polarity is correct to avoid damage. Keep away from water and moisture.

First-Time Setup

After installation, power on the inverter.

1. Check battery voltage: Ensure battery is adequately charged (above 10.5V).
2. Power ON: The inverter will indicate power with an LED; fan may start.
3. Connect load: Plug device into AC outlet; ensure total load does not exceed 400W.
4. Monitor operation: Listen for fan; check that indicators show normal operation.

CAUTION! Do not operate sensitive medical equipment or precision electronics without verifying compatibility with modified sine wave output.

Specifications

• Model: Sunforce 36170
• Continuous Power: 400 Watts
• Peak/Surge Power: 800 Watts
• Input Voltage: 12V DC
• Output Voltage: 120V AC, 60Hz
• Output Waveform: Modified sine wave
• Efficiency: >85% typical
• No Load Current Draw: <0.5A
• Low Voltage Alarm: 10.5V ±0.5V
• Low Voltage Shutdown: 10V ±0.5V
• High Voltage Shutdown: 15V ±0.5V
• Protections: Overload, short circuit, over-temperature, reverse polarity
• AC Outlets: Two (NEMA 5-15R)
• Cooling: Temperature-controlled fan
• Dimensions (LxWxH): Approx. 7.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches
• Weight: Approx. 2.2 lbs

Controls and Indicators

Front Panel: Power switch, indicator LEDs.

Indicators: - Green POWER LED: Illuminates when inverter is ON and receiving DC power. - Red OVERLOAD LED: Flashes when overload or short circuit is detected; inverter may shut down. - Red LOW/HIGH VOLTAGE LED: Illuminates when input voltage is outside safe operating range.

Audible Alarm: Sounds for low/high voltage conditions.

Cooling Fan: Automatically activates based on temperature.

Connecting Devices

Compatible with most AC devices under 400W (e.g., laptops, small TVs, power tools, lights).

1. Check device power rating: Ensure device wattage is less than 400W continuous.
2. Plug in device: Insert plug into one of the AC outlets.
3. Turn on device: Switch on the connected device.
4. Monitor performance: If inverter shuts down or alarm sounds, check for overload.

Tip: For motorized devices (e.g., drills, pumps), ensure surge power rating (800W) is sufficient for startup.

Operation Guidelines

For optimal performance and safety.

1. Use with adequate battery: A 12V deep-cycle battery is recommended for extended use.
2. Avoid continuous max load: Operate below 400W for prolonged periods to prevent overheating.
3. Ventilation: Ensure inverter has at least 2 inches of clearance on all sides for cooling.
4. Run time: Depends on battery capacity and load; monitor battery voltage to avoid deep discharge.
5. Shutdown: Turn off inverter when not in use to minimize battery drain.

WARNING! Do not use with devices requiring pure sine wave (e.g., some laser printers, certain medical equipment) unless compatible. Do not connect to AC utility power.

Safety Features

Built-in protections to safeguard inverter and connected devices.

• Overload/Short Circuit Protection: Automatically shuts down output if overload or short circuit is detected; resets after fault is cleared.
• Low/High Voltage Protection: Alarms and shuts down if input voltage is too low (<10V) or too high (>15V) to protect battery and inverter.
• Over-Temperature Protection: Thermal sensor shuts down inverter if internal temperature exceeds safe limit; resumes when cooled.
• Reverse Polarity Protection: Prevents damage if battery cables are connected incorrectly.
• Cooling Fan: Reduces heat buildup during operation.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug from battery before cleaning. Use dry cloth to wipe exterior; ensure vents are free of dust.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids or aerosols. Store in a cool, dry place when not in use. Inspect cables periodically for wear or damage.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Sunforce Products Inc. For support, visit www.sunforceproducts.com or contact customer service at 1-800-667-8727.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power (LED off)	Battery connection/power	Check battery voltage; ensure clips are tight and polarity correct; verify battery is charged.
Overload LED flashing	Connected device exceeds wattage	Disconnect device; reduce load to below 400W; restart inverter.
Low/High voltage alarm	Battery voltage out of range	Check battery charge; recharge or replace battery; ensure connections are clean.
Inverter shuts down during use	Overheating	Turn off inverter; allow to cool; improve ventilation; reduce load.
Device not working properly	Incompatible with modified sine wave	Test device with pure sine wave inverter; consult device manual for power requirements.
Fan not running	Temperature/Fan fault	Fan operates only when needed; if inverter overheats and fan is silent, contact service.

Reset: Disconnect from battery for 30 seconds, then reconnect.

Service: 1-800-667-8727; www.sunforceproducts.com