Sunforce 50038 Manual

The Sunforce 50038 is a 12-Volt, 400-Watt Power Inverter designed to convert DC power from a vehicle battery into standard household AC power for operating various electronic devices and small appliances. It features two AC outlets, overload protection, low voltage alarm, thermal protection, and cooling fan. Ideal for powering laptops, TVs, power tools, and other equipment while on the go. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Indicators 6. Connecting Devices 7. Operation Guidelines 8. Safety Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Inverter unit, DC input cables with alligator clips, AC outlets, cooling fan, status indicators.

FeatureDescription
Power Rating400 Watts continuous, 800 Watts surge
Input Voltage12V DC (vehicle battery)
Output Voltage120V AC, 60Hz
AC OutletsTwo standard 3-prong outlets
Overload ProtectionAutomatic shutdown on overload
Low Voltage AlarmAudible alarm when battery voltage drops below 10.5V
Thermal ProtectionAutomatic shutdown if overheated
Cooling FanBuilt-in fan for temperature control
Power On/Off SwitchToggle switch for operation
Status LEDIndicates power and fault conditions

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure vehicle is off before installation.

  1. Connect to battery: Attach red alligator clip to positive (+) terminal and black clip to negative (-) terminal.
  2. Secure inverter: Place inverter on stable, dry surface away from heat sources.
  3. Ensure ventilation: Keep area around cooling fan clear.
  4. Turn on inverter: Flip power switch to ON position.

WARNING! Connect directly to battery terminals, not cigarette lighter socket. Ensure connections are secure to prevent sparking.

First-Time Setup

Power on inverter; check status indicators.

  1. Verify battery connection: Ensure clips are firmly attached to correct terminals.
  2. Check status LED: Green light indicates normal operation.
  3. Test with low-power device: Plug in a small device (e.g., phone charger) to confirm output.
  4. Monitor battery voltage: Use vehicle's voltmeter or inverter alarm to avoid deep discharge.

CAUTION! Do not operate inverter in enclosed spaces; ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating.

Specifications

Controls and Indicators

Front Panel: Power On/Off Switch, Status LED, Cooling Fan Vent.

Status LED: Green = normal operation; Red = fault (overload, low voltage, overheating).

Audible Alarm: Sounds when battery voltage drops below 10.5V or during overload.

Cooling Fan: Automatically activates when internal temperature rises.

Connecting Devices

Plug devices into AC outlets. Ensure total wattage does not exceed 400W continuous.

  1. Turn off inverter before plugging in devices.
  2. Check device power rating: Ensure device wattage is within inverter capacity.
  3. Avoid inductive loads: Motors, pumps, and compressors may require higher surge power.
  4. Monitor operation: If inverter shuts down, reduce load or check battery voltage.

Tip: Start with lowest power setting on devices (e.g., drill on low speed) to reduce surge.

Operation Guidelines

Designed for intermittent use with 12V batteries.

  1. Start vehicle: Run engine periodically to recharge battery during extended use.
  2. Avoid continuous high loads: Do not exceed 400W for prolonged periods.
  3. Use with battery charger: For stationary use, connect to a maintained 12V battery.
  4. Shutdown sequence: Turn off connected devices, then inverter, then disconnect from battery.
  5. Storage: Store in cool, dry place when not in use.

WARNING! Do not use with medical devices or sensitive electronics that require pure sine wave power.

Safety Features

Overload Protection: Automatically shuts off if load exceeds 400W. Low Voltage Protection: Shuts off at 10V to protect battery. Thermal Protection: Shuts off if internal temperature exceeds safe limit. Short Circuit Protection: Prevents damage from output short circuits.

Care & Maintenance

Keep inverter clean and dry. Inspect cables regularly for damage.

CAUTION! Do not disassemble inverter; no user-serviceable parts inside. Use dry cloth for cleaning; avoid liquids.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. UL and cUL listed. Copyright © Sunforce Products Inc. For support, visit www.sunforceproducts.com or contact 1-800-667-8727.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No power outputBattery connection/switchCheck battery clips; ensure switch is ON; verify battery voltage >10.5V.
Inverter shuts off under loadOverload/low voltageReduce connected load; check battery voltage; recharge battery.
Audible alarm soundsLow battery/overloadRecharge battery; reduce load; allow inverter to cool if overheated.
Device not working properlyIncompatible device/waveformUse only with devices tolerant of modified sine wave; check power rating.
OverheatingInsufficient ventilation/high loadEnsure fan vent is clear; reduce load; operate in cooler environment.

Reset: Turn off inverter, disconnect from battery for 30 seconds, then reconnect.

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

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