400w pOWER iNVERTER

66814
Set up and Operating Instructions

This product will power up and

charge:

Electronics, Appliances, Camcorders,

TV’s, DVD Players, Video Game
Consoles and CHARGE Computers
using your vehicle’s battery power.

Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com

Read this material before using this product.

Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
Save this manual.
Copyright© 2009 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual
or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the
express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools. Diagrams within this manual may not be
drawn proportionally. Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly
from the product described herein. Tools required for assembly and service may not be
included.

For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Revised Manual 09l

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 Save This Manual CAUTION, without
the safety alert
Keep this manual for the safety warnings
and precautions, assembly, operating, inspection, symbol, is used to address
maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the practices not related to
product’s serial number in the back of the manual personal injury.
near the assembly diagram (or month and year of
purchase if product has no number). Keep this
manual and the receipt in a safe and dry place for
General Safety Warnings
future reference.
WARNING Read all safety
warnings and instructions.
Important SAFETY Failure to follow the warnings and
instructions may result in electric
Information shock, fire and/or serious injury.
In this manual, on the labeling, Save all warnings and
and all other information provid- instructions for future reference.
ed with this product:
1. Do not plug small appliances into
This is the safety alert the inverter to directly recharge
symbol. It is used to alert their nickel-cadmium batteries. Al-
you to potential personal ways use the recharger provided with
injury hazards. Obey all the appliance.
safety messages that
follow this symbol to avoid 2. Keep work area clean and well lit.
possible injury or death. Cluttered or dark areas invite acci-
dents.
DANGER indicates 3. Keep inverter away from any direct
a hazardous heat source or combustible mate-
situation which, if not rial.
avoided, will result in death or 4. Do not use electrically powered
serious injury. products in the presence of flam-
WARNING mable gases or liquids.
indicates a 5. Wear ANSI approved safety gog-
hazardous situation which, if gles when replacing fuse.
not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury. 6. Keep children away from this
Inverter. Do not allow them to play
CAUTION, used with or around this product.
with the safety
alert symbol, indicates a 7. Do not use this item in rain, on a
hazardous situation which, if boat, or any other wet area. Do not
not avoided, could result in expose to direct sunlight or heat.
minor or moderate injury. 8. Delicate device, handle with care.
NOTICE is used to Do not drop or strike this item.
address practices 9. Replace the fuses in this item
not related to personal injury. only with 25 Amp fuses. Replac-

SKU 66814 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 2

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 ing the fuses with higher rated fuses 14. This device is designed for use in
or another object is very dangerous 12 VDC, negative ground systems
and can result in fire, serious person- only.
al injury, or death. 15. Allow adequate ventilation. Do not
10. Before every use, check for any cover this unit while it is plugged
broken parts or mounting fixtures, in. This unit generates heat; without
and any other condition that may proper ventilation it may overheat,
affect proper operation. Any part potentially causing a fire hazard.
that appears damaged should be 16. Leave this device unplugged
carefully checked to determine that it whenever the car’s engine is
will operate properly and perform its turned off. To help prevent draining
intended function. and perhaps damaging the battery,
11. Do not disassemble. Aside from only plug this device in while the car’s
the fuse, this item has no replace- engine is on.
able parts. If this product is dam- 17. Make sure that the unit to be pow-
aged and/or does not function prop- ered is switched off before being
erly with an unbroken fuse, the entire plugged into this device.
unit must be replaced.
18. Do not use this device if under
12. Use the right inverter for the job. the influence of alcohol, drugs, or
Do not attempt to force a small in- medication. Read warning labels if
verter or attachment to do the work taking prescription medicine to deter-
of a larger industrial inverter. There mine if your judgment or reflexes are
are certain applications for which impaired while taking drugs. If there
this inverter was designed. It will do is any doubt, do not use this device.
the job better and more safely at the
rate for which it was intended. Do not 19. Stay alert. Watch what you are do-
modify this inverter and do not use ing, use common sense. Do not use
this inverter for a purpose for which it this device if you are tired.
was not intended. 20. An engine must never be run
13. Do not overload this device. This indoors, in a garage, or any other
device is designed for loads up to sealed structure. Carbon monox-
400 Watts at 120 Volts AC only. ide is produced by running en-
Check the wattage of any device gines and is deadly in a closed
before using this item to power it. environment. Early signs of carbon
Some rechargeable appliances may monoxide poisoning resemble the
damage the Power Inverter or the ap- flu, with headaches, dizziness, or
pliance. When first using a recharge- nausea. If you have these signs, get
able device, check its temperature fresh air immediately.
for the first 10 minutes. If it becomes 21. Store idle equipment. When not in
abnormally hot, do not use this de- use, this product must be stored in a
vice with the Inverter. dry location to inhibit rust.
22. WARNING: This product contains
or, when used, produces a chemi-

SKU 66814 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 3

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 cal known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. (California
Health & Safety Code § 25249.5, et
seq.)
23. People with pacemakers should
consult their physician(s) before use.
Electromagnetic fields in close prox-
imity to heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemak-
er failure.
24. The warnings, precautions, and
instructions discussed in this
instruction sheet cannot cover all
possible conditions and situations
that may occur. It must be under-
stood by the operator that com-
mon sense and caution are factors
which cannot be built into this
product, but must be supplied by
the operator.

SKU 66814 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 4

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 Specifications Components and Controls
Power Inverter
Continuous
400 Watts Power
Power
Terminals
Start up Peak 750 Watts
Input Voltage 12 Volts Nominal DC Power LED

Output Voltage 120V/60Hz Power USB Fan

Fuse 25A x 2 (Blade Type) Outlets Outlet
Green LED = power on Fault LED
Indicators Power Button
Red LED = error (fault)
Switch Button type. ON/OFF Alligator Clips
Ring
Output Wave
Modified Sine Wave Terminals
Form
5mm dia. Heavy duty input 23”
Cables
length Cable
2 - 120V grounded AC
Outlets
1 - USB 5V DC, 500mA
- Overload Shutoff @ 450W Figure 1
- Low Voltage Shutoff @ 10.5VDC
Features - Low Battery Alarm @ 10.8VDC
- Over Voltage Shutoff @ 15.3VDC
-Cooling Fan Important SAFETY
Information
This product will power up and charge:
Use caution when open-
Electronics, Appliances, Camcorders, ing the plastic case; risk
TV’s, DVD Players, Video Game Consoles of electric shock.
and CHARGE Computers using your
vehicle’s battery power.
Connect all wires securely and
cover the connections with insulat-
Unpacking
ing rubber boots (not included).
When unpacking, make sure that the Store metal objects away from the
item is intact and undamaged. If any parts inverter.
are missing or broken, please call Harbor
WARNING! Risk of Fire!
Freight Tools at 1-800-444-3353 as soon
as possible. The negative battery terminal con-
nection must be the last connec-
tion.

REV 09l

SKU 66814 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 5

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 operating Instructions circuit; batteries connected in a series
circuit will produce too much voltage.
Read the entire Important
Safety Information 1. Place the Power Inverter on a flat
section at the beginning of this surface. Make sure it has adequate
document including all text ventilation and is not in direct sun-
under subheadings therein light. Locate the Inverter close
before set up or use of this enough to the car battery so that the
product. Cables can easily reach between the
Inverter and the car battery. Position
the Inverter so that the Outlets are
Set up and Use Precautions
easily and safely accessible.
1. Set up only according to these in-
2. To connect the Cable Ring Terminals
structions. Improper set up can cre-
to the (Positive) red and (Negative)
ate hazards.
black Power Terminals on the back of
2. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles the Inverter:
and heavy-duty work gloves during
a. Unthread the knobs covering the
set up.
Power Terminals.
3. Keep area clean and well lit.
b. Slide the red Cable’s Ring Termi-
4. Do not set up when tired or when nal over the post of the red Power
under the influence of alcohol, drugs Terminal and the black Cable’s Ring
or medication. Terminal over the post of the black
5. This product is not a toy. Do not al- Power Terminal.
low children to play with or near this c. Replace the knobs and tighten se-
item. curely.
6. Use as intended only. 3. Apply the parking brake to the vehicle
7. Inspect before every use; do not use connected to the battery. Place the
if parts are loose or damaged. transmission in “Park” for an auto-
8. Maintain product labels and name- matic transmission, or in “Neutral” for
plates. These carry important safety a manual transmission. Start the car
information. If unreadable or miss- engine.
ing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a 4. Attach the red Cable’s Alligator Clip
replacement. to the Positive (red) terminal on the
Caution: This inverter must only be con- battery, then attach the black Cable’s
nected to batteries with a nominal Alligator Clip to a clean unpainted
output voltage of 12 volts. Lower metal part of the chassis. (Note: If
voltage will not operate the inverter connecting to a battery not installed
properly, and more voltage could in a vehile, connect to the Negative
damage the inverter or the device (black) terminal.)
being powered. If more than one 12 5. The red Fault LED will light up mo-
volt battery is to be used, the batter- mentarily and the alarm will sound as
ies must be connected in a parallel the Inverter draws power. Then the
alarm and red LED will turn off and

SKU 66814 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 6

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 the green Power LED of the Inverter hot, do not use this device with the
will light up. Inverter.
Note: If the green LED fails to light and the Caution: It is recommended that the ve-
alarm and red Fault LED lights stay hicle be running when you first con-
on instead, check the Troubleshoot- nect the Power Inverter. Thereafter
ing Tips section near the end of this the engine can be on or off. If you run
manual to correct the issue before the Power Inverter with the engine
continuing. off it is recommended that you start
6. To power each device or appliance: and run the engine every hour for at
least 10 minutes to recharge the bat-
a. With the device or appliance tery. Doing this will help prevent any
switched off, plug it into one of the unexpected shutdown of the equip-
Power Outlets or the USB Outlet on ment. This will also help ensure that
the Power Inverter. there will be enough battery power
b. Turn on the device and/or appliance. to start the vehicle. Due to the risk
7. After use, turn all connected devices of carbon monoxide inhalation, do
or appliances off, unplug them, then not run the vehicle’s engine within
turn off the car engine if it is run- an enclosed area.
ning. Keep the inverter turned on and You should not use your car battery
remove the alligator clips from the to power the Inverter for extended pe-
battery posts, removing the Nega- riods of time with appliances requir-
tive (black) clip first, then the Positive ing high continuous load levels. The
(red) clip. The Inverter green LED will battery may become drained to the
turn off, and the alarm and red LED point that it will not be able to start
light will turn on as the Inverter pow- your car.
ers down. Turn off the Inverter power Note: Deep cycle (marine and RV) bat-
button. teries can be charged more times
Note: The total wattage of all items than a car battery, and are a better
plugged into the Power Inverter must choice for repeated use of the Power
not use more than 400 watts during Inverter.
continuous operation, otherwise the
Inverter may overload. Do not discharge your car battery
Note: If an alarm sound is heard, turn off more than 10% of its total capacity,
the appliances and check the Trou- and deep cycle batteries more than a
bleshooting Tips section near the end 50% discharged state.
of this manual to correct the issue
before continuing.
Caution: Some rechargeable appliances
may damage the Power Inverter
or the appliance. When first using
a rechargeable device, check the
inverter’s temperature for the first 10
minutes. If it becomes abnormally

SKU 66814 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 Maintenance d. Replace the old fuses with another
set of 25 Amp blade type fuses.
To prevent
serious injury e. Replace the Cover and secure the
FROM ELECTRICAL SHOCK: four screws. Do not overtighten.
Avoid touching any interior Note: Aside from the fuses, this device
parts of the Inverter except does not contain any user replace-
the fuses when replacing the able parts. If it needs service, take it
fuses. to a qualified technician.
1. Keep this unit clean and dry. Discon-
nect the unit before cleaning. Clean
only the outside of this unit with a
soft, dry cloth; never clean this unit
with water or harsh cleaners.

Screws

Screws

Fuses

Figure 2

2. If the fuses need replacing:

a. Disconnect the Inverter and remove
the Power Cables from Inverter.
b. Unthread the four screw from the
Power Terminal Cover.
c. Slowly slide off The Cover far
enough to reveal the Fuses - See
Figure 2. CAUTION! Do not over
extend the Cover.

SKU 66814 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 8

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 Troubleshooting Tips
1. If the alarm sounds, this means that the input voltage is at or below 10.8 V. The
battery needs recharging. You should stop using the Power Inverter and recharge
the battery. If this is not done, the Inverter will shut off automatically at 10.5V.
2. If you are unsure if the inverter will have the proper amount of current to run your
devices, add up the total of the continuous wattage for the items. If this figure is
under 400 then the Inverter will be able to run the items at the same time.
3. If your television will not start, it is important to keep in mind that some appliances
(including many televisions) may require two to six times their wattage to start up.
4. If your audio system buzzes while using this inverter, it is because some sound
systems can not filter out the modified sine wave produced by the inverter. Use a
sound system that incorporates a higher quality power supply.
5. This inverter is made to minimize the interference with TV signals. However,
especially with weak TV signals, some interference may still be visible. To correct
this, place the inverter as far away as possible from the television antenna and it’s
cables. Next, adjust the orientation of the inverter to the antenna cables and TV
power cord to minimize the interference. Also use a shielded antenna cable.
6. If the low battery alarm is on all the time, try these corrective measures: Recharge
battery if in poor condition. Next, check the battery connection. You may need to
clean the connectors.
7. If you are getting a low output voltage, try reducing the load to minimize watts. You
may have overloaded the inverter. Reduce the number of watts you are powering.
Also, keep input voltage above 11 volts to maintain a constant flow of power.
8. If you are not getting any power output, turn the power switch Off and On again,
until the green power light comes on. Your devices may draw too much power to
operate them. The inverter may be in thermal shutdown. Let it cool down and
make sure there is adequate ventilation around the unit.

SKU 66814 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 9

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine

 PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
Neither the manufacturer or distributor makes any representation or warranty of any kind to the
buyer that he or she is qualified to make any repairs to the product, or that he or she is qualified
to replace any parts of the product. In fact, the manufacturer and/or distributor expressly
states that all repairs and parts replacements should be undertaken by certified and licensed
technicians, and not by the buyer. The buyer assumes all risk and liability arising out of his or
her repairs to the original product or replacement parts thereto, or arising out of his or her
installation of replacement parts thereto.

LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY

Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high
quality and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this prod-
uct is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 90 days from
the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly,
to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities,
criminal activity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance.
We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental,
contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some
states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so
the above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty is express-
ly in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including the
warranties of merchantability and fitness.
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with
transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the com-
plaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection verifies the defect, we will ei-
ther repair or replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the purchase
price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will return re-
paired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect
resulted from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost
of returning the product.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • (800) 444-3353

Record Serial Number Here:

Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not avail-
able individually as replacement parts.

SKU 66814 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 10

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine