Black & Decker PI400AB, Thermal cooling fan

Overall Rating3.673.673.673.673.67

Thermal cooling fan

I have a solar panel with this inverter connected to one of my security lights. The best thing about this inverter is the thermal fan that only turns on when needed. Not many if any at this price range can do this. I don’t know how much of a power load it will handle, other than the rated 400 watts, my sytem only requires 60 watts for the flourescent flood light. My duration of ownership is only 1 month now, so far so good.

Update (5/19/2012): This item is currently on sale here for the lowest price I’ve seen.

The featured review for this product, Black & Decker PI400AB 400 Watt Power Inverter Lawn & Patio, was written by John Adams.

The average rating for this item is 3.7 out of 5 stars, according to 3 reviews.

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Reviews (3)

Jay

February 9th, 2010 at 11:17 pm    


Overall Rating33333

Does the job with some noise.
This inverter powered my MacBook Pro which draws 85 watts using the power plug in a box truck I rented. The plug tag and inverter label read up to 80 watts while the manual states up to 100 watts for the plug. The heavier gauge alligator clip cables are for higher wattage applications or you may blow your power port fuse. The alligator clips connect directly to the battery. If you permanently hardwire the inverter buy 6 gauge wire with a 50 amp fuse up to 6 feet long or 4 gauge wire over 6 feet. Both included cables are 3 feet (91 cm) long. Remember, Volts x Amps = Watts. The inverter draws 512 watts when output is 400 watts according to the label. Output is a stepped modified sine wave and NOT sinusoidal.

When the inverter fan comes on it is noticeable like a radio between stations at moderate volume (took me some miles before figuring it was the inverter). The housing stayed cool at 85 watts.

When Black & Decker fixes their dead links the manual may be available at [..] (search for PI400AB). Lowes and Home Depot were [..]for this inverter.


John Adams

February 19th, 2010 at 9:43 am    


Overall Rating44444

Thermal cooling fan
Rated 4 stars.


F. J.

February 27th, 2010 at 11:15 am    


Overall Rating44444

works very well
I bought this inverter to replace my vector 175w inverter that died after 10 years of intermittent use. When I found out that Black& Decker had taken over the vector line I was a little worried but the B&D seems to work as well or better than the Vector. I use this inverter on a marine deep cycle battery to power a small DVD player in my popup camper and to recharge my zune mp3 player while on the road. The fact that the cooling fan cycles with demand saves alot of 12v battery power.


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