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WARNING: 

This product or its power cord contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to

cause cancer and birth defect or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK:

• Do not connect to AC distribution wiring.
• Do not make any electrical connections or disconnections in areas designated as IGNITION PROTECTED.

This includes DC cigarette lighter type plug connection or airplane adapter. This unit is NOT approved for
ignition protected areas.

• NEVER immerse the unit in water or any other liquid, or use when wet.
• Do not insert foreign objects into the AC outlet or the USB outlet.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE:

• Do not operate near flammable materials, fumes or gases.
• DO NOT expose to extreme heat or flames. 

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE: 

• Remove appliance plug from outlet before working on the appliance.
• DO NOT attempt to connect or set up the unit or its components while operating your vehicle. Not paying

attention to the road may result in a serious accident.

• Always use the inverter where there is adequate ventilation. Do not block ventilation slots.
• ALWAYS turn the inverter OFF by disconnecting it from the DC accessory outlet when not in use.
• Make sure the nominal powering voltage is 12 volts DC, center connection positive (+).
• When using this unit in a vehicle, check the vehicle owner’s manual for maximum power rating and

recommended output. It may be necessary to change the vehicle accessory outlet’s in-line fuse to a higher
rating. Do not install in engine compartment — install in a well ventilated area.

• Do not use with positive ground electrical systems.* Reverse polarity connection will result in a blown fuse

and may cause permanent damage to the inverter and will void warranty.
*The majority of modern automobiles, RVs and trucks are negative ground. 

• Keep in mind that this inverter will not operate high wattage appliances or equipment that produce heat,

such as hair dryers, microwave ovens and toasters.

• Do not open the inverter — there are no user-serviceable parts inside.
• Do not use this inverter with medical devices. It is not tested for medical applications.
• Keep away from children.This is not a toy!
• Install and operate unit only as described in this Instruction Manual.
• Do not use this inverter on a watercraft. It is not qualified for marine applications.
• Check unit periodically for wear and tear. Take to a qualified technician for replacement of worn or defective

parts immediately.

• Read And Understand This Instruction Manual Before Using This Unit.

SAVE THESE  INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY:

Follow these instructions and those published by battery manfacturer and the manufacturer of any
equipment you intend to use with this unit. Review cautionary markings on these products and on engine.

Minimum Gage for Cord Sets

Volts 

Total Length of Cord in Feet

120V

0-25

26-50

51-100

101-150

(0-7.6m)

(7.6-15.2m)

(15.2-30.4m)

(30.4-45.7m)

240V

0-50

51-100

101-200

201-300

(0-15.2m)

(15.2-30.4m)

(30.4-60.9m)

(60.9-91.4m)

Ampere Rating

More

Not more

American Wire Gage

Than

Than

0   -

6

18

16

16

14

6   -

10

18

16

14

12

10 -

12

16

16

14

12

12 -

16

14

12

Not Recommended

3

Power Inverter Output Waveform

The AC output waveform of this inverter is known as a modified sine wave. It is a stepped waveform that has
characteristics similar to the sine wave shape of utility power. This type of waveform is suitable for most AC
loads, including linear and switching power supplies used in electronic equipment, transformers, and small
motors.
The modified sine wave produced by this inverter has an RMS (root mean square) voltage of 115 volts. Most
AC voltmeters (both digital and analog) are sensitive to the average value of the waveform rather than the
RMS value. They are calibrated for RMS voltage under the assumption that the waveform measured will be a
pure sine wave. These meters will not correctly read the RMS voltage of a modified sine wave. Non-TRUE
RMS meters will read about 20 to 30 volts low when measuring the output of this inverter. For accurate
measurement of the output voltage of this unit, use a TRUE RMS reading voltmeter such as a Fluke 87, Fluke
8080A, Beckman 4410 or Triplett 4200.
115 VOLT AC OUTPUT

CAUTION — Rechargeable Devices

• Certain rechargeable devices are designed to be charged by plugging them directly into an AC receptacle.

These devices may damage the inverter or the charging circuit. 

• When using a rechargeable device, monitor its temperature for the initial ten minutes of use to determine if

it produces excessive heat. 

• If excessive heat is produced, this indicates the device should not be used with this inverter. 
• This problem does not occur with most of the battery-operated equipment. Most of these devices use a

separate charger or transformer that is plugged into an AC receptacle. 

• The inverter is capable of running most chargers and transformers.

MAXX SST

®

Soft Start Technology

®

Black & Decker’s Soft Start Technology gradually “ramps up” the inverters power to slowly start appliances
that require a surge to get started. This gradual ramp up protects the inverter and the appliance, as well as
the power source, from damage and failure.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

The Power/Fault LED Indicator lights green when the Inverter is properly connected to a functioning DC
power source. The AC and USB outlets are ready to use. (If the Power/Fault LED Indicator lights red, refer to
the Troubleshooting Section of this Instruction Manual.)
To turn the unit off, disconnect it from the 12 volt DC power source.
Always connect the 

PI102PP 

to the 12 volt DC power source before plugging any devices into the unit.

The standard North American 115 volt AC and USB outlets allow simultaneous operation of multiple devices.
Simply plug the equipment into the unit and operate normally. 

Ensure that the wattage of all equipment

simultaneously plugged into the PI102PP does not exceed 100 watts continuous.

Rated Versus Actual Current Draw of Equipment

Most electrical tools, appliances, electronic devices and audio/visual equipment have labels that indicate the
power consumption in amps or watts. Be sure that the power consumption of the item to be operated is
below 100 watts. If the power consumption is rated in amps AC, simply multiply by the AC volts (115) to
determine the wattage.
Resistive loads are the easiest for the inverter to run; however, it will not run larger resistive loads (such as
electric stoves and heaters), which require far more wattage than the inverter can deliver. Inductive loads
(such as TVs and stereos) require more current to operate than do resistive loads of the same wattage
rating.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the 

PI102PP Power Inverter with USB Charging Port.

This inverter can be used

to operate personal electronics and mobile office equipment, such as: laptop computers, digital/video
cameras, MP3 players, cell phones, PDAs, and more. It can also be used to recharge 110/120 volt AC
devices that have an appropriate recharging adapter with a standard North American two- or three-prong
plug. 
Please read this Instruction Manual carefully before use to ensure optimum performance and to avoid
damage to this product.

FEATURES

• 100 watts continuous output*
• MAXX SST

®

Soft Start Technology

®

• 5 volt DC USB Charging Port
• Easiest inverter to use – truly plug and play
• Bi-color Power/Fault LED Indicator
• Compact, efficient and quiet 
• Tethered Protective Outlet Covers
• Electronic circuit protection prevents damage due to overload/insufficient ventilation (overheat condition)
• Low-battery shutdown

*Refer to the “Specifications” section

Controls and Functions

HOW THIS INVERTER WORKS

This inverter is an electronic device that converts low voltage DC (direct current) electricity from a battery to
115 volts AC (alternating current) household power. In designing this inverter, Black & Decker has
incorporated design techniques previously employed in computer power supplies. The result of these design
innovations is a smaller, lighter and easier-to-use power inverter.
The Power Inverter converts power in two stages. The first stage is a DC-to-DC conversion process that
raises the low voltage DC at the inverter input to 145 volts DC. The second stage is a MOSFET bridge stage
that converts the high voltage DC into 115 volts, 60 Hz AC.
The DC-to-DC converter stage uses creative, high frequency, zero voltage switching power conversion
techniques that replace the bulky transformers found in less technologically advanced models. The inverter
stage uses advanced power MOSFET transistors in a full bridge configuration.

12 VOLT DC VEHICLE

ADAPTER PLUG

THREE-PRONG 115 VOLT AC
OUTLET (WITH TETHERED
PROTECTIVE OUTLET COVER) 

POWER PLUG
ADJUSTS 90°

USB CHARGING PORT

(WITH TETHERED PROTECTIVE

OUTLET COVER)

POWER/FAULT LED

INDICATOR

SAFETY GUIDELINES / DEFINITIONS

DANGER:

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious

injury.

WARNING:

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not  avoided, could result in death or serious

injury.

CAUTION: 

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate

injury.

CAUTION:

Used without the safety alert symbol indicates potentially hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, may result in property damage.

RISK OF UNSAFE OPERATION.

When using tools or equipment, basic safety precautions should always be

followed to reduce the risk of personal injury. Improper operation, maintenance or modification of tools or
equipment could result in serious injury and property damage. There are certain applications for which tools
and equipment are designed. Black & Decker strongly recommends that this product NOT be modified
and/or used for any application other than for which it was designed. Read and understand all warnings and
operating instructions before using any tool or equipment.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL APPLIANCES

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING:

Read all instructions before operating product. Failure to follow all instructions listed below

may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

• AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS.

Don’t use appliances in damp or wet locations. Don’t use

appliances in the rain.

• STORE IDLE APPLIANCES INDOORS. 

When not in use, appliances should be stored indoors in dry, and

high or locked-up place – out of reach of children.

• DON’T FORCE APPLIANCE. 

It will do the job better and with less likelihood of a risk of injury at the rate for

which it was designed.

• USE RIGHT APPLIANCE.

Do not use the appliance for any job except that for which it is intended.

• DISCONNECT APPLIANCES.

Disconnect the appliance from the power supply when not in use, before

servicing, and when changing accessories such as blades and the like.

• Proper cooling is essential when operating the inverter. Do not place the unit near the vehicle’s heat vent or

in direct sunlight.

• ELECTRICAL FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTOR

protection should be provided on the circuits or outlets to be

used. Receptacles are available having built in electrical fault circuit interruptor protection and may be used
for this measure of safety.

• USE OF ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS.

The use of any accessory or attachment not recommended

for use with this appliance could be hazardous. Note: Refer to the accessory section of this manual for
further details.

• CHECK DAMAGED PARTS.

A part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by an

authorized service center unless otherwise indicated elsewhere in this instruction manual.

• OUTDOOR USE EXTENSION CORDS.

When an appliance plugged into this unit is used outdoors, use only

extension cords intended for use outdoors and so marked. NOTE THAT THIS INVERTER IS NOT INTENDED
TO BE USED OUTDOORS.

• EXTENSION CORDS. 

Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord,

be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause
a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The following table shows the correct size
to use depending on cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gage. The
smaller the gage number, the heavier the cord.

2

4

5

PI102PP ManualEN 072308.qxp  7/23/2008  10:04 AM  Page 2

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