My balck and decker p1400ab power inverter turns

Jim DuBreck

• 578 Answers

SOURCE: I have a black and decker inverter type 1 400

First, you should be aware that the exact inverter is available for under 40 dollars all over the US. Your model is sold under several names - check out http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=inverter .

I suspect that your INPUT power level is not adequate for the inverter to put out the 200W that the 150W charger needs. If you have low current and low voltage - then the inverter can only put out a proportionally smaller AC wattage level. You may also have a faulty voltage sensor....at the input. Once the inverter sees a low level (even momentarily), it alarms and shuts down the output until the unit is reset (turned off/back on)

Posted on Jan 01, 2010

Ibe Chukwudi

• 290 Answers

SOURCE: 400W Black & Decker Power Inverter Doesn't Power My LCD TV

The problem of your inverter is from
your battery .your laptop and dvd
player requires little current to
operate.But you tv requires more power
to run, if your battery is low you it will
not last for 3 minutes. If your battery
has a low current rating, it will also be a
cause, for example, if it is below
100ampere hour. Lastly if your battery
is bad i.e. if it reads below the
stipulated dc voltage Require by your
inverter to operate.

Posted on May 10, 2010

SOURCE: I just bought a power inverter for use with my pc.

There are two possibilites: the first is the over 400W power draw, the other is how you have the inverter connected. Do you have the inverter connected directly to the battery terminals (the clips) not the outlet plug (cigaretter lighter)? This is needed for any load over 80W and under 400W. (the inverter can handle a load demand over the 400W limit but only for short periods (800W).)

What is the load that your PC pulls (Is it a laptop or a desktop)? The laptop in my home has either a 65W or a 90W load (depending on the battery and the AC adapter we are using). Desktops take much more power (usually).

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

Posted on Jul 15, 2010

Al Kupchella

• 843 Answers

SOURCE: hi i have a 400w black and decker inverter as soon

The output of this inverter (and most others) is a modified sine wave, which isn't quite the same as a true sine wave - like you get from a wall outlet. Unfortunately, most transformers (which is essentially what your laptop power-supply is) require a true sine-wave. Your inverter will work fine for many other 110V applications. You can buy an inverter with a true sine-wave output, but they are more expensive.

Posted on Aug 19, 2010

SOURCE: Cant find the fuse on a black and decker 400 watt power inverter

I've had this inverter for about two years now, bought it for a cross country road trip to power my laptop and a couple of other things. I've pretty much liked it. Yes, the fan is a little noisey, yes, you have to use the provided battery clips for heavy loads. But it powers my Dell Inspiron 8500 laptop just fine (and its an old powerhog).

Recently a I let a friend use it with his inflatable mattress air pump during a camping trip.
What I didn't know is his pump has insane wattage, and it fried/bricked the inverter instantly.

Agh! I thought it was a goner, but took the time to look inside the unit. (Which is a solid and sturdy metal case, not plastic as another reviewer indicated). I was thrilled to discover there were some internal fuses. And while the fuses are soldered to the circuit board, if you've done any soldering at all they really are a snap to replace.

If you remove the four screws that hold the end cover plate on the side with the fan. You can remove the end plate and have just about a half inch or so of clearance. The entire lower circuit board will then slide out with firm pressure about an inch and a half (don't try and go any further, components on the other side prevent it).

On the right side (positive/red terminal side), you will see two 25 amp mini-fuses that are directly soldered to the circuit board. If these are blown (you can see through the semi-transparent sides if they still connect), that is most likely your problem. They are easily available from most auto and big department stores (Walmart, Target, etc) in their automotive sections.

I used a 40 watt soldering iron (30 watt should work fine), and applied it to the bottom of the circuit board where the fuse legs poke out the bottom. Using a pair of pliers, I applied a firm steady pressure to the fuse, pulling up, while applying the soldering iron to each of the legs (alternately) of the fuse. The solder melted, and I was able to work the fuse out in a few seconds. I did this for both fuses.

The replacement fuses cost all of $2. I dipped the new fuse legs in flux, then put them in the place of the old fuses. Again I heated the circuit board solder from below, and pushed the new fuse in place. Repeat with the second fuse until it is in place. Flip the board over and add some more new solder until it is firmly in place. Put it back together, and you are back in business! And for a whole lot less than a new inverter.

I've got pics of this process if anyone would like them. Good luck, and happy inverting.

Posted on Sep 21, 2010