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About Xantrex Xantrex Technology Inc. is a world-leading supplier of advanced power electronics and controls with products from 50 watt mobile units to 1 MW utility-scale systems for wind, solar, batteries, fuel cells, microturbines, and backup power applications in both grid-connected and stand-alone systems. Xantrex products include inverters, battery chargers, programmable power supplies, and variable speed drives that convert, supply, control, clean, and distribute electrical power.
Contents 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2. Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Warnings and Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 3. Xantrex 500 Inverter Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 AC Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 4. Connecting the 500 Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Choosing a Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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1 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Xantrex 500 Inverter. The 500 Inverter is part of a family of advanced, highperformance power inverters from Xantrex, the leader in the field of high-frequency inverter design. Connected directly to a 12 volt battery, the 500 Inverter efficiently and reliably powers a wide variety of household AC products, such as TVs and VCRs, laptop computers, camcorder and cell phone chargers, compact fluorescent lights, soldering irons, and small power tools.
2 Important Safety Information If the 500 Inverter is connected or used incorrectly, hazardous conditions may be created. Read and save this safety information, and pay special attention to all Caution and Warning statements in the guide and on the inverter itself. Warnings and Cautions are indicated by this symbol: • • Warning statements identify conditions that could result in personal injury or loss of life.
Warning! Risk of fire or explosion. The 500 Inverter contains components that tend to produce arcs or sparks. To prevent fire or explosion, do not install the inverter in compartments containing batteries or flammable materials or in locations that require ignitionprotected equipment. Warning! Fire hazard. To reduce the risk of fire, do not cover or obstruct the ventilation openings. Do not install the 500 Inverter in a zero-clearance compartment. Overheating may result. Warning! Shock and fire hazard.
Caution! Risk of damage to the 500 Inverter. Reverse battery polarity (negative connected to positive; positive connected to negative) will damage the 500 Inverter, and it will require servicing. Damage caused by reverse polarity is not covered by your warranty. Caution! Risk of damage to rechargeable appliances. The output of the 500 Inverter is non-sinusoidal. Certain battery chargers can be damaged if they are connected to the 500 Inverter.
3 Xantrex 500 Inverter Features This section describes the main features of the 500 Inverter. Figure 1 shows the inverter’s AC panel. ① ② ③ ④ ➄ Figure 1 AC Panel on the 500 Inverter (European AC Outlet) ➀ AC Outlet An AC outlet is located on one end of the inverter. It allows you to plug in a 230 volt AC product with a power consumption of 500 watts or less when the inverter is connected to a 12 volt battery. The AC outlet on your inverter may be different from the one shown here.
When the inverter is connected to a DC power source and the On/Standby switch is on, AC power is available at the outlet. ➂ Power Light The green PWR light is on all the time when the On/Standby switch is on. light indicates that the ➃ Fault Light The red inverter has shut down because of low or high battery voltage, AC overload, or excessively high temperatures. ➄ Mounting Flanges Mounting flanges on the AC and DC ends allow you to mount the inverter permanently.
AC Outlets Depending on your geographic location, your 500 Inverter will have one of the following AC outlets.
4 Connecting the 500 Inverter This section explains how to connect the 500 Inverter. Choosing a Location For the best performance, choose a location that is: • Dry Do not expose the inverter to water drip or spray. • Cool Operate the inverter in ambient temperatures between 0° C and 40° C (32° F and 100° F). Keep it away from heating vents and direct sunlight. • Well ventilated For proper cooling, allow at least 5 cm (2 in.) of clearance around the inverter.
Connecting the 500 Inverter to DC Power Warning! Corrosive materials and energy hazard. To reduce the risk of irritation and burns, wear protective eyewear and clothing when you work with batteries. Take special care to ensure that metal tools or personal objects like rings or watches do not contact the battery terminals. Caution! Risk of damage to the 500 Inverter. The 500 Inverter must only be operated with a nominal 12 volt battery. The inverter will not operate with a lower voltage battery.
You can make a temporary or a permanent connection between the inverter and the 12 volt DC power source. • Use the battery clip wire assembly to make a temporary connection (page 11). • Hardwire the inverter to the battery to make a permanent connection (page 13). Refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 when you connect the inverter.
Using the Battery Clip Wire Assembly Warning! Corrosive materials and energy hazard. To reduce the risk of irritation and burns, wear protective eyewear and clothing when you work with batteries. Take special care to ensure that metal tools or personal objects like rings or watches do not contact the battery terminals. Caution! Risk of damage to the 500 Inverter. Reversing the positive and negative battery cables will damage the inverter and void your warranty.
To connect the inverter to a 12 volt battery using the battery clip wire assembly: 1. Remove the nuts from the DC terminals on the inverter. 2. Place the red ring connector on the red (positive +) DC terminal, and then screw the red nut on until it is snug. Do not over tighten. 3. Attach the red clip to the red (positive +) battery terminal. 4. Attach the black clip to the black (negative –) battery terminal. 5.
Hardwiring the Inverter to the Battery A hardwired installation is illustrated in Figure 6. Warning! Shock and fire hazard. Use a qualified installer to perform a hardwired installation. ➄ – ① ④ ➂ + ② Figure 6 Hardwiring the 500 Inverter to a 12 Volt Battery ① 500 Inverter ② 8.4mm2 (8 AWG) red wire from the positive inverter terminal to the positive battery terminal (via the fuse and switch) ➂ 80 amp automotive fuse ④ 12 volt, 8.
2. 3. 4. 5. Using 8.4mm2 (8 AWG) wire or heavier, extend the power cord if you need to, to a maximum total length of 2 meters (6.5 feet) including the existing 500 Inverter power cord length. Solder all connections and make sure they are properly insulated by using electrical tape or heat shrinkable tubing. Install an 80 amp automotive fuse and a switch rated at 80 amps in the positive (red) wire, close to the end that will attach to the battery. See Figure 6.
6. 7. 15 Remove the nuts from the DC terminals on the inverter.
5 Operating the 500 Inverter This section describes normal operation as well as several problems that could occur when you use the inverter. If you have a problem, see “Troubleshooting” on page 20. Operating Statuses • • • 16 Normal Operation When you connect the inverter to your vehicle’s 12 volt source and turn on the On/ Standby switch, the green PWR light comes on, and AC power is available at the outlet.
• • • 17 that occurs when the engine starts may trigger a low voltage shutdown. AC Overload Shutdown If you connect an AC load rated higher than 500 watts or 2.2 amps or that draws excessive surge power, the 500 Inverter shuts down. light comes on The PWR light stays on, and the to indicate that the inverter is overloaded. Note: High startup surge requirements The power, or “wattage” rating of an AC load is the average amount of power it uses.
Interference With Electronic Equipment Most AC products operate with the 500 Inverter as they would with household AC power with the following exceptions. Buzzing Sound Some inexpensive stereo systems and “boom boxes” have inadequate internal power supply filtering and buzz slightly when powered by the 500 Inverter. The best solution is to have an audio system with a good quality filter. Television Interference The 500 Inverter is shielded to minimize its interference with TV signals.
6 Battery Operating Time The battery operating time of the 500 Inverter depends on the charge level of the battery, battery capacity, and the amount of power drawn by the particular AC load. With a typical vehicle battery and a 300 watt load, you can expect one or more hours of operating time. To preserve the battery: • Do not allow your vehicle battery to become deeply discharged.
7 Troubleshooting Warning! Shock Hazard. Do not open the inverter or attempt to service it yourself. Refer all service to qualified personnel. This section describes problems you could encounter, as well as symptoms, possible causes, and various remedies. The AC load will not operate; red light is on. Symptom An AC load is plugged in or turned on, operates for one to ten seconds, and then shuts down.
Symptom The AC load runs for more than one minute, the alarm sounds, and the light comes on. The inverter is warm or hot to touch. The alarm may sound. Possible cause Suggested remedy Poor ventilation or a hightemperature environment has caused the inverter to overheat. Ensure that ventilation is not restricted around the inverter. The inverter will turn on again automatically when it has cooled sufficiently. The AC load will not operate; no inverter lights are on.
Measured inverter output voltage is too low. Symptom The AC voltmeter reading is 5 to 15 volts too low. Possible cause Suggested remedy A standard “average-reading” AC voltmeter has been used to measure output voltage. For accuracy, the 500 Inverter modified sine wave output needs to be measured with a “true RMS” voltmeter, like a Fluke 87 series multimeter. The battery voltage is too low. Recharge the battery. Battery operating time is less than expected.
8 Warranty Information What Does This Warranty Cover? Xantrex manufactures its products from parts and components that are new or equivalent to new, in accordance with industry standard practices. This warranty covers any defects in workmanship or materials. How Long Does The Coverage Last? This warranty lasts for two (2) years from the date of purchase. Implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are limited to two (2) years from the date of purchase.
building replacement products. If Xantrex repairs or replaces a product, its warranty term is not extended. Xantrex owns all parts removed from repaired products. Service During Warranty In order to qualify for the warranty, dated proof of purchase must be provided and the product must not be disassembled or modified without prior authorization by Xantrex. If your product requires warranty service, please return it to the place of purchase along with a copy of your dated proof of purchase.
You must obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number from Xantrex before returning a product directly to Xantrex. Do not return a product to Xantrex without first obtaining an RMA number. When you contact Xantrex to obtain service, be prepared to supply the serial number of your product and its date of purchase as well as information about the installation or use of the inverter. If you are returning an inverter directly to Xantrex: 1. Obtain an RMA number and a shipping address from Xantrex.
To return your 500 Inverter for out-of-warranty service, contact Xantrex customer service for a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number, and follow the other steps outlined in “To Xantrex” on page 24. Options for payment, such as credit card or money order, will be explained by the customer service representative. In cases where the minimum flat fee does not apply, as with incomplete inverters or inverters with excessive damage, an additional fee will be charged.
9 Specifications Specifications may change without notice. Electrical AC receptacles 1 AC output voltage 230 volts AC RMS ± 5% AC output frequency 50 ± 3 Hz AC output waveform Modified Sine Wave Maximum continuous AC output power 500 watts Maximum AC output surge power 1000 watts DC input voltage range 10–15 volts DC Battery drain with no AC load (at 12V input) and inverter switch on 0.
Physical Dimensions (L x W x H) 240mm x 112mm x 66mm (9.5 in. x 4.4 in. x 2.6 in.) Weight 1.2 Kg (2.6 lb.
