TM TM Owner’s Guide XPower™ Inverter 1500
About Xantrex Date and Revision Xantrex Technology Inc. (www.xantrex.com), a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, is a world leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of advanced power electronic products and systems for the renewable and mobile power markets. The company's products convert and control raw electrical power from any central, distributed, renewable, or backup power source into high-quality power required by electronic equipment and the electricity grid.
About This Guide Purpose The purpose of this Owner’s Guide is to provide explanations and procedures for installing, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining the XPower Inverter 1500 . Scope The Guide provides safety and operating guidelines as well as information on installing and configuring the inverter. It also provides information about troubleshooting the unit. It does not provide details about particular brands of batteries.
Related Information You can find more information about Xantrex Technology Inc. as well as its products and services at www.xantrex.com.
Important Safety Instructions IMPORTANT: READ AND SAVE THIS OWNER’S GUIDE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD • This chapter contains important safety and installation instructions for the XPower Inverter 1500 . Each time, before using the XPower Inverter 1500 , READ ALL instructions and cautionary markings on or provided with the inverter and all appropriate sections of this guide. NOTE: The XPower Inverter 1500 contains no user-serviceable parts.
FIRE AND BURN HAZARD • • Do not cover or obstruct the air intake vent openings and/or install in a zero-clearance compartment. Do not use transformerless battery chargers in conjunction with the inverter due to overheating. Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious injury. NOTES: 1. Follow these instructions and those published by the battery manufacturer and the manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in the vicinity of the battery.
Precautions When Working With Batteries 5. BURN FROM HIGH SHORT-CIRCUIT CURRENT, FIRE AND EXPLOSION FROM VENTED GASES HAZARDS • • • • Always wear proper, non-absorbent gloves, complete eye protection, and clothing protection. Avoid touching your eyes and wiping your forehead while working near batteries. See note #4. Remove all personal metal items, like rings, bracelets, and watches when working with batteries. See notes #5 and #6 below.
Precautions When Placing the Inverter RISK OF DAMAGE TO THE inverter • • • Never allow battery acid to drip on the inverter when reading gravity, or filling battery. Never place the XPower Inverter 1500 unit directly above batteries; gases from a battery will corrode and damage the inverter. Do not place a battery on top of the inverter. Failure to follow these instructions can damage the unit and/or damage other equipment. Regulatory The XPower Inverter 1500 is certified to UL458 standard.
Contents Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Quality Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inverter Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Turning the Inverter On and Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Testing the GFCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction The XPower Inverter 1500 has been designed to give you quality power, ease of use, and reliability. Ease of Use Please take a few moments to read this chapter to familiarize yourself with the main performance features and protection features. Superior features and rugged durability have been combined with ease of use: Quality Power • • The unit is compact, light weight, and easy to install. Loads can be powered directly from the GFCI-protected AC outlets.
Introduction Inverter Materials List The inverter ships with the following items: • • • • • one XPower Inverter 1500 unit, owner’s guide, integrated GFCI-protected AC outlets, two sets of locks and washers for DC cables, and one ON/OFF remote switch with communications cable. NOTE: If any of the items are missing, contact Xantrex or any authorized Xantrex dealer for replacement. See “Contact Information” on page i.
Inverter Features This section describes the different parts of the inverter. AC Panel Item Description 1 GFCI-protected AC outlets are used to power loads up to a combined 1000 watts continuous. GFCI Reset button is used to recover from a ground trip. GFCI Test button is used to manually trip the GFCI device and cut power from the AC outlets. ON/OFF Switch turns the inverter’s control circuit on and off. This switch is not a power disconnect switch.
Inverter Features DC Panel 1 Item Description 1 Negative DC Input Terminal always connects to the negative terminal of the battery via a negative DC input cable (black battery cable). The negative DC input terminal is colored black. 2 Positive DC Input Terminal always connects to the positive terminal of the battery via a positive DC input cable (red battery cable). The positive DC input terminal is colored red.
Inverter Installation This section describes general installation instructions for the XPower Inverter 1500 . Prepare for Installation IMPORTANT: Use a qualified installer if you do not possess the knowledge and skill necessary to follow these general instructions. In addition, a qualified installer such as a licensed electrician, knows all national and local electrical codes and specific installation codes that may apply to your power system design.
Inverter Installation Typical Power System Design Battery Requirements Determine how you are going to use your inverter then design a power system that will give you maximum performance. The configuration shown below is a typical power system design applied in installing the inverter in recreational vehicles. Battery type and battery size strongly affect the performance of the XPower Inverter 1500 .
Inverter Installation Location Cables for DC Input and Ground The XPower Inverter 1500 must only be installed in a location that is: To operate safely and effectively, use low-resistance wiring between the battery and the inverter because the inverter receives high-current input from a low-voltage battery. : Dry The inverter must be installed in a dry location not subject to moisture especially rain, spray, or splashing bilge water.
Inverter Installation Install the Inverter Connect the Chassis Ground 1. Make sure the inverter’s ON/OFF switch is in the Off position. 2. Locate the screw terminal labelled CHASSIS GND on the DC panel and remove the chassis ground screw and star washer. Overview of Installation Steps 3. Attach the ground cable’s ring connector to the screw terminal on the inverter and secure with the star washer and chassis ground screw. • • • 4.
Inverter Installation Connect the DC Cables IMPORTANT: Before proceeding, make sure that your DC input cables are properly terminated with ring connectors appropriate for the size of the cable you are using. Have your cables terminated at the store of purchase. 1. Make sure the inverter’s ON/OFF switch is in the Off position. 2. Working on the inverter’s positive DC input terminal first, attach one end of the positive DC input cable to the positive DC input terminal on the inverter.
Inverter Installation 6. 7. 10 Attach the other end of the negative DC input cable to the negative terminal of the battery. If you have installed a battery selector switch, set it to Off when making the connection to prevent sparking. NOTE: This the last cable connection. A spark is normal when you make this connection to the battery without a battery selector switch.
Inverter Operation This section explains how to operate the inverter efficiently and effectively: • Gives procedures for operating the inverter from the front panel • Discusses operating limits and inverter loads • Discusses battery charging frequency • Provides information about routine maintenance ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD The inverter’s ON/OFF switch does not disconnect DC battery power from the inverter. You must disconnect AC and DC power before working on any circuits connected to the inverter.
Inverter Operation Testing the GFCI Operating Limits Perform the following GFCI Test: Power Output The XPower Inverter 1500 can deliver up to 1000 watts continuous. The wattage rating applies to resistive loads such as incandescent lights. Input Voltage The allowable XPower Inverter 1500 input voltage ranges are shown in the following table: 1. 2. 3. 4. Turn the inverter on. Plug a simple appliance, such as a lamp, in the GFCI outlet. Turn the lamp on. Press the TEST button. Observe a clicking sound.
Inverter Operation Inverter Loads • The XPower Inverter 1500 will operate most AC loads within its power rating. However, some appliances and equipment may be difficult to operate, and other appliances may actually be damaged if you try to operate them with the inverter. Please read “High Surge Loads” and “Trouble Loads” carefully. • • High Surge Loads Some induction motors used in freezers, pumps, and other motor-operated equipment require high surge currents to start.
Inverter Operation Recharging batteries When possible, recharge your batteries when they are about 50% discharged or earlier. This gives the batteries a much longer life cycle than recharging when they are more deeply discharged. The XPower Inverter 1500 has a battery low voltage shutdown at 10.5Vdc. With moderate to heavy loads, this will protect against over-discharging the battery.
Troubleshooting This section describes the most common problems you may encounter with the operation of the inverter along with resolutions. If you encounter problems other than what is described in this section, contact customer support at the number listed on “Contact Information” on page i. 3. Keep the cables between the battery and the inverter as short as possible, and twist them together with two to three twists per foot. (This minimizes radiated interference from the cables.) 4.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Reference ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD Do not disassemble the XPower Inverter 1500 . It does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious injury. NOTE: See table on the following page.
Troubleshooting Table 1 Troubleshooting Reference Problem Possible Cause Solution Low output voltage (96 VAC–104 VAC) You are using a voltmeter that cannot accurately read the RMS voltage of a modified sine wave. Use a true RMS reading voltmeter such as the Fluke 87. Low input voltage and the load is close to maximum allowable power. Check the connections and cable to see if the battery is fully charged. Recharge the battery if it is low. Reduce the load. No output voltage.
Troubleshooting Table 1 Troubleshooting Reference Problem Possible Cause Solution No output voltage. Fault Light is on. Low input voltage Recharge the battery; check the connections and cable. High input voltage Make sure the inverter is connected to a 12 V battery. Check the voltage regulation of the charging system. Thermal shutdown Allow the unit to cool off. Reduce the load if continuous operation is required. Improve ventilation.
Specifications NOTE: Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Electrical Specifications Regulatory Approvals Output power at 77 º F (25 ºC) ambient temperature and 12 VDC input: Maximum continuous output power Maximum surge power Safety 1500 W 3000 W Physical Specifications Operating temperature range 0–40 °C (32–104 °F) Base Unit Dimensions and Weight: Output voltage 115 Vac RMS ± 5% L×W×H 382×151×75 mm (15×5.9×3 in.) Output waveform Modified sine wave Net Weight 2.7 kg (5.
Warranty and Return Information Warranty What does this warranty cover and how long does it last? This Limited Warranty is provided by Xantrex Technology Inc. (“Xantrex”) and covers defects in workmanship and materials in your XPower Inverter 1500 . This warranty period lasts for 24 months from the date of purchase at the point of sale to you, the original end user customer, unless otherwise agreed in writing (the “Warranty Period”).
Warranty and Return Information What proof of purchase is required? In any warranty claim, dated proof of purchase must accompany the product and the product must not have been disassembled or modified without prior written authorization by Xantrex.
Warranty and Return Information Disclaimer Product Exclusions THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY PROVIDED BY XANTREX IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR XANTREX PRODUCT AND IS, WHERE PERMITTED BY LAW, IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS, GUARANTEES, REPRESENTATIONS, OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE IN CONNECTION WITH THE PRODUCT, HOWEVER ARISING (WHETHER BY CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, PRINCIPLES OF MANUFACTURER'S LIABILITY, OPERATION OF LAW, CONDUC
Warranty and Return Information Return Material Authorization Policy For those products that are not being repaired in the field and are being returned to Xantrex, before returning a product directly to Xantrex you must obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number and the correct factory “Ship To” address. Products must also be shipped prepaid.
Warranty and Return Information Information About Your System As soon as you open your XPower Inverter 1500 package, record the following information and be sure to keep your proof of purchase.
Xantrex Technology Inc. 1 800 670 0707 Tel toll free 1 408 987 6030 Tel direct 1 800 994 7828 Fax toll free customerservice@xantrex.com www.xantrex.com 975-0558-01-01 Printed in China.