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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 300 Inverter Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 AC Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 4. Connecting the 300 Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Choosing a Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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1 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Xantrex 300 Inverter. The 300 Inverter is part of a family of advanced, highperformance power inverters from Xantrex, the leader in the field of high-frequency inverter design.
2 Important Safety Information If the 300 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 300 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 300 Inverter in a zero-clearance compartment. Overheating may result. Warning! Shock and fire hazard.
Caution! Risk of damage to the 300 Inverter. Reverse battery polarity (negative connected to positive; positive connected to negative) will damage the 300 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 300 Inverter is non-sinusoidal. Certain battery chargers can be damaged if they are connected to the 300 Inverter.
3 Xantrex 300 Inverter Features This section describes the main features of the 300 Inverter. Figure 1 shows the inverter’s AC panel. ① ② ③ ④ ➄ Figure 1 AC Panel on the 300 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 150 watts or less when the inverter is operated from a vehicle lighter socket, or 300 watts or less when it is connected directly to a battery.
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 300 Inverter will have one of the following AC outlets.
4 Connecting the 300 Inverter This section explains how to connect the 300 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 300 Inverter to DC Power Caution! Risk of damage to the 300 Inverter. The 300 Inverter must only be operated with a nominal 12 volt battery. The inverter will not operate with a lower voltage battery. A higher voltage battery will damage the inverter.
Using the Cigarette Plug Wire Assembly Caution! Fire hazard. The wires in most 12 volt sockets or power outlets are not large enough for loads greater than 150 watts: they will overheat and present a fire hazard. Do not use loads greater than 150 watts with the cigarette plug wire assembly. Loads under 150 watts When you are going to power loads under 150 watts, use the cigarette plug wire assembly. To connect the inverter: 1. Remove the nuts from the DC terminals on the inverter. 2.
5. 6. Turn on the inverter’s On/Standby switch. The PWR light comes on, and AC power is available at the outlet. Note: You may need to turn the vehicle’s ignition key to the accessory position. Plug in the AC load you want to operate. Using the Battery Clip Wire Assembly Loads greater than 150 watts When you are going to power loads that are greater than 150 watts (up to 300 watts continuous power), connect the inverter to a 12 volt battery using the battery clip wire assembly.
Caution! Risk of damage to the 300 Inverter. Reversing the positive and negative battery cables will damage the inverter and void your warranty. When you connect the inverter to the battery, double check the connections. The red wire must be connected to the red (+) terminal on the inverter and the positive (+) terminal on the battery. The black wire must be connected to the black (–) terminal on the inverter and the negative (–) terminal on the battery. Caution! Fire hazard.
5. 6. 7. Place the black ring connector on the black (negative –) DC terminal, and then screw the black nut on until it is snug. Do not over tighten. Note: A spark may occur when you make this connection. This is normal. Check that both clips are securely connected to the battery terminals. A loose connection will cause excessive voltage drop and may cause the cables to overheat. This could result in equipment damage or fire. Turn on the On/Standby switch.
➄ – ① ④ ➂ + ② Figure 6 Hardwiring the 300 Inverter to a 12 Volt Battery ① 300 Inverter ② 3.3mm2 (12 AWG) red wire from the positive inverter terminal to the positive battery terminal (via the fuse and the switch) ➂ 40 amp automotive fuse ④ 12 volt, 40 amp disconnect switch ➄ 12 volt battery 3.3mm2 (12 AWG) black wire from the negative inverter terminal to the negative battery terminal Caution! Fire hazard.
wires in this assembly are appropriate for loads over 150 watts. The wires in the cigarette plug wire assembly are too small: do not use them.) 2. 3. 4. 5. 15 Using 3.3mm2 (12 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 300 Inverter power cord length. Solder all connections and make sure they are properly insulated by using electrical tape or heat shrinkable tubing.
Warning! Risk of damage to the 300 Inverter. Reversing the positive and negative battery cables will damage the inverter and will void your warranty. Before connecting the inverter to the battery, double check the connections: the red wire must be connected to the red terminal on the inverter and the positive (+) terminal on the battery; the black wire must be connected to the black terminal on the inverter and the negative (–) terminal on the battery. 6. 7.
Disconnecting the Battery • Before you disconnect the battery, turn off the AC load, and then turn off the in-line switch. Replacing the In-Line Fuse • 17 If you need to replace the in-line fuse (see Figure 6), turn off the in-line switch to disconnect the DC power.
5 Operating the 300 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 22. Operating Statuses • • • 18 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.
• • • 19 that occurs when the engine starts may trigger a low voltage shutdown. AC Overload Shutdown If you connect an AC load rated higher than 300 watts or 1.3 amps or that draws excessive surge power, the 300 Inverter shuts down. The PWR light stays on, and the light comes on 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 300 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 300 Inverter. The best solution is to have an audio system with a good quality filter. Television Interference The 300 Inverter is shielded to minimize its interference with TV signals.
6 Battery Operating Time The battery operating time of the 300 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 may encounter, the symptoms of each problem, possible causes, and various remedies. The AC load will not operate; the 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 does not operate. The light comes on when the inverter is turned on or when the AC load is turned on or plugged in. The alarm may sound. Possible cause Suggested remedy The battery is discharged. Recharge the battery. The battery voltage is excessive. Check the charging system. The AC load exceeds the 150 watt rating for the lighter socket. Connect the inverter directly to the battery.
The AC load will not operate; no inverter lights are on. Symptom The cigarette lighter works in the lighter socket, but the inverter does not. Possible cause Suggested remedy The contact between the plug and the lighter socket or the 12 volt outlet is poor. Press the plug firmly into the socket. Clean the plug or socket if necessary. The inverter has been connected with reverse DC input polarity. The inverter has probably been damaged. Have it repaired.
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 300 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 300 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 27. 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 300 watts Maximum AC output surge power 600 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) 200mm x 103mm x 66mm (7.9 in. x 4.1 in. x 2.6 in.) Weight 0.79 Kg (1.74 lb.
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