About OutBack Power Technologies OutBack Power Technologies is a leader in advanced energy conversion technology. Our products include true sine wave inverter/chargers, maximum power point tracking charge controllers, system communication components, as well as breaker panels, breakers, accessories, and assembled systems. Contact Information Telephone: +1.360.435.6030 (North America)
Important Safety Instructions READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS! This manual contains important safety instructions for the GFX Series inverters. Read all instructions and cautionary markings on the inverter and on any accessories or additional equipment included in the installation. Failure to adhere to these instructions could result in severe shock or possible electrocution.
Definitions The following is a list of initials, terms, and definitions used in conjunction with this product. Table 1 Term Definition Alternating Current; refers to voltage produced by the inverter, utility grid, or generator Automatic Generator Start Inverter’s 12-volt auxiliary output Direct Current;...
IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to install this equipment if it appears to be damaged in any way. See the Troubleshooting Section for instructions on how to return the equipment if it is damaged or suspected to be damaged. Personal Safety WARNING: Personal Injury ...
CAUTION: Equipment Damage When connecting cables from the inverter to the battery terminals, ensure the proper polarity is observed. Connecting the cables incorrectly can damage or destroy the equipment and void the product warranty. Thoroughly inspect the equipment prior to energizing. Verify that no tools or equipment have been inadvertently left behind.
Recycling Information IMPORTANT: Recycle Electronics and Batteries Batteries are considered hazardous waste and must be recycled according to local jurisdiction. Inverters and other electronics contain metals and plastics that can (and should) be recycled. The following are some websites and phone numbers that provide information regarding “how”...
Page 8
National Institute of Recyclers, Mexico Web site: http://www.inare.org.mx/ Email: a57841279@prodigy.net.mx, margarita@inare.org.mx Phone: +1.55.57.85.9160 Fax: +1.55.57.84.1279 Natural Resources Canada Address: 580 Booth, Ottawa, ON K1A 0E8 Phone: +1.613.995.0947 TTY: +1.613.996.4397 (Phone and TTY: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET) Web site: http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/mms-smm/busi-indu/rec-rec-eng.htm Office of Waste Management, Canada...
GFX1548 (1.5 kVA output, 48 Vdc) Inverter model numbers use the following naming convention. Grid-interactive models (all models in this series) begin with the letter G. For example, model GFX1424 is grid-interactive; model VFX3524 is not. The model number includes “FX” as the inverter series.
Each model inverter has a single phase output marked with this symbol: Each inverter puts out a sine wave waveform marked with this symbol: Components and Accessories Table 2 Installed Components Battery Terminal Cover, red Battery Terminal Cover, black AC Conduit Plate DC Cover (DCC) Components and Accessories Included in Box...
Planning Applications The GFX Series inverters are intended for on-grid, off-grid, and grid-interactive applications. These models are designed to use a battery bank to store energy. They can work in conjunction with photovoltaic (PV) panels to harvest solar energy, as well as wind turbines and other renewable sources.
The renewable source is always treated as a battery charger, even if all of its power is used immediately. The renewable source must have a charge controller or some way to prevent overcharging.
Generator Sizing A generator should be sized to provide enough power for all the loads and the battery charger. Available generator power may be limited by ratings for circuit breakers and/or generator connectors. The generator must be able to provide current to all inverters on a given phase or leg. Minimum generator wattage* is usually recommended to be twice the wattage of the inverter system.
Location and Environmental Requirements The GFX Series inverters can be located outdoors, but OutBack still recommends that they be protected from the environment. If protected from the environment, the inverter can mount in any position or orientation. If exposed to the environment, it cannot be placed upside-down to ensure that water will not accumulate under the DC cover.
Tools Required Wire cutters/strippers Torque wrenches Assorted insulated screwdrivers DVM or Voltmeter Mounting It is easier for two people to install the GFX inverter due to its weight. The unit must be secured with appropriate fasteners to a sturdy mounting surface capable of supporting its weight.
Terminals and Ports DC TERMINALS: Connect to battery cables and DC system. See page 19 for instructions. CONTROL WIRING TERMINAL BLOCK: Receives control wires for a variety of functions, including automatic generator starting. See pages 23 and 24 for instructions and the GFX Series Operator’s Manual for more information.
Grounding WARNING: Shock Hazard The unit must be connected to a grounded, permanent wiring system. If a bond is made between neutral and ground make sure only one bond is present in the AC system at any time. Some codes require the bond to be made at the main panel only. WARNING: Shock Hazard For all installations, the negative battery conductor should be bonded to the grounding system at only one point.
Always install a breaker, fuse, or protective device to protect the DC system. Table 4 DC Conductor Size and Torque Requirements Inverter Nominal DC Amps (Derated 125%) GFX1312 GFX1424 37.5 GFX1548 Terminal Location Inverter DC Terminals Battery Terminals When installing DC cables: ...
Install battery cable lug, nuts and washers in the order illustrated. The battery cable lug should be the first item installed on the stud. It should make solid contact with the mounting surface. Do not install hardware in a different order than shown. Figure 9 CAUTION: Fire Hazard Never install extra washers or hardware between the mounting surface and the...
Size the breakers accordingly. The AC Hot In terminal brings power from the AC source. It powers both battery charger and loads. Use the source amperage to determine actual maximum draw. Size the breakers accordingly. Multiple AC Sources Figure 11 All system wiring must comply with national and local codes and regulations.
Accessory Wiring The AC Wiring Compartment Board has ports for both the Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS) and the system display. (The system display port is labeled MATE/HUB.) If a HUB is in use, it occupies the inverter’s MATE/HUB port. RTS cable (RJ11, 4-conductor, telephone) MATE cable (RJ45,...
AUX Wiring The AUX+ and AUX– terminals are a switched 12 Vdc supply. The AUX can respond to many criteria and control many functions. These include cooling fans, vent fans, load diversion, fault alarms, and automatic generator control. The AUX output can also be controlled externally through the system display.
Installation Automatic Generator Start (AGS) The AUX terminals can be used to perform “two-wire” generator start. A two-wire-start generator is the simplest type, where most of the circuits are automated. It usually has a single switch with two positions that is turned ON to start, OFF to stop. Either the system display or the FLEXnet DC can be programmed to perform automatic generator start using the AUX terminals.
Installation A “three-wire-start” generator has two or more starting circuits. It usually has a separate switch or position for cranking the generator. The AUX terminals cannot control this type of generator without using a three-wire to two-wire conversion kit. Atkinson Electronics (http://atkinsonelectronics.com) makes these kits, among other companies. The Atkinson GSCM-Mini is designed to work with OutBack inverters and others.
Installation Single-Inverter Installations When installing an inverter AC system, the following rules must be observed. All wiring and input breakers must be sized for 60 Aac or less. All output breakers must be sized appropriately for loads and inverter wattage. Figure 18 Single-Inverter Wiring 900-0113-01-00 Rev A...
Multiple-Inverter Installations (Stacking) Installing multiple inverters in a single AC system allows larger loads than a single inverter can handle. This requires stacking. Stacking inverters does not refer to physically placing one on top of another. It refers to how they are wired within the system and then programmed to coordinate activity. Stacking allows all units to work together as a single system.
Classic Series Stacking (Dual-Stack) In “classic” series stacking, two inverters create two separate 120 Vac output phases (“legs”). One leg is the master. The other is the slave, which creates a 120 Vac output that is intentionally 180° out of phase with the master.
Parallel Stac king (D al-Stack and Larger) In parallel stacking, two or more inverters are stacked to create a single, common 120 Vac bus. All inverters share a common input (AC source) and run loads on a common output. ...
Three-Phase Stacking In three-phase stacking, inverters are stacked to create three separate 120 Vac output legs in a wye configuration. The output of each inverter is 120° out of phase from the others. Any two outputs produce 208 Vac between them.
Installation Functional Test Once the mounting, wiring, and other installation steps are completed, proceed to the GFX Series Operator’s Manual. The Operator’s Manual has steps for powering up and performing a functional test on the inverter system, as well as powering down and adding new devices to an existing system. Refer to the system display manual for programming instructions and menus.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the GFX1424 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers