About Xantrex Xantrex Technology Inc. develops, manufactures and markets leading advanced power electronic and control products for the Distributed, Mobile, and Programmable Power markets. The company’s enabling technology converts raw electrical power from any central, distributed, or backup power source into high- quality power required by electronic and electrical equipment.
About This Guide Conventions Used The following conventions are used in this guide. Important: or an item that you must pay attention to. : Notes describe additional information which may Note add to your understanding of how to use the XPower Powerpack.
References to XPower Powerpack In this guide, both the XPower Powerpack 300 and the XPower Powerpack 300 Plus (with the air compressor) are referred to as XPower Powerpack when the information applies to both models. However, when the information is...
Important Safety Information The XPower Powerpack generates a similar type of AC power as a normal household wall outlet. Operating the XPower Powerpack incorrectly or misusing it may damage the equipment or create hazardous conditions for the user. Important: Before using your XPower Powerpack, be sure to read and save these safety instructions.
Page 7
4 seconds may cause damage to the unit. Allow the XPower Powerpack to cool down for 3–4 minutes after each jump start. CAUTION: XPower Powerpack 300 Plus The compressor is designed for short term operation only. Operating the compressor over an extended period of time will cause the compressor unit to overheat and may cause damage.
Precautions When Working With Batteries 1. Follow all instructions published by the battery manufacturer and the manufacturer of the equipment in which the battery is installed. 2. Make sure the area around the battery is well ventilated. 3. Never smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of the engine or batteries.
Precautions for Using Rechargeable Appliances 10. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enters your eye, immediately flood it with running cold water for at least twenty minutes and get medical attention immediately. 11.
• Powers 115 volt AC appliances • Powers 12 volt DC appliances • Jump-starts vehicle engines • Provides fluorescent lighting for emergency use In addition, the XPower Powerpack 300 Plus with air compressor inflates tires and small sports equipment. Introduction...
Comprehensive Protection Comprehensive Protection Automatic overload The XPower Powerpack has built-in protection against output overload. If you connect an appliance to the AC Outlet that draws more than 250 watts, or one which draws excessive surge power, the power to the AC Outlet automatically shuts off.
Materials List Your XPower Powerpack package includes these items: XPower Powerpack 300 or XPower Powerpack 300 Plus Owner’s Guide AC Charger DC Charging Cable Jump-start Cables Accessory bag The XPower Powerpack 300 Plus also includes: Two nozzle adaptors for the compressor...
XPower Powerpack Features XPower Powerpack Features Front Panel Detail Feature Description Battery Level indicators illuminate when you press the Battery Status button. • 4 lights indicates full charge • 3 lights indicates 3/4 charge • 2 lights indicates 1/2 charge •...
Page 18
Feature Description Battery Status Button indicates the charge state of the battery. Recharge Indicator illuminates only when the battery is being recharged through the Charger Input Socket and not through the DC Charging Cable. The light is amber when charging, and green when the battery is fully charged.
Air Compressor (XPower Powerpack 300 Plus only) Air Compressor (XPower Powerpack 300 Plus only) Feature Description On/Off switch turns the compressor unit on and off. Pressure gauge shows the PSI (lb/in Nozzle Adaptor Compartment Valve connector with connector cord...
Right Side View Feature Description DC Power Socket can: • Power 12 volt DC auto, RV or marine appliances • Recharge XPower Powerpack from a 12 volt outlet in a vehicle using the DC Charging Cable AC Outlet On/Off switch illuminates when switch is turned On.
Left Side View Left Side View Feature Description Fluorescent lights illuminate for about 25 hours when the battery is fully charged. Light On/Off Switch has three settings: Off, One Light, and Two Lights. Jumper Cable Port supplies high power DC current.
DC Charging Cable lets you recharge the XPower Powerpack from a 12 volt system in a car, SUV, RV or a boat. Accessory bag Nozzle packet (XPower Powerpack 300 Plus only) contains 3 nozzles adaptors (not shown) in the Nozzle Adaptor Compartment.
Operating AC appliances and 12 volt DC appliances • Jump-starting a vehicle engine • Connecting to an external battery for additional run time • Using the compressor on the XPower Powerpack 300 Plus CAUTION Read all operating instructions before operating the XPower Powerpack.
Choosing a Location Choosing a Location The XPower Powerpack should be operated only in a location that meets these requirements: Cool Ventilated Safe Protected from battery gases CAUTION Do not use the XPower Powerpack to operate any AC appliances or 12 volt DC appliances while recharging with the AC Charger.
Using XPower Powerpack for the First Time Important: Prior to operating your AC appliance or 12 volt DC appliance, ensure that the battery of the XPower Powerpack is fully charged. If the battery has been fully discharged, recharging with the AC Charger may take up to 40 hours.
Operating AC Appliances 3. Plug the AC Charger into a standard AC wall outlet. 4. Insert the AC Charger cable end into the Charger Input Socket. The Recharge indicator changes from amber to green when charging is complete (about 40 hours if the battery is completely discharged).
Run Time on Typical AC Appliances Note: The fewer watts an AC appliance uses, the longer the XPower Powerpack will operate before recharging is required. Typical AC appliances that can be used on the XPower Powerpack are listed in Table 1 AC Appliance Cordless telephone (stand by) 5 Home security system...
Operating AC Appliances inverter’s safety overload shutdown circuit. See “Troubleshooting Reference” on page 36 for the reset procedure. Trouble Appliances Some appliances may be damaged if they are connected to the XPower Powerpack. See “Precautions for Using Rechargeable Appliances” on page viii. Operating Several Appliances at Once You can run several AC appliances if the total rating of all the appliances (in watts) does not exceed 250 watts.
When using the XPower Powerpack to operate an AC appliance and the low battery warning sounds, the warning gives you time to shut your AC appliance off before loss of AC power. If you ignore the warning, the XPower Powerpack automatically turns off a few minutes later to prevent battery damage.
Page 31
Operating 12 Volt DC Appliances Typical 12 volt DC appliances that can be used on the XPower Powerpack are listed in Table 2 12 Volt DC Appliance Cellular telephone Fluorescent light (built into the unit) Stereo/CD player Portable Cooler 1. Represents actual power consumption as measured on sample appliances.
Jump-starting a Vehicle Engine You can use the XPower Powerpack to jump-start a vehicle engine that has a 12 volt starting battery using the supplied Jump-Start Cables. Important: starting your vehicle as they are different from the instructions supplied with other jump-start products or booster cables. To jump-start a vehicle or boat engine: CAUTION The jump-start feature is designed for short term operation...
Page 33
Jump-starting a Vehicle Engine 7. Connect the black negative (–) clip of the jump-start cables to the engine block, cylinder head, or other stationary heavy metal part of the motor, or to the negative (–) battery terminal. The Battery Clips Connected Properly (green light) illuminates.
2. Turn the compressor on, and inflate your tire to the recommended pressure. CAUTION Allow the compressor to cool down for 10 minutes after each 10 minutes of continuous operation. 3. Turn the compressor off after appropriate pressure is reached. Using the Air Compressor: XPower Powerpack 300 Plus...
Using the Air Compressor: XPower Powerpack 300 Plus 4. Open the thumb latch and remove the valve connector from the valve stem. 5. Check air pressure with a pressure gauge. Note: Leave the thumb latch in the open position for storing to relieve pressure on the internal mechanism.
5. Turn the compressor off before removing nozzle adaptor from valve stem. 6. Remove nozzle adaptor from valve connector and store in storage compartment. Note: Leave the thumb latch in the open position for storing to relieve pressure on the internal mechanism. Connecting to an External Battery You can extend battery operating times by connecting the XPower Powerpack to a larger external battery.
Page 37
Connecting to an External Battery The Battery Clips Connected Properly (green light) illuminates. You can now use the XPower Powerpack. The reverse polarity alarm sounds and the Battery Clips Connected Improperly (red light) illuminates, go to Step 4. Remove the red positive (+) clip first, and then the black negative clip (–) to cancel the alarm.
Battery Maintenance All rechargeable batteries gradually discharge when left standing, and you need to recharge them periodically to maintain maximum battery capacity. The AC Charger supplied with the XPower Powerpack is designed to regulate the charging process, ensuring that the battery is always fully charged but never overcharged.
Recharging the XPower Powerpack Battery and maximum battery life, recharge the XPower Powerpack only with the Xantrex supplied chargers or approved battery chargers. CAUTION Due to inherent self-discharge, lead acid batteries must be charged at least every 3 months, especially in a warm environment.
Recharging with the AC Charger Recharging with the AC Charger is a true “plug-in-and- forget” charging method. To recharge with the AC Charger: 1. Disconnect any 12 volt DC appliances. 2. Turn the AC Outlet On/Off switch to off, and turn the fluorescent light switch off.
Recharging the XPower Powerpack Battery Recharging with the DC Charging Cable Using the DC Charging Cable, the XPower Powerpack can be recharged while you drive your vehicle. Important: XPower Powerpack does not operate with this charging method, most vehicle voltage regulators will ensure that the XPower Powerpack is not overcharged.
Note: Battery Level indicators are only accurate when the XPower Powerpack has been disconnected from all appliances and all charging sources for fifteen minutes. Important: Do not leave the XPower Powerpack permanently connected to the vehicle’s lighter socket or 12 volt accessory outlet. Recharging with a Generator’s Regulated 12 Volt DC Outlet Refer to the Owner’s Guide accompanying your generator for...
Replacing the Internal Battery Note: Battery Level indicators are only accurate when the XPower Powerpack has been disconnected from all appliances and all charging sources for fifteen minutes. Recharging From a Solar Panel Small, unregulated 12 volt solar panels rated to produce a maximum of 2.5 amps (or 30 watts) can be used to charge the XPower Powerpack through the Charger Input Socket.
Important: Recharge the XPower Powerpack fully at least every three months if it is placed in storage or in a vehicle trunk. Store in a location that maintains a temperature range of 32 °F to 86 °F (0 °C to 30 °C). CAUTION Discharging the internal battery below 10.0 volts will damage the battery and shorten its life.
Replacing the Internal Battery Replacing the Battery Before attempting to replace the internal battery, make sure: • You disconnect any charging cables, 12 volt DC appliances, and AC appliances from the XPower Powerpack. • You turn off the AC Outlet On/Off switch and turn off the fluorescent light switch.
Page 46
2. On the XPower Powerpack 300, unscrew the four fasteners on the battery cover. Place the fasteners in the cover for safe keeping. On the XPower Powerpack 300 Plus, unscrew the four fasteners on the compressor unit. Place the fasteners in the cover for safe keeping.
7. On the XPower Powerpack 300, replace the battery cover and the four fasteners. On the XPower Powerpack 300 Plus, replace the compressor unit and the four fasteners. 8. Dispose of the old battery in an environmentally responsible manner.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting will help you identify the common problems than can occur with the XPower Powerpack. Read this chapter before calling Xantrex Customer Service. If you cannot solve the problem with the XPower Powerpack, record the information asked for on “Contacting Xantrex Customer Service”...
Common Problems Common Problems Buzz in Audio Equipment Some inexpensive stereo systems have inadequate internal power-supply filtering and may buzz slightly when powered by the XPower Powerpack. The best solution to eliminate the buzzing is to use an audio system with a good quality filter. Television Interference The XPower Powerpack is shielded to minimize interference with TV signals.
Page 50
Table 4 Troubleshooting reference Problem Possible Cause AC appliance AC appliance rated will not more than 250 watts, operate; the the safety overload has audible alarm tripped. is not sounding. AC appliance is rated less than 250 watts, high starting surge has tripped the safety overload.
Page 51
Troubleshooting Reference Table 4 Troubleshooting reference Problem Possible Cause Measured Use of an output voltage average-reading, AC is too low. voltmeter to read output voltage. Battery is almost fully discharged. The battery No voltage is present clips of the at the battery clips of jump-start the jump-start cable cables measure...
Page 52
Table 4 Troubleshooting reference Problem Possible Cause Extreme Appliance power overload, 40 requirements greatly amp external exceed the capability fuse opens. of the XPower Powerpack. Over- Inverter has temperature overheated due to poor shutdown ventilation or excessively warm environmental conditions. Alarm sounds Internal battery is nearly discharged.
Page 53
(XPower Powerpack The item being 300 Plus only). inflated may have a leak. The compressor may compressor have overheated from runs slowly excessive use. (XPower Powerpack Battery voltage is too 300 Plus only).
Electrical Specifications 12 Volt DC Section Internal battery type Internal battery voltage (nominal) Internal battery capacity (minimum) Internal battery CCA rating DC Power Socket (maximum continuous load) Built-in fluorescent lamp (replaceable) Specifications sealed, AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) lead acid 12 VDC 20 Ah 200 CCA 12 A with automatic reset...
Page 55
Electrical Specifications AC Power Section Output power • Continuous output power • Five minute AC output power • AC output surge capacity Output voltage Output frequency Output wave form No load current draw Input voltage range Low battery alarm Low battery shutdown High battery voltage shutdown Over temperature shutdown Overload shutdown...
Warranty Information What does this warranty cover? 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? months (6) months from the date of purchase.
Page 59
Warranty Information liable for damages, whether direct, incidental, special, or consequential, or economic loss even though caused by the negligence or fault of Xantrex. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
Returning a Product You must obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number from Xantrex before returning a product directly to Xantrex. When you contact Xantrex to obtain service, be prepared to supply the following information: • Serial number of your XPower Powerpack •...
Out of Warranty Service How other laws apply rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. For our Canadian customers warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose” includes all warranties and conditions, express or implied, statutory or otherwise, including without limitation implied warranties and conditions of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Contacting Xantrex Customer Service If none of the troubleshooting suggestions work, you will need to call Xantrex Customer Service: Phone: Fax: Email: Web: If possible, note the circumstances surrounding the failure below. This information will assist the service technician in diagnosing the problem quickly.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the XPower Powerpack 300 PLUS and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers