Important safety information Important: Before installing and using your HI400 Inverter, be sure to read and save these safety instructions. General precautions 1. Before installing and using the inverter, read all appropriate sections of this guide and any cautionary markings on the inverter and batteries.
Explosive gas precautions Explosive gas precautions WARNING: Explosion hazard 1. Batteries generate explosive gases during normal operation. Be sure you follow all relevant instructions exactly before installing or using your inverter. 2. This equipment contains components which 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 ignition-protected equipment.
Precautions when working with batteries Precautions when working with batteries WARNING: Explosion and fire hazards 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.
Some chargers for rechargeable batteries can be damaged if connected to the HI400 Inverter. Do not use the following with the HI400 Inverter: • Small battery-operated appliances like flashlights, razors, and night lights that can be plugged directly into an AC receptacle to recharge.
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Introduction Chapter 1 “Introduction” describes the main operating features of the HI400 Inverter. Get other manuals https://www.bkmanuals.com...
Introduction Introduction The HI400 Inverter is a modified sine wave (MSW) inverter providing power for a variety of AC loads, such as TVs, VCRs, laptops, camcorders and other small AC devices. They are CSA certified for use in recreational vehicles.
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Introduction This receptacle has a “ground fault circuit interrupter” to reduce shock hazards on loads connected to both the receptacle and hardwire outputs. • Ignition lockout Ignition lockout prevents the inverter from operating while the engine is running. It allows the user to turn the inverter on and off remotely.
Figure 1 below, and Figure 2 opposite, show the front and back panels of the HI400. Table 1 and Table 2 list the respective panel parts. Figure 1 Front Panel - “Hardwire with GFCI” version. Table 1 Front panel features...
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HI400 features Figure 2 Back panel Table 2 Back panel features Feature Description Air vents Cable clamp Chassis grounding lug AC hardwiring compartment (with cover on) DC input terminals AC input cord Get other manuals https://www.bkmanuals.com...
Materials list Materials list Your HI400 inverter package includes the items listed below: Inverter with hardwire (80-0401-12) or Inverter with hardwire and GFCI outlet (80-0400-12) Owner’s Guide Get other manuals https://www.bkmanuals.com...
Installation Chapter 2 “Installation” provides complete information for installing the HI400 Inverter. Specifically, this section describes: • safety instructions and installation codes that must be observed during installation. • installation tools and materials. • appropriate locations and environments for mounting the inverter.
WARNING: Electrical shock and fire hazards Xantrex recommends all wiring be done by qualified personnel. Disconnect all AC and DC power sources to prevent accidental shock. Disable and secure all AC and DC disconnect devices and automatic generator starting devices.
Preparing for installation Installation tools and materials You will need the following tools and materials to install the inverter: #2 Phillips screwdriver Wire stripper 4 mounting screws or bolts and appropriate tools 3/8” wide slot screwdriver for DC input and chassis ground terminals 3-conductor (2-conductor-plus-ground cable) AC output cable sized appropriately for load according to applicable...
Preparing for installation Installation features Figure 3 and Table 3 below, list the installation features of your HI400 inverter. Figure 3 Installation features: back view Table 3 Installation features: back view Feature Description DC input terminals Cable clamp Chassis grounding lug...
Installing the HI400 Installing the HI400 Overview This section provides detailed installation information. The overall procedure is divided into nine main steps: Step 1 Designing your installation (page Step 2 Choosing a location for your inverter (page Step 3 Mounting your inverter...
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The circuit breaker or fuse used to protect the AC Input: HI400 inverter must be rated no more than 15 A and must be approved for use on 120 Vac branch circuits. The circuit breaker or fuse must be rated at no...
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Installing the HI400 AC output neutral bonding The neutral conductor of the inverter’s AC output circuit is automatically connected (“bonded”) to the safety ground whenever the inverter is running and AC utility shorepower is not present. When AC shorepower is present, this connection is automatically lifted, as that same bonding connection will be present in the AC shorepower source.
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Installations in recreational vehicles require GFCI protection of branch circuits connected to the AC output of the inverter. The HI400 comes in two versions. In the version with the integral GFCI receptacle, the GFCI protects both the receptacle’s output and the hardwire output. In the version without the integral GFCI receptacle, the hardwire output has no GFCI protection, and it is up to the installer to provide it.
Installing the HI400 Table 4 Tested GFCI models Manufacturer Model number Leviton 6599 Pass & Seymour 1591 Hubbell GF 5252GYA Choosing a location WARNING: Risk of fire or explosion This equipment contains components that tend to produce arcs or sparks. To reduce the risk of fire or...
These gases are corrosive and prolonged exposure will damage the inverter. Mounting your inverter The HI400 inverter must be mounted flat (for example, on or under a horizontal surface) in order to comply with safety agency requirements. To mount your HI400 inverter: 1.
Installing the HI400 Permanently connecting (hardwiring) the AC output WARNING: Fire, shock, and energy hazards Make sure wiring is disconnected from all electrical sources before handling. All wiring must be done in accordance with local and national electrical wiring codes. Do not connect the output leads of the inverter to any incoming AC source.
AC output circuit breaker, or the load distribution panel depending on your system design. WARNING: Shock hazard, risk of damage Do not connect the HI400 Inverter output to AC distribution wiring powered by any other source. Shock hazard and damage may result.
Installing the HI400 2. Route the lockout signal wire through the cable clamp and into the hardwire compartment. 3. Strip approximately ½ inch off the insulation of the red ignition lockout wire and the lockout signal wire (if using the twist-on wire connectors provided). If you are providing your own connectors, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding strip length...
(see the AC wiring instructions on page 12 this section). To connect the DC ground: Connect a No. 8 AWG copper wire between the HI400’s chassis ground lug and the DC grounding point for your system. Get other manuals https://www.bkmanuals.com...
Note: Connecting the AC input cord to the AC output receptacle on the HI400 GFCI version will not power loads and will cause the unit to malfunction. There should not be any damage.
The front panel power switch does not disconnect DC or AC input power to the unit. To turn on the HI400: 1. Turn the On/Off power switch on the front panel to the on position. The green ON INVERTER LED indicator illuminates.
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CAUTION Read all operating instructions before operating the HI400. Inverter on and off The On/Off power switch on the front panel turns the HI400 inverter on or off: • In the On position, the green inverter On LED indicator illuminates and the unit begins inverting if AC shorepower is not present.
An AC input cord is provided at the back of the unit allowing for alternate source AC power. Plug the input cord on the back of the HI400 into a shorepower receptacle. The load can be run from the alternate source when it is present.
Inverter loads Inverter loads The HI400 will operate most AC loads within its power rating (400 watts/3.3 amps). Typical loads that can be used on the HI400 are as follows: • Laptops • Small TVs • Handheld computing devices •...
These affected chargers display a warning label stating that dangerous voltages are present at the battery terminals. If you are unsure about powering any load with the HI400, contact the appliance manufacturer. Turning the inverter off between charges When the power switch is on but no power is being supplied to a load, the inverter idles and draws less than 400 mΑ...
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Troubleshooting Chapter 4 “Maintenance and Troubleshooting” will help you identify common problems that can occur with the HI400 Inverter. Read this chapter before calling Xantrex Customer Service. If you cannot solve the problem, record the information asked for on page 51.
Buzz in audio equipment Some inexpensive stereo systems have inadequate internal power supply filtering and buzz slightly when powered by the HI400. The best solution is to use an audio system with a good quality filter. Television interference The HI400 is shielded to minimize interference with TV signals.
Electronic shutdown • No AC output WARNING: Electric shock hazard Do not remove the cover or disassemble the HI400. It does not contain any serviceable parts and attempting to service the unit yourself could result in electrical shock or burn.
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Troubleshooting reference Table 5 Troubleshooting reference Problem Possible Cause Solution Electronic High battery Turn power switch off. Disconnect all shutdown voltage, overload, loads and then turn power switch on (No LED short circuit illuminated) No AC output Output circuit Check the circuit breaker and GFCI. (No LED breaker or tripped Push in the GFCI button to reset.
Specifications Appendix A “Specifications” contains electrical and physical specifications for the HI400 Inverter. Get other manuals https://www.bkmanuals.com...
Electrical Electrical Output power • continuous 400 W • surge capacity 550 W Output voltage 120 Vac RMS ±5% Output frequency 60 Hz nominal Output wave form Modified sine wave Transfer switch 4 Amp AC High battery shutdown 15.0 V Low battery shutdown 10.0 V Efficiency...
Sizes Appendix B contains “Battery Types and Sizes.” The batteries you use strongly affect the performance of the HI400 Inverter. It is important to connect the inverter to the correct size and type of battery. The information in this appendix will help...
— so you may see them referred to as RV batteries, marine batteries, or golf cart batteries. For most applications of the HI400, Xantrex recommends you use one or more deep-cycle batteries that are separated from the vehicle’s starting battery by a battery isolator.
Battery size Battery size CAUTION The HI400 must only be connected to batteries with a nominal output voltage of 12 volts. The HI400 will not operate from a 6 volt battery and will be damaged if connected to a 24 volt battery.
To determine how much battery capacity you need: 1. Determine how many watts are consumed by each appliance you will operate from the HI400. You can normally find this on a label on the product. If only the current draw is given, multiply it by 115 to get the power consumption in watts.
Estimating battery requirements Battery sizing example This battery sizing example illustrates a typical calculation, assuming an opportunity to charge the batteries every three days. Daily watt- hours needed (A) Power (B) Operating Appliance for this consumption time per day appliance (= A x B) 19”...
Estimating battery requirements Battery sizing worksheet Use the following worksheet to calculate your battery needs. To ensure sufficient battery capacity, be generous when estimating the operating time per day for each of your loads. Daily watt- hours needed for Appliance Power Operating time this...
Two separate battery banks If you need more than two batteries (or are using different makes or models of batteries), Xantrex recommends that you install two separate battery banks and a battery selector switch.
Battery tips Battery tips Note Review “Precautions when working with batteries” page vii, before working with the batteries in your system. WARNING: Explosive/corrosive gases Lead-acid batteries may emit hydrogen, oxygen, and sulphuric acid fumes when recharging. To reduce the risk of explosion: •...
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Battery tips Do not leave batteries in a discharged Discharged batteries state for more than a day or two. They will undergo a chemical process (sulfation) that can permanently damage the battery. As well, batteries self-discharge over a period of three to six months, so they should be recharged periodically even if they are not being used.
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Warranty and Product Information Appendix C “Product and System Information” contains the warranty and return information for the HI400 Inverter. Get other manuals https://www.bkmanuals.com...
If Xantrex repairs or replaces a product, its warranty term is not extended. Xantrex owns all parts removed from repaired products. In order to qualify for the...
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 inverter •...
Out-of-warranty service If the warranty period for your HI400 Inverter has expired, if the inverter was damaged by misuse or incorrect installation, if other conditions of the warranty have not been met, or if no dated proof of purchase is available, your inverter may be serviced or replaced for a flat fee.
Was the ambient temperature extremely hot or cold? Were any DC appliances affected? Has this happened before? Other Xantrex products To see the range of inverters and chargers offered by Xantrex, visit our web site at www.xantrex.com Get other manuals https://www.bkmanuals.com...
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Index reserve capacity 39 RV 38 AC disconnects 11 self-discharge 45 AC input cord 22 temperature sensitivity 44 AC load circuit 13 tips 44 AC output cable, 3-conductor 9 using multiple 43 AC shorepower 11 using two battery banks 43 Ah.
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Index Canadian Electrical Code (NEC) 8 Canadian Standards Association DC cable 9 (CSA) 8 DC circuit breaker 21 RV Industry Association (RVIA) 8 DC distribution panel 20 U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC) DC ground bus (dedicated) 21 DC grounding point 21 installation features 10 DC input terminals 19 AC input cord 10...
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Index batteries 14 negative and positive cabling DC cabling 14 terminals 5 DC disconnects and over-current On inverter 4 devices 13 On/Off switch 4 mounting inverter 16 problem loads 28 strain relief 5 typical loads 28 wiring compartment plate panel 5 lockout signal wire 18 operation features problem loads...
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33 service during warranty 48 buzz in audio equipment 32 what does it cover 48 common problems 33 what will Xantrex do 48 electronic shutdown 33 wide slot screwdriver 9 low battery 33 wire stripper 9 no AC output 33...
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