Page 1
XPower Inverter 175, 300, 700 t 1-800-394-0440 (toll free in North America) 1-604-422-2777 (direct) f 1-604-420-2145 e customerservice@xantrex.com www.xantrex.com Owner's Guide 975-0172-01-01 REV. A Printed in China...
Page 2
About Xantrex Xantrex Technology Inc. is a world-leading supplier of advanced power electronics and controls with products from 50 watt mobile units to one MW utility-scale systems for wind, solar, batteries, fuel cells, microturbines, and backup power applications in both grid- connected and stand-alone systems.
The XPower inverter is part of a family of advanced high-performance power inverters from Xantrex, the leader in high frequency inverter design. Connected to the 12 volt outlet in your vehicle, the XPower inverter efficiently and reliably powers a...
Page 7
• Operating guidelines (page 15) • Troubleshooting information (page 20) • Specifications (page 25) • Warranty and service information (page 27) • Overload shutdown • Over temperature shutdown • Short circuit protection...
2 Important Safety Information Misusing or incorrectly connecting the XPower inverter may damage the equipment or create hazardous conditions for users. Read the following safety instructions and pay special attention to all Caution and Warning statements in the guide. Warnings identify conditions that may result in personal injury or loss of life.
Page 9
WARNING The XPower inverter housing may become uncomfortably warm, reaching 140° F (60° C) under extended high power operation. Ensure that at least 2 inches (5 cm) of air surround the inverter. During operation, keep it away from materials that may be affected by high temperatures.
Page 10
CAUTION: Output non-sinusoidal Some chargers for small nickel-cadmium batteries can be damaged if connected to the XPower inverter. Do not use the inverter with the following appliances: • Small battery-operated appliances like rechargeable flashlights, some rechargeable shavers, and night lights that are plugged directly into an AC receptacle to recharge.
Additional Safety Guidelines • Do not insert foreign objects in the XPower inverter outlets or other openings. • Never connect the inverter to power utility AC distribution wiring. • Do not use the XPower inverter in temperatures over 100° F (40° C). •...
3 Safety Features These advanced safety features are built into the XPower inverter: • Electronic overload protection with automatic shutdown • Built-in internal backup DC fuse • Low battery voltage warning followed by automatic shutdown • High-input voltage protection with automatic shutdown •...
4 Installation Guidelines Selecting a suitable location For safe and optimum performance, install the XPower inverter in a location that is: Do not expose to water drip or spray. Cool Operate only in ambient temperatures between 0°C (32°F) and 40°C (104°F). Keep away from furnace heating vents or other heat producing equipment.
5 Using the Inverter The XPower inverter is capable of continuously powering most 120 V AC products that use 150 W or less for 175 W unit, 240 W or less for 300 W unit, and 500 W or less for 700 W unit. Its AC output waveform, called “modified-sine wave,”...
switching on the inverter with all AC products switched off, then one by one switch each on, starting with the high surge product first. Using the DC cable with cigarette lighter plug (300 W unit) Due to the limitations of 12 V outlets in vehicles or boats, the XPower inverter should only be used to supply AC power to products that require 150 W (about 1.3 A) or less.
Tighten the nut on each DC terminal by hand until it is snug. Do not over-tighten. Insert the plug of this cable into the 12 V outlet and switch the unit ON. When the power inverter is not in use, unplug it from the 12 V outlet to prevent slight discharge of the battery.
Page 17
loose connection will cause the voltage to drop and may cause the cables to overheat, resulting in equipment damage or fire. Switch the power inverter “ON.” When the power inverter is not in use, disconnect the DC cable clips from the battery to prevent slight discharge of battery.
6 Indicators and Controls 300 & 700 W Power LED Fault LED Positive DC terminal AC outlets Negative DC terminal ON/OFF switch DC cable with DC cable clips cigarette lighter plug (with 400 W unit only) 175 W DC cable with cigarette lighter plug AC outlet...
Page 19
• One AC outlet is provided on one end of the XPower inverter 175 W unit. • Two AC outlets are provided on one end of the XPower inverter 300 and 700 W units. Any combination of 120 V AC products with a total continuous power consumption of 240 W or less for 300 W unit, and 500 W or less for 700 W unit may be plugged in.
7 Inverter Operation When properly connected to a 12 V outlet or battery, turning the inverter switch ON, will illuminate the green POWER light, and deliver AC power to the outlet(s). Plug the AC product(s) you wish to operate into the AC outlet(s) and switch them on, one at a time.
Page 21
Important: Vehicle batteries are designed to provide brief periods of very high current needed for engine starting. They are not intended for constant deep discharge. Regularly operating the XPower inverter from a vehicle battery until the low voltage alarm sounds will shorten the life of the battery.
CAUTION Although the XPower inverter incorporates protection against over-voltage, it may still be damaged if the input voltage exceeds 16 V. The cooling fan on the 300 and 700 W units is designed to operate only when output power is greater than approximately 100 W.
When using a vehicle battery as a power source, it is strongly recommended to start the vehicle every hour or two to recharge the battery before its capacity drops too low. The XPower inverter can operate while the engine is running, but the normal voltage drop that occurs during starting of the engine may trigger the inverter’s low voltage shutdown feature.
Buzzing sound in audio systems and radios Some inexpensive stereo systems, “boom boxes,” and AM-FM radios have inadequate internal power supply filtering and “buzz” slightly when powered by the XPower inverter. Generally, the only solution is an audio product with a higher quality filter. Television interference The XPower inverter is shielded to minimize its interference with TV signals.
8 Troubleshooting PROBLEM: AC product will not operate, no inverter lights are ON. Possible cause Remedy Battery is defective. Check battery and replace if required. Inverter has been Check connection to battery. connected with Probable inverter damage has reverse DC input occurred.
Page 26
PROBLEM: Measured inverter output is too low. Possible cause Remedy Standard “average- Inverter’s “modified sine reading” AC voltmeter wave” output requires “true used to measure output RMS” voltmeter for accurate voltage, resulting in an measurements. apparent reading 5 to 15 V too low. Battery voltage is too Recharge battery.
Page 27
PROBLEM: Battery run time is less than expected. Possible cause Remedy AC product power Use a larger battery to make up consumption is higher for increased power requirement. than rated. Battery is old or Replace battery. defective. Battery is not being Some chargers are not able to properly charged.
Page 28
PROBLEM: AC product will not operate, red FAULT light ON. Possible cause Remedy AC product(s) connected Use a product with a power are rated at more than the rating less than the inverter’s inverter’s continuous continuous power rating. power rating; overload shutdown has occurred.
Page 29
Possible cause Remedy The inverter has Switch inverter OFF and allow overheated due to poor to cool for 15 minutes. Clear ventilation and has shut blocked fan or remove objects down. covering unit. Move the inverter to a cooler place. Reduce load if continuous operation is required.
9 Specifications Specifications are subject to change without notice. 175 W 300 W 700 W AC output voltage 120 VAC (nominal) DC input voltage 10.5–15.5 VDC range Continuous AC 150 W 240 W 500 W output power 5 minutes AC 175 W 300 W 700 W...
Page 31
Efficiency (maximum) Ambient operating 0 °C–40 °C (32 °F–104 °F) temperature range Low battery alarm 11.0 V trigger point (nominal) Low battery shut 10.5 V down point (nominal) High battery shut 15.5 V down point (nominal) Dimensions 5 1/8 × 4 1/8 × 5 7/8 ×...
You require proof of purchase to make warranty claims. What will Xantrex do? Xantrex will, at its option, repair or replace the defective product free of charge, provided that you notify Xantrex of the product defect within the...
Page 33
Xantrex. Xantrex covers both parts and labor necessary to repair the product, and return shipment to the customer via a Xantrex- selected non-expedited surface freight within the contiguous United States and Canada.
Page 34
Authorized Service Centers. Call Xantrex or check our website to see if your product can be repaired at one of these facilities. 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.
Page 35
This warranty does not apply to and Xantrex will not be responsible for any defect in or damage to: the product if it has been misused, neglected, improp-...
Page 36
PURPOSE TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW TO APPLY TO THE PRODUCT SHALL BE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE PERIOD STIPULATED UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. IN NO EVENT WILL XANTREX BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES, COSTS OR...
Page 37
EXPENSES HOWEVER ARISING WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT INCLUDING WITHOUT RESTRICTION ANY ECONOMIC LOSSES OF ANY KIND, ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, ANY PERSONAL INJURY, ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY ARISING FROM OR AS A RESULT OF MISUSE OR ABUSE, OR THE INCORRECT INSTALLATION, INTEGRATION OR OPERATION OF THE PRODUCT.
Page 38
CONNECTION WITH LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS OR OTHER MEDICAL EQUIPMENT OR DEVICES. Please note that the XPower inverter is not intended for use as an uninterruptible power supply and Xantrex makes no warranty or representation in connection with any use of the product for such purposes.
Return Material Authorization Policy 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. Product shipments will be refused and returned at your expense if they are unauthorized, returned...
This warranty will not apply where the product is damaged due to improper packaging. Include the following: • The RMA number supplied by Xantrex Technology, Inc. clearly marked on the outside of the box. • A return address where the unit can be shipped.
If you are returning a product to a Xantrex Authorized Service Center (ASC) A Xantrex return material authorization (RMA) number is not required. However, you must contact the ASC prior to returning the product or presenting the unit to verify any return procedures that may apply to that particular facility.