RV Series Inverter/Charger models RV2012GS, RV2012GS-15/ 20B, RV2012GS-20B, RV2512GS, RV3012GS. It does not provide details about particular brands of batteries. You need to consult individual battery manufacturers for this information.
These notes describe things that are important for you to know, but not as serious as a caution or warning. Symbols Used AC ground Chassis ground Alternating current (AC) Related Information You can find more information about Xantrex Technology Inc. as well as its products and services at www.xantrex.com 975-0209-01-01...
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RV Series Inverter/Charger Owner’s Manual...
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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 one 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.
Important Safety Instructions WARNING This chapter contains important safety and operating instructions. Read and keep this Owner’s Manual for future reference. General Precautions 1. Before installing and using the RV Series Inverter/Charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on the RV Series Inverter/Charger, the batteries, and all appropriate sections of this Manual.
Safety CAUTION: Equipment damage The output side of the inverter’s AC wiring should at no time be connected to public power or a generator. This condition is far worse than a short circuit. If the unit survives this condition, it will shut down until corrections are made. Installation should ensure that the inverter’s AC output is, at no time, connected to its AC input.
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Safety 5. Use caution to reduce the risk or dropping a metal tool on the battery. It could spark or short circuit the battery or other electrical parts and could cause an explosion. 6. Remove all metal items, like rings, bracelets, and watches when working with lead-acid batteries.
Introduction Chapter 1 introduces you to the RV Series Inverter/Charger and describes its features and performance characteristics. This chapter also contains information about the accessories available for the RV Series Inverter/Charger.
(see “Inductive Loads” on page 3–4). Table 1-1 RV Series Inverter/Charger model specifications Output power AC Model (max. continuous) Surge rating (AC amps) RV2012GS 2000 W 44 A RV2012GS-15/20B 2000 W 44 A RV2012GS-20B 2000 W 44 A RV2512GS 2500 W 48 A RV3012GS...
Features Transfer Switching Speed While this inverter is not designed as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system, its transfer time is normally fast enough to hold up most computers. The transfer time is typically 16 milliseconds. Front Panel Features Before installing and operating the RV Series Inverter/Charger, review the front panel features shown in Figure 1-1 and described in Table 1-2.
RC/GS remote control. RC/GS RC/GS Remo te Control/G en Starting Figure 1-2 Remote Control Panels The RC6, RC7, and RC/GS use a telephone-style cord to connect to the RV Series Inverter/Charger (models RV2012GS, RV2012GS-15/20B, RV2012GS-20B, RV2512GS, and RV3012GS). 1–4 975-0209-01-01...
Accessories Use only Xantrex-recommended accessories. Remote cables are available in three lengths: Part number Cable Length 31-6257-00 25 feet 31-6262-00 50 feet 31-6275-00 70 feet Battery Temperature Sensor The battery temperature sensor (BTS) allows the inverter/charger to monitor the battery temperature and adjust charging voltage according to the temperature. The BTS can extend the life of a battery by preventing overcharging in warm temperatures and undercharging in cold temperatures.
Installation Chapter 2 contains information and procedures to install the RV Series Inverter/Charger. The topics in this chapter are organized as follows: • “Choosing a Location” • “Wiring the Inverter/Charger” • “Wiring to a Generator”...
(0 °C and 50 °C)—the cooler the better within this range. Clearance Allow as much space around the inverter/charger as possible. Xantrex recommends that other objects and surfaces be at least 3 inches (76 mm) away from the ventilation openings for best performance.
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Choosing a Location Protected Never place the inverter/charger directly above the batteries—gases from battery will corrode and damage the inverter/charger. If the from battery inverter/charger is installed in a compartment above the batteries, acid and gases make sure there is a solid, gas-impermeable wall dividing the two compartments.
Make sure all AC and DC wiring being connected to the RS is disconnected (physically or by opening the breaker) from all electrical sources before handling. All wiring must be done in accordance with local and national electrical wiring codes. Xantrex recommends all wiring be done by a qualified installer or electrician.
Wiring the Inverter/Charger RC/GS Remote RV Series Inverter/Charger DC + DC Load Center Grounding (Bonding) Bus DC Negative Grounding Bus DC Positive Bus DC - Engine Negative Terminal AC Out AC In DC Fuse AC Main Panel Engine Battery Battery Temperature Isolator Sensor House Battery...
Installation AC Input Wiring AC input to the inverter/charger can be supplied from a split-phase or dual-input AC source such as the utility grid (power company), a generator, or the output of a transfer switch. The inverter/charger can be operated from the following types of 120 volt 60 Hz AC sources: •...
Wiring the Inverter/Charger General Precautions AC disconnects No AC disconnects are provided as an integral part of this inverter. AC disconnects must be provided as part of the system installation. Over-current No over-current protection for the AC output wiring is provided as an integral part protection of this inverter.
Not all makes and models of GFCIs work properly with all inverters. Use only GFCIs that are listed as usable for your model of inverter in Xantrex Application Note “Using GFCI Receptacles on Xantrex Inverters and Inverter/Chargers” available at www.xantrex.com or by calling customer service;...
Xantrex offers a DC rated fuse and holder designed specifically for the RV Series inverters. This fuse holder is available in a 200, 300, 350 and 400-amp sizes (refer to Table 2-2 for proper fuse size). See the latest Xantrex RV Catalog or visit www.xantrex.com for more information.
Wiring the Inverter/Charger DC disconnects The DC circuit from the battery to the inverter/charger must be equipped with a disconnect and over-current protection device. (Refer to your applicable installation code.) Type This device usually consists of a circuit breaker, a “fused-disconnect,” or a separate fuse and DC disconnect.
Table 2-2 Minimum Recommended Battery Cable Size (In Free Air) Individual Cable length Typical Maximum Model Amps Fuse Size Under 5 ft 5 to 10 ft RV2012GS 200 amps 250 A 0000 RV2512GS 250 amps 350 A 0000 0000 RV3012GS...
WARNING: Fire hazard Use only appropriately sized copper cable. Loose connections or improper connections will overheat. Make sure the bolts supplied by Xantrex on the inverter/charger are tightened to a torque of 15–16 ft-lbs (20.4–21.7 Nm). Torque all other connections to the manufacturer’s specifications.
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Installation Figure 2-5 DC Cable Connection 5. Connect the connector at the other end of this cable to one of the terminals on the fuse or breaker. 6. Use a wrench to tighten the bolt to the torque recommended by the fuseholder or breaker manufacturer.
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Wiring the Inverter/Charger Disconnecting battery cables CAUTION: Equipment damage Never disconnect the battery cables while the inverter is delivering power or the battery charger is operating. Disconnecting the battery cables could cause a rapid voltage increase that could damage the charger or other DC loads. Keep in mind that the Inverter switch on the inverter/charger does not turn off the charger section;...
Installation Connecting the Battery Temperature Sensor Installing a battery temperature sensor (BTS) extends the life of a battery by preventing overcharging in warm temperatures and undercharging in cold temperatures. With a BTS monitoring the battery temperature, the voltage delivered to the battery is adjusted according to the battery’s actual temperature. The BTS has a self-adhesive backing and attaches to the side of the battery.
Connecting the Battery Temperature Sensor 5. Move or reorient the existing wiring ring terminals on the battery negative terminal stud, so there is a flat surface on which to seat the BTS mounting plate. You may need to bend the ring terminal crimp and/or wires slightly downward to allow the sensor to seat flush to the top surface of the upper ring terminal.
Installation 3. Clean the selected area thoroughly to remove any oil or grease that could prevent the sensor from adhering to the battery case. Allow the battery case to dry thoroughly. 4. Peel the backing from the self-adhesive strip on the rear of the sensor. Press the sensor firmly against the clean side of the battery to fix it in place, as shown in Figure 2-7.
Wiring to a Generator Auto Gen Start connections The connections between the inverter/charger and the generator are made on the terminal strip. All these components are located inside the AC compartment of the inverter. See Figure 2-8. Figure 2-8 RV Series Auto Gen Start terminal block Terminal Name Relay Description...
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Installation Relay This diagram shows the activity of each internal relay during a generator start sequence. timing Stop Relay1: Glow/Stop Preheat/ Stop Start Relay2: Start (Cranking) Crank Time Relay3: Preheat (Glow) Preheat Figure 2-9 Relay activity during a start sequence Table 2-3 Stop/Stop Sequence Timing Onan Power Tech...
Installation Generac GEN RUN GEN RUN SIGNAL (B+) PREHEAT 2 GENERATOR BATTERY POSITIVE PREHEAT 1 PREHEAT COM. GEN START 1 GROUND N.O. GEN START 2 START N.C. GEN STOP 3 COM. GEN STOP 1 N.O. GEN STOP 2 GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS Figure 2-12 Generac Wiring Diagram Wiring to a Thermostat With the RC/GS remote control, you can enable the RV Series Inverter/Charger AGS to...
Operation Chapter 3 contains information about operating the RV Series Inverter/Charger. Topics in this chapter include: • “Remote Operation” on page 3–2 • “Stand-Alone Operation” on page 3–2 • “Search Mode” on page 3–2 • “Powering Loads” on page 3–3 •...
Operation Remote Operation The RV Series Inverter/Charger is designed to operate stand alone or with a remote panel. The supported remote panels are the RC/GS, RC7, and RC6. The RC/GS enables advanced monitoring as well as configuration of the inverter/ charger and Automatic Generator Start feature.
Powering Loads When in the search sense mode, the green power LED will blink and the inverter will make a ticking sound. At full output voltage, the green power LED will light steadily and the inverter will make a steady humming sound. When the inverter is used as an “uninterruptible”...
Problem Loads Xantrex inverters can drive nearly every type of load. However, there are special situations in which inverter power may behave differently than utility power. Very small loads If the power consumed by a device is less than the threshold of the search mode circuitry, it will not run.
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Powering Loads load until line voltage is available. When this occurs, each unit waits for the other to begin. To drive these loads either a small companion load must be used to bring the inverter out of its search mode, or the inverter may be programmed to remain at full output voltage.
Operation Typical Battery Draw of Common Appliances Amp Hours Consumed Over Time Appliance Watts 5 min 10 min 30 min 1 hr 2 hr 4 hr Single PL light Computer Color TV 13" Blender Skil Saw Toaster 1000 Microwave 1200 Hot Plate 1800 If the current draw at 120 Vac is known, then the battery amperage at 12 Vdc will...
Battery Charging Battery Charging The RV Series Inverter/Charger battery charger uses three-stage charging to provide rapid and complete charge cycles without undue battery gassing. The three stages are bulk, absorption, and float. Stage One: Bulk Charge (Constant Current) This stage begins when qualified AC is applied to the AC input of the inverter. The bulk charging stage charges the batteries at a constant current.
Operation When batteries are cold, their chemical reaction is sluggish, and they do not absorb charge as easily. Therefore, a charge level optimized for room temperature will not charge the batteries sufficiently if they are cold. The charger must compensate by increasing its voltage to achieve the compensated equivalent of a room temperature charge.
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Battery Charging CAUTION: Batteries may be damaged Sealed lead-acid batteries and gel batteries must NEVER be equalized, or premature battery failure will result. Equalize mode is disabled if you have selected “GEL Cell” as the battery type. Only flooded lead-acid batteries should be equalized. As a general rule, do not equalize a battery unless there are provisions to add water to it and the manufacturer recommends equalization.
Operation LED Indicator Charger activity The RV Series Inverter/Charger has a three-color LED that indicates the activity of the battery charger. The optional RC/GS or RC7 remote allows custom control over the charger section of the inverter, including battery type. Table 3-1 LED color and Charger Activity LED color LED behavior...
LED Indicator Error Conditions When an error condition occurs, the LED will flash red, followed by a five-second rest period. You can identify error conditions by counting the number of times the LED flashes before turning off for five seconds. The following table lists LED flashing patterns and their associated error conditions.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Guide Symptoms Problem Remedy No power output and Battery voltage at the inverter’s Check the battery voltage, fuses or switches and no warning LEDs terminals is too low or not present. cable connections. No power output and Load is too small for search sense mode Reduce search threshold setting or defeat search LED indicator is circuit to detect.
Specifications Appendix A contains contains the electrical, environmental, and physical specifications for the RV Series Inverter/Charger. All specifications are subject to change without notice.
Xantrex will, at its option, use new and/or reconditioned parts in performing warranty repair and building replacement products. Xantrex reserves the right to use parts or products of original or improved design in the repair or replacement. If Xantrex repairs or replaces a product, its warranty continues for the remaining portion of the original Warranty Period or 90 days from the date of the return shipment to the customer, whichever is greater.
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Xantrex product specifi- cations including high input voltage from generators and lightning strikes; c) the product if repairs have been done to it other than by Xantrex or its authorized service centers (hereafter "ASCs");...
RMA number clearly marked on the outside of the shipping box, if they are shipped collect, or if they are shipped to the wrong location. When you contact Xantrex to obtain service, please have your instruction manual ready for reference and be prepared to supply: •...
Warranty and Return Information About Your System As soon as you open your RV Series Inverter/Charger package, record the following information and be sure to keep your proof of purchase. ❐ Serial Number _________________________________ ❐ Purchased From _________________________________ ❐ Purchase Date _________________________________ If you need to contact Customer Service, please record the following details before calling.
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Xantrex Technology Inc. 1 800 670 0707 Tel toll free NA 1 360 925 5097 Tel direct 1 360 925 5143 Fax direct customerservice@xantrex.com www.xantrex.com 975-0209-01-01 Printed in China...
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