Xantrex 851-0162R XPower Inverter 150 Owner’s Manual

Xantrex 851-0162R XPower Inverter 150

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.

Trademarks
XPower is a trademark of Xantrex International. Xantrex is a registered trademark of Xantrex International.
Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and product names are the property of their respective owners and are used herein for identification purposes only.

Notice of Copyright
XPower Inverter 150 Owner’s Guide © February 2006 Xantrex International. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, XANTREX TECHNOLOGY INC. (“XANTREX”)

• (a) MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY, SUFFICIENCY OR SUITABILITY OF ANY TECHNICAL OR OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED IN ITS MANUALS OR OTHER DOCUMENTATION.
• (b) ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL, WHICH MIGHT ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF SUCH INFORMATION. THE USE OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION WILL BE ENTIRELY AT THE USER’S RISK.

Date and Revision
February 2006 Revision C

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the XPower Inverter 150. The XPower 150 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 150 efficiently and reliably powers a wide variety of AC loads, such as compact TVs and VCRs, laptops, camcorder and cell phone chargers, compact fluorescent lights, and soldering irons.
The XPower 150 uses reliable solid state power electronics for years of safe, trouble-free operation and includes automatic safety monitoring circuitry to protect it, and your battery, from inadvertent overload conditions.
Read this guide before connecting or using the XPower 150, and save it for future reference. The main topics in the guide are:

• Safety information
• XPower 150 features
• Instructions for connecting the inverter
• Operating guidelines
• Troubleshooting information
• Specifications
• Warranty and service information

Important Safety Information

If the XPower 150 is connected or used incorrectly, hazardous conditions may be created. Read and save this safety information, and pay special attention to all Warning and Caution statements in the guide and on the inverter itself. Warnings and Cautions are indicated by this symbol:

• Warning statements identify conditions that could result in personal injury or loss of life.
• Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to the XPower 150 or other equipment.

Warnings and Cautions

WARNING: Shock hazard
The XPower 150 generates the same potentially lethal AC power as a household wall outlet. Do not insert foreign objects in the inverter’s AC outlet or any other openings in the inverter. Do not open the inverter. Have a qualified individual complete any service work.

WARNING: Shock hazard
Do not expose the XPower 150 to water, rain, snow, or spray.

WARNING: Risk of fire or explosion
The XPower 150 contains components that 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.

WARNING: Fire hazard
To reduce the risk of fire, do not cover or obstruct the ventilation openings. Do not install the XPower 150 in a zero-clearance compartment. Overheating may result.

CAUTION: Risk of damage to equipment
The XPower 150 is designed to be directly connected to standard electrical and electronic equipment in the manner described in this guide. Do not connect it to household or RV AC distribution wiring. Do not connect it to any AC load circuit in which the neutral conductor is connected to ground (earth) or to the negative of the DC (battery) source.

CAUTION: Risk of damage to the XPower 150
Reverse battery polarity (negative connected to positive; positive connected to negative) will damage the XPower 150, and it will require servicing. Damage caused by reverse polarity is not covered by your warranty.

CAUTION: Risk of damage due to high temperatures
Do not use the XPower 150 in temperatures over 40° C (100° F). Overheating may result.

CAUTION: Risk of damage to rechargeable appliances
The output of the XPower 150 is non-sinusoidal. Certain battery chargers can be damaged if they are connected to the XPower 150. Two particular types of equipment are prone to this problem:

• Small battery-operated appliances such as flashlights, shavers, and night lights that can be plugged directly into an AC receptacle to recharge.
• Certain battery chargers for battery packs used in hand power tools. These chargers will have a warning label stating that dangerous voltages are present at the battery terminals.

Do not use the XPower 150 with the types of appliances just described.

XPower 150 Inverter Features

This section describes the main features of the XPower 150. Figure 1 shows the inverter’s AC panel.

Figure 1 AC Panel on the XPower 150 (European Outlet)

• AC Outlet: An AC outlet is located on one end of the XPower 150. It allows you to plug in a 230 volt AC load with a power consumption of 150 watts or less.
  The AC outlet on your inverter may be different from the one shown here. For all available outlets, see Figure 2, Figure 3, and Figure 4.

• On/Standby Switch: The two positions on the On/Standby switch are indicated as follows: = Standby and = On.
  When the inverter is connected to a DC power source and the switch is on, AC power is available at the AC outlet.

• Æ Power Light: The green PWR light is on all the time when the On/Standby switch is on.

• ∅ Fault Light: The red light indicates that the inverter has shut down because of low or high battery voltage, AC overload, or excessively high temperatures.
  Audible Alarm An audible alarm warns you of a high- temperature shutdown or of an impending low battery voltage shutdown.

AC Outlets

Depending on your geographic location, your XPower 150 will have one of the following AC outlets.

Connecting the XPower 150

Choosing a Location

For best performance, choose a location that is:

• Dry Do not expose the inverter to water drip or spray.
• Cool Operate the inverter in ambient temperatures between 0° C and 40° C (32° F and 100° F). Keep it away from heating vents and direct sunlight.
• Well ventilated For proper cooling, allow at least 5 cm (2 in.) of clearance around the inverter.
• Clean and free of dust and dirt Choose a location that is free of any debris that could get into the inverter.

Connecting

To connect the inverter:

1. Place the inverter on a flat surface like the vehicle’s dashboard. Use the floor only if it is dry and free of debris that could get into the inverter.

2. Plug the inverter’s DC lighter plug into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket or a 12 volt outlet.

3. Turn on the inverter’s On/Standby switch. The green PWR light comes on, and AC power is available at the outlet.
   Note: You may need to turn the vehicle’s ignition key to the accessory position.

4. Plug in the AC load you want to operate.

Operating the XPower 150

Operating Statuses

This section describes normal operation as well as problems that could occur when you use the inverter. If you have a problem, see “Troubleshooting”.

• Normal Operation: When you connect the inverter to your vehicle’s 12 volt outlet and turn on the On/Standby switch, the green PWR light comes on and AC power is available at the outlet.
  The inverter shuts down automatically in response to low battery voltage, high battery voltage, AC overload, overheating, or a short in the AC output.

• Low Battery Voltage Alarm and Shutdown: As the battery discharges, its voltage decreases.
  When the inverter senses that the voltage at its DC input has dropped to 10.7 volts, it sounds an alarm. This gives you time to shut down computers or other sensitive devices. If you ignore the alarm and the DC input drops to 10.0 volts, the inverter shuts down the AC load being operated. The PWR light stays on, the alarm stays on, and the light comes on. The low battery voltage shutdown feature saves the battery from excessive discharge, which can prevent you from starting your vehicle, or more seriously, damage the battery.

• Possible shutdown when the vehicle’s engine is started: The XPower 150 will operate while your vehicle’s engine is running, but the normal voltage drop that occurs when the engine starts may trigger a low voltage shutdown.

• AC Overload Shutdown: If you connect an AC load that is rated higher than 150 watts or 0.65 amps or that draws excessive surge power, the XPower 150 shuts down. The PWR light stays on, and the light comes on to indicate that the inverter is overloaded. Note: High startup surge requirements The power, or “wattage” rating of an AC load is the average amount of power it uses. When they are first turned on, many AC loads consume more power than their continuous power rating. TVs, monitors, and electric motors are examples of loads that have high surge requirements at start up. Although the XPower 150 can supply momentary surge power to 300 watts, some loads rated less than 150 watts can exceed its surge capabilities and trigger the AC overload shutdown feature.

• High Battery Voltage Shutdown: If a defective battery charging system causes the battery voltage to rise to dangerously high levels, the inverter shuts down automatically. The PWR light stays on, and the
  light comes on.

• High Temperature Shutdown: If the inverter exceeds its safe operating temperature because of insufficient ventilation or a high-temperature environment, it sounds an alarm and shuts down automatically. The PWR light stays on, and the light comes on. When the inverter has cooled sufficiently, it restarts automatically.

Interference With Electronic Equipment

Most AC loads operate with the XPower 150 as they would with household AC power with the following exceptions.

Buzzing Sound: Some inexpensive stereo systems and “boom boxes” have inadequate internal power supply filtering and buzz slightly when powered by the XPower 150. The best solution is to have an audio system with a good quality filter.

Television Interference: The XPower 150 is shielded to minimize its interference with TV signals. If TV signals are weak, you may see the interference in the form of lines scrolling across the screen. Try one of these suggestions to minimize or eliminate the problem:

• Adjust the orientation of the inverter, TV, antenna, and cables.
• Maximize TV signal strength by using a better antenna, and use shielded antenna cable where possible.
• Try a different TV. Different models vary considerably in their susceptibility to interference.

Battery Operating Time

The operating time of the XPower 150 depends on the charge level of the battery, the battery capacity, and the amount of power drawn by the particular AC load being used. With a typical vehicle battery and a 150 watt AC load (like a small TV), you can expect two to three hours of operating time.
To preserve the battery:

• Do not allow your vehicle battery to become deeply discharged. A vehicle battery (starting battery) is not designed to be deeply discharged, and repeated deep discharge/charge cycles will shorten its life.
  When you use a vehicle battery as a power source, start the vehicle every hour or two and run it until you have partially recharged the battery.

• Do not leave the XPower 150 on for extended periods if an AC load is not connected.
  The inverter draws less than 0.18 amps with the On/Standby switch on and no AC load connected, but that will eventually discharge the battery.

Troubleshooting

WARNING: Shock hazard
Do not open the inverter or attempt to service it yourself. Refer all service to qualified personnel.

This section describes problems you could encounter as well as possible causes and various remedies.

The AC load will not operate; the light is on.
Symptom: An AC load is plugged in or turned on, operates for one to ten seconds, and then shuts down.

Possible cause
The AC load is rated at more than 150 watts; an overload shutdown has occurred.
Suggested remedy
Use a load with a power rating less than 150 watts (0.65 amps).

Possible cause
The AC load is rated at less than 150 watts, but a high starting surge has caused an overload shutdown.
Suggested remedy
The AC load exceeds the inverter’s surge capability. Use a load with a starting surge power within its capability.

Symptom: The AC load will not operate. The light comes on when the inverter is turned on or when the AC load is turned on or plugged in. The alarm may sound.

Possible cause
The battery is discharged.
Suggested remedy
Recharge the battery.

Possible cause
The battery voltage is excessive.
Suggested remedy
Check the charging system.

Symptom: The AC load runs for more than one minute, the alarm sounds, and the light comes on. The inverter is warm or hot to touch.

Possible cause
Poor ventilation or a high-temperature environment has caused the inverter to overheat.
Suggested remedy
Ensure that ventilation is not restricted around the inverter.

The AC load will not operate; no inverter lights are on.
Symptom: The cigarette lighter works in the lighter socket, but the inverter does not.

Possible cause
The contact between the plug and the lighter socket or the 12 volt outlet is poor.
Suggested remedy
Press the plug firmly into the socket. Clean the plug or the socket if necessary.

Possible cause
The inverter has been connected with reverse DC input polarity.
Suggested remedy
The inverter has probably been damaged. Have it repaired. Damage caused by reverse polarity is not covered by the warranty.

Symptom: The cigarette lighter does not work in the lighter socket.

Possible cause
The lighter socket or the 12 volt outlet may require that the ignition be switched on.
Suggested remedy
Turn the key to the accessory position.

Possible cause
The cigarette lighter fuse or the 12 volt outlet fuse is blown.
Suggested remedy
Check the vehicle fuses, and replace the blown fuse with the correct type and size.

Measured inverter output voltage is too low.

Symptom: The AC voltmeter reading is 5 to 15 volts too low.

Possible cause
A standard “average reading” AC voltmeter has been used to measure the output voltage.
Suggested remedy
For accuracy, the XPower 150 modified sine wave output needs to be measured with a “true RMS” voltmeter, like a Fluke 87 series multimeter.

Possible cause
The battery voltage is too low.
Suggested remedy
Recharge the battery.

Battery operating time is less than expected.

Symptom: The inverter runs for a while, and then the light comes on. The inverter is cool or warm to touch.

Possible cause
The battery is old or defective.
Suggested remedy
Replace the battery.

Possible cause
The battery is not being charged properly.
Suggested remedy
Have a qualified technician check the vehicle’s electrical system.

Specifications

Specifications may change without notice.

Electrical

• AC receptacles: 1
• AC output voltage: 230 volts AC ± 5%
• AC output frequency: 50 Hz ± 3 Hz
• AC output waveform: Modified Sine Wave
• Maximum continuous AC output power: 150 watts
• Maximum AC output surge power: 300 watts
• DC input voltage range: 10–15 volts DC
• Battery drain with no AC load (at 12V input) and inverter switch on: 0.18 amps
• Efficiency (optimal): 90%
• Ambient operating temperature range: 0° C–40° C (32° F–100° F)
• Low battery alarm trigger point: 10.7 volts DC
• Low battery voltage shutdown: 10.0 volts DC
• High battery voltage shutdown: 15 volts DC
• Over-temperature shutdown: Automatic shutdown and automatic restart
• Overload shutdown: Automatic shutdown and automatic restart
• Internal Fuse: 25 amps

Physical

• Dimensions (L x W x H): 156mm x 103mm x 62mm (6.2 in. x 4.1 in. x 2.5 in.)
• Weight: 0.65 Kg (1.5 lb.)

Regulatory

• CE Mark: Low Voltage Directive
• e Mark: Automotive EMC Directive
• TUV/GS: Certified to EN60950
• Environmental: Complies with the EU’s “Restriction of Hazardous Substances” Directive 2002/95/EC

Product Recycling

Do not dispose of this product with general household waste!
Electrical appliances marked with the symbol shown must be professionally treated to recover, reuse, and recycle materials, in order to reduce negative environmental impact. When the product is no longer usable, the consumer is legally obligated to ensure that it is collected separately under the local electronics recycling and treatment scheme. See www.xantrex.com.

Limited Warranty

• What does this warranty cover?
  This Limited Warranty is provided by Xantrex Technology, Inc. (“Xantrex”) and covers defects in workmanship and materials in your XPower Inverter 150. This warranty period lasts for twenty-four (24) months from the date of purchase at the point of sale to you, the original end user customer. You require proof of purchase to make warranty claims.
  This Limited Warranty is transferable to subsequent owners but only for the unexpired portion of the Warranty Period. Subsequent owners also require proof of purchase.

• 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 Warranty Period, and provided that Xantrex through inspection establishes the existence of such a defect and that it is covered by this Limited Warranty.
  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. All replaced products and all parts removed from repaired products become the property of 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. Alaska and Hawaii are excluded. Contact Xantrex Customer Service for details on freight policy for return shipments outside of the contiguous United States and Canada.

• How do you get service?
  If your product requires troubleshooting or warranty service, contact your merchant. If you are unable to contact your merchant, or the merchant is unable to provide service, contact Xantrex directly at:

  • Telephone: 1 360 925 5097 (direct)
  • Fax: 1 360 925 5143 (direct)
  • Email: customerservice@xantrex.com

Direct returns may be performed according to the Xantrex Return Material Authorization Policy described in your product manual. For some products, Xantrex maintains a network of regional 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.
  Proof of purchase may be in any one of the following forms:

  • The dated purchase receipt from the original purchase of the product at point of sale to the end user, or
  • The dated dealer invoice or purchase receipt showing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) status, or
  • The dated invoice or purchase receipt showing the product exchanged under warranty

• What does this warranty not cover?
  This Limited Warranty does not cover normal wear and tear of the product or costs related to the removal, installation, or troubleshooting of the customer’s electrical systems. This warranty does not apply to and Xantrex will not be responsible for any defect in or damage to:

  • a) the product if it has been misused, neglected, improperly installed, physically damaged or altered, either internally or externally, or damaged from improper use or use in an unsuit-able environment;
  • b) the product if it has been subjected to fire, water, generalized corrosion, biological infestations, or input voltage that creates operating conditions beyond the maximum or minimum limits listed in the Xantrex product specifications 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”);
  • d) the product if it is used as a component part of a product expressly warranted by another manufacturer;
  • e) the product if its original identification (trade-mark, serial number) markings have been defaced, altered, or removed.

Disclaimer

Product
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY PROVIDED BY XANTREX IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR XANTREX PRODUCT AND IS, WHERE PERMITTED BY LAW, IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS, GUARANTEES, REPRESENTATIONS, OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE IN CONNECTION WITH THE PRODUCT, HOWEVER ARISING (WHETHER BY CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, PRINCIPLES OF MANUFACTURER’S LIABILITY, OPERATION OF LAW, CONDUCT, STATEMENT OR OTHERWISE), INCLUDING WITHOUT RESTRICTION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF QUALITY, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR 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 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.

Exclusions
If this product is a consumer product, federal law does not allow an exclusion of implied warranties. To the extent you are entitled to implied warranties under federal law, to the extent permitted by applicable law they are limited to the duration of this Limited Warranty. Some states and provinces do not allow limitations or exclusions on implied warranties or on the duration of an implied warranty or on the limitation or exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation(s) or exclusion(s) may not apply to you. This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other rights which may vary from state to state or province to province.
The rights granted by this warranty are in addition to any statutory or other legal rights granted under the laws of the country or state in which the Xantrex product was purchased and those legal rights are not affected by this warranty.

Warning: Limitations On Use
Please refer to your product manual for limitations on uses of the product.
SPECIFICALLY, PLEASE NOTE THAT THE XPOWER INVERTER 150 SHOULD NOT BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS OR OTHER MEDICAL EQUIPMENT OR DEVICES. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, XANTREX MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES REGARDING THE USE OF THE XANTREX XPOWER INVERTER 150 IN CONNECTION WITH LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS OR OTHER MEDICAL EQUIPMENT OR DEVICES.
Please note that the XPower Inverter 150 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 without an 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:

• The serial number of your product
• Information about the installation and use of the unit
• Information about the failure and/or reason for the return
• A copy of your dated proof of purchase

Return Procedure

1. Package the unit safely, preferably using the original box and packing materials. Please ensure that your product is shipped fully insured in the original packaging or equivalent. This warranty will not apply where the product is damaged due to improper packaging.
2. 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. Post office boxes are not acceptable.
   • A contact telephone number where you can be reached during work hours.
   • A brief description of the problem.
3. Ship the unit prepaid to the address provided by your Xantrex customer service representative.

If you are returning a product from outside of the USA or Canada
In addition to the above, you MUST include return freight funds and are fully responsible for all documents, duties, tariffs, and deposits.

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.

Out of Warranty Service

If the warranty period for your XPower Inverter 150 has expired, if the unit 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.
To return your XPower Inverter 150 for out of warranty service, contact Xantrex Customer Service for a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number and follow the other steps outlined in “Return Procedure”.
Payment options such as credit card or money order will be explained by the Customer Service Representative. In cases where the minimum flat fee does not apply, as with incomplete units or units with excessive damage, an additional fee will be charged. If applicable, you will be contacted by Customer Service once your unit has been received.

Other Xantrex Products
To see the range of inverters and chargers offered by Xantrex, visit our web site at http://www.xantrex.com.

References

• Xantrex | Power Inverter, Inverter Charger, Battery Charger Manufacturer

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