GFX Series
Inverter/Charger
GFX1312 GFX1424 GFX1548
Installation Manual
About OutBack Power Technologies
OutBack Power Technologies is a leader in advanced energy conversion technology. Our products
include true sine wave inverter/chargers, maximum power point tracking charge controllers, system
communication components, as well as breaker panels, breakers, accessories, and assembled systems.
Contact Information
Telephone: +1.360.435.6030 (North America)
+1.360.618.4363 (Technical Support)
+1.360.435.6019 (Fax)
Address: North America
19009 62nd Avenue NE
Arlington, WA 98223 USA
E-mail:
Web Site:
Support@outbackpower.com
www.outbackpower.com
+34.93.654.9568 (Barcelona, Spain)
Disclaimer
UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, OUTBACK POWER TECHNOLOGIES:
(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.
Warranty Summary
OutBack Power Technologies Inc. warrants that the products it manufactures will be free from defects
in materials and workmanship for a period of two (2) years subject to the conditions set forth in the
warranty detail, found in the GFX Series Operator’s Manual.
OutBack Power Technologies cannot be responsible for system failure, damages, or injury resulting
from improper installation of their products.
Notice of Copyright
GFX Series Installation Manual © October 2010 by OutBack Power Technologies. All Rights Reserved.
Trademarks
OutBack Power is a registered trademark of OutBack Power Technologies.
Date and Revision
October 2010, Revision A
Part Number
900-0113-01-00 Rev A (for firmware revision 002.094.xxx)
Important Safety Instructions
READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
This manual contains important safety instructions for the GFX Series inverters. Read all instructions
and cautionary markings on the inverter and on any accessories or additional equipment included in
the installation. Failure to adhere to these instructions could result in severe shock or possible
electrocution. Exercise extreme caution at all times to prevent accidents.
Audience
These instructions are for use by qualified personnel who meet all local and governmental code
requirements for licensing and training for the installation of electrical power systems with AC and DC
voltage up to 600 volts.
Symbols Used
Symbol Description
Ground/PE
AC Current
DC Current
Single-Phase
Sine Wave
WARNING: Hazard to Human Life
This type of notation indicates that the hazard could be harmful to human life.
CAUTION: Hazard to Equipment
This type of notation indicates that the hazard may cause damage to the equipment.
IMPORTANT:
This type of notation indicates that the information provided is important to
the installation, operation and/or maintenance of the equipment. Failure to
follow the recommendations in such a notation could result in voiding the
equipment warranty.
900-0113-01-00 Rev A 1
Important Safety Instructions
Definitions
The following is a list of initials, terms, and definitions used in conjunction with this product.
Table 1 Terms and Definitions
Term Definition
AC Alternating Current; refers to voltage produced by the inverter, utility grid, or generator
AGS Automatic Generator Start
AUX Inverter’s 12-volt auxiliary output
DC Direct Current; refers to voltage produced by the batteries or renewable source
DVM Digital Voltmeter
GFDI Ground Fault Detector Interruptor; a safety device for PV systems
Grid-interactive,
grid-intertie, grid-tie
GND Ground; a permanent conductive connection to earth for safety reasons; also known as
LED Light-Emitting Diode; refers to indicators used by the inverter and the system display
Utility grid power is available for use and the inverter is a model capable of returning
(selling) electricity back to the utility grid
Chassis Ground, Protective Earth, and PE
NEU AC Neutral; also known as Common
Off-grid
On-grid Utility grid power is available for use (does not imply grid-interactive capability)
PV Photovoltaic
RE Renewable Energy
RTS Remote Temperature Sensor; accessory that measures battery temperature for charging
System display Remote interface device (such as the MATE), used for monitoring, programming and
Utility grid The electrical service and infrastructure supported by the electrical or utility company;
Utility grid power
communicating with the inverter; also called “remote system display”
also called “mains”, “utility service”, or “grid”
available for use
is not
General Safety
WARNING: Limitations on Use
This equipment is NOT intended for use with life support equipment or other medical
equipment or devices.
CAUTION: Equipment Damage
Only use components or accessories recommended or sold by OutBack Power
Technologies or its authorized agents.
2 900-0113-01-00 Rev A
IMPORTANT:
Do not attempt to install this equipment if it appears to be damaged in any way. See
the Troubleshooting Section for instructions on how to return the equipment if it is
damaged or suspected to be damaged.
Personal Safety
WARNING: Personal Injury
This equipment weighs in excess of 49 lbs (22 kg). Use safe lifting techniques when
lifting this equipment as prescribed by local codes.
Use standard safety equipment such as safety glasses, ear protection, steel-toed
safety boots, safety hard hats, etc., as prescribed by local codes when working on
this equipment.
Use standard safety practices when working with electrical equipment (e.g., remove
all jewelry, use insulated tools, wear cotton clothing, etc.).
Never work alone when installing or servicing this equipment. Have someone
nearby that can assist if necessary.
Important Safety Instructions
Inverter Safety
WARNING: Lethal Voltage
Review the system configuration to identify all possible sources of energy. Ensure
ALL sources of power are disconnected before performing any installation or
maintenance on this equipment. Confirm that the terminals are de-energized using
a validated voltmeter (rated for a minimum 1000 Vac and 1000 Vdc) to verify the
de-energized condition.
Do not perform any servicing other than that specified in the installation
instructions unless qualified to do so, or have been instructed to do so by OutBack
Power Technologies Technical Support personnel.
WARNING: Burn Hazard
Internal parts can become hot during operation. Do not remove the cover during
operation or touch any internal parts. Be sure to allow sufficient time for internal parts
to cool down before attempting to perform any maintenance.
WARNING: Fire Hazard
Do not place combustible or flammable materials within 12 feet (3.7 m) of
the equipment.
This product contains relays with moving parts and is not ignition-protected.
Ensure AC, DC, and ground cable sizes conform to local codes. See pages 18
through 21 for minimum size requirements. Ensure all conductors are in good
condition. Do not operate the unit wi
th damaged or substandard cabling.
900-0113-01-00 Rev A 3
CAUTION: Equipment Damage
When connecting cables from the inverter to the battery terminals, ensure the
proper polarity is observed. Connecting the cables incorrectly can damage or
destroy the equipment and void the product warranty.
Thoroughly inspect the equipment prior to energizing. Verify that no tools or
equipment have been inadvertently left behind.
Ensure clearance requirements are strictly enforced. Keep all vents clear of
obstructions that can prevent proper air flow around, or through, the unit.
Sensitive electronics inside the equipment can be destroyed by static electricity. Be
sure to discharge any static electricity before touching the equipment and wear
appropriate protective gear.
Battery Safety
WARNING: Explosion, Electrocution, or Fire Hazard
Important Safety Instructions
Use the battery types recommended by OutBack Power Technologies. Follow the
battery manufacturer’s recommendations for installation and maintenance.
Ensure the cables are properly sized. Failure to size the cables properly can result in
a fire hazard.
Ensure clearance requirements are strictly enforced around the batteries.
Ensure the area around the batteries is well ventilated and clean of debris.
Never smoke, or allow a spark or flame near, the batteries.
Always use insulated tools. Avoid dropping tools onto batteries or other
electrical parts.
Keep plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin,
clothing, or eyes.
Wear complete eye and clothing protection when working with batteries. Avoid
touching bare skin or eyes while working near batteries.
If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If
acid enters the eye, immediately flood it with running cold water for at least
20 minutes and get medical attention as soon as possible.
Never charge a frozen battery.
Insulate batteries as appropriate against freezing temperatures. A discharged
battery will freeze more easily than a charged one.
If a battery must be removed, always remove the grounded terminal from the
battery first. Make sure all devices are de-energized or disconnected to avoid
causing a spark.
If a remote or automatic generator control system is used, disable the starting
circuit and/or disconnect the generator from its starting battery while performing
maintenance to prevent accidental starting.
IMPORTANT:
Baking Soda neutralizes lead-acid battery electrolyte.
Vinegar neutralizes NiCad and NiFe battery electrolyte.
Have a supply of either substance readily available if using these types of batteries.
4 900-0113-01-00 Rev A
Recycling Information
IMPORTANT: Recycle Electronics and Batteries
Batteries are considered hazardous waste and must be recycled according to
local jurisdiction. Inverters and other electronics contain metals and plastics
that can (and should) be recycled. The following are some websites and phone
numbers that provide information regarding “how” and “where” to recycle
batteries and other electronic equipment.
OutBack Power Technologies strongly encourages you to learn about recycling
and to dispose of recyclable items accordingly. The Earth, and OutBack Power
Technologies, thanks you for that effort.
Earth 911, USA
Web site: www.Earth911.com
Address: 14646 N. Kierland Blvd., Suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phone: +1.480.337.3025 (direct)
Important Safety Instructions
Environmental Protection Agency, USA
Web site: www.epa.gov/recyclecity/
Phone: +1.415.947.8000
(Monday –Friday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM PST)
Email: r9.recyclecity@epa.gov
Keep America Beautiful, USA
Web site: www.kab.org/
Address: 1010 Washington Boulevard
Stamford, CT 06901
Phone: +1.203.659.3000 (Main number)
Fax: +1.203.659.3001
Email: info@kab.org
OurEarth.org, USA
There is a place on the website for contacting OurEarth.org using email. No direct email address
is provided.
Web site: http://www.ourearth.org
Address:
Durham, NC 27715
Phone: +1.410.878.6485
P.O. Box 62133
900-0113-01-00 Rev A 5
Important Safety Instructions
National Institute of Recyclers, Mexico
Web site: http://www.inare.org.mx/
Email: a57841279@prodigy.net.mx, margarita@inare.org.mx
Phone: +1.55.57.85.9160
Fax:
+1.55.57.84.1279
Natural Resources Canada
Address: 580 Booth, Ottawa, ON K1A 0E8
Phone: +1.613.995.0947
TTY: +1.613.996.4397
(Phone and TTY: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET)
Web site: http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/mms-smm/busi-indu/rec-rec-eng.htm
Office of Waste Management, Canada
Address: Office of Waste Management
Conservation and Protection
Environment Canada
Ottawa, Ontaro K1A 0H3
Phone: +1.819.997.2800
Web site: http://www.portaec.net/library/recycling/recycling_in_canada.html
EuroRecycle.net, Europe
The following website provides general information about recycling in Europe. It also provides a list of
companies and organizations that provide recycling information or assistance.
Web site: http://euro.recycle.net
E-mail: http://euro.recycle.net/cgi-bin/feedback1.cgi?w=27
(This is an online form providing a means to contact
the owners of the website.)
PETCore, Europe
The following website provides information about PET Recycling in Europe.
Web site: www.PETCore.org
Address: Avenue E.Van Nieuwenhuyse 4/3
B-1160
Brussels
Belgium
Fax: +.32.0.2.675.39.35
E-mail: petcore@btconnect.com
6 900-0113-01-00 Rev A
Table of Contents
Important Safety Instructions ........................................................................1
Audience .................................................................................................................................................................................1
Symbols Used ........................................................................................................................................................................1
Definitions...............................................................................................................................................................................2
General Safety .......................................................................................................................................................................2
Personal Safety......................................................................................................................................................................3
Inverter Safety .......................................................................................................................................................................3
Battery Safety.........................................................................................................................................................................4
Recycling Information ........................................................................................................................................................5
Introduction.................................................................................................9
Welcome to OutBack Power Technologies.................................................................................................................9
Models......................................................................................................................................................................................9
Components and Accessories ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Planning ....................................................................................................11
Applications ........................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Renewable Energy.........................................................................................................................................................................12
Battery Bank.....................................................................................................................................................................................12
Generator..........................................................................................................................................................................................12
Installation.................................................................................................15
Location and Environmental Requirements............................................................................................................ 15
Dimensions.......................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Tools Required.................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Mounting.............................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Terminals and Ports.......................................................................................................................................................... 17
Grounding............................................................................................................................................................................ 18
DC Wiring ............................................................................................................................................................................. 19
AC Wiring.............................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Multiple AC Sources......................................................................................................................................................................21
Accessory Wiring ...............................................................................................................................................................22
AUX Wiring .......................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Automatic Generator Start (AGS) .............................................................................................................................................24
Single-Inverter Installations........................................................................................................................................... 26
Multiple-Inverter Installations (Stacking) ................................................................................................................. 27
Classic Series Stacking (Dual-Stack).........................................................................................................................................28
Parallel Stacking (Dual-Stack and Larger)..............................................................................................................................30
Three-Phase Stacking...................................................................................................................................................................32
Functional Test................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Index .........................................................................................................35
900-0113-01-00 Rev A 7
Table of Contents
List of Tables
Table 1 Terms and Definitions......................................................................................................................2
Table 2 Components and Accessories....................................................................................................10
Table 3 Ground Conductor Size and Torque Requirements ..........................................................18
Table 4 DC Conductor Size and Torque Requirements.................................................................... 19
Table 5 AC Conductor Size and Torque Requirements ....................................................................21
List of Figures
Figure 1 GFX Series Inverter/Charger...........................................................................................................9
Figure 2 GFX Components............................................................................................................................10
Figure 3 Applications (Example) .................................................................................................................11
Figure 4 Dimensions........................................................................................................................................15
Figure 5 Terminals, Ports, and Features ...................................................................................................17
Figure 6 DC Ground Lug ................................................................................................................................18
Figure 7 AC Ground Terminals.....................................................................................................................18
Figure 8 Battery Terminal Covers................................................................................................................19
Figure 9 Required Order of Battery Cable Hardware ..........................................................................20
Figure 10 AC Terminals .....................................................................................................................................21
Figure 11 Multiple AC Sources .......................................................................................................................21
Figure 12 Accessory Connections.................................................................................................................22
Figure 13 ON/OFF Jumper and Connections............................................................................................ 22
Figure 14 AUX Connections for Vent Fan (Example) .............................................................................23
Figure 15 AUX Connections for Diversion (Example) ............................................................................23
Figure 16 Two-Wire Generator Start (Example).......................................................................................24
Figure 17 Three-Wire Generator Start (Example) ....................................................................................25
Figure 18 Single-Inverter Wiring ...................................................................................................................26
Figure 19 OutBack HUB4 and MATE............................................................................................................. 27
Figure 20 Example of Classic Series Stacking Arrangement ...............................................................28
Figure 21 Classic Series Wiring (Two Inverters) ....................................................................................... 29
Figure 22 Example of Parallel Stacking Arrangement (Three Inverters) ........................................30
Figure 23 Parallel Wiring (Four Inverters)...................................................................................................31
Figure 24 Example of Three-Phase Stacking Arrangement (Three Inverters) ..............................32
Figure 25 Three-Phase Wiring (Three Inverters)...................................................................................... 33
8 900-0113-01-00 Rev A
Introduction
Welcome to OutBack Power Technologies
Thank you for purchasing the OutBack GFX Series Inverter/Charger. This product offers a complete
power conversion system between batteries and AC power. It can provide backup power or complete
off-grid service.
Battery-to-AC inverting which delivers 120 Vac at 60 Hz
AC-to-battery charging
Rapid transfer between AC source and inverter output
with minimal delay time
Inverter load support for a small AC source
12-, 24-, and 48-volt units
Wattages from 1.3 kVA to 1.5 kVA
Stackable in series, parallel, and three-phase
configurations
Uses energy from PV, wind, and other renewable
sources if appropriate controllers are used
Grid-interactive capable
Figure 1 GFX Series Inverter/Charger
Models
The GFX Series inverters are designed for harsher environments and can survive casual exposure to
the elements. However, enclosed protection is still recommended. These inverters have an internal
fan, but do not use outside air for cooling.
GFX1312 (1.3 kVA output, 12 Vdc)
GFX1424 (1.4 kVA output, 24 Vdc)
GFX1548 (1.5 kVA output, 48 Vdc)
Inverter model numbers use the following naming convention.
Grid-interactive models (all models in this series) begin with the letter G. For example, model GFX1424 is
grid-interactive; model VFX3524 is not.
The model number includes “FX” as the inverter series.
The first two digits show the wattage of that model. For example, “GFX1312” is 1300 watts.
The second pair of digits shows the inverter’s nominal DC voltage. For example, “GFX1424” is 24 volts.
900-0113-01-00 Rev A 9
p
Each model inverter has a single phase output marked with this symbol:
Introduction
Each inverter puts out a sine wave waveform marked with this symbol:
Components and Accessories
Table 2 Components and Accessories
Installed Components Included in Box
Battery Terminal Cover, red GFX Series Installation Manual
Battery Terminal Cover, black GFX Series Operator’s Manual
AC Conduit Plate “WARNING ELECTRICAL SHOCK” sticker
DC Cover (DCC) Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS)
Silicone Grease Packet
DCC (DC COVER)
Covers the DC terminal area and provides space to
mount other com
onents such as a DC current shunt.
(this book)
AC CONDUIT PLATE
Connects to AC conduit fo
which do not utilize OutBack’s optional
FLEXware conduit boxes.
BATTERY TERMINAL COVER
Protects terminals from accidental contact. Made of stiff plastic with a snap-on design.
Always keep covers installed during normal operation.
When required, remove covers carefully using a flat-blade screwdriver inserted
into the slots on the sides of each cover.
The DCC does not replace the battery terminal covers; they must be installed in
addition to the DCC.
r installations
Figure 2 GFX Components
10 900-0113-01-00 Rev A
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