Power Bright XR250, XR750, XR400, DX100, XR100 Owner's Manual

Toll Free

1 866 295 6775

1 Introduction

Thank you for purchasingthe PowerBright®

XR250/400/750

Connected to the 12 volt outlet in your vehicle, the

XR250/400/750

efficiently and reliably powers a widevariety

of loads through both the AC outlet and USB port.
Read this guide before connecting or using the

XR250/400/750 and save it for future reference.

We hope you enjoy using your and if you

XR250/400/750

require any assistance, please contact our help desk:
www.PowerBright.com or toll free: 1.866.295.6775

2 Important Safety Information

Misusing or incorrectly connecting theXR250/400/750
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.

Cautions identify conditions or practices that may
damage the unit or other equipment.

WARNING

Keep children away from the XR250/400/750. The

nverter generates the same potentially lethal AC

i
power as a normal household wall outlet.

1

Warnings and Cautions

The XR250/400/750 housing may become
uncomfortably warm, reaching 140° F (60° C) under
extended high power operation. During operation,
keep it away from materials that may be affected by
high temperatures.

Do not use the XR250/400/750 in the presence of
flammable fumes or gases, such as in the bilge of a
gasoline powered boat, or near propane tanks. Do
not use the XR250/400/750 in an enclosure
containing automotive-type, lead-acid batteries.
These batteries, unlike sealed batteries, vent
explosive hydrogen gas, which can be ignited by
sparks from electrical connections.

2

WARNING: Shock hazard

Use caution when inserting an AC plug into the
three-prong AC outlet. The prongs of an AC plug
can become bent from misuse. If an AC plug is
improperly inserted into the AC outlet, a bent prong
can slip outside the inverter and become a shock
hazard.

Grip the inverter carefully when inserting or
removing an AC plug. Keep your fingers clear of
the AC outlet. Ensure that your fingers do not
contact the prongs of an AC plug when the plug is
partially inside the inverter.

CAUTION: Output non-sinusoidal

Some chargers for small nickel-cadmium batteries
can be damaged if connected to theXR250/400/750
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.

• Battery chargers used in hand power tools.
These chargers display a warning label stating
that dangerous voltages are present at the
charger battery terminals.

CAUTION

Do not connect live AC power to the
AC outlets. This will damage the inverter,
and the damage is not covered by warranty.
Do not connect any AC load that has its neutral
conductor connected to ground to the

XR250/400/750

XR250/400/750

3

Additional Safety Guidelines

• Do not insert foreign objects in the
XR250/400/750 outlets or other openings.

• Never connect the inverter to power utility AC
distribution wiring.

• Do not use the
over 100° F (40° C).

• Do not expose the
snow, or spray.

Failure to follow these safety guidelines may cause
personal injury and/or damage to the

It may also void your product warranty.

XR250/400/750 in temperatures

XR250/400/750 to water, rain,

XR250/400/750

3 Safety Features

• Overload protection with automatic shutdown

• Low battery voltage shutdown

• High-input voltage protection with automatic
shutdown

• Overheat protection with automatic shutdown

• Output short circuit protection.

4

4 Inverter Features

PowerBright® XR250/400/750

Power/Fault light

On/Off Switch

AC Outlets

Ventilation openings

USB port

Power input Terminals

Figure 1

Features and Accessories

5

5 Using the Inverter

Through its AC outlet, theXR250/400/750 is capable
ofpoweringmost 12

400W/750W or less. The XR250/400/750 can also
power or chargemostconsumerelectronicsthat have

USB power ports.
The XR250/400/750 AC output waveform, called

“modified sine wave” is designedtofunction
similarly to the sine wave shapeofutility power.
Mostdevicesarenot affected by a "modifiedsine
wave",youmayneed to consult with themanufacture
ofthedeviceyou wish to run priortoconnection
withinverter.

0V AC products that use250W/

Using the DC Cable with Cigarette
Lighter Plug

Due to thelimitations of 12Voutletsinvehicles or
boats, theXR250/400/750should only beusedto

supply AC power to products that require

250W/400W/

6

750W or less.

CAUTION: Reverse polarity damage

When plugging in the DC cable, ensure that the plug
aligns with the DC cable port. Failure to do so will
result in reverse polarity and a blown fuse.

1. Plug the DC cable into the DC cable port on the
XR250/400/750. Observe correct polarity.

2. Insert the cigarette lighter plug into the 12 V
outlet.

3. Plug the device you want to operate into the
XR250/400/750

4. Whentheinverterisnotinuse,unplugitfromthe
12V outlet to prevent slight discharge of the
battery.

7

6 Inverter Operation

1. When properly connected to a 12V outlet, and
when the
light will glow BLUE, indicating the inverter is
ready.

2. Plug the product(s) you want to operate into the
AC outlet or USB port and switch them on (if
necessary).

ON/OFF switch is in the ON position, the

Operating Guidelines

• As the battery is used, its voltage begins to fall.
When the XR250/400/750 senses that the voltage
at its DC input has dropped to 10.5V, the inverter
automatically shuts down and the light glows RED,

8

indicating a fault. This prevents the battery from
being damaged. Turn off any devices that the
XR250/400/750 is powering.

Important:

brief periods of very high current needed for engine
starting. They are not intended for constant deep discharge.
Regularly operating the XR250/400/750 from a vehicle
battery until low-voltage shutdown occurs will shorten the
life of the battery.

Vehicle batteries are designed to provide

• If an AC product rated higher than 250/400/750 is
plugged into the
shut down. Th

• If the

XR250/400/750 exceeds a safe operating

XR250/400/750, the inverter will

e RED FAULT light comes on.

temperature, due to insufficient ventilation or a
high-temperature environment, it automatically
shuts down. The

RED FAULT light comes on.

• Should a defective battery charging system cause
the battery voltage to rise to dangerously high
levels, the XR250/400/750 automatically shuts
down. The

RED FAULT light comes on.

9

CAUTION

Although the XR250/400/750 incorporates
protection against over-voltage, it may still be

damaged if the inputvoltage exceeds 16 V.

• In the event of an overload, low battery voltage or
overheating, the XR250/400/750 automatically

shuts down.

Battery Operating Time

Operating time will vary depending on the charge
level of the battery, its capacity and the power level
drawn by theparticular AC load, USB load, or
combination of both. With atypicalvehiclebattery
and a80Wload,anoperatingtimeof4to5hoursor
more can be expected.

When using a vehicle battery as a power source, it is
strongly recommended to start the vehicle every hour
ortwotorechargethebatterybeforeitscapacitydrops
too low. The XR250/400/750 canoperatewhilethe

engine is running, but the normal voltage drop that
occurs during starting of the engine may trigger the
inverter’s low voltage shutdown feature.

10

Interference with Electronic Equipment

Generally, most AC products operate with XR250/400/750
just as they would with household AC power.

Below is information concerning two possible
exceptions.

Buzzing sound in audio systems and radios

Some inexpensive stereo systems and AM-FM radios
have inadequate internal power supply filtering and
will “buzz” slightly when poweredby the XR250/400
/750. Generally,theonlysolutionisanaudioproduct
witha higher quality filter.

Television interference

The XR250/400/750 is shielded to minimize its
interference with TV signals. However, with weak TV
signals interference may be visible in the form of lines
scrolling across the screen. The following should
minimize or eliminate the problem:

• Increase the distance between the XR250/400/750
and the TV, antenna and cables.

• Adjust the orientation of the XR250/400/750,
television, antenna and cables.

• Maximize TV signal strength by using a better
antenna and use shielded antenna cable where
possible.

11

7 Troubleshooting

PROBLEM: AC product will not operate, no inverter
lights are ON.

Possible cause Solution

Battery is defective. Check battery and replace if

required.

Loose connections. Check connections.

PROBLEM: Measured inverter output is too low.

Possible cause Solution

Standard “average­reading” AC voltmeter
used to measure output
voltage, resulting in an
apparent reading 5 to 15 V
too low.

Inverter’s “modified sine
wave” output requires “true
RMS” voltmeter for accurate
measurements.

12

Possible cause Solution

Battery voltage is too low. Recharge battery.

PROBLEM: AC product will not operate, RED FAULT

light ON.

Possible cause Solution

AC product(s) connected
are rated at more than the
inverter’s continuous
power rating; overload
shutdown has occurred.

AC product is rated less
than the inverter’s
continuous power rating;
high starting surge has
caused overload
shutdown.

Use a product with a power
rating less than the inverter’s
continuous power rating.

Product exceeds inverter’s
surge capability. Use a product
with starting surge power
within the inverter’s capability.

Battery is discharged. Recharge battery.

The inverter has over

Unplug inverter from DC socket

heated due to poor
ventilation and has shut
down.

and allow to cool for 15 minutes.
Remove objects covering unit.
Move the inverter to a cooler
place. Reduce load if continuous
operation is required. Restart.

13

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

AC Power Outpu t

XR250 XR400 XR750

AC output voltage (nominal) 120V AC

Continuous AC output power 250W

Peak AC output power 250W

Maximum AC output surge power 500W

AC output frequency 60 ± 1Hz

120V AC

0W

40

400W

0W

80

60 ± 1Hz

AC output waveform Modified sine wave

USB Power Outpu t

DC output voltage

5V DC

5V DC

120V AC

0W

75

750W

1500W

60 ± 1Hz

5V DC

DC output current (max.) 0.5A DC

14

0.5A DC

0.5A DC

DC Power

XR250 XR400 XR750

DC input voltage range (VDC) 10.5–15.5

Battery drain with no AC load
(at 12 V input)

Efficiency (maximum) 85%

Low battery shutdown point (nominal) 10.5V

High battery shutdown point
(nominal)

0.4A

15.5V

10.5–15.5

0.4A

85%

10.5V

15.5V

Physical

Ambient operating temperature range 0 °C–40 °C (32 °F–104 °F)

10.5–15.5

0.4A

85%

10.5V

15.5V

Dimensions

(Length × Width × Height)

(inches)

(L)6.4 (L)6.4
(W)4.3
(H)2.5

(W)4.3
(H)2.5

.bsl3.1

(L)8.8
(W)4.3
(H)2.5

.bsl5.1

.bsl3.3thgieW

15

9 Warranty and Return

Warranty

What does this warranty cover? This Limited Warranty
is provided by PowerBright ("PowerBright") and
covers defects in workmanship and materials in your
XR250/400/750. This warranty period lasts for 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.

What will PowerBright do? PowerBright will, at its option,
repair or replace the defective product free of charge,
provided that you notify PowerBright of the product defect
within the Warranty Period, and provided that PowerBright
through inspection establishes the existence of such a defect
and that it is covered by this Limited Warranty.

PowerBright will, at its option, use new and/or reconditioned
parts in performing warranty repair and building
replacement products. PowerBright reserves the right to
use parts or products of original or improved design in the repair or
replacement. If PowerBright 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

16

shipment to the customer, whichever is greater. All replaced
products and all parts removed from repaired products
become the property of PowerBright.

PowerBright covers both parts and labor necessary to repair the
product, and return shipment to t he customer via a PowerBright
selected non-expedited surface freight within the contiguous
United States and Canada. Alaska and Hawaii are excluded.
Contact PowerBright 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 dealer.

If you are unable to contact your dealer, or the dealer is
unable to provide service, contact PowerBright directly at:

Toll Free: 1 866 295 6775

Website: www.PowerBright.com

Direct returns may be performed according to the PowerBright
Return Material Authorization Policy described in your
product manual. For some products, PowerBright maintains a
network of regional Authorized Service Centers. Call
PowerBright or check our website to see if your product
can be repaired at one of these facilities.

17

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 PowerBright will not be
responsible for, any defect in or damage to:

a) the product if it has been misused, neglected, improp-

erly installed, physically damaged or altered, either
internally or externally, or damaged from improper use
or use in an unsuitable 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 th e PowerBright
product specifications including high input voltage
from generators and lightning strikes;

c) the product if repairs have been done to it other than by

PowerBright or its authorized service centers
(hereafter "ASCs");

d) the product if it is used as a component part of a prod-

uct expressly warranted by another manufacturer;

e) the product if its original identification (trade-mark,

serial number) markings have been defaced, altered, or
removed.

18

Disclaimer

Product

THIS LIMITED WA R R ANTY IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE
WARRANTY PROVIDED BY
YOUR
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,
STATEM ENT OR OTHERWISE), INCLUDING WITHOUT
RESTRICTION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF
QUALITY, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNE SS 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 LIM ITED IN DURATION TO THE PERIOD STIPULATED

POWERBRIGHT PRODUCT AND IS, WHERE PERMITTED BY LAW,

POWERBRIGHT IN CONNECTION WITH

UNDER THIS L IMITED WARRANTY.

IN NO EVENT WILL
INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES,
COSTS OR EXPENSES HOWEVER ARISING WHETHER IN
CONTRACT OR TORT INCLUDING WITH O U T 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, INTEG RATION OR OPERATION OF
THE PRODUCT.

POWERBRIGHT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL,

19

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.

Warning: Limitations On Use

Please refer to your product manual for limitations on uses
of the product.

SPECIFICALLY, PLEASE NOTE THAT THE XR250/400/750

SHOULD NOT BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH LIFE SUPPORT
SYSTEMS OR OTHER MEDICAL EQUIPMENT OR DEVICES.
WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING,
POWERBRIGHT MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES

REGARDING THE USE OF THE POWERBRIGHTXR250/400/750

IN CONNECTION WITH LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS OR OTHER MEDICAL
EQUIPMENT OR DEVICES.

20

Return Material Authorization Policy

Before returning a product directly to PowerBright 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 PowerBright 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

21

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 PowerBright

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
PowerBright 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.

22