Statpower Portawattz 400 Installation & Operation Manual

About Xantrex

Xantrex Technology Inc. is a world-leading supplier of advanced power electronics with
a product line that ranges from 50 Watt mobile units to 1 MW utility-scale or stand­alone systems for wind, solar, batteries, fuel cells, microturbines and backup power
applications. Xantrex products include inverters, battery chargers, programmable
power supplies, and variable speed drives that convert, supply, control, clean and
distribute electrical power.

Trademarks

PORTAWATTZ, TRUECHARGE and xPower are trademarks and PROsine and
Statpower are registered trademarks of Xantrex International. Xantrex is a registered
trademark of Xantrex Technology Inc.

© 2001 Xantrex International. All rights reserved.

Notice of Copyright

PORTAWATTZ 400 Installation & Operations Guide © January 2001 Xantrex
International.

Disclaimer

While every precaution has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this
guide, Xantrex International assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Note as
well that specifications and product functionality may change without notice.

Date and Revision

January 2001, Revision 1

Part Number

445-0111-01-01

Contact Information

Tel: [phone]

(toll-free) 1.800.670.0707

Fax: [phone]

(toll-free) 1.800.994.7828

Email: [e-mail]

Web: www.xantrex.com

Contents

1 Introduction .................................... 1

2 Safety First  .................................. 2

3 Quick Reference............................... 4

3.1 Overview .................................................. 4

3.2 Operating 115 VAC Products ........................ 5

4 Design Features ............................... 6

4.1 Switchmode Power Conversion Technology .... 6

4.2 High Surge Power Capability ........................ 6

4.3 Safety Features .......................................... 6

5 Installation Guidelines ..................... 7

5.1 Selecting a Suitable Location ....................... 7

5.2 Using the DC Cable - Plug ........................... 7

5.3 Using the DC Cable-Clips ............................. 8

5.4 Permanent Installation ................................ 9

6 Battery Selection and Charging ...... 13

6.1 Battery Sizing (General Information) ............ 13

6.2 Estimating Battery Requirements ................ 14

6.3 Important Information About Batteries ......... 16

6.4 Battery Charging .......................................17

7 Operating 115 Volt AC Products and

Equipment ..................................... 18

7.1 General Information................................... 18

7.2 Interference with Electronic Equipment ........18

8 Using the PORTAWATTZ 400 .......... 20

8.1 Indicators and Controls ..............................20

8.2 Inverter Operation.....................................20

9 Troubleshooting ............................. 22

10 Limited Warranty and Performance

Guarantee (USA and Canada Only) ........ 24

11 Service Out of Warranty ................. 27

12 Specifications ................................ 28

13 Other Products from Xantrex ......... 29

1 Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the PORTAWATTZ 400 Power Inverter.
The PORTAWATTZ 400 is part of an advanced family of high
performance power inverters from Xantrex, the leader in the field of
high frequency inverter design. From the 12-Volt outlet in your
vehicle or boat, or directly from a dedicated 12-Volt battery, the
PORTAWATTZ 400 will efficiently and reliably power a wide variety
of household AC products, such as TVs, computers, compact
fluorescent lights, small power tools (3.5 Amps or less), and many
more. The PORTAWATTZ 400 employs reliable solid state power
electronics for years of safe, trouble-free operation. It includes a
built-in cooling fan and automatic safety monitoring circuitry to
protect the inverter, and your battery, from inadvertent overload
conditions.

Read this guide before installing or using the PORTAWATTZ 400
and save it for future reference.

The following main topics are covered in this guide:

· Important safety information

· Installation and operating instructions

· Warranty and service information

1

2 Safety First 

Incorrect installation or misuse of the PORTAWATTZ 400 may result
in danger to the user or hazardous conditions. We urge you to pay
special attention to all CAUTION and WARNING statements.
CAUTION statements identify conditions or practices that may
result in damage to the PORTAWATTZ 400 or to other equipment.
WARNING statements identify conditions that may result in
personal injury or loss of life.

WARNING! Shock hazard. Keep away from children.

· The PORTAWATTZ 400 generates the same potentially lethal
AC power as a normal household wall outlet. Treat it with
the same respect that you would any AC outlet.

· Do not insert foreign objects into the PORTAWATTZ 400s
AC outlets, fan or vent openings.

· Do not expose the PORTAWATTZ 400 to water, rain, snow
or spray.

· Do not, under any circumstances, connect the
PORTAWATTZ 400s AC receptacles to utility power AC
distribution wiring.

WARNING! Heated surface.

· The PORTAWATTZ 400s 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 space is maintained on all sides of the
PORTAWATTZ 400. During operation, keep away from
materials that may be affected by high temperatures.

WARNING! Explosion hazard.

· Do not use the PORTAWATTZ 400 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 PORTAWATTZ 400 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.

· When working on electrical equipment always ensure
someone is nearby to help you in an emergency.

2

CAUTION!

· Do not connect live AC power to the PORTAWATTZ 400s AC
outlets. The inverter will be damaged even if it is switched
OFF.

· Do not connect any AC load, which has its neutral conductor
connected to ground, to the PORTAWATTZ 400.

· Do not expose the PORTAWATTZ 400 to temperatures
exceeding 104°F (40°C).

CAUTION! Do not use the PORTAWATTZ 400 with the
following equipment:

· Small battery operated products such as rechargeable
flashlights, some rechargeable shavers, and night-lights that
are plugged directly into an AC receptacle to recharge.

· Certain battery chargers for battery packs used in hand
powered tools. These chargers will have warning labels
stating that dangerous voltages are present at the chargers
battery terminals.

3

3 Quick Reference

3.1 Overview

These basic instructions are intended to provide a brief overview of
the PORTAWATTZ 400s key features. For complete information
about the PORTAWATTZ 400, it is important to read this manual
fully. Figure 1 below shows the PORTAWATTZ 400s key features
and accessories.

Figure 1 - Key Features

4

3.2 Operating 115 VAC Products

1. After proper installation and connection to a 12-Volt battery, the
PORTAWATTZ 400 can be used to power products rated at 400
Watts or less (see Section 5).

2. To supply power to the AC outlets, turn the ON/OFF Switch ON.
The green POWER light indicates AC power is available.

3. Plug the AC products you wish to operate into the AC outlet(s)
and switch them on, one at a time.

4. In the event of an overload, low battery voltage or overheating, the
PORTAWATTZ 400 will automatically shut down (see Section 9).

5

4 Design Features

4.1 Switchmode Power Conversion

Technology

The PORTAWATTZ 400 employs advanced high frequency
switchmode power conversion circuitry. This results in a smaller,
lighter, more efficient and quieter inverter.

4.2 High Surge Power Capability

High performance Power FETs (Field Effect Transistors) are
incorporated into a highly advanced circuit design to provide
outstanding high surge capability.

4.3 Safety Features

These advanced safety features are built into the PORTAWATTZ
400:

· Electronic overload protection with automatic shutdown.

· Built-in internal backup DC fuse provides added safety.

· Low battery voltage warning followed by automatic shutdown.

· Over temperature protection with automatic shutdown.

· High input voltage protection with automatic shutdown.

· Output short circuit protection.

· Manual reset eliminates unexpected restarting.

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5 Installation Guidelines

5.1 Selecting a Suitable Location

For safe and optimum performance, install the PORTAWATTZ 400 in
a location that is 

 Dry. Do not expose to water drip or spray.

 Cool. Operate only in ambient temperatures between 32°F (0°C)

and 104°F (40°C). Keep away from furnace heating vents or other
heat producing equipment.

 Well ventilated. Allow at least 2 inches (5 cm) clearance above and

on all sides of the PORTAWATTZ 400 for proper cooling.

 Safe. Do not install PORTAWATTZ 400 in a compartment with

batteries or flammable liquids, such as gasoline, or explosive
vapors.

 Clean and free of dust and dirt. This is especially important

when the PORTAWATTZ 400 is used in a work environment, such
as a mobile service vehicle. Metal dust from key cutting machines
or from grinding other types of metals can damage the
PORTAWATTZ 400 if it gets inside the housing (will also void
your warranty).

 Relatively close to the battery source (when installed

permanently). This will minimize the cable length from the battery
to the inverter. It is better to run an extension cord from the AC
outlets of the inverter to your product, than add additional cable
length from the battery to the DC terminals.

WARNING: To prevent overheating and the potential for fire,
do not cover or obstruct the ventilation holes or fan opening
on the PORTAWATTZ 400.

WARNING: The PORTAWATTZ 400 contains components,
which may produce arcs or sparks. To prevent fire or explosion,
do not install in compartments where batteries, flammable
liquids, or explosive vapors may be present, or in locations
that require ignition protected equipment.

5.2 Using the DC Cable - Plug

Due to limitations in the common 12-Volt outlet in a vehicle or boat,
the PORTAWATTZ 400 should only be used to supply AC power to
products that require 150 Watts (about 1.3 Amps) or less. If your
application requires more than 150 Watts (but less than 400 Watts
continuous) or has a high start-up surge, see Section 5.3.

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