Xantrex Portawattz 700 User Guide

TM

Installation &
Operations Guide

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 stand-alone
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.

© 2000 Xantrex International. All rights reserved.

Notice of Copyright

PORTAWATTZ 700 Installation & Operations Guide © December 2000 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

December 2000, Revision 1

Part Number

445-0112-01-01

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

1.0 Introduction ....................................................................... 1

2.0 Safety First ........................................................................ 2

3.0 Quick Reference ............................................................... 4

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

3.2 Operating 115 V AC Products ................................................................ 5

4.0 Design Features ................................................................ 6

4.1 Switchmode Power Conversion Technology .......................................... 6

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

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

5.0 Installation Guidelines ..................................................... 7

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

5.2 DC Cable Selection and Preparation ........................................................ 7

5.3 Connecting PORTAWATTZ 700 to Ground ............................................... 8

5.4 Connecting PORTAWATTZ 700 to a Battery ............................................. 9

5.5 Battery Connection Diagrams .............................................................. 10

6.0 Battery Selection and Charging .................................... 13

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

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

6.2.1 Battery Sizing Example ............................................................. 15

6.2.2 Battery Sizing Worksheet ......................................................... 16

6.2.3 Examples of Operating Times Based On Load .......................... 16

6.3 Important Information About Batteries ................................................. 17

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

7.0 Operating 115 Volt AC Products and Equipment ......... 19

7.1 General Information ............................................................................. 19

7.2 Interference with Electronic Equipment ................................................ 20

7.2.1 Buzzing Sound in Audio Systems and Radios ........................... 20

7.2.2 Television Interference .............................................................. 20

8.0 Using the PORTAWATTZ 700 .......................................... 21

8.1 Indicators and Controls ........................................................................ 21

8.2 Inverter Operation ................................................................................ 21

9.0 Troubleshooting .............................................................. 23

10.0 Limited Warranty and Performance Guarantee ........... 25

11.0 Specifications ................................................................. 28

12.0 Other Products from Xantrex ......................................... 29

1.0 Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the PORTAWATTZ 700 Power Inverter. The
PORTAWATTZ 700 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 battery in your vehicle or boat, or directly from a dedicated 12 Volt
battery, the PORTAWATTZ 700 will efficiently and reliably power a wide variety of
household AC products, such as TVs, computers, compact fluorescent lights,
soldering irons, power tools (5.5 Amps or less), and many more. The PORTAWATTZ
700 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 manual before installing or using the PORTAWATTZ 700 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

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2.0 Safety First … Before You Use the
PORTAWATTZ 700

Incorrect installation or misuse of the PORTAWATTZ 700 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 700 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 700 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 700’s AC outlets, fan
or vent openings.

• Do not expose the PORTAWATTZ 700 to water, rain, snow or spray.

• Do not, under any circumstances, connect the PORTAWATTZ 700’s AC

receptacles to utility power AC distribution wiring.

WARNING! Heated surface.

• The PORTAWATTZ 700’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 700. During operation, keep away from materials that may
be affected by high temperatures.

WARNING! Explosion hazard.

• Do not use the PORTAWATTZ 700 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 700 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 700’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 700.

• Do not expose the PORTAWATTZ 700 to temperatures exceeding 104°F
(40°C).

CAUTION! Do not use the PORTAWATTZ 700 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

3.0 Quick Reference

3.1 Overview

These basic instructions are intended to provide a brief overview of
the PORTAWATTZ 700. For complete information about the
PORTAWATTZ 700, it is important to read this manual fully. Figure 1
below shows the PORTAWATTZ 700’s key features.

Figure 1 - Key Features

4

3.2 Operating 115 V AC Products

1. After proper installation and connection to a 12 Volt battery, the
PORTAWATTZ 700 can be used to power products rated at 700
Watts or less (see section 5.0).

2. To supply power to the AC outlets, turn the ON/OFF Switch ON. T he
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 volt age or overheating, the
PORTAWATTZ 700 will automatically shut down (see section 8.0).

5

4.0 Design Features

4.1 Switchmode Power Conversion Technology

The PORTAWATTZ 700 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 700:

• 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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5.0 Installation Guidelines

5.1 Selecting a Suitable Location

For safe and optimum performance, install the PORTAWATTZ 700 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 700 for proper cooling.

…safe. Do not install PORTAWATTZ 700 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 700 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
700 if it gets inside the housing (will also void your warranty).

…relatively close to the battery source. 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 700.

WARNING: The PORTAWATTZ 700 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 DC Cable Selection and Preparation

Correct cable size and wiring is very important for safe operation and
maximum performance of the PORTAWATTZ 700. Because the
PORTAWATTZ 700 is designed for low voltage, high current input, low
resistance cable from the battery to the DC terminals is needed to
deliver the maximum amount of usable energy. Undersized cable will
diminish battery and inverter performance.

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