PROwatt 1750 Inverter
Owner’s Guide
About Xantrex
Xantrex Technology Inc. is a world-leading supplier of advanced power electronics and controls with products from 50 watt mobile units to 1 MW utility-scale systems for wind, solar, batteries, fuel cells, microturbines, and backup power applications in both grid-connected and standalone systems. Xantrex products include inverters, battery chargers, programmable power supplies, and variable speed drives that convert, supply, control, clean, and distribute electrical power.
Trademarks
PROwatt is a trademark of Xantrex International. Xantrex is a registered trademark of Xantrex Technology Inc.
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
PROwatt 1750 Inverter Owner’s Guide © January 2001 Xantrex International. All rights reserved.
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
March 2001, Revision 2
Part number
445-0117-01-01
Contact Information
Web: www.xantrex.com
Email: support.prowatt@xantrex.com Phone: 1-800-670-0707
Fax: 1-800-994-7828
About This Guide
Purpose
The PROwatt 1750 Inverter Owner’s Guide contains information that enables individuals to install, operate, and troubleshoot the PROwatt™ 1750 Inverter.
Scope
The guide provides safety guidelines, detailed information for designing an installation, procedures for installing the inverter, as well as information about operating and troubleshooting the unit. It does not provide details about particular brands of batteries. You need to consult individual battery manufacturers for this information.
Audience
The guide is intended for anyone who needs to install and operate the Prowatt 1750. Installers should be certified technicians or electricians.
Organization
This guide is organized into five chapters, four appendixes, and an index.
Chapter 1, “Introduction”, outlines the main performance and safety features of the Prowatt 1750. Reading this chapter will give you a clear understanding of the inverter’s capabilities.
Chapter 2, “PROwatt 1750 Features”, outlines the main physical features of the inverter and the components that are shipped with it. This chapter will give you a good orientation to the product before you install it.
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About This Guide
Chapter 3, “Installation”, begins by explaining how to plan an effective installation. (Read this chapter in conjunction with Appendix B and Appendix C.) It goes on to give detailed procedures for installing the inverter.
Chapter 4, “Operation”, provides information for turning on and operating the inverter. Details are provided about how to read the front panel indicators to monitor system performance. The chapter also provides information about battery charging frequency and routine maintenance.
Chapter 5, “Troubleshooting”, explains how to solve problems that can occur with the inverter.
Appendix A, “Specifications”, provides electrical, physical, and performance specifications for the inverter and physical specifications for the remote On/Off switch.
Appendix B, “Battery Types and Sizes”, provides background information about battery types as well as information that will help you calculate the size and number of batteries your system requires.
Appendix C, “Alternators and Charging Systems”, describes the components in charging systems and explains how to design a charging system for your installation.
Appendix D, “Product and System Information”, contains the product’s warranty, explains how to return a product for service, and describes how to prepare for a call to Xantrex Customer Service.
The Index provides a valuable means of looking up specific information topics and tasks.
iv
About This Guide
Conventions Used
The following conventions are used in this guide.
WARNING
Warnings identify conditions that could result in personal injury or loss of life.
CAUTION
Cautions identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to the Prowatt 1750 or other equipment.
Note: Notes describe additional information which may add to your understanding of how to use the inverter.
Related Information
You can find more information about Xantrex Technology Inc. as well as its products and services at www.xantrex.com
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vi
WARNING
Before installing and using your PROwatt™ 1750 Inverter, be sure to read and save these safety instructions.
1.Before installing and using the inverter, read all appropriate sections of this guide as well as all instructions and cautionary markings on the inverter and the batteries.
2.Do not operate the inverter if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged. If the unit is damaged, see “Warranty” on page D–2 and “Return Material Authorization Policy” on page D–3.
3.Do not dismantle the inverter; it contains no user-serviceable components. Attempting to service the unit yourself could cause electrical shock or fire. Internal capacitors remain charged after all power is disconnected.
4.To reduce the risk of electrical shock, disconnect AC and DC power from the inverter before working on any circuits connected to the inverter. Turning off controls will not reduce this risk.
5.Do not expose the inverter to rain, snow, spray, or bilge water.
6.To reduce the risk of overheating or fire, do not obstruct the ventilation openings, and do not install the inverter in a zeroclearance compartment.
1.Batteries generate explosive gases during normal operation. Be sure to read this guide and follow the instructions exactly before installing or using your inverter.
2.This equipment contains components which 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
vii
Important Safety Information
locations that require ignition-protected equipment. This includes any space containing gasoline-powered machinery, fuel tanks, as well as joints, fittings, or other connections between components of the fuel system.
1.Follow all instructions published by the battery manufacturer and the manufacturer of the equipment in which the battery is installed.
2.Make sure the area around the battery is well ventilated.
3.Never smoke or allow a spark or flame near the engine or batteries.
4.Use caution to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool on the battery. It could spark or short circuit the battery or other electrical parts and could cause an explosion.
5.Remove metal items like rings, bracelets, and watches when working with lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries produce a short-circuit current high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal, and thus cause a severe burn.
6.If you need to remove a battery, always remove the ground terminal from the battery first. Make sure all accessories are off so you don’t cause an arc.
Most battery-operated equipment uses a separate charger or transformer that is plugged into an AC receptacle and produces a low voltage output. If the label on the AC adapter or charger states that the adapter or charger produces a low voltage AC or DC output (less than 30 volts), the Prowatt 1750 can power this charger or adapter safely.
Some chargers for small nickel-cadmium batteries can be damaged if connected to the Prowatt 1750. Do not use the following with the
PROwatt 1750:
•Small battery-operated appliances like flashlights, razors, and night lights that can be plugged directly into an AC receptacle to recharge
•Chargers for battery packs used in hand power tools. These chargers display a warning label stating that dangerous voltages are present at the battery terminals.
viii
Contents
Important Safety Information
General Precautions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - vii Explosive Gas Precautions- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - vii Precautions When Working With Batteries - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - viii Precautions For Using Rechargeable Appliances- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - viii
1 Introduction
Quality Power - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–2
Ease of Use - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–2
Comprehensive Protection- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–3
2 PROwatt 1750 Features
Materials List - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–2
Front Panel (AC End) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–3
Back Panel (DC End) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–4
Remote On/Off Switch - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–5
3 Installation
Safety Instructions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–2 Installation Codes - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–2 Installation Tools and Materials - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–2 Tools- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–2 Materials - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–2 Overview of Installation Steps - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–3 Designing Your Installation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–4 Calculating Battery Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–4 Choosing a Charging System- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–4 Choosing a Location- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–5 Connecting to an Existing AC Circuit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–6 AC Wiring Precautions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–6
ix
Contents
AC Wiring Procedure- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–7
Installing Transfer Switches in AC Circuits - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–8
Installing the Remote On/Off Switch- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–10
Mounting the Inverter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–10
Connecting the Chassis Ground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–11
Grounding Locations - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–11
Connecting DC Cables - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–12
Cabling Guidelines - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–12
Fuse/Circuit Breaker Sizing Guidelines- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–13
Cabling Procedure - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–14
4 Operation
Turning the Inverter On and Off - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–2
Operating Several Loads at Once - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–2
Turning the Inverter Off Between Charges - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–2
Using the Remote On/Off Switch - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–3
Testing the GFCI-Protected AC Outlet - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–3
Reading the Front Panel Indicators - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–4
Battery Voltage Indicator - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–4
Battery Current Indicator - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–4
OVER TEMP Indicator - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–4
OVER LOAD Indicator - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–4
Operating Limits - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–5
Power Output - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–5
Input Voltage - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–5
Inverter Loads - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–6
Problem Loads - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–6
Trouble Loads- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–6
Battery Charging Frequency - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–7
Routine Maintenance - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–7
5 Troubleshooting
Common Problems- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–2
Buzz in Audio Equipment- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–2
Television Reception - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–2
Troubleshooting Reference - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–3
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Contents
A Specifications
Electrical Performance (Inverter) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–2
Physical (Inverter) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–2
Dimensions (Remote On/Off Switch) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–2
B Battery Types and Sizes
Battery Types - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–2
Automotive Starting Batteries - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–2
Deep-Cycle Lead-Acid Batteries - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–2
Battery Size - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–3
Estimating Battery Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–4
Battery Sizing Example - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–4
Battery Sizing Worksheet - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–5
Using Multiple Batteries - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–6
Two Batteries Connected In Parallel- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–6
Two Separate Battery Banks - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–7
Battery Tips - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–8
C Alternators and Charging Systems
Charging System Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–2
Charging With an Engine Alternator - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–2
Using a Standard Vehicle Alternator- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–2
Using an Alternator Controller - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–3
Using a High-Output Alternator- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–3
Charging From AC Power - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–3
Charging From Alternative Energy Sources - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–3
D Product and System Information
Warranty - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D–2
Return Material Authorization Policy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D–3
Return Material Procedure- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D–3
Information About Your System- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D–4
Remote On/Off Switch Mounting Template - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D–5
Index - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
1 |
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xii
Congratulations on your purchase of the PROwatt 1750 Inverter! As part of the PROwatt Inverter family, the PROwatt 1750 has been designed to give you quality power, ease of use, and outstanding reliability.
Please take a few moments to read this chapter to familiarize yourself with the PROwatt 1750’s main performance and protection features.
Introduction
The Prowatt 1750 is a premium-quality inverter designed for high power and industrial applications including large microwaves, TVs, VCRs, small air compressors, power tools, and small air conditioners.
•The Prowatt 1750 provides up to 1750 watts of continuous power, making it ideal for large single loads, intermittent loads, or multiple smaller loads.
•The inverter’s high surge capability lets you handle many hard-to- start loads, including large TVs, refrigerators, and freezers.
•The unit’s low standby battery demand means you don’t have to worry about excessive drain on your battery if you leave the inverter on for a few days. When the inverter is on but no power is being supplied to a load, the inverter draws less than 500 mA from the battery.
•For more efficient power use, the fan shuts down automatically when no loads are attached to the inverter.
Superior features and rugged durability have been combined with extreme ease of use:
•The unit is compact, light weight, and easy to install.
•You can power loads directly from the dual GFCI receptacles on the front panel, or you can hardwire the unit into an existing AC electrical system using the built-in terminal blocks.
•Easy-to-read indicators on the front panel let you monitor system performance at a glance.
•The remote On/Off switch lets you control the inverter from a convenient location—up to 20 feet (6 m) away—while the inverter itself is mounted out of sight and close to the batteries.
1–2
Comprehensive Protection
The Prowatt 1750 is equipped with numerous protection features to guarantee safe and trouble-free operation:
Low battery alarm Alerts you if the battery has become discharged to 10.7 V or lower.
Low voltage shutdown Automatically shuts the inverter down if the battery voltage drops below 10 V. This feature protects the battery from being completely discharged.
High voltage shutdown Shuts the inverter down automatically if the input voltage rises to 15 V or more.
Overload shutdown Shuts the unit down automatically if a short circuit occurs or if the loads attached to the inverter exceed the operating limits.
Over temperature shutdown Turns the inverter off if its temperature rises above an acceptable level.
GFCI protection De-energizes the AC circuits and thereby protects the user from electric shock if a ground fault occurs.
1–3
1–4
2 |
PROwatt 1750 |
Features |
Chapter 2 describes the main features of the Prowatt 1750. Xantrex recommends that you familiarize yourself with them before installing and operating the inverter.
PROwatt 1750 Features
Your Prowatt 1750 package includes:
•1 PROwatt 1750 Inverter
•2 plastic terminal connector covers (boots)—red for positive and black for negative
•1 Remote On/Off switch and a 20 foot (6 m) communications cable
•1 Owner’s Guide
If any of these materials are missing or are unsatisfactory in any way, please contact Customer Service:
Phone: 1-800-670-0707
Fax: 1-800-994-7828
Email: support.prowatt@xantrex.com
As soon as you unpack your inverter, be sure to record the product information asked for on page D–4.
2–2
Front Panel (AC End)
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ON
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Figure 2-1 Front Panel: AC End
Feature |
Description |
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Remote Control Jack Located on the bottom of the inverter. It |
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allows you to connect the remote On/Off switch. |
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On/Off Switch This switch turns the inverter’s control circuit on and |
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off. It is not a power disconnect switch. You must disconnect AC and |
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DC power before working on any circuits connected to the inverter. |
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OVER LOAD Indicator This indicator lights when the inverter shuts |
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down because of an AC overload or a short circuit. |
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OVER TEMP Indicator This indicator lights when the inverter shuts |
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down to protect itself from overheating. When the inverter cools, it |
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restarts automatically, and the indicator turns off. |
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VOLTS and AMPS Indicators These display battery voltage and |
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current. |
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• Current should be in the green area for continuous operation. |
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• When current is in the yellow area, the inverter will operate for |
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several minutes. |
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• When current or voltage are in the red, the inverter shuts down. |
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AC Outlet Delivers 1750 watts of continuous AC power. This is a |
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Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet. |
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Mounting Flanges |
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2–3
PROwatt 1750 Features
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10 - 15 Vdc 200A MAX. |
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10 - 15 Vdc 200A MAX. |
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INPUT |
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INPUT |
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No. |
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POS. |
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POS. |
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No. |
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Serial |
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Serial |
INPUT |
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CHASSIS |
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GND |
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INPUTEG. |
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GND |
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CHASSIS |
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NEG. |
WARNING: |
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WARNING: |
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Designed in Canada |
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REVERSE POLARITY |
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WILL DAMAGE UNIT |
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Assembled in China |
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REVERSE POLARITY |
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Designed in Canada |
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WILL DAMAGE UNIT |
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Assembled in China |
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Figure 2-2 Back Panel: DC End |
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Feature |
Description |
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Ventilation Openings For safety and proper operation of the |
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inverter, these openings (and the openings on the bottom of the |
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inverter) must not be obstructed. When the inverter is mounted, |
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these ventilation openings must not point up or down. In other |
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words, neither the front panel (AC end) nor the back panel (DC end) |
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should point up or down. |
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Knockout for AC Wiring Provides access to the internal AC output |
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terminal blocks if you want to connect the inverter to an existing AC |
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circuit. |
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Positive and Negative DC Cabling Terminals |
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Chassis Ground Screw Connects to earth ground, to vehicle |
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chassis, or to DC grounding bus or engine’s negative bus (in marine |
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installations). |
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2–4
Remote On/Off Switch
REMOTE SWITCH
INVERTER ON
Figure 2-3 Remote On/Off Switch
Feature |
Description |
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Switch Panel The 2 1/2 inch wide x 4 1/4 inch high (6.35 cm x |
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10.80 cm) panel mounts flush and requires 0.7 inches (18 mm) of |
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depth. See page 3–10 for installation instructions and Figure D-1 |
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on page D–5 for a mounting template. |
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Cable and Connector The cable (20 feet; 6 m) is permanently |
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attached to the back of the switch. The connector plugs into the jack |
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on the bottom of the inverter. |
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INVERTER ON Lights up when the inverter is on. |
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Touch control On/Off button |
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2–5
2–6
Chapter 3 explains how to install the PROwatt 1750.
Xantrex recommends that you read the entire chapter so you can plan an installation that is suited to your power needs and then complete the installation procedures.
Installation
Before you start to install the PROwatt 1750:
•Review the “Important Safety Information” on page vii.
•Do not attempt your own AC wiring unless you have the knowledge and experience to do a safe job. Your RV dealer, boat dealer, or a licensed electrician can install the inverter if you do not wish to do your own wiring.
•Read and follow all Warnings and Cautions in this chapter.
Governing installation codes vary depending on the location and type of installation. Electrical installations must meet local and national wiring codes and should be done by a qualified electrician.
Wire stripper
Flat-head screwdriver
Wrench for DC terminals
Crimping tool for fastening lugs and terminals on DC cables. (You may find it more convenient to have the crimp connectors attached by the company that sells you the cable.)
Drill
4 corrosion-resistant fasteners sized #10 or larger for mounting the inverter
Copper DC cable, sized appropriately for load and application
2, 5/16 inch ring terminals sized for the cable diameter (or Ilsco or equivalent box-lug terminals) to connect the DC cables to the inverter
3–2