Xantrex Prowatt 1750 User Guide

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

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.

iii

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.

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

About This Guide

You can find more information about Xantrex Technology Inc. as well as its products and services at www.xantrex.com

Important Safety Information

WARNING

Before installing and using your PROwatt sure to read and save these safety instructions.

General Precautions

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.

™

1750 Inverter, be

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.

Explosive Gas Precautions

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.

Precautions When Working With Batteries

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.

Precautions For Using Rechargeable Appliances

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

1Introduction

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

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

4Operation

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

A Specifications

Electrical Performance (Inverter) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–2

Physical (Inverter) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–2

Dimensions (Remote On/Off Switch) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–2

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

Alternators and Charging Systems

Contents

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

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

xii

Introduction

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

Quality Power

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,

• The inverter’s high surge capability lets you handle many hard-to-

• The unit’s low standby battery demand means you don’t have to

• For more efficient power use, the fan shuts down automatically when

Ease of Use

making it ideal for large single loads, intermittent loads, or multiple smaller loads.

start loads, including large TVs, refrigerators, and freezers.

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.

no loads are attached to the inverter.

1–2

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.

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.

Comprehensive Protection

1–3

1–4

PROwatt 1750 Features

Chapter 2

Prowatt 1750. Xantrex recommends that you familiarize yourself with them before installing and operating the inverter.

describes the main features of the

PROwatt 1750 Features

Materials List

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)

➃

OFF

➆

Front Panel (AC End)

➀

➁

Figure 2-1 Front Panel: AC End

Feature Descri ption

➀➀➀➀

➁➁➁➁

➂➂➂➂

➃➃➃➃

➄➄➄➄

➂

Remote Control Jack Located on the bottom of the inverter. It allows you to connect the remote On/Off switch.

On/Off Switch

off. It is not a power disconnect switch. You must disconnect AC and DC power before working on any circuits connected to the inverter.

OVER LOAD

down because of an AC overload or a short circuit.

OVER TEMP

down to protect itself from overheating. When the inverter cools, it restarts automatically, and the indicator turns off.

VOLTS

current.

• Current should be in the green area for continuous operation.

• When current is in the yellow area, the inverter will operate for

• When current or voltage are in the red, the inverter shuts down.

➄

This switch turns the inverter’s control circuit on and

Indicator This indicator lights when the inverter shuts

and

AMPS

several minutes.

Indicators These display battery voltage and

➅

➆

AC Outlet Delivers 1750 watts of continuous AC power. This is a

➅➅➅➅

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet.

Mounting Flanges

➆➆➆➆

2–3

PROwatt 1750 Features

Back Panel (DC End)

Serial No. Serial No.

Designed in Canada Assembled in China

INPUT

NEG. NEG.

10 - 15 Vdc 200A MAX. 10 - 15 Vdc 200A MAX.

INPUT INPUT

POS. POS.

WARNING:

REVERSE POLARITY

WARNING:

WILL DAMAGE UNIT

REVERSE POLARITY WILL DAMAGE UNIT

CHASSIS

GND

CHASSIS

GND

➀

➁

Figure 2-2 Back Panel: DC End

Feature Description

➀➀➀➀

Ventilation Openings For safety and proper operation of the inverter, these openings (and the openings on the bottom of the inverter) must not be obstructed. When the inverter is mounted, these ventilation openings must not point up or down. In other words, neither the front panel (AC end) nor the back panel (DC end) should point up or down.

➁➁➁➁

Knockout for AC Wiring Provides access to the internal AC output terminal blocks if you want to connect the inverter to an existing AC circuit.

➂➂➂➂

➃➃➃➃

Positive and Negative DC Cabling Terminals

Chassis Ground Screw Connects to earth ground, to vehicle

chassis, or to DC grounding bus or engine’s negative bus (in marine installations).

➂

➃

2–4

Remote On/Off Switch

REMOTE SWITCH

INVERTER ON

Remote On/Off Switch

➀

➁

➂

Figure 2-3 Remote On/Off Switch

Feature Description

➀➀➀➀

➁➁➁➁

➂➂➂➂

➃➃➃➃

Switch Panel The 2 1/2 inch wide x 4 1/4 inch high (6.35 cm x

10.80 cm) panel mounts flush and requires 0.7 inches (18 mm) of depth. See page 3–10 for installation instructions and Figure D-1

on page D–5 for a mounting template.

Cable and Connector The cable (20 feet; 6 m) is permanently attached to the back of the switch. The connector plugs into the jack on the bottom of the inverter.

INVERTER ON

Touch control

Lights up when the inverter is on.

On/Off button

➃

2–5

2–6

Installation

Chapter 3

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.

explains how to install the

Installation

Safety Instructions

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.

Installation Codes

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.

Installation Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

3–2

❐ 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

+ 54 hidden pages