Xantrex XPower Inverter 3000 Installation Manual

This guide for use by qualified installers only.

TM

TM

XPower™ Inverter 3000

Installation Guide

This guide for use by qualified installers only.

About Xantrex

Xantrex Technology Inc. (www.xantrex.com), a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, is a world leader in
the development, manufacturing and marketing of advanced power electronic products and systems for
the renewable and mobile power markets. The company's products convert and control raw electrical
power from any central, distributed, renewable, or backup power source into high-quality power
required by electronic equipment and the electricity grid. Xantrex is headquartered in Vancouver,
Canada, with facilities in the United States, Germany, Spain, and a joint venture in China.

Trademarks

Xantrex, XPower, and Smart choice for power are trademarks of Schneider Electric International
Services sprl, registered in the U.S. and other countries. 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

XPower Inverter 3000 Installation Guide © January 2010 Xantrex Technology Inc. All rights reserved.

No part of this document may be reproduced in any form or disclosed to third parties without the
express written consent of: Xantrex Technology Inc., 161-G South Vasco Road, Livermore, California,
USA 94551. Xantrex Technology Inc. reserves the right to revise this document and to periodically
make changes to the content hereof without obligation or organization of such revisions or changes
unless required to do so by prior arrangement.

Exclusion for Documentation

UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, XANTREX TECHNOLOGY INC. (“XANTREX”)
(

A) MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY, SUFFICIENCY OR SUITABILITY OF ANY TECHNICAL OR

OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED IN ITS MANUALS OR OTHER DOCUMENTATION;

(

B) ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR LOSSES, DAMAGES, COSTS OR EXPENSES, WHETHER
SPECIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL, WHICH MIGHT ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF
SUCH INFORMATION. THE USE OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION WILL BE ENTIRELY AT THE USER’S RISK; AND

(C) REMINDS YOU THAT IF THIS MANUAL IS IN ANY LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH, ALTHOUGH

STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO MAINTAIN THE ACCURACY OF THE TRANSLATION, THE ACCURACY CANNOT
BE GUARANTEED. APPROVED XANTREX CONTENT IS CONTAINED WITH THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
VERSION WHICH IS POSTED AT WWW.XANTREX.COM.

Date and Revision Part Number Product Number

January 2010 Revision A 975-0556-01-01 813-3000-UL

Contact Information

Telephone: [phone] (toll free North America)

1 408 987 6030 (direct)
Fax: [phone] (toll free North America)
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.xantrex.com

iii

This guide for use by qualified installers only.

About This Guide

Purpose

The purpose of this Installation Guide is to provide explanations and
procedures for installing the XPower Inverter 3000.

Scope

The Guide provides safety guidelines and procedures for installing the
inverter. It does not provide details about particular brands of batteries.
You need to consult individual battery manufacturers for this information.

Refer to XPower Inverter 3000 Owner’s Guide (doc. part number: 975-

0555-01-01) for operational instructions.

Audience

The Guide is intended for qualified installers including licensed
technicians and electricians. It is intended for installers with knowledge
and experience in installing electrical equipment, knowledge of the
applicable installation codes, and awareness of the hazards involved in
performing electrical work and how to reduce those hazards.

Organization

This Guide is organized into two chapters.
Chapter 1 describes installation configurations, as well guidelines for

calculating battery requirements, choosing an effective charging system,
location and mounting orientations, cable sizes for your inverter and
selecting correct fuses or circuit breakers.

Chapter 2 describes installation procedures including planning, wiring,
and mounting the XPower Inverter 3000.

About This Guide

iv 975-0556-01-01

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Conventions Used

The following conventions are used in this guide.

Related Information

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

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 unit or
other equipment.

Important:

These notes describe things which are important for you to know,

however, they are not as serious as a caution or warning.

v

This guide for use by qualified installers only.

Important Safety Instructions

IMPORTANT: Read and save this Installation Guide
for future reference.

This chapter contains important safety instructions for the XPower

Inverter 3000.

1. Before installing and using the XPower Inverter 3000, read all
instructions and cautionary markings on or provided with the XPower

Inverter 3000, the batteries, and all appropriate sections of this guide.

2. Do not expose the XPower Inverter 3000 to rain, snow, spray, or bilge
water. This product is not intended for marine applications.

3. To reduce risk of fire hazard, do not cover or obstruct the ventilation
openings. Do not install the XPower Inverter 3000 in a zero-clearance
compartment. Overheating may result.

4. To avoid a risk of fire and electric shock, make sure that existing
wiring is in good condition, adequately rated, and not undersized. Do
not operate the XPower Inverter 3000 with damaged or substandard
wiring.

5. Do not install or operate the XPower Inverter 3000 if it has received a
sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way. If the

XPower Inverter 3000 is damaged, see the Warranty section.

6. Do not disassemble the XPower Inverter 3000. It contains no user­serviceable parts. See Wa rranty for instructions on obtaining service.
Attempting to service the XPower Inverter 3000 yourself may result
in a risk of electrical shock or fire. Internal capacitors remain charged
after all power is disconnected.

WARNING: Shock, fire, and heat hazard. Risk of
injury to persons.

Safety

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7. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, disconnect DC power from the

XPower Inverter 3000 before attempting any maintenance or cleaning

or working on any circuits connected to the XPower Inverter 3000.
Turning off controls will not reduce this risk.

8. The XPower Inverter 3000 must be provided with equipment­grounding conductors connected to the vehicle chassis as described in
“Chassis Ground Wire Sizing” on page 1–10 and “Chassis Ground
Wire Sizing ” on page 1–10.

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 to
reduce the risk of battery explosion.

2. Working in the vicinity of lead-a cid batteries is dangerous. Batteries
generate explosive gases during normal operation . Therefore, you
must read this guide and follow the instructions exactly before
installing or using your XPower Inverter 3000.

3. This equipment contains components which tend to produce arcs or
sparks. To prevent fire or explosion, do not install the XPower

Inverter 3000 in compartments containing batteries or flammable

materials, or in 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.

4. Make sure the area around the battery is well ventilated.

5. Never smoke or allow a spark or flame near the engine or batteries.

6. Use caution to reduce the risk or dropping a metal tool on the battery.
It could spark or short circuit the battery or other electrical parts and
could cause an explosion.

7. 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 a spark.

WARNING: Explosion or fire hazard

Safety

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8. Remove all 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 metal to skin, causing a severe
burn.

9. Have someone within range of your voice or close eno ugh to come to

your aid when you work near a lead-acid battery.

10. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid

contacts skin, clothing, or eyes.

11. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid

touching your eyes while working near batteries.

12. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap

and water. If acid enters your eye, immediately flood it with running
cold water for at least twenty minutes and get medical attention
immediately.

Precautions for Using Rechargeable Appliances

Most rechargeable battery-operated equipment uses a separate charger or
transformer that is plugged into an AC receptacle and produces a low
voltage charging output.

Some chargers for small rechargeable batteries can be damaged if
connected to the XPower Inverter 3000. Do not use the following with the

XPower Inverter 3000:

• Small battery-operated appliances like flashlights, razors, and night

lights that can be plugged directly into an AC receptacle to recharge.

• Some chargers for battery packs used in power hand tools. These

affected chargers display a warning label stating that dangerous
voltages are present at the battery terminals.

WARNING: Risk of personal injury due to burns or
battery acid

CAUTION: Risk of equipment damage

The output of the XPower Inverter 3000 is not sinusoidal and may not be
compatible with all loads. Follow the recommendations below.

viii

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Important Safety Instructions

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -v

1 Installation Codes - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–4

Calculating Battery Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–4
Choosing an Effective Charging System - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -1–5
Choosing an Appropriate Location and Mounting Orientation - - - - - - - - - - - - -1–5
Selecting Cable Sizes - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–8

DC Input Cables - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–8
Selecting a DC Input Fuse or Circuit Breaker - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -1–9
Chassis Ground Wire Sizing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–10
Output Conductor Selection for Hardwire Installation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–10

2 Installing the Inverter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–2

Safety Instructions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–2
Installation Tools and Materials - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -2–2

Tools - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–2

Materials - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -2–2
Overview of Installation Steps - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–3
Installing the Remote On/Off Switch - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–3
Mounting the Inverter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–4
Connecting the Chassis Ground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–4
Connecting the AC Output - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–5

Connecting the DC Cables - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -2–8

Contents

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1–1

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1

Designing Your Installation

Before doing anything else, you need to determine how you are going to
use your inverter, and then design a power system that will give you
maximum performance. The more thorough your planning, the better
your power needs will be met. In particular, you will need to:

• Be aware of installation codes

• Calculate your battery requirements

• Choose an effective charging system

• Choose an appropriate location and mounting orientation

• Calculate the cable size for your inverter

• Select the correct fuses or circuit breakers
Study Figures “Configuration for Normal Loads” on page 1–2 and

“Configuration for Heavy Loads” on page 1–3 for an example of a setup

for normal or heavy loads in a vehicle. When you have decided upon your
configuration, then you can calculate battery requirements.

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Figure 1-1

Configuration for Normal Loads

12V

12V

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Figure 1-2

Configuration for Heavy Loads

12V

12V

12V

12V

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Installation Codes

Governing installation codes vary depending on the location and type of
installation. Electrical installations must meet local and/or national wiring
codes and should be performed by a qualified electrician.

An example of a national wiring code is the US National Electrical Code
(NEC, NFPA70) article 551 governing electrical installations in RVs. In
other geographical regions or for other applications, other codes will
apply. It is the installer's responsibility to identify and apply all

applicable codes.

Calculating Battery Requirements

Battery type and battery size strongly affect the performance of the
inverter. Therefore, you need to identify the type of loads your inverter
will be powering, and how much you will be using them between charges.
Once you know how much power you will be using, you can determine
how much battery capacity you need. We recommend that you purchase
as much battery capacity as possible.

For information on calculating battery capacity, go to www.xantrex.com,
click “Support”, choose the product “Xpower Inverters”, and click
“Battery Calculator” under Calculators & Problem Solvers.

CAUTION: Equipment damage

The inverter must only be connected to a 12 V battery system. It will not operate
if connected to a 6 V battery and will be damaged if connected to a 24 V battery.

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Choosing an Effective Charging System

The charging system must be appropriate for your particular installation.
A well-designed charging system will ensure that power is available when
you need it and that your batteries remain in top condition. Inadequate
charging will degrade system performance, and the wrong type of charger
will reduce battery life.

For information about choosing an effective battery charging system, go
to www.xantrex.com, click “Support”, choose the product “Xpower
Battery Chargers”, and click “Selecting the Right battery Charger” under
Tech Notes.

NOTE: If the main charging source will be the vehicle's alternator , then its
voltage and current ratings must be appropriate for the size and type of
battery that is selected.

Choosing an Appropriate Location and Mounting Orientation

WARNING: Fire or explosion hazard

The inverter contains components which tend to produce arcs or sparks. To
prevent fire or explosion, do not install the XPower Inverter 3000 in
compartments containing batteries or flammable materials, or in 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.

WARNING: Fire hazard

To reduce the risk of fire, do not cover or obstruct the ventilation openings. Do
not install the inverter in a zero-clearance compartment. Overheating may result.

WARNING: Shock hazard

Do not install the Inverter 3000 in a wet environment or in any other environment
where moisture can occur and enter the inverter enclosure through the ventilation
openings. This unit is not intended for marine applications.

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Appropriate
Location

The inverter must only be installed in a location that is:

:

Dry Do not allow water or other liquids to drop or splash on it.
Cool Ambient air temperature should be between 0 and 40ºC

(32 and 105ºF)—the cooler the better within this range.

Ventilated Allow at least 3" (76 mm) of clearance around the inverter

for air flow. Ensure that the ventilation openings on each
end of the inverter are not obstructed.

Safe Do not install the inverter in the same compartment as

batteries or in any compartment capable of storing
flammable liquids like gasoline.

Close to
battery

Do not use excessive DC cable lengths: they increase wire
resistance which leads to voltage drop and heating.
Consequently, they reduce available power and run-time.
Longer AC wires are preferable to longer DC wires: voltage
drop is less of an issue and the cost is lower.

Protected
from battery
gases

Do not mount the inverter where it will be exposed to gases
produced by batteries. Battery gases are corrosive, and
prolonged exposure to battery gases will damage the
inverter.

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Mounting
Orientation

The inverter must be oriented in one of the following ways:

• Horizontally on a vertical surface. (Do not mount with the fan
pointing up or down.)

• On a horizontal surface.

• Under a horizontal surface.

Mounting
Dimensions

Use the measurements below to plot the holes in the surface where you
want to anchor the inverter and permanently mount it into place.

Figure 1-3

Approved Mounting Orientations

RESET

REMOTE

POWER

PUISSANCE

FAULT
FAUTE

Non-sinusoidal
output only.
Non seuleme n t de
sortie sinusoïdale.

RESET

REMOTE

POWER

PUISSANCE

FAULT

FAUTE

Non-sinusoidal

output only.

Non seulement de

sortie sinusoïdale.

RESET

REMOTE

POWER

PUISSANCE

FAULT

FAUTE

Non-sinusoid al

output only.

Non seulement de

sortie sinusoïdale.

Figure 1-4

Mounting Dimensions (Not to scale)

450 mm (17.7 in.)

225 mm
(8.9 in.)

91.5 mm
(3.6 in.)

mounting hole Ø 5 mm (0.2 in.)

126.5 mm
(5 in.)

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Selecting Cable Sizes

To operate safely and effectively, the XPower Inverter 3000 needs proper
cables and fuses. The XPower Inverter 3000 has low-voltage and high­current input, so it is essential that you use low-resistance wiring between
the battery and the inverter. This means using the largest gauge and
shortest DC cables. The goal is to deliver the maximum amount of usable
energy to your load.

For safe and efficient operation, you will need to calculate cable sizes for
your:

• DC input cables from the battery to inverter, and

• Chassis ground cable from the vehicle chassis to the chassis ground
lug on the inverter’s DC panel.

DC Input Cables

• Keep all cables as short as possible, and ensure that each cable
between the inverter and the battery is no longer than 10 feet (3 m).

• Do not use aluminum cable. It has about 1/3 more resistance than
copper cable of the same size, and it is difficult to make good, low­resistance connections to aluminum wire.

• Some installation codes require and we recommend use of oil­resistant cable rated for damp or wet locations.

• For installations subject to the US NEC, the minimum cable size
required is No. 4/0 AWG 75 °C

1

, with a maximum fuse size of

400 Adc.

• For other installations, other codes may apply, but in no case should
you use DC cables smaller than No. 2/0 AWG, protected by a
250 Adc fu se, but note that the five-minute 3000 W rating requires a
350 Adc fuse, which will require a minimum No. 4/0 AWG cable.

WARNING: Fire hazard

Use only copper wire rated 75 °C minimum. Never use a DC input cable longer
than specified in “DC Input Cables” below. A longer cable can potentially
generate enough heat to start a fire or result in poor inverter performance.

1.Based on US NEC, 2008, table 310-17, 75C copper wire.

975-0556-01-01 1–9

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Selecting a DC Input Fuse or Circuit Breaker

The DC cables from the battery to the inverter need to be provided with
overcurrent protection, in the form of a fuse or circuit breaker, located as
close as possible to the DC positive battery terminal.

Because your batteries can provide thousands of amps of short-circuit
current, you need a DC-rated fuse or circuit breaker that can safely
interrupt the short-circuit current that the batteries can produce.

DC Disconnects
and Over­Current Devices

The DC circuit from the battery to the inverter must be equipped with a
disconnect and over-current device. This usually consists of a circuit
breaker, a “fused-disconnect,” or a separate fuse and DC disconnect. Do
not confuse AC circuit breakers or fuses with DC-rated ones. They are not
interchangeable. The rating of the fuse or breaker must be matched to the
size of cables used in accordance with the applicable installation codes.
The breaker or disconnect switch and fuse should be located as close as
possible to the battery, in the positive cable. Applicable codes may limit
how far the protection can be from the battery.

To select the correct fuse type and size:

1. Determine the total short-circuit current rating for each battery , based

on the battery manufacturer's published short-circuit current sourci ng
ratings for the battery. Then determine the total for your battery bank.
For example:

• If you are using one battery to power your inverter and its short­circuit current rating is 500 A, the total short-circuit current rating
is 500 A.

• If you are powering your inverter with two 12 V batteries
connected in parallel, and each battery has a short-circuit current
rating of 500 A, the total short-circuit current rating is 1000 A.

• If you are powering your inverter with two 6 V batteries
connected in series, and each battery has a short-circuit current
rating of 500 A, the total short-circuit current rating is 500 A.

Important:

For batteries connected in parallel, the total short-circuit current
rating is the sum of the short-circuit current ratings of all of the batteries
connected in parallel. For batteries connected in series, the total short-circuit
current rating is equal to the short-circuit rating of the battery with the highest
short-circuit rating. It is not the sum of all the short-circuit current ratings taken
from each connected battery .

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2. Once you have determined the total short-circuit current rating of
your batteries, select a fuse or circuit breaker that has:

• a short-circuit interrupting capacity at least equal to the total

short-circuit current rating of your battery bank, and

• a DC voltage rating of at least 16Vdc, and

• a current rating no more than the values given above.

3. If a fuse is used rather than a circuit breaker, a disconnect switch
located between the battery and the fuse is recommended, to allow the
circuit to be de-energized when replacing the fuse.

Fuses and circuit breakers can be bought at any RV supply store or
electrical products store.

Chassis Ground Wire Sizing

Connect a minimum No. 8 AWG1 copper wire from the vehicle chassis to
the chassis ground terminal on the inverter DC panel.

Output Conductor Selection for Hardwire Installation

The inverter may be used by connecting cord-connected loads to the
receptacles on the front panel, and/or by connecting loads or a load circuit
to the AC output hardwire terminal block. If making connections to the
AC output hardwire terminal block, use jacketed No. 10 AWG

2

copper 2-

wire plus ground cable. Conductors may be solid or stranded.
Some installation codes require and we recommend use of oil-resistant

cable rated for damp or wet locations.

Color code for conductors:

Black = [L]ine (hot)
White = [N]eutral
Bare or green = [G]round

1.Based on US NEC 2008 article 551-20(c). Other codes may require larger
chassis ground cable, in some cases as large as the DC power cables.

2.Based on US NEC 2008, table 310-16, 75C copper wire.

2–1

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2

Installation

Chapter 2, “Installation,” provides information on cables and fuses to help

you plan for your installation and provide procedures for installing the
inverter.

Read the entire chapter before beginning the installation procedures so
that you can plan an installation that is suited to your power needs.

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Installing the Inverter

Do not proceed with the installation of your inverter until you have read
the section, “Installing the Inverter” starting on page 2–2. The more
thorough your planning, the better your power needs will be met to
achieve maximum performance from your inverter.

Safety Instructions

Before you start to install the inverter:

• Review the “Important Safety Instructions” on page v.

• Read and follow all Warnings and Cautions in this chapter.

Installation Tools and Materials

Tools

• Wire stripper

• Wrench for DC terminals and ground stud (1/2”)

• Screwdrivers (Philips, slotted)

• Crimping tool for fastening lugs and terminals on DC cables.
NOTE: You may find it more convenient to have the crimp connectors
installed onto the DC cable by the store that sells you the cable and/or
connectors.

• Hex key screwdriver, if set-screw type "box lugs" are used.

Materials

The following checklist is a general list of required materials.

• Four corrosion-resistant fasteners sized #10 or larger for mounting the
inverter

• Copper DC input cable as selected in “DC Input Cables” on page 1–8.

• Two 5/16" hole size ring terminals or box lugs, sized for the cable
gauge selected to connect the DC cables to the DC input terminals

• Lugs and terminals to connect the DC cables that connect to the
battery fuse holder and disconnect switch

• DC fuse(s), fuse holder, and disconnect switch, or DC circuit breaker ,
as selected in “Selecting a DC Input Fuse or Circuit Breaker” on

page 1–9.

Installing the Inverter

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• Copper chassis ground cable, as selected in “Selecting Cable Sizes”

on page 1–8, with 5/16” size ring terminal for connection to ground

stud.

• AC output cable (if using the hardwire terminals)

• Battery isolator (if connecting to a multiple-battery system)

• Two provided DC terminal covers

• Battery selector switch

1

• Alternator controller

1

• High-output alternator

1

Overview of Installation Steps

These are the five steps for installing your inverter. Do not proceed with
installation until you have read “Installing the Inverter” starting on

page 2–2.

1. Install the Remote On/Off Switch.

2. Mount the inverter.

3. Connect the chassis ground.

4. Connect AC output (if connecting to an existing AC circuit).

5. Connect the DC cables.

Installing the Remote On/Off Switch

The Remote On/Off switch can be plugged into the remote switch jack on
the front of the inverter. The remote switch lets you turn the inverter on
and off from a convenient location—up to 20 feet (6 m) away from the
inverter.

1.Optional equipment only. Use as needed by your specific installa-

tion.

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Mounting the Inverter

Do not mount the inverter under the hood of your vehicle. See “Choosing

an Appropriate Location and Mounting Orientation” on page 1–5.

To mount the inverter:

1. Make sure the On/Off switch is in the Off position.

2. Select an appropriate mounting location and orientation as
recommended in “Choosing an Appropriate Location and Mounting

Orientation” on page 1–5.

3. Using the measurements found above in “Mounting Dimensions” on

page 1–7, mark the positions of the mounting screw holes in the

mounting surface where the inverter is to be permanently placed.

4. Pilot drill the four mounting screw holes.

5. Fasten the inverter to the mounting surface using corrosion-resistant
fasteners sized #10 or larger.

Connecting the Chassis Ground

The inverter has a stud connector labelled CHASSIS GND on the side
panel as shown in Figure 2-1. This stud is used to connect the chassis of
the inverter to your vehicle chassis or system’s DC grounding point as
required by regulations for some installations.

Do not use the DC ground lug for your AC grounding.

Figure 2-1

Chassis Ground Location

BATT.
NEG.

BATT.

POS.

Chassis ground

Installing the Inverter

975-0556-01-01 2–5

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You must connect the inverter chassis ground terminal to a grou nding
point. Use a No. 8 AWG copper wire that is bare or provided with green
insulation and connect it between the inverter chassis ground lug and the
vehicle’s DC grounding point (usually the vehicle chassis or a dedicated
DC ground bus).

To connect the cable to the chassis ground lug:

1. Make sure the inverter’s On/Off switch is in the Off position.

2. Loosen chassis ground stud with a 1/2" wrench.

3. Tighten the chassis ground lug to a torque of 216–240 inch-lbs

(24–27 Nm).

Connecting the AC Output

You can plug your AC loads directly into the receptacles on the inverter
front panel. Output power to each receptacle is limited by a circuit
protector rated at 20 A.

You can also hardwire (permanently connect) the AC output from the AC
hardwire terminal through the AC knockout into a load sub-panel or
additional GFCI-protected AC outlets powered by the inverter. For this
hardwire connection to a load sub-panel, the branch circuit neutral must
not be connected to the ground bus of the sub-panel. The neutral
grounding point is already made in the inverter AC output circuit. This
complies with the NEC regulations.

The Inverter 3000 will not operate a combination of high-power electrical
appliances that consume a total of more than 2500 watts (continuous
operation) or a total of more than 3000 watts (five-minute operation).

WARNING: Shock and fire hazard

Never operate the inverter without properly connecting the chassis ground.

Important:

This connection must be made in accordance with applicable
electrical codes. If you are not a qualified electrician, we recommend that you let
a qualified electrician install this product.

WARNING: Fire and shock hazard

For protection and control, install a branch-circuit rated breaker between the
inverter and the load wiring, receptacles, and loads.

2–6 975-0556-01-01

This guide for use by qualified installers only.

For a list of Xantrex-tested and approved GFCIs and for more information
about GFCIs, see the application note “Using GFCI Receptacles on
Xantrex Inverters and Inverter/Chargers” in the Document Library at

www.xantrex.com.

To make the AC output wiring connections:

1. Disconnect all DC power sources from the Inverter 3000.

2. Install a dedicated AC load panel or an additional circuit breaker in an
existing AC load panel.
This circuit breaker must have a current rating based on the load
current the circuit will carry, and must be rated for 120 Vac branch
circuits. For installations subject to the US NEC, the required breaker
size is 30 A based on No. 10 AWG (using 75 °C minimum wire) and
the 2500 W continuous output rating of the inverter.

3. Remove the AC wiring knockout from the Inverter 3000 AC panel.

4. Remove the screws securing the Inverter 3000 AC panel.

5. Locate the white terminal block whose connectors are all properly
labeled – (L)ine, (N)eutral, and (G)round.

6. Prepare and strip the line, neutral, and ground (if not bare) wires.
Strip at a length of 0.35 inches (9 mm).

WARNING: Shock hazard

If AC outlets are connected to the inverter AC hardwire terminal, the outlets must
be GFCI-protected.

WARNING: Shock hazard

Make sure wiring is disconnected from all electrical sources before handling.

WARNING: Shock hazard and risk of equipment
damage

Do not connect an AC source (such as a generator or utility power) to the
AC wiring output of the Inverter 3000.

Potentially hazardous or damaging conditions may occur, if its output is
connected to an AC voltage from another source. These conditions can occur
even if the inverter is off. If installing the inverter in a system with another AC
source (utility power or generator), an approved and suitably rated break-before­make AC transfer switch must be installed.

Installing the Inverter

975-0556-01-01 2–7

This guide for use by qualified installers only.

7. Install a strain-relief device (not provided) on the AC knockout.

8. Run each of the line, neutral, and ground wires through the knockout

and through the strain-relief device.

9. Loosen the screws on the left side of the terminal block, if not already

loose at the factory. Be careful not to loosen the right side screws.

10. Insert the ground (bare or green) wire into the terminal block’s

(G)round connector.

11. Secure the wire by tightening the ground terminal block screw to a

maximum torque of 16 inch-pounds (1.8 Nm).

12. Insert the Line (black) and Neutral (white) wires into the terminal

block’s (L)ine and (N)eutral connectors, respectively.

13. Secure the wires by tightening the line and neutral terminal block

screws to a maximum torque of 16 inch-pounds (1.8 Nm).

14. Complete the installation of the strain-relief device.

15. Replace the Inverter 3000 AC panel and secure the panel into place

using the screws from step #4.

16. Connect the outgoing AC wires to the AC load panel.

Figure 2-2

Terminal Block

REMOTE

POWER

PUISSANCE

FAULT

FAUTE

Non-sinusoidal
outputonly.
Nonseul ementde
sortiesinusoïdale.

terminal block screws

L
N
G

WARNING: Shock hazard

Exposed and uncapped wires are a shock hazard. If you cut the wires after
permanently connecting the AC output wires make sure that you terminate the
wires with a proper wire cap terminal.

2–8 975-0556-01-01

This guide for use by qualified installers only.

Connecting the DC Cables

Consult Figure 1-1, “Configuration for Normal Loads” on page 1–2, or

Figure 1-2, “Configuration for Heavy Loads” on page 1–3 for additional

details that are specific to your installation.

To make the DC connections:

1. Cut the cables to the correct length with enough insulation stripped
off so you can properly install the type of terminals you will be using.

The terminals on the DC end are designed to fit up to 500 MCM
crimp-on ring terminals (either AMP or ILSCO) or box connectors.

2. Attach the connectors to both cables.
If using compression lugs, attach the terminals to both cables using

the crimp tool recommended by the manufacturer of the ring
terminals. There must be no stray wire strands protruding from
the terminal. If using box lugs, attach the lug to the XPower Inverter

3000 first, then insert the wire and tighten the set screw to the torque

recommended by the lug manufacturer.

3. Route the DC supply cables from the battery bank to the inverter.

Figure 2-3

DC cable lug examples

Copper Compression Lug Aluminum Box Lug

Do not place anything
between battery cable lug
and terminal surface.
Assemble exactly as shown.

Connecting the DC Cables

975-0556-01-01 2–9

This guide for use by qualified installers only.

4. Install a fuse and disconnect switch or breaker between the inverter

and the battery. Ensure that the disconnect switch or breaker is turned
off before installing. They must be installed in the positive side of the
DC circuit, as close as possible to the battery. This protects your
battery and wiring in case of accidental shorting. See “Installing the

Inverter” on page 2–2.

5. Attach one connector on the positive cable to the positive DC

terminal on the DC end, and then attach the other connector to the
POSITIVE (+) terminal on the fuse or breaker.

Observe the polarities carefully while completing the installation. Use
a wrench to tighten to a torque of 216–240 inch-pound s (24 –27 Nm).
Test that the cable is secure.

6. Connect one connector on the negative cable to the negative terminal

on the DC end. Before proceeding, check that cable polarity is
correct, and then connect the other end of the cable to the
NEGATIVE (–) terminal on the battery .

This is the last cable connection you make. If the disconnect switch or
breaker is not turned off, a spark is normal when the connection is
made. Use a wrench to tighten to a torque of 216–240 inch-pounds
(24–27 Nm). Test that the cable is secure.

CAUTION: Reverse polarity

DC power connections to the inverter must be positive to positive and negative to
negative. A reverse polarity connection (positive to negative) will blow a fuse in
the inverter and may permanently damage the inverter. The fuse is not user
replaceable and the inverter may need to be returned for servicing.
Damage caused by a reverse polarity connection is not covered by your warranty.

CAUTION

Do not over-tighten the nut on the DC input terminals. Damage to the DC input
terminals may result.

CAUTION

Loose connections cause excessive voltage drop and may cause overheated wires
and melted insulation.

2–10 975-0556-01-01

This guide for use by qualified installers only.

7. Attach the DC terminal covers.

8. Before proceeding, double check that you have connected the cables
properly—positive to positive, negative to negative.

9. Turn on the battery disconnect switch or breaker.

10. If you have installed a battery selector switch, use it to select one of
the batteries or battery banks (house bank preferred over start bank).

11. Turn the inverter’s On/Off switch to the On position.

12. T est sample loads by plugging appliances into the AC receptacles and
check to see if they work properly.
Alternatively, if a load sub-panel or additional AC outlets are
hardwired into the inverter AC output, test that appliances plugged
into the additional outlets are working properly.

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www.xantrex.com/support

975-0556-01-01 Revision A Printed in China