Xantrex XPower Powerpack 150 User Guide

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1-360-925-5097 (direct)
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e [e-mail]

www.xantrex.com

by

XPower Powerpack 150

975-0110-01-01 REV. B Printed in China

Owner's Guide

by

XPower Powerpack 150

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 one MW
utility-scale systems for wind, solar, batteries, fuel cells, microturbines, and
backup power applications in both grid-connected and stand-alone systems.
Xantrex products include inverters, battery chargers, programmable power
supplies, and variable speed drives that convert, supply, control, clean, and
distribute electrical power.

Trademarks

XPower Powerpack 150 is a trademark of Xantrex International. Xantrex is a
registered trademark of Xantrex International.

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 Powerpack 150 Owner’s Guide © October 2003 Xantrex International.
All rights reserved.

Disclaimer

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 LOSS OR DAMAGE, WHETHER
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.

Date and Revision

October 2003 Revision B

Part Number

975-0110-01-01

Contact Information

Telephone: [phone] (toll free North America)

1 360 925 5097 (direct)

Fax: [phone] (toll free North America)

1 360 925 5143 (direct)

Email: [e-mail]

Web: www.xantrex.com

About This Guide

Purpose

The purpose of this Owner’s Guide is to provide explanations
and procedures for installing, operating, maintaining, and
troubleshooting the XPower Powerpack 150.

Scope

The Guide provides safety guidelines, detailed planning and
setup information, 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 XPower Powerpack 150. Installers should be
certified technicians or electricians.

Organization

This Guide is organized into five chapters and an appendix:

Chapter 1, “Introduction”, provides an overview of the main
features of the XPower Powerpack 150.

i

About This Guide

Chapter 2, “Features”, provides a detailed description of the
features of the XPower Powerpack 150.

Chapter 3, “Operation”, gives instructions for the main
operational procedures of the XPower Powerpack 150,
including operating AC and DC appliances and jumpstarting
an engine.

Chapter 4, “Maintenance”, gives instructions for recharging
the XPower Powerpack 150 and changing the built-in light
bulb.

Chapter 5, “Troubleshooting”, provides a troubleshooting
guide to the XPower Powerpack 150.

Appendix A, “Specifications”, provides the electrical and
physical specifications of the XPower Powerpack 150.

“Warranty and Product Information” at the end of this Guide
provides detailed warranty information and instructions for
getting warranty service.

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 unit or to other equipment.

Important:

an item that you must pay attention to.

ii 975-0110-01-01

These notes describe an important action item or

Abbreviations and Acronyms

A Ampere(s)
AC Alternating Current
AGM Absorbed Glass Mat
Ah Amp-hours
ASC Authorized Service Center
DC Direct Current
Hz Hertz
mA milli-Ampere
MHI Metal halide arc
RMA Returned Material Authorization
RMS Root Mean Square
UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply
V Volt(s)
W Watt(s)

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

975-0110-01-01 iii

iv

Important Safety Instructions

The XPower Powerpack 150 generates a type of AC power
similar to a normal household wall outlet. Operating the
XPower Powerpack 150 incorrectly or misusing it may
damage the equipment or create hazardous conditions for the
user.

Important: Before using your XPower Powerpack 150, be sure
to read and save these safety instructions.

Warnings and Cautions

WARNING: Shock hazard. Keep Away from
Children.

The XPower Powerpack 150 generates the same potentially lethal
AC power as a normal household wall outlet. Do not insert foreign
objects into the AC Power Outlet, the DC Power Outlet, or the
ventilation holes. Do not expose this product to water, rain, snow,
or spray.
Do not open the XPower Powerpack 150. There are no user­serviceable parts inside the unit.

CAUTION

Do not connect any AC appliance with the neutral conductor
connected to ground to the XPower Powerpack 150.

CAUTION

Do not expose the XPower Powerpack 150 to temperatures over
104 °F (40 °C).

v

Important Safety Instructions

-

WARNING: Explosion hazard

Do not use this product where there are flammable fumes or gases,
such as in the bilge of a gasoline- powered boat, or near propane
tanks. Do not use this product in an enclosure containing
automotive-type lead acid batteries. These batteries, unlike the
sealed AGM battery in XPower Powerpack 150, 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.

WARNING: Heated surface

Ensure at least 2" (5 cm) air space is maintained on all sides of the
XPower Powerpack 150. During operation, keep away from
materials that may be affected by high temperatures such as
blankets, pillows and sleeping bags.

WARNING: Fire hazard

Never allow jumpstart cables’ red and black clamps to touch each
other or another common metal conductor. This could cause
damage to the unit and/or create a sparking/explosion hazard.
Always turn OFF the Jumpstart Power Switch after use.

WARNING: Fire hazard

Jumpstart cable clamps must be connected positive to positive (red
clamp to battery “+”) and negative to negative (black clamp to
battery “-”). A reverse polarity connection (positive to negative)
may cause damage to the unit and/or create a sparking/explosion
hazard.

vi 975-0110-01-01

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING: Fire hazard

The jumpstart feature is designed for short term operation only—
less than 4 seconds. Operating the jumpstart feature for more than 4
seconds may cause damage to the unit. Allow the XPower
Powerpack 150 to cool down for at least 3 minutes after each
jumpstart.

975-0110-01-01 vii

Important Safety Instructions

Precautions When Working With Your Vehicle Battery

WARNING: Risk of Explosion, Fire or Burns

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 in vicinity of the
engine or batteries.

4. Be careful not to drop a metal object on the battery or
allow a metal tool to simultaneously touch the positive
and negative cable ends or battery terminals. It might
spark or short-circuit the battery or other electrical parts
and cause an explosion.

5. Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets,
necklaces, and watches when working with a lead-acid
battery. A lead-acid battery produces a short-circuit
current high enough to weld a ring or other similar
objects to metal, causing a severe burn.

6. If you need to remove a battery, always remove the
positive terminal from the battery first. Make sure all
accessories are off so you don’t cause an arc.

7. Someone should be within range of your voice, or close
enough to come to your aid when you work near a lead­acid battery.

8. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case
battery acid contacts skin, clothing, and eyes.

9. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection.
Avoid touching your eyes while working near batteries.

viii 975-0110-01-01

Important Safety Instructions

10. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash
immediately with soap and water. If acid enters your
eyes, immediately flood them with running cold water for
at least twenty minutes and get medical attention
immediately.

11. Keep a supply of baking soda on hand in the area of the
batteries. Baking soda neutralizes lead-acid battery
electrolyte.

975-0110-01-01 ix

Important Safety Instructions

Precautions for Using Rechargeable Appliances

CAUTION

The output of the XPower Powerpack inverter is non-sinusoidal.

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

Some chargers for rechargeable batteries can be damaged if
connected to the XPower Powerpack 150.

Do not use the following with the XPower Powerpack 150:

• 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 hand power
tools. These affected chargers display a warning label
stating that dangerous voltages are present at the battery
terminals.

: If you are unsure about using your rechargeable

Note

appliance with the XPower Powerpack 150, contact the
equipment manufacturer to determine the rechargeable
appliance’s compatibility with the modified sinewave (non­sinusoidal) AC waveform.

x 975-0110-01-01

Contents

Important Safety Instructions

Warnings and Cautions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - v
Precautions When Working With Your Vehicle Battery - - - - - viii
Precautions for Using Rechargeable Appliances - - - - - - - - - - - - x

1

Introduction

About the XPower Powerpack 150 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–1
Comprehensive Protection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–1

Automatic Overload - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–1
Overheating - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–1
Low Battery Protection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–2

2

Features

Materials List - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–1
XPower Powerpack 150 Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–2

Front Panel Detail- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–2
Left Side View - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–4
Accessories - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–5

3

Operation

Operating Conditions and Guidelines - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–1
Choosing a Location - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–2
Using XPower Powerpack 150 for the First Time - - - - - - - - - 3–3
Recharging with the AC Charger - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–3
Using the Built-In Light - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–4

xi

Operating AC Appliances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–4

Understanding AC Appliances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–4

Run Time on Typical AC Appliances - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–5
High Surge Appliances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–5
Trouble Appliances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–6
Operating Several Appliances at Once - - - - - - - - - - - 3–6

Operating an AC Appliance - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–7
Operating 12V DC Appliances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–8
Jumpstarting a Vehicle’s Engine - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -3–10
Connecting to an External Battery- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -3–12

4

Maintenance

Battery Maintenance - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–1
Recharging the XPower Powerpack 150 Battery - - - - - - - - - - 4–2

Recharging with the AC Charger- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–3

Recharging with the DC Charging Cable - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–4

Recharging with a Generator’s Regulated 12V DC Outlet - 4–6

Recharging From a Solar Panel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–7
Replacing the Built-In Light- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–7

5

Troubleshooting

Common Problems - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–1

Buzz in Audio Equipment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–1

Television Interference - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–1
Troubleshooting Reference - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–2

A

Specifications

Electrical Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–1
Physical Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–3

Warranty and Product Information

Index

xii 975-0110-01-01

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - IX–1

- - - - - - - - - - - WA–1

1

Introduction

About the XPower Powerpack 150

Easy-to-use and designed for years of reliable service, the
XPower Powerpack 150 can run many AC appliances and
12V DC appliances whenever you need power for work or
play, at home or on the road.

XPower Powerpack 150:

• Powers 115V AC appliances

• Powers 12V DC appliances

• Jumpstarts vehicle engines

• Provides lighting for emergency use.

Comprehensive Protection

Automatic Overload

The XPower Powerpack 150 has built-in protection against
output overload. If you connect an appliance that draws more
than 120W to the AC Power Outlet on the XPower
Powerpack 150, or one which draws excessive surge power,
the power to the AC Power Outlet automatically shuts off.

Overheating

The XPower Powerpack 150 is protected from overheating. If
the inverter exceeds a safe temperature, power to the AC
Power Outlet automatically shuts off.

1-1

Introduction

Low Battery Protection

Low battery protection protects the internal battery from
excessive discharge and possible damage. When the AC
Power On/Off Switch is turned on, an audible alarm alerts
you when the internal battery is nearly discharged (11.0V
DC) and the unit turns off at 10.5V DC.

1-2 975-0110-01-01

2

Features

Chapter 2 describes the main features of the XPower
Powerpack 150. We recommend that you familiarize yourself
with these features before operating the unit.

Materials List

Your XPower Powerpack 150 package includes these items:

❐ XPower Powerpack 150

❐ Owner’s Guide

❐ AC Charger

❐ DC Charging Cable

If any of these materials are missing or are unsatisfactory in
any way, please contact Customer Service, see “Warranty and
Product Information” at the back of this Guide.

2-1

Features

XPower Powerpack 150 Features

Front Panel Detail

1

Feature Description

1 DC Power Outlet:

• Powers 12V DC auto, RV or marine appliances

• Recharges XPower Powerpack 150 from a 12V

2 34

outlet in a vehicle using the DC Charging Cable.

7

5

86

2 Battery Level LEDs illuminate to indicate the

XPower Powerpack battery charge level. All LEDs
(two green, one yellow and one red) are illuminated
when the battery is fully charged (Full), only the red
LED is illuminated when the battery is completely
discharged (Empty).

3 Battery Level button triggers the Battery Level

Full/Empty LED indicators. Press to view the
battery charge status.

2-2 975-0110-01-01