Xantrex Technology 1200, 1750 User Manual

Owner’s Guide

XPower Inverter

1200 PLUS
1750 PLUS

2

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

XPower is a trademark of Xantrex International. Xantrex is a registered trademark of Xantrex International.
Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and product names are the prop erty of their respective owner s and

are used herein for identification purposes only.

Notice of copyright

XPower 1200 Plus and 1750 Plus Owner’s G uide© January 2002 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

January 2002, Revision 1

Part number

445-0145-01-01

Contact Information

Phone: [phone] (toll free in North America)
Phone: [phone] (outside of North America)
Fax: [phone] (toll free in North America)
Fax: [phone] (outside of North America)
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.xantrex.com

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 i dentify conditions or practices that could result in
damage to the XPower Plus or other equipment.

Important: These notes describe an important action item or an item

that you must pay attention to.

Note

: Notes describe additional information which may add to your

understanding of how to use the inverter.

References to XPower Plus

In this guide, both th e XPower 12 00 Plus a nd the XPo wer 1750 Plus are
referred to as XPower Plus when the information applies to both
models. However, when the information is specific to one model, then
reference is made specifically to the XPower 1200 Plus or to the
XPower 1750 Plus.

Related Information

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

iii

iv

Important Safety Information

Important: Before installing and using your XPower Plus, be sure

to read these safety instructions and keep them handy.

CAUTION

Do not connect any AC load that has its neutral conductor
connected to ground to the XPower Plus.

CAUTION

Do not connect the AC output of this inverter to any other
source of power such as an electrical panel which itself
may be AC powered from a utility generator or other
source. Damage may occur.

General Precautions

1. Before installing and us ing the invert er , read all appr opriate sect ions
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 disassemble the inverter. It contains no user-serviceable
components. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel only.
Attempting to service the unit yourself could cause electrical shock
or fire. Internal capacitors remain charged after all power is

disconnected.

4. T o reduce th e risk of elect rical sho ck, disconnec t AC and DC power
from the inverter before working on any circuits connected to the
inverter. Turning off the On/Off Switch will not reduce this risk.

5. Do not expose the inverter to rain, snow, spray, or bilge water.

v

Important Safety Information

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

WARNING: Explosion Hazard

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 co mponents 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
locations that require ignition-protected equipment. This includes
any space containing gasoline-powered machinery, fuel tanks, as
well as joints, fittings , or othe r co nnections between components of
the fuel system.

Precautions When Working With Batteries

WARNING: Explosion and Fire Hazard

1. Follow all instructions published by the battery manufacturer and
the manufac turer of the equ ipment in which the battery is in stalled.

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.

vi

Important Safety Information

5. Remove metal items like rings, bracelets, and watches when
working with lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries produce a
short-circuit curr ent high enough to weld a ring or the like to meta l,
and thus cause a severe burn.

6. If you need to remove a battery, always remove the ground terminal
from the battery fi rs t. Make sure all accessori es are off so you don’t
cause a spark.

Precautions For Using Rechargeable Appliances

Most rechargeable battery-operated equipment uses a separate charger
or transformer that is plugged into an AC re cepta cle and produ ces a low
voltage charging output.

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

XPower Plus:

• 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.

Note

: If you are unsure about using your rechargeable appliance

with the XPower Plus, contact the equipment manufacturer to find
out if there are high voltag es at the battery terminals or if the
appliance incorporates the use of transformers.

vii

Contents

Important Safety Information

General Precautions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - v
Explosive Gas Precautions- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - vi
Precautions When Working With Batteries - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - vi
Precautions For Using Rech argeable Appliances- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - vii

1Introduction

Quality Pow er - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–2
Ease of Use - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–2
Comprehensive Protection- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–3

2 XPower Plus Features

Materials List - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–2
Optional Accessory: Remote On/Off Swit ch- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–2

Dimensions of Remote Switch- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–2

Part Number of Remote Switch - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–2
AC Panel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–4
DC Panel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–5

3 Installation

Designing Y our Installation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–2

Installatio n Codes - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–4

Calculating Battery Requ irements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–4

Choosing an Effective Charging System - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–4

Choosing an Appropriate Location- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–5

Calculatin g Cable Sizes f or XPower 1200 Plus - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–6

Calculatin g Cable Sizes f or XPower 1750 Plus - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–9

Calculating Fuse/Circuit Breaker Size- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–1 2

ix

Contents

Installing the XPower Plus - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–14

Safety Instructions- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–14

Installatio n Tools and Mat erials- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–14

Overview of Installation Steps- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–16

Optional: Installing the Remote On/Off Sw itch - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 –16

Mounting the Inverter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–16

Connecting the Chassis Ground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–17

Connecting the DC Cables - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–19

4Operation

Turning the Inverter On and Off- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–2
Operating Several Loads at Once - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–2
Turning the Inverter Off Between Charges - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–2

Input Voltage Display - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–3

Output Power Indicator - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–3
Operating L i mits - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–3

Power Output - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–3

Input Voltage - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–4
Inverter Loads - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4– 4

High Surge Loads - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–4

Trouble Loads- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–5
Connecting Appliances to the XPower Pl us - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–5
Routine Maintenance - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4– 6

5 Troubleshooting

Common Problems- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–2

Buzz in Audio Equipment- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–2

Television R eception - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–2
Troubleshooting Reference - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–3

ASpecifications

Electrical Performance - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–2
Physical Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–2

B Battery Types and Sizes

Battery Types - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–2

Automotive Starting Batteries - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–2

x

Deep-Cycle 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 I n Parallel- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–6

Two Separate Battery Banks - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–6
Battery Tips - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–7

C Alternators and Charging Systems

Charging System Requirem ents - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–2
Charging With an Engine Alternator - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–2

Using a Standard Vehicle Alt ernator- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–2

Using an Alternator Controller - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–3

Using a High-Output Alternator- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–3
Charging Fr om AC Power - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–3
Charging From Alternativ e Energy Sources - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–3

Contents

D Product and System Information

Warranty - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D–2
Return Mater ial Authorizatio n Policy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D–3
Return Material Procedure- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D–3
Information About Your System- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D–5

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

xi

1

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the XPower
Plus! The XPower Plus inverter has been
designed to give you quality power, ease of use,
and reliability.

Please take a few moments t o read this chapter to
familiarize yourself with the main performance
features and protection features of the XPower
Plus.

Introduction

Quality Power

The XPower Plus is a quality inverter designed for recreational vehicle
(RV), marine, and truck application s.

• The XPower 1200 Plus provides up to 1000 watts of continuous

• The XPower 1750 Plus provides up to 1500 watts of continuous

• 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

• The cooling fan in the inverter is thermally activated and comes on

power. It is designed to handle loads such as 600 watt microwaves,
TVs, VCRs, and midsized power tools.

power. It is designed to handle loads such as 1000 watt microwaves,
refrigerators, small freezers, circular saws, and small air compressors.

start loads, including large TVs, refrigerators, and small 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 400 mA from the
battery.

when the inverter becomes warm. The fan turns off automatically
after the inv erter has cooled.

Ease of Use

1–2

Superior features and rugged durability have been combined with ease of
use:

• The unit is compact, light weight, and easy to install.

• Loads can be powered directly from the AC outlets.

• Easy-to-read indicators on the front panel let you monitor system
performance at a glance.

• An optional Remote On /Off Switch lets you cont ro l the inverter from
a convenient location—up to 20 feet (6 m) away—while the inverter
itself is mounted out of sight.

Comprehensive Protection

The XPower Plus 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 battery voltage shutdown Shuts the i nverter down automatically

if the battery voltage drops below 10.0 volts. This feature protects the
battery from being completely discharged.

High battery voltage shutdown Shuts the inverter d own automa tically
if the input voltage rises to 15 volts or more.

Overload shutdown Shuts the inverter down automatically if a short
circuit is detected in the circuitry connected to the inverter’s output, or if
the loads connected to the inverter exceed the inverter’s operating limits.

Over temperature shutdown Shuts the inverter down automatically if
its internal temperature rises above an acceptable level.

Comprehensive Protection

1–3

1–4

2

XPower Plus
Features

Chapter 2

XPower Plus. Xantrex recommends that you
familiarize yourself with them before installing
and operating the inverter.

describes the main features of the

XPower Plus Features

Materials List

Your XPower Plus package includes:

• One XPower Plus inverter

• Two 5/16 inch lock washers (on the DC input cable terminals)

• Two 5/16 inch nuts (on the DC input cable terminals)

• Owner’s Guide

If any of these materials are missing or are unsatisfactory in any way,
please contact Customer Service.

Phone: [phone] (toll free in North America)

Fax: [phone] (toll free in North America)

Email: [e-mail]

As soon as you unpack your inverter, be sure to record the product
information in the form on page D–5.

1-604-420-1585 (outside North America)

1-604-420-1591 (outside North America)

Optional Accessory: Remote On/Off Switch

An optional Remote On/Of f switch can be plugge d into the remote swit ch
jack on the bottom of the inverter. The remote switch lets you turn the
XPower Plus on and off from a convenient location—up to 20 feet (6 m)
away from the inverter.

Dimensions of Remote Switch

Length 2.0 inches (50.5 mm)
Width 2.5 inches (64.0 mm)
Depth 1.0 inches (25.4 mm)
Cable Length 20 feet ( 6 m)

Part Number of Remote Switch

To purchase a Remote On/Off Switch, please contact Customer Service
for a referral to a distributor and provide the part number

2–2

808-9500.

Optional Accessory: Remote On/Off Switch

Instructions for installing and using the Remote On/Off Switch are
included in the remote switch package.

Note

: If you are going to use the Remote On/Off switch, plug it into the

remote switch jack on the bottom of the inverter before installing the
inverter. The jack is not accessible once the inverter has been mounted.
See “Choosing an Appropriate Location” on page 3–5.

2–3

XPower Plus Features

AC Panel

⑨⑨⑨⑨

⑤⑤⑤⑤

④④④④

③③③③

②②②②

①①①①



Figure 2-1 AC Panel (XPower 1750 Plus shown)

Feature Description

➀➀➀➀

➁③

➁③

➁③➁③

④④④④

⑤

⑤

⑤⑤

⑦⑦⑦⑦

On/Off Switch

switch is not a power disconnect switch. Disconnect AC and DC
power before working on any circuits connected to the inverter.

②

② Fault light is a red light indicating the inverter has shut d ow n due

② ②

to low or high battery voltage, unit overload, or overtemperature.

③

③ Power light is a green light indicating the On/Off Switch is on and

③ ③

AC voltage is present at the inverter’s AC outlets.

INPUT VOLT AGE DISPLAY

AC Outlets: ⑤

a combined total of 1000 w at ts of co nt inuous AC power across three
outlets. XPower 1750 Plus delivers a combined total of 1500 watts of
continuous AC power across three outlets.

OUTPUT POWER INDICATOR

• The indicator should be in the green area for continuous

operation.

• If the indicator is in the yellow area, the inverter will operate for

several minutes and then shut down.

• If the indicator is in the red area, the inverter has reached the

maximum allowable power and is close to the output power
shutdown limit.

turns the inverter’s control circuit on and off. This

⑤ 2-Prong and 

⑤ ⑤

⑦⑦⑦⑦

⑧⑧⑧⑧

indicates battery voltage.

 3-Prong XPower 12 00 Plus deliv ers

 

2–4

Remote Switch Jack (not shown) is on the bottom of the inverter,

⑧⑧⑧⑧

and it is the connection point for the optional Remote On/Off Switch.
Mounting Flanges allow you to mount the inverter permanently.

⑨⑨⑨⑨

DC Panel

DC Panel

②②②②①①①①

Figure 2-2 DC Panel (XPower 1750 Plus shown)

Feature Description

➀➀➀➀
②②②②
③③③③
④④④④

⑤⑤⑤⑤

Chassis Ground Screw connects to vehicle chassis, DC grounding
bus or to engine’s negative bus.

Positive DC Cabling Terminal always connects to the cable
connected to the positive terminal of the battery.

Negative DC Cabling Terminal always connects to the cable
connected to the negative terminal of the battery.

Ventilation Opening must not be obstructed for the proper
operation of the inverter. The openings on the bottom of the inverter
(not shown) must also not be obstructed. When the inverter is
mounted, the ventilation opening on the DC panel must not point up
or down.

Serial number of your unit

③③③③

④④④④

⑤⑤⑤⑤

2–5

2–6

3

Installation

Chapter 3

fuses to help you plan for your installation and
provide procedures for installing the XPower
Plus.

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

provides information on cables and