Xantrex Technology 150 User Manual

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

Xantrex Inverter 1 50

Owner’s Guide

445-0138-01-01 Printed in China

About Xantrex

Xantrex Technology Inc. is a world-lead ing supplier of advanced po wer
electronics and control s wi th products from 50 watt mobile unit s to 1
MW utility-scale systems for wind, solar, batteries, fuel cells,
microturbines, and backup pow e r applications in both grid-connecte d
and stand-alone systems. Xantr ex pr oducts include inverters, battery
chargers, programmable power supplies , and variable speed drives that
convert, supply, control, clean, and dist rib ute electrical power.

Trademarks

Xantrex is a registered tradem ark of Xantrex Technology Inc.
© 2001 Xantrex Internation al. Al l ri ght s rese rve d.

Notice of Copyright

Xantrex Inverter 150 Owner’s Guide © September 2001 Xantrex
International.

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 manu al s 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 inf orma ti on. T he us e of a ny su ch in f orm ati on wi ll be enti rely
at the user’s risk.

Date and Revision

October 2001, Revision 3

Part Number

445-0138-01-01

Contact Information

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

Contents

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2. Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Warnings and Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

3. Xantrex 150 Inverter Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

AC Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

4. Connecting the 150 Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Choosing a Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Connecting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

5. Operating the 150 Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Operating Statuses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Interference With Electronic Equipment. . . . . . . . . 10

6. Battery Operating Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

7. Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

8. Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Returning a Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

To Place of Purchase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

To Xantrex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Out-of-Warranty Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

9. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Regulatory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

i

ii

1 Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Xantrex 150 Inverter. The
150 Inverter is part of a family of advanced high­performance power inverters from Xantrex, the leader in
high frequency inverter design.

Connected to the 12 volt outlet in your vehicle or boat, the
150 Inverter efficiently and reliably powers a wide variety
of AC loads, such as compact TVs and VCRs, laptops,
camcorder and cell phone chargers, compact fluorescent
lights, and soldering irons.

The 150 Inverter uses reliable solid state power electronics
for years of safe, trouble-free operation and includes
automatic safety monitoring circuitry to protect it, and your
battery, from inadvertent overload conditions.

Read this guide before connecting or using the 150 Inverter,
and save it for future reference. The main topics in the guide
are:

• Safety information (page 2)

• 150 Inverter features (page 5)

• Instructions for connecting the inverter (page 7)

• Operating guidelines (page 8)

• Troubleshooting information (page 12)

• Warranty and service information (page 15)

• Specifications (page 19)

1

2 Important Safety Information

If the 150 Inverter is connected or used incorrectly,
hazardous conditions may be created. Read and save this
safety information, and pay special attention to all Warning
and Caution statements in the guide and on the inverter
itself. Warnings and Cautions are indicated by this symbol:

• Warning statements identify

result in personal injury or loss of life.

• Caution statements identify conditions or practices that

could result in damage to the 150 Inverter or other
equipment.

conditions that could

Warnings and Cautions

Warning!

The 150 Inverter generates the same potentially
lethal AC power as a household wall outlet. Do
not insert foreign objects in the inverter’s AC
outlet or any other openings in the inverter. Do not
open the inverter. Have a qualified individual
complete any service work.

Warning!

Do not expose the 150 Inverter to water, rain,
snow, or spray.

2

Shock hazar d .

Shock hazar d .

Caution!

Risk of damage to equipment.

The 150 Inverter is designed to be directly
connected to standard electrical and electronic
equipment in the manner described in this guide.
Do not connect it to household or RV AC
distribution wiring. Do not connect it to any AC
load circuit in which the neutral conductor is
connected to ground (earth) or to the negative of
the DC (battery) source.

Caution!

Risk of damage to the 150 Inverter.

Reverse battery polarity (negative connected to
positive; positive connected to negative) will
damage the 150 Inverter, and it will require
servicing. Damage caused by reverse polarity is
not covered by your warranty.

3

Caution!

Risk of damage to rechargeable

appliances.

The output of the 150 Inverter is non-sinusoidal.
Certain battery chargers can be damaged if they
are connected to the 150 Inverter. Two particular
types of equipment are prone to this problem:

• Small battery-operated appliances such as
flashlights, shavers, and night lights that can
be plugged directly into an AC receptacle to
recharge.

• Certain battery chargers for battery packs
used in hand power tools. These chargers will
have a warning label stating that dangerous
voltages are present at the battery terminals.

Do not use the 150 Inverter with the types of
appliances just described.

Caution!

Risk of damage due to high

temperatures.

Do not use the 150 Inverter in temperatures over
40

C (100° F). Overheating may result.

°

4

3 Xantrex 150 Inverter Features

This section describes the main features of the 150 Inverter.

Figure 1 shows the inverter’s AC panel.

②

①

③

④

Figure 1 AC Panel on the

① AC Outlet

150 Inverter. It allows you to plug in a 230 volt AC load
with a power consumption of 150 watts or less.

The AC outlet on your inverter may be different from the
one shown here. For all available outlets, see Figure 2,

Figure 3, and Figure 4 on page 6.

An AC outlet is located on one end of the

② On/Standby Switch

switch are indicated as follows: = Standby and = On.
When the inverter is connected to a DC power source and

the switch is on, AC power is available at the AC outlet.

5

150 Inverter

The two positions on the On/Standby

(European Outlet)

③ Power Light

The green

light is on all the time when

PWR

the On/Standby switch is on.

④ Fault Light

The red light indicates that the
inverter has shut down because of low or high battery
voltage, AC overload, or excessively high temperatures.

Audible Alarm

An audible alarm warns you of a high­temperature shutdown or of an impending low battery
voltage shutdown.

AC Outlets

Depending on your geographic location, your 150 Inverter
will have one of the following AC outlets.

Figure 2 European AC
Outlet

Figure 4 Australian and
New Zealand AC Outlet

6

Figure 3 British AC Outlet

4 Connecting the 150 Inverter

Choosing a Location

For best performance, choose a location that is:

• Dry Do not expose the inverter to water drip or spray.

• Cool Operate the inverter in ambient temperatures

between 0° C and 40° C (32° F and 100° F). Keep it
away from heating vents and direct sunlight.

• Well ventilated For proper cooling, allow at least 5 cm

(2 in.) of clearance around the inverter.

• Clean and free of dust and dirt Choose a location

that is free of any debris that could get into the inverter.

Connecting

To connect the inverter:

1. Place the inverter on a flat surface like the vehicle’s

dashboard. Use the floor only if it is dry and free of
debris that could get into the inverter.

2. Plug the inverter’s DC lighter plug into the vehicle’s

cigarette lighter socket or a 12 volt outlet.

3. Turn on the inverter’s On/Standby switch. The green

light comes on, and AC power is available at the

PWR

outlet.
Note: You may need to turn the vehicle’s ignition key

to the accessory position.

4. Plug in the AC load you want to operate.

7

5 Operating the 150 Inverter

Operating Statuses

This section describes normal operation as well as problems
that could occur when you use the inverter. If you have a
problem, see “Troubleshooting” on page 12.

• Normal Operation When you connect the inverter to

your vehicle’ s 12 vo lt outlet and turn on the On/Stand by
switch, the green
available at the outlet.

The inverter shuts down automatically in response to
low battery voltage, high battery voltage, AC overload ,
overheating, or a short in the AC output.

• Low Battery Voltage Alarm and Shutdown As the

battery discharges, its voltage decreases.
When the inverter senses that the voltage at its DC input

has dropped to 10.7 volts, it so unds an alarm. This gives
you time to shut down computers or other sensitive
devices. If you ignore the al arm and the D C input drop s
to 10.0 volts, the inverter shuts down the AC load being
operated. The
the light comes on. The low battery voltage
shutdown feature saves the battery from excessive
discharge, which can prevent you from starting your
vehicle, or more seriously, damage the battery.

• Possible shutdown when the vehicle’s engine is

started The 150 Inverter will operate while your
vehicle’ s engine is running, but the normal volt age drop
that occurs when the engine starts may trigger a low
voltage shutdown.

light comes on and AC power is

PWR

light stays on, the alarm stays on, and

PWR

8

• AC Overload Shutdown If you connect an AC load

that is rated higher than 150 watts or 0.65 amps or that
draws excessive surge power, the 150 Inverter shuts

down. The

light stays on, and the light

PWR

comes on to indicate that the inverter is overloaded.
Note: High startup surge requirements The power,

or “wattage” rating of an AC load is the average amount
of power it uses. When they are first turned on, many
AC loads consume more power than their continuous
power rating. TVs, monitors, and electric motors are
examples of loads that have high surge requirements at
start up. Although the 150 Inverter can supply
momentary surge power to 300 watts, some loads rated
less than 150 watts can exceed its sur ge capabilities and
trigger the AC overload shutdown feature. (See page 12
for troubleshooting procedures.)

• High Battery Voltage Shutdown If a defective b attery

charging system causes the battery voltage to rise to
dangerously high levels, the inverter shuts down

automatically. The

light stays on, and the

PWR

light comes on.

• High Temperature Shutdown If the inverter exceeds

its safe operating temperature because of insufficient
ventilation or a high-temperature environment, it
sounds an alarm and shuts d own automatically. The

PWR

light stays on, and the light comes on. When the
inverter has cooled sufficiently , it restarts automatically.

9

Interference With Electronic Equipment

Most AC loads operate with the 150 Inverter as they would
with household AC power with the following exceptions.

Buzzing Sound Some inexpensive stereo systems and
“boom boxes” have inadequate internal power suppl y
filtering and buzz slightly when powered by the
150 Inverter. The best solution is to have an audio system
with a good quality filter.

Television Interference The 150 Inverter is shielded to
minimize its interference with TV signals. If TV signals are
weak, you may see the interference in the form of lines
scrolling across the screen. Try one of these suggestions to
minimize or eliminate the problem:

• Use an extension cord to increase the distance between

the inverter and the TV, antenna, and cables.

• Adjust the orientation of the inverter, TV, antenna, and

cables.

• Maximize TV signal strength by using a better antenna,

and use shielded antenna cable where possible.

• Try a different TV. Different models vary considerably

in their susceptibility to interference.

10

6 Battery Operating Time

The operating time of the 150Inverter depends on the
charge level of the battery, the battery capacity, and the
amount of power drawn by the particular AC load being
used. With a typical vehicle battery and a 150 watt AC load
(like a small TV), you can expect two to three hours of
operating time.

To preserve the battery:

• Do not allow your vehicle battery to become deeply

discharged. A vehicle battery (starting battery) is not
designed to be deeply discharged, and repeated deep
discharge/charge cycles will shorten its life.

When you use a vehicle battery as a power source, start
the vehicle every hour or two and run it until you have
partially recharged the battery.

• Do not leave the 150 Inverter on for extended periods if

an AC load is not connected.
The inverter draws less than 0.18 amps with the On/

Standby switch on and no AC load connected, but that
will eventually discharge the battery.

11

7 Troubleshooting

Warning!

Shock Hazard.

Do not open the inverter or attempt to service it
yourself. Refer all service to qualified personnel.

This section describes problems you could encounter as wel l
as possible causes and various remedies.

The AC load will not operate; the light is on.

Symptom

An AC load is plugged in or turned on, operates

for one to ten seconds, an d then shuts do wn.

Possible cause Suggested remedy

The AC load is rated at more
than 150 watts; an overload
shutdown has occurred.

The AC load is rated at less than
150 watts, but a high starting
surge has caused an overload
shutdown.

Symptom

The AC load will not operate. The light

Use a load with a power rating
less than 150 watts (0 .65 amps).

The AC load exceeds the
inverter’s surge capability. Use
a load with a starting surge
power within its capability.

comes on when the inverter is turned on or when the AC
load is turned on or plugged in. The alarm may sound.

Possible cause Suggested remedy

The battery is discharged. Recharge the battery.
The battery voltage is

excessive.

Check the charging system.

12

Symptom

The AC load runs for more than one minute, the
alarm sounds, and the light co mes on. The inverter is
warm or hot to touch.

Possible cause Suggested remedy

Poor ventilation or a high­temperature environment has
caused the inverter to overheat.

Ensure that ventilation is not
restricted around the inverter.

The AC load will not operate; no inverter lights are
on.

Symptom

The cigarette lighter works in the lighter socket,
but the inverter does not.

Possible cause Suggested remedy

The contact between the plug
and the lighter socket or the 12
volt outlet is poor.

The inverter has been connected
with reverse DC input polarity.

Press the plug firmly into the
socket. Clean the plug or the
socket if necessary.

The inverter has probably been
damaged. Have it repaired.
Instructions for returning the
inverter are on
Damage caused by reverse
polarity is not covered by the
warranty.

page 18

.

Symptom

socket.

13

The cigarette lighter does not work in the lighter

Possible cause Suggested remedy

The lighter socket or the 12 volt
outlet may require that the

Turn the key to the accessory
position.

ignition be switched on.
The cigarette lighter fuse or the

12 volt outlet fuse is blown.

Check the vehicle fuses, and
replace the blown fuse with the
correct type and size.

Measured inverter output voltage is too low.

Symptom

Possible cause Suggested remedy

A standard “average reading”
AC voltmeter has been used to
measure the outp ut vo lta ge .

The battery voltage is too low. Recharge the battery.

The AC voltmeter reading is 5 to 15 volts too low.

For accuracy, the
modified sine wave output
needs to be measured with a
“true RMS” voltmeter, like a
Fluke 87 series multimeter.

150 Inverter

Battery operating time is less than expected.

Symptom

The inverter runs for a wh ile, and th en the
light comes on. The inverter is cool or warm to touch.

Possible cause Suggested remedy

The battery is old or defective. Replace the battery.
The battery is not being charged

properly.

Have a qualified technician
check the vehicle’s electrical
system.

14

8 Warranty Information

What Does This Warranty Cover?

Xantrex manufactures its
products from parts and components that are new or
equivalent to new, in accordance with industry standard
practices. This warranty covers any defects in wor kman ship
or materials.

How Long Does The Coverage Last?

This warranty lasts for
two (2) years from the date of purchase. Implied warranties
of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are
limited to two (2) years from date of purchase. Some
jurisdictions do not allow limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not
apply to you.

What Does This Warranty Not Cover?

This warranty will
not apply where the product has been misused, neglected,
improperly installed, physically damaged or altered, either
internally or externally, or damaged from improper use or
use in an unsuitable environment. Xantrex does not warrant
uninterrupted operations of its products. Xantrex shall not
be liable for damages, whether direct, incidental, special, or
consequential, or economic loss even though caused by the
negligence or fault of Xantrex. Some jurisdictions do not
allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so t he above limit ation or exclusion
may not apply to you.

What Will Xantrex Do?

At its option, Xantrex will repair or
replace the defective product free of charge. Xantrex will,
also at its option, use new and/or reconditioned pa rts made
by various manufacturers in perform ing warran ty repair and

15

building replacement products. If Xantrex repairs or
replaces a product, its warranty term is not extended.
Xantrex owns all parts removed from repaired products.

Service During Warranty

In order to qualify for the
warranty, dated proof of purchase must be provi ded, and the
product must not be di s ass embl ed or modified without prior
authorization by Xantrex. If your product requires warranty
service, please return it to the place of purch ase along with a
copy of your dated proof of purchase. If you are unable to
contact your merchant, or the merchant is unable to provide
service, contact Xantrex directly:

Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone] (toll free in North America)
Fax: [phone]
Fax: [phone] (toll free in North America)
Email: [e-mail]

16

Returning a Product

You can return a product to the place of purchase or to
Xantrex.

To Place of Purchase

If your product requires service, return it to the place of
purchase along with a copy of your dated proof of purchase.

To Xantrex

If you are unable to contact your merchant, or the merchant
is unable to provide service, contact Xantrex directly.

You must obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA)
number from Xantrex before returning a product directly to
Xantrex. Do not return a product to Xantrex without first
obtaining an RMA number. When you contact Xantrex to
obtain service, be prepared to supply the serial number of
your product and its date of purchase as well as information
about the installation or use of the inverter.

If you are returning an inverter directly to Xantrex:

1. Obtain an RMA number and a shipping address from

Xantrex. Product(s) returned without an RMA number
or shipped collect will be refused.

2. Package the inverter safely, preferably using the

original packing materials. Include the RMA number , a
copy of your dated proof of purchase, a return address
where the repaired inverter can be shipped, a contact
telephone number, and a brief description of the
problem.

17

3. Ship the inverter to the address provided in Step 1,

freight prepaid. Obtaining proof of delivery is
recommended.

How Other Laws Apply:

This warranty gives you specific
legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary
from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Out-of-Warranty Service

If the warranty period for your 150 Inverter has expired, if
the inverter was damaged due to misuse or incorrect
installation, if other conditions of the warranty have not
been met, or if no dated pr oof of purchase is available, your
inverter may be serviced or replaced for a flat fee.

To return your 150 Inverter for out-of-warranty service,
contact Xantrex customer service for a Return Material
Authorization (RMA) number, and follow the other steps
outlined in “To Xantrex” on page 17. Options for payment,
such as credit card or money order, will be explained by the
customer service representative. In cases where the
minimum flat fee does not apply, as with incomplete
inverters or inverters with excessive damage, an additional
fee will be charged. If applicable, you will be contacted by
customer service once your inverter has been received.

18

9 Specifications

Specifications may change without notice.

Electrical

AC receptacles 1
AC output voltage 230 volts AC ± 5%
AC output frequency 50 Hz ± 3 Hz
AC output waveform Modified Sine Wave
Maximum continuo us AC ou tpu t

power
Maximum AC output surge power 300 watts
DC input voltage range 10–15 volts DC
Battery drain with no AC load (at

12V input) and inverter switch on
Efficiency (optimal) 90%
Ambient operating temperature

range
Low battery alarm trigger point 1 0 .7 vo lts DC
Low battery voltage shu tdo w n 10.0 volts DC
High battery voltage shutdown 15 volts DC
Over-temperature shutdown Automatic shutdown and

Overload shutdown Automatic shutdown and

Internal Fuse 25 amps

150 watts

0.18 amps

0° C–40° C (32° F–100° F)

automatic restart

automatic restart

19

Physical

Dimensions (L x W x H) 156mm x 103mm x 62mm

Weight 0.65 Kg (1.5 lb.)

(6.2 in. x 4.1 in. x 2.5 in.)

Regulatory

CE Mark Low Voltage Directive

e Mark Automotive EMC Directive
TUV/GS Certified to EN60950

EMC Directive

20