Xantrex Technology 300 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 300

Owner’s Guide

445-0139-01-01 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 300 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.While every precau ti on ha s bee n ta ke n to ensure the
accuracy of the contents of this guide, Xantr ex In ternational assumes no
responsibility for errors or omissions. Note as well that specifications
and product functiona li ty m ay change without notice .

Date and Revision

October 2001, Revision 3

Part Number

445-0139-01-01

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 300 Inverter Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

AC Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

4. Connecting the 300 Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Choosing a Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Fastening the Inverter to a Mounting Surface . . . . . . . 8

Connecting the 300 Inverter to DC Power . . . . . . . . . 9

Using the Cigarette Plug Wire Assembly . . . . . . . . 10

Using the Battery Clip Wire Assembly. . . . . . . . . . 11

Hardwiring the Inverter to the Battery . . . . . . . . . . 13

Disconnecting the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Replacing the In-Line Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

5. Operating the 300 Inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Operating Statuses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Interference With Electronic Equipment. . . . . . . . . 20

6. Battery Operating Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

7. Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

8. Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Returning a Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

To Place of Purchase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

To Xantrex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Out-of-Warranty Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

9. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Regulatory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

1

2

1 Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Xantrex 300 Inverter. The
300 Inverter is part of a family of advanced, high­performance power inverters from Xantrex, the leader in the
field of high-frequency inverter design.

Connected to the 12 volt outlet in your vehicle or boat or
directly to your battery for loads over 150 watts, the
300 Inverter efficiently and reliably powers a wide variety
of household AC products, such as TVs and VCRs, laptop
computers, camcorder and cell phone chargers, compact
fluorescent lights, and soldering irons.

The 300 Inverter uses reliable solid state power electronics
for years of safe, trouble-free operation and includes
automatic safety monitoring circuitry to protect it from
inadvertent overload conditions.

Read this guide before connecting or using the 300 Inverter,
and save it for future reference. The main topics in the guide
are:

• Safety information (page 2)

• 300 Inverter features (page 5)

• Instructions for connecting the inverter (page 8)

• Operating guidelines (page 18)

• Troubleshooting information (page 22)

• Warranty and service information (page 26)

• Specifications (page 30)

2 Important Safety Information

If the 300 Inverter is connected or used incorrectly,
hazardous conditions may be created. Read and save this
safety information, and pay special attention to all Caution
and Warning statements in the guide and on the inverter
itself. Warnings and Cautions are indicated by this symbol:

• Warning statements identify conditions that could

result in personal injury or loss of life.

• Caution statements identify conditions or practices that

could result in damage to the 300 Inverter or other
equipment.

Warnings and Cautions

Warning!

The 300 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 300 Inverter to water, rain,
snow, or spray.

2

Shock hazard.

Shock hazard.

Warning!

Risk of fire or explosion.

The 300 Inverter contains components that 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 ignition­protected equipment.

Warning!

Fire haza rd.

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

Warning!

Shock and fire hazard.

During installation route all cable/wiring away
from sharp edges and hot surfaces of the engine
compartment or vehicle.

Caution!

Risk of damage to equipment.

The 300 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.

3

Caution!

Risk of damage to the 300 Inverter.

Reverse battery polarity (negative connected to
positive; positive connected to negative) will
damage the 300 Inverter, and it will require
servicing. Damage caused by reverse polarity is
not covered by your warranty.

Caution!

Risk of damage to rechargeable

appliances.

The output of the 300 Inverter is non-sinusoidal.
Certain battery chargers can be d amaged if they are
connected to the 300 Inverter. T wo p articular types
of equipment are prone to this problem:

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

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

Do not use the 300 Inverter with the type of
appliances just described.

Caution!

Risk of damage due to high

temperatures.

Do not use the 300 Inverter in temperatures over
40° C (105° F). Overheating may result.

4

3 Xantrex 300 Inverter Features

This section describes the main features of the 300 Inverter.

Figure 1 shows the inverter’s AC panel.

②

①

③

④

➄

Figure 1 AC Panel on the 300 Inverter (European AC Outlet)

➀ AC Outlet

inverter. It allows you to plug in a 230 volt AC product with
a power consumption of 150 watts or less when the inverter
is operated from a vehicle lighter socket, o r 300 watts or less
when it is connected directly to a battery.

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 7.

➁ On/Standby Switch

switch are: = Standby and = On.

An AC outlet is located on one end of the

The two positions on the On/Standby

5

When the inverter is connected to a DC power source and
the On/Standby switch is on, AC power is available at the
outlet.

➂ Power Light

the On/Standby switch is on.

➃ Fault Light

inverter has shut down because of low or high battery
voltage, AC overload, or excessively high temperatures.

➄ Mounting Flanges

ends allow you to mount the inverter permanently. For
additional information, see “Fastening the Inverter to a

Mounting Surface” on page 8.

Audible Alarm

temperature shutdown or of an impending low voltage
shutdown.

The fan (see Figure 5) turns on when an AC load of 100

Fan

watts or larger is plugged in.

The green

The red light indicates that the

Mounting flanges on the AC and DC

An audible alarm warns you of a high

light is on all the time when

PWR

6

AC Outlets

Depending on your geographic location, your 300 Inverter
will have one of the following AC outlets.

Figure 2 European AC
Outlet

Figure 4 Australian and
New Zealand AC Outlet

7

Figure 3 British AC
Outlet

4 Connecting the 300 Inverter

This section explains how to connect the 300 Inverter.

Choosing a Location

For the 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.

• Protected from battery gases Do not mount the

inverter where it will be exposed to battery gases. These
are very corrosive and will damage the inverter.

Fastening the Inverter to a Mounting Surface

For temporary or portable use, place the inverter on a flat
surface like a table or the floor of your vehicle.

For a permanent installation, use four screws to attach the
inverter’s mounting flanges to an appropriate surface.

Note: Local and national electrical codes that apply to your
installation may require that you permanently mount the
inverter if you make permanent electrical connections and
may disallow permanent mounting if you make a temporary
electrical connection.

8

Connecting the 300 Inverter to DC Power

Caution!

The 300 Inverter must only be operated with a
nominal 12 volt battery. The inverter will not
operate with a lower voltage battery. A higher
voltage battery will damage the inverter.

You can connect the inverter to a 12 volt DC power source
using:

• The cigarette plug wire assembly (page 10)

• The battery clip wire assembly (page 11)

• A hardwir ed connection to the battery (page 13)
Your method will depend on the size of the AC loads you

want to power. When you connect the inverter, refer to

Figure 5 and Figure 6.

Risk of damage to the 300 Inverter.

①

②

③

Figure 5 DC Panel on the 300 Inverter

Fan②Red (positive +) terminal③ Black (negative –)

①

terminal

9

Using the Cigarette Plug Wire Assembly

Caution!

Fire hazard.

The wires in most 12 volt sockets or power outlets
are not large enough for loads greater than 150
watts: they will overheat and present a fire hazard.

Do not use loads greater than 150 watts with the
cigarette plug wire assembly.

Loads under 150 w att s

When you are going to power loads

under 150 watts, use the cigarette plug wire assembly.
To connect the inverter:

1. Remove the nuts from the DC terminals on the inverter.

2. Place the red ring connector on the inverter’s red
(positive +) DC terminal, and then screw the red nut on
until it is snug. Do not over tighten.

3. Place the black ring connector on the inverter’s black
(negative –) DC terminal, and then screw the black nut
on until it is snug. Do not over tighten.

Caution!

Damage to the 300 Inverter.

Reversing the positive and negative battery cables
will damage the inverter and will void your
warranty.

Double check the wiring connections: the red
connector must be connected to the red terminal,
and the black connector must be connected to the
black terminal.

4. Place the lighter plug in the vehicle’s cigarette lighter
socket or a 12 volt outlet.

10

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

PWR

light

comes on, and AC power is available at the outlet.
Note: You may need to turn the vehicle’s ignition key

to the accessory position.

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

Using the Battery Clip Wire Assembly

Loads greater than 150 watts

When you are going to power
loads that are greater than 150 watts (up to 300 watts
continuous power), connect the inverter to a 12 volt battery
using the battery clip wire assembly.

Warning!

Corrosive materials and energy

hazard.

To reduce the risk of irritation and burns, wear
protective eyewear and clothing when you work
with batteries.

Take special care to ensure that metal tools or
personal objects like rings or wat ches do not contact
the battery terminals.

11

Caution!

Risk of damage to the 300 Inverter.

Reversing the positive and negative battery cables
will damage the inverter and void your warranty.

When you connect the inverter to the battery , do uble
check the connections. The red wire must be
connected to the red (+) terminal on the inverter and
the positive (+) terminal on the battery. The black
wire must be connected to the black (–) terminal on
the inverter and the negative (–) terminal on the
battery.

Caution!

Fire hazard.

The wires in most 12 volt sockets or power outlets
are not large enough for loads greater than 150
watts: they will overheat and present a fire hazard.

For loads greater than 150 watts, connect the
inverter directly to the battery and use
appropriately sized wires like those in the battery
clip wire assembly provided with the inverter.

To connect the inverter:

1. Remove the nuts from the DC terminals on the inverter.

2. Place the red ring connector on the red (positive +) DC

terminal, and then screw the red nut on until it is snug.
Do not over tighten.

3. Attach the red clip to the red (positive +) battery

terminal.

4. Attach the black clip to the black (negative –) battery

terminal.

12

5. Place the black ring connector on the black (negative –)

DC terminal, and then screw the black nut on until it is
snug. Do not over tighten.

Note: A spark may occur when you make this
connection. This is normal.

6. Check that both clips are securely connected to the

battery terminals. A loose connection will cause
excessive voltage drop and may cause the cables to
overheat. This could result in equipment damage or fire.

7. Turn on the On/Standby switch. The green

PWR

light

comes on, and AC power is available at the outlet.

Hardwiring the Inverter to the Battery

Loads of any size (up to 300 watts continuous power)

For a
permanent electrical connection, or when you n eed to power
some loads that are greater than 150 watts and s ome that ar e
less than 150 watts, you can hardwire the inverter to the
battery. This eliminates the need to switch between the
battery clip wire assembly and the cigarette plug wire
assembly. A hardwired installation is illustrated in Figure 6.

13

Warning!

Shock and fire hazard.

Use a qualified installer to perform a hardwired
connection.



➄

–

①

+

④

➂

②

Figure 6 Hardwiring the 300 Inverter to a 12 Volt Battery

300 Inverter

①

positive inverter terminal to the positive battery terminal
(via the fuse and the switch)
fuse
battery
inverter terminal to the negative battery terminal

To hardwire the inverter to the battery:

1. Cut the clips off the cable clip wire assembly. (The

14

12 volt, 40 amp disconnect switch➄ 12 volt

④

3.3mm2 (12 A WG) black wir e from the negative



Caution!

The wires in most 12 volt sockets or power outlets
are not large enough for loads greater than 150
watts: they will overheat and present a fire hazard.

For loads greater than 150 watts, connect the
inverter directly to the battery and use
appropriately sized wires like those in the battery
clip wire assembly provided with the inverter.

3.3mm2 (12 AWG) red wire from the

②

40 amp automotive

➂

Fire hazard.

wires in this assembly are appropriate for loads over
150 watts. The wires in the cigarette plug wire assembly
are too small: do not use them.)

2

2. Using 3.3mm

(12 AWG) wire or heavier, extend the
power cord if you need to, to a maximum total len gth of
2 meters (6.5 feet) including the existing 300 Inverter
power cord length. Solder all connections and make
sure they are properly insulated by using electrical tape
or heat shrinkable tubing.

3. Install a 40 amp automotive fuse and a switch rated at
40 amps in the positive (red) wire, close to the end that
will attach to the battery. See Figure 6. The switch lets
you disconnect the DC power if y ou need to replace the
in-line fuse. Solder and insulate the connections as
detailed in Step 2 above.

4. Turn off the in-line switch.

5. Solder or crimp heavy-duty terminals to the battery end
of the positive and negative wires. Use terminals that
mate properly with the battery terminals or battery
cable clamps.

15

Warning!

Risk of damage to the 300 Inverter.

Reversing the positive and negative battery
cables will damage the inverter and will void
your warranty.

Before connecting the inverter to the battery,
double check the connections: the red wire must
be connected to the red terminal on the inverter
and the positive (+) terminal on the battery; the
black wire must be connected to the black
terminal on the inverter and the negative (–)
terminal on the battery.

6. Remove the nuts from the DC terminals of the inverter.

7. Place the red ring connector on the red (positive +) DC
terminal on the inverter, and then screw the red nut on
until it is snug. Do not over tighten.

8. Fasten the positive terminal (red wire) to the positive
battery post.

9. Fasten the negative terminal (black wire) to the
negative battery post.

10. Place the black ring connector on the black (negative –)
DC terminal on the inverter, and then screw the black
nut on until it is snug. Do not over tighten.

11. Turn on the in-line switch.

light

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

PWR

comes on, and AC power is available at the outlet.

16

Disconnecting the Battery

• Before you disconnect the battery, turn off the AC load,
and then turn off the in-line switch.

Replacing the In-Line Fuse

• If you need to replace the in-line fuse (see Figure 6),
turn off the in-line switch to disconnect the DC power.

17

5 Operating the 300 Inverter

This section describes normal operation as well as several
problems that could occur when you use the inverter. If you
have a problem, see “Troubleshooting” on page 22.

Operating Statuses

• Normal Operation When you connect the inverter to
your vehicle’s 12 volt source and turn on the On/
Standby switch, the green
power is 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 alarm, and the DC input drops
to 10.0 volts, the inverter shuts down the AC load being
operated. The

light stays on, the alarm stays on, and

PWR

the light comes on as well. The low battery
voltage shutdown feature is designed to save 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 300 Inverter will operate while your
vehicle’ s engine is running, but the normal volt age drop

light comes on, and AC

PWR

18

that occurs when the engine starts may trigger a low
voltage shutdown.

• AC Overload Shutdown If you connect an AC load
rated higher than 300 watts or 1.3 amps or that draws
excessive surge power, the 300 Inverter shuts down.
The

light stays on, and the light comes on

PWR

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 300 Inverter can supply
momentary surge power to 600 watts, some p roducts
rated less than 300 watts can exceed its surge
capabilities and trigger the AC overload shutdown
feature. (See page 22 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.

19

Interference With Electronic Equipment

Most AC products operate with the 300 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
300 Inverter. The best solution is to have an audio system
with a good quality filter.

Television Interference

The 300 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.

20

6 Battery Operating Time

The battery operating time of the 300 Inverter depends on
the charge level of the battery, battery capacity, and the
amount of power drawn by the particular AC l oad. With a
typical vehicle battery and a 300 watt load, you can expect
one or more 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 300 Inverter on for more than a week if

you do not have an AC load connected to it.
The inverter draws less than 0.2 amps with the On/

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

• When the 300 Inverter is not in use, do one of the

following:

• Unplug it from the 12 volt outlet.

• Disconnect the DC cable clips from the battery.

• Turn off the in-line switch if the inverter is
hardwired to the battery.

21

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 may encounter, the
symptoms of each problem, possible causes, and various
remedies.

The AC load will not operate; the red 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 300 watts; an overload
shutdown has occurred.

The AC load is rated at less
than 300 watts, but a high
starting surge has caused an
overload shutdown.

Use an AC load with a power
rating less than 300 watts (1.3
amps).

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

its capability

.

22

Symptom

The AC load does not operate. The light
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.
The AC load exceeds the 150

watt rating for the lighter
socket.

Check the charging system.

Connect the inverter directly to
the battery. See

“Using the
Battery Clip Wire
Assembly” on page 11

or

“Hardwiring the Inverter to
the Battery” on page 13

.

Symptom

The AC load runs for more than one minute, the
alarm sounds, and the light comes on. The inv erter is
warm or hot to touch. The alarm may sound.

Possible cause Suggested remedy

Poor ventilation or a high­temperature environment has
caused the
overheat.

23

inverter

to

Ensure that ventilation is not
restricted around the inverter.
The inverter will turn on again
automatically when it ha s
cooled sufficiently.

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 socket
if necessary.

The inverter has probably been
damaged. Have it repaired.
Damage caused by rever s e
polarity is not co vered by the
warranty. Instructions for
returning the inverter are on

page 28

.

Symptom

The cigarette lighter does not work in the lighter
socket.

Possible cause Suggested remedy

The lighter socket or t he 12 volt
outlet may require that the
ignition be switched on.

The cigarette lighter fuse o r the
12 volt outlet fuse is blown.

24

Turn the key to the accessory
position.

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 output volt a ge.

The battery voltage is too l ow. 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.

300 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 techni cian
check the vehicle’s electrical
system.

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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 the 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

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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 provided 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]

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.

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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.

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 300 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 proof of purcha se is available, your
inverter may be serviced or replaced for a flat fee.

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To return your 300 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 27. 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.

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9 Specifications

Specifications may change without notice.

Electrical

AC receptacles 1
AC output voltage 230 volts AC RMS ± 5%
AC output frequency 50 ± 3 Hz
AC output waveform Modified Sine Wave
Maximum continuous AC output

power
Maximum AC output surge power 600 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 voltage alarm 10.7 volts DC
Low battery voltage shutdown 10.0 volts DC
High battery voltage sh utdown 15.0 volts DC
Over-temperature shutdown Automatic shutdown and

Overload shutdown Automatic shutdown and

Internal fuse 40 amps

300 watts

0.20 amps

0° C–40° C (32° F–105° F)

automatic restart

automatic restart

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Physical

Dimensions (L x W x H) 200mm x 103mm x 66m m

(7.9 in. x 4.1 in. x 2.6 in.)

W eight 0.79 Kg (1.74 lb.)

Regulatory

CE Mark Low Voltage Directive

e Mark Automotive EMC Directive
TUV/Type approved Certified to EN60950

EMC Directive

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