Xantrex Technology HF 1000, HF 1800 User Manual

Freedom HF Inverter/Charger

Freedom HF 1000 Freedom HF 1800

Owner’s Guide

Freedom HF Inverter/Charger

Owner’s Guide

About Xantrex

Xantrex Technology Inc. is a world-leading supplier of advanced power electronics and controls with products ranging from small mobile units to 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

Freedom HF Inverter/Charger 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

Xantrex Freedom HF Inverter/Charger Owner’s Guide © December 2007 Xantrex International. All

rights reserved.

Exclusion for Documentation

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

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

OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED IN ITS MANUALS OR OTHER DOCUMENTATION.

(

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

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

Date and Revision

December 2007 Rev A

Part Number

975-0390-01-01

Product Numbers

806-1020 (Freedom HF 1000) 806-1840 (Freedom HF 1800)

Contact Information

Telephone: 1 800 670 0707 (toll free North America)

Fax: 1 800 994 7828 (toll free North America) Email: customerservice@xantrex.com Web: www.xantrex.com

1 408 987 6030 (direct)

About This Guide

Purpose

The purpose of this Owner’s Guide is to provide explanations and procedures for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting a Freedom HF Installation*.

For complete information to help in setting up a Freedom HF Installation see the Freedom HF Inverter/Charger Installation Guide (Doc. Part

Number: 975-0395-01-01).

* Recreational, Fleet Vehicle, or Marine installation.

Scope

The Guide provides safety guidelines, as well as information about operating and troubleshooting the installation. It does not provide details about particular brands of batteries. You need to consult individual battery manufacturers for this information.

Audience

Organization

iii

The Guide is intended for anyone who needs to operate a Freedom HF

Inverter/Charger unit.

This Guide is organized into five chapters and one appendix. Chapter 1 introduces you to the Freedom HF, explains the inverting,

charging, and power system management functions. Chapter 2 contains information and labeled illustrations to help identify

the various features of the Freedom HF. Chapter 3 explains how to configure the Freedom HF to best meet your

electrical system requirements.

About This Guide

Chapter 4 explains how to operate the Freedom HF efficiently and effectively.

Chapter 5 describes how to troubleshoot the Freedom HF Inverter/ Charger during operation.

Appendix A contains electrical performance information and product specifications.

Conventions Used

The following conventions are used in this guide.

WARNING

Warnings identify conditions or practices that could result in personal injury or loss of life

CAUTION

Cautions identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to the unit or other equipment.

Important:

but not as serious as a caution or warning.

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

Related Information

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

iv 975-0390-01-01

Important Safety Instructions

IMPORTANT: Read and save this Owner’s Guide for future reference.

This chapter contains important safety and operating instructions for the

Freedom HF Inverter/Charger units

1800.

WARNING: Limitations on use

The Freedom HF is not intended for use in connection with life support systems or other medical equipment or devices.

EFORE INSTALLING AND USING THE FREEDOM HF, READ ALL

1. B

INSTRUCTIONS AND CAUTIONARY MARKINGS ON THE FREEDOM HF, THE BATTERIES, AND ALL APPROPRIATE SECTIONS OF THIS GUIDE.

CAUTION: Risk of injury

To reduce the risk of injury, charge only 12 Vdc lead-acid (GEL, AGM, or Flooded) rechargeable batteries. Other battery types may burst, causing personal injury and damage.

–Freedom HF 1000 and Freedom HF

2. Do not expose the Freedom HF to rain, snow, spray, or bilge water. To reduce risk of fire hazard, do not cover or obstruct the ventilation openings. Do not install the Freedom HF in a zero-clearance compartment. Overheating may result.

3. To avoid a risk of fire and electric shock, make sure that existing wiring is in good condition and that wire is not undersized. Do not operate the Freedom HF with damaged or substandard wiring.

4. The use of any attachments not recommended or sold by Xantrex, may result in risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

5. Do not operate the Freedom HF if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way. If the Freedom HF is damaged, see the Warranty section.

Safety

6. Do not disassemble the Freedom HF. It contains no user-serviceable parts. See Warranty for instructions on obtaining service. Attempting to service the Freedom HF yourself may result in a risk of electrical shock or fire and will void your warranty. Internal capacitors remain charged after all power is disconnected.

7. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, disconnect both AC and DC power from the Freedom HF before attempting any maintenance or cleaning or working on any circuits connected to the Freedom HF. Turning off controls will not reduce this risk.

8. The Freedom HF must be provided with an equipment-grounding conductor connected to the AC input ground.

WARNING: Explosion hazard

ORKING IN THE VICINITY OF BATTERIES IS DANGEROUS. BATTERIES

1. W

GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING NORMAL OPERATION.

HEREFORE, IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT EACH TIME BEFORE

SERVICING THE UNIT IN THE VICINITY OF THE BATTERY, THAT YOU READ THIS MANUAL AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY.

2. This equipment contains components which tend to produce arcs or sparks. T o prevent fire or explosion, do not install the Freedom HF in compartments containing batteries or flammable materials, or in locations that require ignition-protected equipment. This includes any space containing gasoline-powered machinery, fuel tanks, as well as joints, fittings, or other connections between components of the fuel system.

3. To reduce the risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by the battery manufacturer and the manufacturer of any unit you intend to use in the vicinity of the battery.

vi 975-0390-01-01

Personal Precautions When Working With Batteries

Safety

WARNING: B

URN FROM HIGH SHORT-CIRCUIT CURRENT

XPLOSION FROM VENTED GASES

RECAUTIONS

1. Study and follow all of the battery manufacturer's specific

precautions, such as removing or not removing cell caps while charging, and recommended rates of charge.

2. Add distilled water in each cell until battery acid reaches the level

specified by the battery manufacturer. This helps to purge excessive gas from cells. Do not overfill. For a battery without cell caps, carefully follow manufacturer's recharging instructions.

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

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

5. Use extra caution to reduce the risk or dropping a metal tool on the

battery. It could spark or short circuit the battery or other electrical parts and could cause an explosion.

6. Remove all metal items, like rings, bracelets, and watches when

working with batteries. Batteries can produce a short circuit current high enough to weld metal to skin, causing a severe burn.

7. Have someone within range of your voice or close enough to come to

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

ATTERIES PRESENT RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK

, F

. O

BSERVE PROPER

IRE OR

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

contacts skin, clothing, or eyes.

9. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid

touching your eyes while working near batteries.

975-0390-01-01 vii

Safety

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

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

12. Never charge a frozen battery.

13. Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming into contact with your eyes.

MARINE UNIT LOCA TION

14. Locate the Freedom HF unit away from batteries in a separate, well ventilated compartment.

15. Never place the Freedom HF unit directly above batteries; gases from a battery will corrode and damage the unit

16. Never allow battery acid to drip on the unit when reading gravity, or filling battery.

17. Do not operate the unit in a closed in area, or restrict the ventilation in any way.

DC CONNECTION PRECAUTION

18. Connect and disconnect DC output connections only after setting any marine unit switches to off position and opening AC disconnect

19. FOR MARINE INSTALLATIONS, EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS TO THE UNIT SHALL COMPLY WITH THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ELECTRICAL REGULATIONS(33CFR183, SUB PART I)

20. PROPER DISPOSAL OF BATTERIES IS REQUIRED. REFER TO YOUR LOCAL CODES FOR DISPOSAL REQUIREMENTS.

viii 975-0390-01-01

Precautions for Using Rechargeable Appliances

CAUTION: Equipment damage

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

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

HF:

• 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.

Safety

Important:

Freedom HF, contact the equipment manufacturer to find out if the appliance is

acceptable for use with modified sine wave input voltage. See the detailed description of the Freedom HF waveform in Appendix A, “Specifications” under

“Electrical Specifications: Inverter Mode” on page A–2.

if you are unsure about using your rechargeable appliance with the

975-0390-01-01 ix

Contents

Important Safety Instructions 1

Introduction

Freedom HF Inverter/Charger- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–2

Independent Power System - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -1–3

Features

Materials List- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–2 Default Settings for the Freedom HF System- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–3 Front Panel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–3 Side Panel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -2–4 Rear Panel- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -2–4 Display Panel- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–5

Configuration

Setting Battery Types on the Main Unit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–2 Adjusting Display, Alarm, and Charging Current Settings- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–3

Operation

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

Display Panel Operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–2 Operating in Shore Power Mode - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4–3 Operating in Inverter Mode - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4–4

Turning the Inverter Function On and Off - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4–4 Status LED During Inverter Mode - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4–5 Checking Battery Status - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4–5 Checking Output Power - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–6 Operating Several Loads at Once - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–6 Turning the Audible Alarm ON or OFF - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4–6

Operating During Transition Between Shore Power and Inverter Mode- - - - - - - - - - 4–7

Transitioning from Shore Power to Inverter Mode - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–7 Transitioning from Inverter Mode to Shore Power - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–7

Operating Limits - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4–8

Power Output - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–8

975-0390-01-01 xi

Contents

Input Voltage - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–8

Inverter Loads - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–9

Overload Conditions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–9 High Surge Loads - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–9 Trouble Loads - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–10

Over-temperature Conditions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–10 Battery Charging - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–11 Routine Maintenance - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–13

Freedom HF Unit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–13

Batteries - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–13

Troubleshooting

General Troubleshooting Guidelines - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–2 Common Problems- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–4

Buzz in Audio Equipment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–4

Television Reception - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–4 Warning Messages - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–5 Troubleshooting Reference - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–8 Inverter Applications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–10

Resistive Loads - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–10

Motor Loads - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–11

Long Transfer Times - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–11

Specifications

Electrical Specifications: Inverter Mode- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -A–2 Electrical Specifications: Charge Mode - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -A–3 Environmental Specifications- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -A–4 System Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -A–4 Physical Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -A–4 Regulatory Approvals - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -A–4 Inverter Overload Operation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -A–5 Invert Power Derating vs. Ambient Temperature- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -A–6 Charger Output Current vs. AC Input Voltage- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -A–7

Warranty and Return Information Index

xii 975-0390-01-01

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

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - WA–1

Figures

Figure 2-1 What’s In The Box - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–2 Figure 3-1 Dip Switches (Default Settings Shown) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–2 Figure 3-2 Display Panel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–3 Figure 4-1 Three-stage Charging Process - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–11

975-0390-01-01 xiii

xiv

Tables

Table 2-1 Freedom HF Default Values - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–3 Table 3-1 Charging Current Guidelines- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–5 Table 4-1 Status LED during Inverter Mode - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–5 Table 4-2 Battery Charging Status LED - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–12 Table 4-3 Battery Charging Voltage and Current Settings - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–12 Table 5-1 Error Codes Displayed on the Display Panel Screen - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–5 Table 5-2 Troubleshooting Reference- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–8 Table A-1 Charging Voltage - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–7

975-0390-01-01 xv

xvi

1 Introduction

Chapter 1 introduces you to the Freedom HF, explains

the inverting, charging, and power system management functions.

It covers the following:

• Freedom HF’s major features, and

• Freedom HF’s function as an independent power system.

1–1

Freedom HF Inverter/Charger

Congratulations on your purchase of the Freedom HF Inverter/Charger (Freedom HF). As part of the Freedom Inverter/Charger family, the

Freedom HF 1000 and Freedom HF 1800 give you quality power, worry-

free operation, and outstanding reliability. The Freedom HF’s integrated inverting–charging functions and numerous power management features make it ideal for marine installations, recreational and commercial vehicles.

Quality Power The Freedom HF provides up to 1000 watts (Freedom HF 1000) or up to

1800 watts (Freedom HF 1800) of continuous modified sine wave power from a battery bank. It is designed to handle loads such as a 600-watt microwave (Freedom HF 1000) or 1000-watt microwave (Freedom HF

1800), TVs, VCRs, and midsized power tools.

The Freedom HF’s high surge capability lets you handle many hard-tostart loads, including large TVs and small refrigerators.

The built-in transfer switch automatically transfers between inverter power and incoming AC power (shore power) to ensure power is always available.

The built-in charger automatically charges the battery bank when the

Freedom HF is connected to incoming AC power (shore power).

Comprehensive Protection

Reliable Back-up

1–2 975-0390-01-01

The Freedom HF’s built-in protection features safeguard your batteries and equipment to give you worry-free operation:

•The low battery voltage alarm and shutdown prevents your

batteries from becoming completely discharged.

•The three-stage charging capability ensures that batteries receive

the “best” charge with minimal wear and tear.

• If the Freedom HF detects “bad” AC voltage, it switches automatically to Inverter mode and supplies your equipment with modified sine wave power derived from the batteries. When “good” AC becomes available again, the Freedom HF allows the AC to pass through to your loads and automatically begins to recharge the batteries.

If incoming shore power fails, the Freedom HF automatically detects the failure and instantly becomes an independent power source that supplies quality AC to your loads.

Independent Power System

Overload Alarm and Shutdown

Over-temp Alarm and Shutdown

During Inverter mode, the Freedom HF automatically alerts you if the loads that are connected and drawing power from the unit are close to the maximum operating limit.

The Freedom HF automatically shuts down when the maximum operating limit is exceeded.

During Inverter mode, the Freedom HF automatically alerts you if it is overheating and approaching the over-temperature shutdown limit.

The Freedom HF automatically shuts down when the limit is exceeded.

Independent Power System

Your Freedom HF has been designed to be the heart of a sophisticated, independent power system. While the Freedom HF is an extremely “friendly” product to operate, Xantrex wants to ensure that you get the best performance from your system.

Inverting Freedom HF produces 120 Vac from your 12V batteries and is capable of

starting heavy loads like refrigerators and pumps. When the Freedom HF is inverting (producing 120 Vac output) without a

load, it draws less than 1A of current from the battery (or battery bank). This feature allows the unit to operate without draining too much stored

energy.

Charging For the inverter to perform effectively, the batteries must be charged

correctly . The unit has a built-in three-stage charging system that extends the life and optimizes the performance of the batteries.

In addition to the numerous features which let you maximize your battery’s life and performance, the Freedom HF—unlike many chargers—also has the ability to recharge batteries even if the voltage is near zero (sometimes called dead battery charging).

975-0390-01-01 1–3

1–4

2 Features

Chapter 2 contains information and labeled illustrations

to help identify the various features of the Freedom HF. It covers the following:

• Materials list,

• Default settings list,

• Front panel features,

• Side panel features,

• Rear panel features, and

• Display panel features

2–1

Materials List

Your Freedom HF Inverter/Charger package includes the items listed below.

•1 Freedom HF Inverter/Charger unit

• 1 Display panel with 7-inch (0.17 m) cable

• 1 Communications cable (25 feet) (7.5 m)

• 2 DC terminal covers

• 2 Strain-relief clamps (for AC input and output wiring)

• 1 Blanking plate

• 2 Reference materials–an Owner’s Guide and an Installation Guide

• 1 Set of mounting templates

• 1 Set of lock washers and nuts (not shown)

Freedom HF unit

blanking plate strain-relief clamps

Figure 2-1

What’s In The Box

Display panel is attached to the unit.

communications cable

’

DC terminal covers

2–2 975-0390-01-01

+ 54 hidden pages