Xantrex Technology PROwatt 1000 User Manual
PROwatt 1000 Inverter
Owner’s Guide
About Xantrex
Xantrex Technology Inc. is a world-leading supplier of advanced power electronics and controls
with products from 50 watt mobile units to 1 MW utility-scale systems for wind, solar, batteries,
fuel cells, microturbines, and backup power applications in both grid-connected and stand-alone
systems. Xantrex products include inverters, battery chargers, programmable power supplies, and
variable speed drives that convert, supply, control, clean, and distribute electrical power.
Trademarks
PROwatt is a trademark of Xantrex International. Xantrex is a registered trademark of
Xantrex Technology Inc.
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
PROwatt 1000 Inverter Owner’s Guide © January 2001 Xantrex International. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer
While every precaution has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this guide, Xantrex
International assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Note as well that specifications and
product functionality may change without notice.
Date and Revision
January 2001, Revision 1
Part number
445-0116-01-01
Contact Information
Web: www.xantrex.com Email: support.prowatt@xantrex.com Phone: 1-800-670-0707 Fax: 1-800-994-7828
About This Guide
Purpose
The PROwatt 1000 Inverter Owner’s Guide contains information that
enables individuals to install, operate, and troubleshoot the
PROwatt™ 1000 Inverter.
Scope
The guide provides safety guidelines, detailed information for designing
an installation, procedures for installing the inverter, as well as
information about operating and troubleshooting the unit. It does not
provide details about particular brands of batteries. You need to consult
individual battery manufacturers for this information.
Audience
The guide is intended for anyone who needs to install and operate the
Prowatt 1000. Installers should be certified technicians or electricians.
Organization
This guide is organized into five chapters, four appendixes, and an
index.
Chapter 1, “Introduction”, outlines the main performance and safety
features of the Prowatt 1000. Reading this chapter will give you a
clear understanding of the inverter’s capabilities.
Chapter 2, “PROwatt 1000 Features”, outlines the main physical
features of the inverter and the components that are shipped with it.
This chapter will give you a good orientation to the product before
you install it.
iii
About This Guide
Chapter 3, “Installation”, begins by explaining how to plan an
effective installation. (Read this chapter in conjunction with
Appendix B and Appendix C.) It goes on to give detailed procedures
for installing the inverter.
Chapter 4, “Operation”, provides information for turning on and
operating the inverter. Details are provided about how to read the
front panel indicators to monitor system performance. The chapter
also provides information about battery charging frequency and
routine maintenance.
Chapter 5, “Troubleshooting”, explains how to solve problems that
can occur with the inverter.
Appendix A, “Specifications”, provides electrical, physical, and
performance specifications for the inverter and physical
specifications for the remote On/Off switch.
Appendix B, “Battery Types and Sizes”, provides background
information about battery types as well as information that will help
you calculate the size and number of batteries your system requires.
Appendix C, “Alternators and Charging Systems”, describes the
components in charging systems and explains how to design a
charging system for your installation.
Appendix D, “Product and System Information”, contains the
product’s warranty, explains how to return a product for service, and
describes how to prepare for a call to Xantrex Customer Service.
The Index provides a valuable means of looking up specific
information topics and tasks.
iv
Conventions Used
The following conventions are used in this guide.
WARNING
Warnings identify conditions that could result in personal
injury or loss of life.
CAUTION
Cautions identify conditions or practices that could result in
damage to the Prowatt 1000 or other equipment.
Note
: Notes describe additional information which may add to your
understanding of how to use the inverter.
Related Information
About This Guide
You can find more information about Xantrex Technology Inc. as well
as its products and services at www.xantrex.com
v
vi
Important Safety Information
WARNING
Before installing and using your Prowatt 1000, be sure to read
and save these safety instructions.
General Precautions
1. Before installing and using the inverter, read all appropriate sections
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
“War ranty” on page D–2 and “Return Material Authorization
Policy” on page D–3.
3. Do not dismantle the inverter; it contains no user-serviceable
components. Attempting to service the unit yourself could cause
electrical shock or fire. Internal capacitors remain charged after
all power is disconnected.
4. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, disconnect AC and DC power
from the inverter before working on any circuits connected to the
inverter. Turning off controls will not reduce this risk.
5. Do not expose the inverter to rain, snow, spray, or bilge water.
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
1. Batteries generate explosive gases during normal operation. Be sure
you read this guide and all battery documentation and follow all
instructions exactly before installing or using your inverter.
2. This equipment contains components 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
vii
Important Safety Information
locations that require ignition-protected equipment. These locations
include any space containing gasoline-powered machinery, fuel
tanks, as well as joints, fittings, or other connections between
components of the fuel system.
Precautions When Working With Batteries
1. Follow all instructions published by the battery manufacturer and
the manufacturer of the equipment in which the battery is installed.
2. Make sure the area around the battery is well ventilated.
3. Never smoke or allow a spark or flame 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.
5. Remove metal items like rings, bracelets, and watches when
working with lead-acid batteries. Lead-acid batteries produce a
short-circuit current high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal,
and thus cause a severe burn.
6. If you need to remove a battery, always remove the positive
terminal from the battery first. Make sure all accessories are off so
you don’t cause an arc.
Precautions For Using Rechargeable Appliances
Most battery-operated equipment uses a separate charger or transformer
that is plugged into an AC receptacle and produces a low voltage output.
If the label on the AC adapter or charger states that the adapter or
charger produces a low voltage AC or DC output (less than 30 volts),
the Prowatt 1000 can power this charger or adapter safely.
Some chargers for small nickel-cadmium batteries can be damaged if
connected to the Prowatt 1000. Do not use the following with the
Prowatt 1000:
• Small battery-operated appliances like flashlights, razors, and night
lights that can be plugged directly into an AC receptacle to recharge
• Chargers for battery packs used in hand power tools. These chargers
display a warning label stating that dangerous voltages are present
at the battery terminals.
viii
Contents
Important Safety Information
General Precautions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - vii
Explosive Gas Precautions- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - vii
Precautions When Working With Batteries - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - viii
Precautions For Using Rechargeable Appliances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - viii
1Introduction
Quality Power - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–2
Ease of Use - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–2
Comprehensive Protection- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1–3
2 PROwatt 1000 Features
Materials List - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–2
Front Panel (AC End) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–3
Back Panel (DC End) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–4
Remote On/Off Switch - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2–5
3 Installation
Safety Instructions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–2
Installation Codes - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–2
Installation Tools and Materials - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–2
Tools - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–2
Materials - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–2
Overview of Installation Steps - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–3
Designing Your Installation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–4
Calculating Battery Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–4
Choosing a Charging System- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–4
Choosing a Location - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–5
ix
Contents
Connecting to an Existing AC Circuit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–6
AC Wiring Precautions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–6
AC Wiring Procedure- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–7
Installing Transfer Switches in AC Circuits - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–8
Installing the Remote On/Off Switch- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–10
Mounting the Inverter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–10
Connecting the Chassis Ground - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–11
Grounding Locations - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–11
Connecting DC Cables - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–12
Cabling Guidelines - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–12
Fuse/Circuit Breaker Sizing Guidelines- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–13
Cabling Procedure - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3–14
4Operation
Turning the Inverter On and Off - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–2
Operating Several Loads at Once - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–2
Turning the Inverter Off Between Charges - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–2
Using the Remote On/Off Switch - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–3
Testing the GFCI-Protected AC Outlet - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–3
Reading the Front Panel Indicators - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–4
Battery Voltage Indicator - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–4
Battery Current Indicator - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–4
OVER TEMP Indicator - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–4
OVER LOAD Indicator - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–4
Operating Limits - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–5
Power Output - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–5
Input Voltage - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–5
Inverter Loads - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–6
Problem Loads - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–6
Trouble Loads- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–6
Battery Charging Frequency - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–7
Routine Maintenance - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4–7
5 Troubleshooting
Common Problems- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–2
Buzz in Audio Equipment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–2
x
Television Reception - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–2
Troubleshooting Reference - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5–3
A
Specifications
Electrical Performance (Inverter) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–2
Physical (Inverter) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–2
Dimensions (Remote On/Off Switch) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A–2
Battery Types and Sizes
B
Battery Types - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–2
Automotive Starting Batteries - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–2
Deep-Cycle Lead-Acid 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 In Parallel- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–6
Two Separate Battery Banks - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–7
Battery Tips - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B–8
Contents
C
Alternators and Charging Systems
Charging System Requirements - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–2
Charging With an Engine Alternator - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–2
Using a Standard Vehicle Alternator- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–2
Using an Alternator Controller - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–3
Using a High-Output Alternator- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–3
Charging From AC Power - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–3
Charging From Alternative Energy Sources - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C–3
D
Product and System Information
Warranty - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D–2
Return Material Authorization Policy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D–3
Return Material Procedure - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D–3
Information About Your System- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D–4
Remote On/Off Switch Mounting Template - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D–5
Index - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - IX–1
xi
1
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the
PROwatt 1000 Inverter! As part of the PROwatt
Inverter family, the PROwatt 1000 has been
designed to give you quality power, ease of use,
and outstanding reliability.
Please take a few moments to read this chapter to
familiarize yourself with the PROwatt 1000’s
main performance and protection features.
Introduction
Quality Power
The Prowatt 1000 is a professional-quality, mid-range inverter designed
to handle a variety of applications including compact microwaves, TVs,
VCRs, coffee makers, and small power tools.
• The Prowatt 1000 provides up to 1000 watts of continuous power,
• 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
• For more efficient power use, the fan shuts down automatically when
Ease of Use
making it ideal for large single loads, intermittent loads, or multiple
smaller loads.
start loads, including large TVs, refrigerators, and 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 300 mA from the
battery.
no loads are attached to the inverter.
1–2
Superior features and rugged durability have been combined with extreme
ease of use:
• The unit is compact, light weight, and easy to install.
• You can power loads directly from the dual GFCI receptacles on the
front panel, or you can hardwire the unit into an existing AC electrical
system using the built-in terminal blocks.
• Easy-to-read indicators on the front panel let you monitor system
performance at a glance.
• The remote On/Off switch lets you control the inverter from a
convenient location—up to 20 feet (6 m) away—while the inverter
itself is mounted out of sight and close to the batteries.
Comprehensive Protection
The Prowatt 1000 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 voltage shutdown Automatically shuts the inverter down if the battery voltage drops below 10 V. This feature protects the battery from being completely discharged.
High voltage shutdown Shuts the inverter down automatically if the input voltage rises to 15 V or more.
Overload shutdown Shuts the unit down automatically if a short circuit occurs or if the loads attached to the inverter exceed the operating limits.
Over temperature shutdown Turns the inverter off if its temperature rises above an acceptable level.
GFCI protection De-energizes the AC circuits and thereby protects the user from electric shock if a ground fault occurs.
Comprehensive Protection
1–3
1–4
2
PROwatt 1000 Features
Chapter 2
Prowatt 1000. Xantrex recommends that you
familiarize yourself with them before installing
and operating the inverter.
describes the main features of the
PROwatt 1000 Features
Materials List
Your Prowatt 1000 package includes:
• 1 PROwatt 1000 Inverter
• 1 Remote On/Off switch and a 20 foot (6 m) communications cable
• 1 Owner’s Guide
If any of these materials are missing or are unsatisfactory in any way,
please contact Customer Service:
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
1-800-670-0707
1-800-994-7828
support.prowatt@xantrex.com
As soon as you unpack your inverter, be sure to record the product
information asked for on page D–4.
2–2
Front Panel (AC End)
➃
ON
OFF
➆
Front Panel (AC End)
➀
➁
Figure 2-1 Front Panel: AC End
Feature Descri ption
➀➀➀➀
➁➁➁➁
➂➂➂➂
➃➃➃➃
➄➄➄➄
➂
Remote Control Jack Located on the bottom of the inverter. It
allows you to connect the remote On/Off switch.
On/Off Switch
off. It is not a power disconnect switch. You must disconnect AC and
DC power before working on any circuits connected to the inverter.
OVER LOAD
down because of an AC overload or a short circuit.
OVER TEMP
down to protect itself from overheating. When the inverter cools, it
restarts automatically, and the indicator turns off.
VOLTS
current.
• Current should be in the green area for continuous operation.
• When current is in the yellow area, the inverter will operate for
• When current or voltage are in the red, the inverter shuts down.
➄
This switch turns the inverter’s control circuit on and
Indicator This indicator lights when the inverter shuts
Indicator This indicator lights when the inverter shuts
AMPS
and
several minutes.
Indicators These display battery voltage and
➅
➆
AC Outlet Delivers 1000 watts of continuous AC power. This is a
➅➅➅➅
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet.
Mounting Flanges
➆➆➆➆
2–3
PROwatt 1000 Features
Back Panel (DC End)
Designed in C anada
Assem bled in China
➃
➀➁
Figure 2-2 Back Panel: DC End
Feature Description
➀➀➀➀
➁➁➁➁
➂➂➂➂
➃➃➃➃
Ventilation Openings For safety and proper operation of the
inverter, these openings (and the openings on the bottom of the
inverter) must not be obstructed. When the inverter is mounted,
these ventilation openings must not point up or down. In other
words, neither the front panel (AC end) nor the back panel (DC end)
should point up or down.
Knockout for AC Wiring Provides access to the internal AC output
terminal blocks if you want to connect the inverter to an existing AC
circuit.
Chassis Ground Screw Connects to earth ground, to vehicle
chassis, or to DC grounding bus or engine’s negative bus (in marine
installations).
Positive and Negative DC Cabling Terminals
➂
2–4
Remote On/Off Switch
REM OTE SW ITC H
INVERTER ON
Remote On/Off Switch
➀
➁
➂
Figure 2-3 Remote On/Off Switch
Feature Description
➀➀➀➀
➁➁➁➁
➂➂➂➂
➃➃➃➃
Switch Panel The 2 1/2 inch wide x 4 1/4 inch high (6.35 cm x
10.80 cm) panel mounts flush and requires 0.7 inches (18 mm) of
depth. See page 3–10 for installation instructions and Figure D-1
on page D–5 for a mounting template.
Cable and Connector The cable (20 feet; 6 m) is permanently
attached to the back of the switch. The connector plugs into the jack
on the bottom of the inverter.
INVERTER ON
Touch Control
indicator Lights up when the inverter is on.
On/Off Button
➃
2–5
2–6
3
Installation
Chapter 3
Prowatt 1000.
Xantrex recommends that you read the entire
chapter so you can plan an installation that is
suited to your power needs and then complete the
installation procedures.
explains how to install the
Installation
Safety Instructions
Before you start to install the PROwatt 1000:
• Review the “Important Safety Information” on page vii.
• Do not attempt your own AC wiring unless you have the knowledge
and experience to do a safe job. Your RV dealer, boat dealer, or a
licensed electrician can install the inverter if you do not wish to do
your own wiring.
• Read and follow all Warnings and Cautions in this chapter.
Installation Codes
Governing installation codes vary depending on the location and type of
installation. Electrical installations must meet local and national wiring
codes and should be done by a qualified electrician.
Installation Tools and Materials
Tools
Materials
3–2
❐ Wire stripper
❐ Flat-head screwdriver
❐ Wrench(es) for DC terminals
❐ Tools for fastening lugs and terminals on DC cables (e.g. a crimping
tool). (You may find it more convenient to have the crimp connectors
attached by the company that sells you the cable.)
❐ Drill
❐ 4 corrosion-resistant fasteners sized #10 or larger for mounting the
inverter
❐ Copper DC cable, sized appropriately for load and application
❐ Lugs and terminals for the DC cables
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