Xantrex Technology RS400 User Manual

Owner’s Guide

RS400 Sine Wave Inverter

RS400 Sine Wave 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 one 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

RS400 Sine Wave Inverter 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

RS400 Sine Wave Inverter Owner’s Guide© January 2007 Xantrex International. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer

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

(a)MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY, SUFFICIENCY OR SUITABILITY OF ANY TECHNICAL OR OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED IN ITS MANUALS OR OTHER DOCUMENTATION.

(b)ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL, WHICH MIGHT ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF SUCH INFORMATION. THE USE OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION WILL BE ENTIRELY AT THE USER’S RISK.

Date and Revision

January 2007, Revision A

Part Number

445-0167-01-01

Contact Information

Telephone: [phone] (toll free in North America) 1-604-422-2777 (direct)

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail] Web: www.xantrex.com

About This Guide

Purpose

The <product name><document type> contains information for the coach owner to operate and troubleshoot the RS400 Sine Wave Inverter (RS400).

Scope

The Owner’s Guide provides safety guidelines, operation, troubleshooting, and warranty information for the RS400 Sine Wave Inverter.

The guide does not provide detailed information about batteries and battery maintenance. You will need to consult the battery manufacturer’s guide for this information.

Organization

This guide is organized into three chapters, one appendix, and a warranty:

Chapter 1, “Introduction”, outlines the main performance and safety features of the RS400. Reading this chapter will give you a clear understanding of the inverter’s capabilities.

Chapter 2, “Operation”, provides information about turning the inverter on and operating the unit. Details are provided on how to read the front panel indicators to monitor the RS400.

Chapter 3, “Troubleshooting”, explains how to identify and solve problems that can occur with the RS400.

Appendix A, “Specifications”, provides the electrical and physical specifications of the RS400.

“Warranty and Product 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.

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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 RS400 Sine Wave Inverter or to other equipment.

Note: Notes describe additional information which may add to your understanding of how to use the RS400 Sine Wave Inverter.

Important: These notes describe an important action item or an item that you must pay attention to.

Acronyms and Terminology

AC	Alternating current
DC	Direct current
CSA	Canadian Standards Association
FCC	Federal Communications Commission
GFCI	Ground fault circuit interrupter
UL	Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
Shore power	refers to the AC input power from a utility grid, generator, or
	other external AC source.

Related Information

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

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Important Safety Instructions

WARNING

This Owner’s Guide contains important safety and operating instructions.

Before using your RS400 Sine Wave Inverter, be sure to read, understand, and save these safety instructions.

WARNING: Restrictions on use

The RS400 Sine Wave Inverter shall not be used in connection with life support systems or other medical equipment or devices.

WARNING: Shock hazard

The RS400 has On/Standby mode only. It does not have an Off mode, that is, DC power is permanently connected to the unit.

General Precautions

1.Before installing and using the inverter, read all appropriate sections of this guide and any cautionary markings on the inverter and the batteries.

2.Do not operate the inverter if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged. If the unit is damaged, see “Warranty and Product Information” on page WA–1.

3.Do not dismantle the inverter; it contains no user serviceable parts. Attempting to service the unit yourself could cause electrical shock or fire. Internal capacitors remain charged after all power is disconnected. See “Warranty” on page WA–1 for instructions on obtaining service.

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Safety

4.To reduce the risk of electrical shock, disconnect both AC and DC power from the inverter before working on any circuits connected to

the inverter. Turning the On/Standby switch to Standby () will not reduce this risk.

5.Protect the inverter from rain, snow, spray, and water.

6.To reduce the risk of overheating, keep the ventilation openings clear, and do not install the inverter in a compartment with limited airflow.

Explosive Gas Precautions

1.Batteries generate explosive gases during normal operation. Be sure you follow all relevant 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 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.

FCC Information to the User

This Class B device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

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Contents

Important Safety Instructions

General Precautions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - v Explosive Gas Precautions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - vi FCC Information to the User - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - vi

1 Introduction
How RS400 Works - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	1–2
Premium Power and Ease of Use - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	1–2
Comprehensive Protection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	1–3
RS400 Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	1–4
Front Panel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	1–4
Back Panel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	1–5
Optional Accessory: Remote Switch - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	1–6
Dimensions of Remote Switch - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	1–6
Part number of Remote Switch - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	1–6

2 Operation
Front Panel Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	2–2
Operating the RS400 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	2–3
Turning the RS400 to On or to Standby - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	2–3
Turning the RS400 to Standby When Not in Use - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	2–3
Using the S400 Remote Switch - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	2–4
Operating in Invert Mode - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	2–5
Recharging Your Batteries When Low Battery Light Illuminates - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	2–5
Recovering from Low Battery Voltage Shutdown - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	2–6
Restarting or Operating Multiple Appliances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	2–6
Operating in Shore Power Mode - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	2–7
Monitoring the Indicator Lights- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	2–8
Resetting After a Fault or Shutdown - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	2–9

3 Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Reference- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

3–2

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Contents

A Specifications

Electrical Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -A–2 Physical Specifications with Projections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -A–2 Regulatory Approvals- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -A–3 Fan Cooling System - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -A–3 Transfer Circuit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -A–3

Warranty and Product Information - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - WA–1

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

Return Material Authorization Policy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - WA–3

Out of Warranty Service - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - WA–3

Information About Your System- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - WA–4

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

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1 Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the RS400 Sine Wave Inverter!

The RS400 has been designed to give you premium power, ease of use, and outstanding reliability.

Please read this chapter to familiarize yourself with the main performance and protection features of the RS400.

To ensure quality customer service for your inverter, be sure to keep your proof of purchase. Also, take a few minutes at this time to complete the form, “Information About Your System” on page WA–4.

How RS400 Works

RS400 is a sine wave inverter which converts 12 volts direct current (DC) power from your battery to 120 volts alternating current (AC) power. This AC power is the same as the electricity you get from your utility. In terms of output, RS400 provides 400 watts of sine wave power for operating your appliances.

Premium Power and Ease of Use

RS400 provides premium power for your entertainment system. The inverter’s sine wave output provides clean power for your TV, VCR, DVD, satellite receiver, and stereo.

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

•400 watt inverter with 800 watt surge provides sufficient power for two entertainment systems

•Filtered sine wave output will not cause distortion on sensitive entertainment electronics

•Built-in transfer switch automatically transfers between inverter power and incoming AC power

•DSP control technology starts complex loads with ease

•Two AC outlets and hardwire AC connections

•Easy-to-read indicator lights on the front panel

•Automatic cooling fan

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Comprehensive Protection

Comprehensive Protection

RS400 is designed to meet UL 458 and CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 safety standards and it is compliant with FCC Class B.

RS400 comes equipped with numerous protection features to guarantee you safe and worry-free operation.

Protection feature	This protection feature…
Low voltage indication	Protects the battery from becoming completely discharged. The
and shutdown	Low Battery light indicates that input voltage is low (10.5 volts).
	If the input voltage drops below 10.0 volts the RS400 shuts down
	automatically and the Inverter ON light turns off. The RS400
	recovers automatically when the input voltage comes up to about
	12.6 volts.
High voltage shutdown	Protects the RS400 by disabling the AC output when the input
	voltage rises to 15.3 volts or more. The AC output is enabled
	when the input voltage drops to 14.5 volts.
Over-temperature	Disables the AC output of the RS400 when the internal
shutdown	temperature rises to unacceptable levels due to higher ambient
	temperature or overloading. The RS400 recovers automatically
	when it cools down.
Overload protection	Disables the AC output of the RS400 if the appliance connected
	to the inverter exceeds the 400 watt rating of the inverter. The
	RS400 will have to be reset. (See “Resetting After a Fault or
	Shutdown” on page 2–9.)
Supplemental circuit	Trips and disables the AC output when a current in excess of 7.5
protection	amps is drawn from the RS400. The supplemental circuit
	protector can be reset to enable the unit to operate again after
	clearing the overload condition. (See “Resetting After a Fault or
	Shutdown” on page 2–9.)
Short circuit protection	Disables the AC output of the RS400 when a short circuit is
	applied on the AC output. Once the short circuit is cleared, the
	RS400 will have to be reset. (See “Resetting After a Fault or
	Shutdown” on page 2–9.)
Ground fault circuit	Trips and disables the output of the RS400 when a ground fault
interrupter (GFCI)	current is detected. The output can be enabled again by resetting
	the GFCI, once the ground fault is cleared. (See “Ground Fault”
	on page 2–9.)

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