Xantrex Technology RS400 User Manual

RS400 Sine Wave Inverter

Owner’s Guide

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 inclu de inverters, batt ery
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.

445-0167-01-01 iii

Conventions Used

The following conventions are used in this guide:

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.

WARNING

W arnings 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.

Acronyms and Terminology

AC Alternating current
DC Direct current
CSA Canadian Standards Association
FCC Federal Communications Commission
GFCI Ground fault circuit interrupter
UL Underw riters 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

iv 445-0167-01-01

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.

445-0167-01-01 v

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. T o 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.

vi 445-0167-01-01

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

445-0167-01-01 vii

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

Warranty - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - WA–1
Return Material Authorization Policy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - WA–3
Out of Warranty Service - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - WA–3
Information About Your System- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - WA–4

Index

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

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

viii 445-0167-01-01

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.

T o 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

1–2 445-0167-01-01

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…

Comprehensive Protection

Low voltage indication
and shutdown

High voltage shutdown Protects the RS400 by disabling the AC output when the input

Over-temperature
shutdown

Overload protection Disables the AC output of the RS400 if the appliance connected

Supplemental circuit
protection

Protects the battery from becoming completely discharged. The
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.

voltage rises to 15.3 volts or more. The AC output is enabled
when the input voltage drops to 14.5 volts.

Disables the AC output of the RS400 when the internal
temperature rises to unacceptable levels due to higher ambient
temperature or overloading. The RS400 recovers automatically
when it cools down.

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.)

Trips and disables the AC output when a current in excess of 7.5
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 sh ort 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
interrupter (GFCI)

445-0167-01-01 1–3

Trips and disables the output of the RS400 when a ground fault
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.)