Mission Critical xantrex XPower 3000 User manual

XPower Inverter 3000
Owner’s Guide
XPower 3000
813-3000-UL

2 Xantrex XPower 3000 Owner's Guide
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Document Number:975-0555-01-01 Rev C Date: April 2018
Product Name and Part Number
XPower 3000 (813-3000-UL)
Contact Information
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail],
http://www.xantrex.com/power-products-support/
Web: http://www.xantrex.com

975-0555-01-01 3
Information About Your System
As soon as you open your product, record the following information and be sure to keep your proof of purchase.
Serial Number ____________________________
Product Number ____________________________
Purchased From ____________________________
Purchase Date ____________________________
To view, download, or print the latest revision, visit the website shown under Contact Information.

4 Xantrex XPower 3000 Owner's Guide
Purpose
The purpose of this Owner’s Guide is to provide explanations and
procedures for operating and troubleshooting an XPower Inverter
3000 for mobile installations.
Scope
The guide provides safety and operating guidelines the inverter. 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 users and operators of the XPower
Inverter 3000.The separate Installation guide is intended for
qualified personnel.
Qualified personnel have training, knowledge, and experience in:
lInstalling electrical equipment.
lApplying all applicable installation codes.
lAnalyzing and reducing the hazards involved in performing
electrical work.
lSelecting and using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Related Information
You can find more information about Xantrex products and
services at http://www.xantrex.com.

975-0555-01-01 5
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
READ AND SAVE THIS OWNER’SGUIDE FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
This guide contains important safety instructions for the XPower
inverter that must be followed during installation, operation,
maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Read these instructions carefully and look at the equipment to
become familiar with the device before operating and
troubleshooting it. The following special messages may appear
throughout this documentation or on the equipment to warn of
potential hazards or to call attention to information that clarifies or
simplifies a procedure.
The addition of either symbol to a “Danger” or
“Warning” safety label indicates that an electrical
hazard exists which will result in personal injury if the
instructions are not followed.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to
potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety
messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible
injury or death.
DANGER
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.
WARNING
WARNINGindicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
NOTICE is used to addresspracticesnot related to physical injury.

Product Safety Information
6 Xantrex XPower 3000 Owner's Guide
Product Safety Information
Before using the inverter, read all instructions and cautionary
markings on the unit, the batteries, and all appropriate sections of
this guide. This unit does not have any user-serviceable parts. Do
not disassemble the inverter. See your warranty for instructions
on obtaining service. Attempting to service the unit yourself may
result in a risk of electrical shock or fire. Internal capacitors remain
charged after all power is disconnected.
DANGER
HAZARD OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, EXPLOSION, OR
ARC FLASH
nDo not expose the inverter to rain, snow, spray, or bilge
water. This inverter is designed for indoor use only.
nDo not operate the inverter if it has received a sharp blow,
been dropped, has cracks or openings in the enclosure
including if the fuse cover has been lost, damaged, or will not
close, or otherwise damaged in any other way.
nDo not disassemble, open, or repair the inverter. Refer all
servicing to qualified service personnel.
nDisconnect both AC and DC power from the inverter before
attempting any maintenance or cleaning or working on any
circuits connected to the inverter. Internal capacitors remain
charged after all power is disconnected.
nDo not operate the inverter with damaged or substandard
wiring. Make sure that all wiring is in good condition and is
not undersized.
Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious
injury.

Product Safety Information
975-0555-01-01 7
DANGER
FIRE AND BURN HAZARD
nDo not cover or obstruct the air intake vent openings.
nDo not use transformerless battery chargers in conjunction
with the inverter due to overheating.
Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious
injury.
DANGER
EXPLOSION HAZARD
nThe XPower Inverter 3000 is designed for deep cycle lead-
acid batteries. See warning below when connecting to
lithium ion batteries.
nDo not work in the vicinity of lead-acid batteries. Batteries
generate explosive gases during normal operation. See note
#1.
nDo not operate in compartments containing flammable
materials or in locations that require ignition-protected
equipment. See notes #2 and #3.
Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious
injury.
WARNING
LITHIUM ION BATTERY TYPE HAZARD
Make sure to use a lithium ion battery pack that includes a
certified Battery Management System (BMS) with built-in safety
protocols. Follow the instructions published by the battery
manufacturer.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, serious
injury, or equipment damage.
NOTES:
1. Follow these instructions and those published by the
battery manufacturer and the manufacturer of any
equipment you intend to use in the vicinity of the battery.
Review cautionary markings on these products and on the
engine.
2. This inverter contains components which tend to produce
arcs or sparks.
3. 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
8 Xantrex XPower 3000 Owner's Guide
Precautions When Working With
Batteries
IMPORTANT: Battery work and maintenance must be done by
qualified personnel knowledgeable about batteries to ensure
compliance with battery handling and maintenance safety
precautions.
WARNING
BURN FROM HIGH SHORT-CIRCUIT CURRENT, FIRE
AND EXPLOSION FROM VENTED GASES HAZARDS
nAlways wear proper, non-absorbent gloves, complete eye
protection, and clothing protection. Avoid touching your eyes
and wiping your forehead while working near batteries. See
note #4.
nRemove all personal metal items, like rings, bracelets, and
watches when working with batteries. See notes #5 and #6
below.
nNever smoke or allow a spark or flame near the engine or
batteries.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious
injury.
NOTES:
1. Mount and place the XPower Inverter 3000 unit away from
batteries in a well ventilated compartment.
2. Always have someone within range of your voice or close
enough to come to your aid when you work near a lead-acid
battery.
3. Always have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case
battery acid contacts skin, clothing, or eyes.
4. Keep battery terminals clean from corrosion. If battery acid
or corrosion deposit contacts skin or clothing, wash
immediately with soap and water. If battery acid or corrosion
deposit enters your eye, immediately flood it with running
cold water for at least twenty minutes and have someone
within range of your voice or close enough to get medical
attention immediately.
5. Use extra 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. Use
tools with insulated handles only.
6. Batteries can produce a short circuit current high enough to
weld a ring or metal bracelet or the like to the battery
terminal, causing a severe burn.
7. When removing a battery, always remove the negative
terminal from the battery first for systems with grounded
negative. If it is grounded positive, remove the positive
terminal first. Make sure all loads connected to the battery
and all accessories are off so you don’t cause an arc.

Precautions When Placing the Unit
975-0555-01-01 9
Precautions When Placing the
Unit
NOTICE
RISK OF INVERTER DAMAGE
nNever allow battery acid to drip on the inverter when
reading specific gravity, or filling battery.
nNever place the XPower inverter unit directly above
batteries; gases from a battery will corrode and damage
the inverter.
nDo not place a battery on top of the inverter.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in equipment
damage.
Regulatory
The XPower inverter inverter is certified to UL458 and CSA 107.1
standard. .
The XPower inverter is intended to be used for mobile or
commercial applications. It is not intended for use in marine and
other applications as it may not comply with the additional safety
code requirements needed for those applications. See limitation
on use on page 9.
The XPower inverter includes a “Floating Neutral” AC output
design. It may be permanently damaged if the AC output Neutral
is bonded to Ground which is common in distribution panels. Such
damage voids the warranty.
The XPower inverter provides a non-sinusoidal (that is, modified
sine wave) AC output. For more information, see Inverter Loads
on page 18.
WARNING
LIMITATION ON USE
nDo not use in connection with life support systems or other
medical equipment or devices.
nDo not use in ambulances or other life-saving emergency
vehicles.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious
injury.

This page is intentionally left blank.

Regulatory
975-0555-01-01 11
CONTENTS
Important Safety Instructions 5
Product Safety Information 6
Precautions When Working With Batteries 8
Precautions When Placing the Unit 9
Regulatory 9
Introduction 12
Materials List 12
Key Features 13
Features 14
AC Panel 14
DC Panel 15
Operation 16
Turning the inverter ON and to Standby 16
Testing the GFCI 17
Operating Several Loads at Once 17
Operating Limits 17
Troubleshooting 20
Common Problems 20
Troubleshooting Reference 21
Specifications 24

Materials List
12 Xantrex XPower 3000 Owner's Guide
1 INTRODUCTION
The XPower Inverter 3000 has been designed to give you quality
power, ease of use, and reliability.
Please take a few moments to read this chapter to familiarize
yourself with the main performance features and protection
features.
Materials List
The XPower inverter ships with the following items:
none XPower inverter unit
none Owner’s Guide
none On/Standby remote switch with communications cable
ntwo sets of locks and washers for DC cables
none set of rubber boots for DC terminals (not shown)
nstrain-relief clamps for AC input cables (not shown)
Inverter with
GFCI-protected
outlets
Owner’s Guide
locks and
washers
On/Standby remote switch
with communications cable
Figure 1 Materials List
NOTE: If any of the items are missing, contact Xantrex or any
authorized Xantrex dealer for replacement. See Contact
Information on page 2.
IMPORTANT: Keep the carton and packing material in case you
need to return the inverter for servicing.

Key Features
975-0555-01-01 13
Key Features
Quality Power The XPower Inverter 3000 is a quality inverter
designed for recreational vehicle (RV) and
truck applications. The XPower inverter
provides up to 2500 watts of continuous
power. It is designed to handle loads such as
microwaves, refrigerators, freezers, circular
saws, and small air compressors. The
XPower inverter’s high surge capability lets
you handle many hard-to-start loads,
including large TVs, refrigerators, and
freezers. The cooling fan in the XPower
inverter is thermally activated and comes on
when the inverter becomes warm. The fan
turns off automatically after the inverter has
cooled.
Ease of Use Superior features and rugged durability have
been combined with ease of use: The XPower
inverter is compact, light weight, and easy to
install (see Installation Guide (document
number: 975-0556-01-01). Loads can be
powered directly from the GFCI-protected AC
outlets. Easy-to-read indicators on the front
panel let you monitor system performance at
a glance. One On/Standby remote switch
with communications cable lets you control
the inverter from a convenient location while
the inverter itself is mounted out of sight.
Comprehensive
Protection
The XPower inverter 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 11.0 V or lower. Low battery
voltage shutdown Shuts the XPower inverter
down automatically if the battery voltage
drops below 10.5 volts. This feature protects
the battery from being completely discharged.
High battery
voltage shutdown
Shuts the XPower inverter down
automatically if the input voltage rises to 15
volts or more.
Overload and
short-circuit
shutdown
Shuts the XPower inverter down
automatically if a short circuit is detected in
the circuitry connected to the XPower
inverter’s output, or if the loads connected to
the XPower inverter exceed the XPower
inverter’s operating limits.
Over temperature
shutdown
Shuts the XPower inverter down
automatically if its internal temperature rises
above an unacceptable level.

14 Xantrex XPower 3000 Owner's Guide
2 FEATURES
This section describes the different parts of the inverter.
AC Panel
9
43 5 6 7 8
1 2
REMOTE
POWER
PUISSANCE
FAULT
FAUTE
Non-sinusoidal
output only.
Nonseulementde
sortiesinusoïdale.
1a
Figure 2 AC Panel
Feature Description
1AC compartment with cover (1a) houses the AC terminal
block for hardwiring the inverter
2GFCI-protected AC outlets
3AC knockout Take the cover out when passing cables
(wires) through for hard wiring the inverter.
4Reset button is used to reset the 20 A supplementary
(overcurrent) protectors.
5Power light (green) indicates the inverter isoperating.
6Remote ON/STANDBY Connector Port for connecting the
ON/STANDBY remote switch.
7Fault light (red) indicates that the inverter has shut down
due to inverter overload or over-temperature.
8ON/STANDBY Switch turns the inverter’s control circuit on and
in Standby mode. This switch is not a power disconnect
switch. Disconnect AC and DC power before working on any
circuits connected to the inverter.
9Remote ON/STANDBY Switch comes with 20 feet (6m) long
cable.
Table 1AC/DC and GFCI Panel Features

975-0555-01-01 15
DC Panel
BATT.
NEG.
BATT.
POS.
1 2
3 4
Figure 3 DC Panel
Feature Description
1Negative DC Input Terminal always connects to the
negative terminal of the battery via a negative DC input cable
(black battery cable). The negative DC input terminal is
colored black.
2Positive DC Input Terminal always connects to the positive
terminal of the battery via a positive DC input cable (red
battery cable). The positive DC input terminal is colored red.
3Chassis Ground Screw connects to vehicle chassis, DC
grounding bus or to engine’s negative bus.
4Ventilation Openings must not be obstructed for the
proper operation of the inverter. When the inverter is
mounted, the ventilation opening on the DC panel must not
point up or down.
Table 2DC Panel Features

16 Xantrex XPower 3000 Owner's Guide
3 OPERATION
This section explains how to operate the inverter efficiently and
effectively:
nGives procedures for operating the inverter from the front
panel
nDiscusses operating limits and inverter loads
nDiscusses battery charging frequency
nProvides information about routine maintenance
WARNING
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD
The XPower inverter’s On/Standby switch does not disconnect
DC battery power from the inverter. You must disconnect AC
and DC power before working on any circuits connected to the
XPower inverter.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious
injury.
Turning the Inverter ON and to STANDBY
The ON/STANDBY switch on the inverter’s front panel is the main
switch that turns the control circuit in the inverter ON and in
STANDBY.
To turn the inverter ON and in STANDBY from its front panel:
lMove the ON/STANDBY switch to the ONposition to turn the
inverteron.
lMove the ON/STANDBY switch to the STANDBY position to
turn the inverter to Standby.
When in STANDBY, the inverter draws a very low current
from the battery. See important note below.
To turn the inverter ON and in STANDBY from the remote switch:
lMake sure the main ON/STANDBY switch on the front panel
is turned on.
lMove the remote ON/STANDBY switch to the On position to
turn the inverter on.
lMove the remote ON/STANDBY switch to the Standby
position to turn the inverter to STANDBY.
When in STANDBY, the inverter draws a very low current
from the battery.
IMPORTANT: The inverter draws less than 300 mA from the
battery with the main ON/STANDBY switch turned on and no load
connected. If the main switch is left on, even with no loads the
inverter will eventually discharge the battery. To prevent
unnecessary battery discharge, turn the inverter to STANDBY
when you are not using it.

975-0555-01-01 17
Testing the GFCI
Perform the following GFCI Test:
1. Turn the inverter on.
2. Plug a simple appliance, such as a lamp, in the GFCI outlet.
Turn the lamp on.
3. Press the TEST button. Observe a clicking sound. The lamp
turns off.
4. Press the RESET button all the way to the bottom until the
button locks into position. The lamp turns back on.
IMPORTANT: Perform this GFCI test once a month to ensure
continued functionality of the GFCI.
Operating Several Loads at Once
If you are going to operate several loads from the XPower inverter,
turn the loads on one at a time after you have turned the XPower
inverter on.
Turning loads on separately helps to ensure that the XPower
inverter does not have to deliver the starting current for all the
loads at once, and will help prevent an overload shutdown.
Operating Limits
Power Output
The XPower inverter can deliver up to 2500 watts continuous. The
wattage rating applies to resistive loads such as incandescent
lights.
Input Voltage
The allowable XPower inverter input battery voltage ranges are
shown in the following table:
Operating
Condition
Battery
Voltage Comment
Normal 10–15
volts n/a
Optimum
Performance
12–13
volts n/a
Low voltage
alarm
11 volts or
less
The audible low battery alarm
sounds.
Table 3Input battery voltage range

18 Xantrex XPower 3000 Owner's Guide
Operating
Condition
Battery
Voltage Comment
Low voltage
shutdown
less than
10.5 volts
The XPower inverter shuts down to
protect the battery from being over-
discharged.
High voltage
shutdown
15 volts or
more
The XPower inverter shuts down to
protect itself from excessive input
voltage.
NOTE: Although the XPower
inverter incorporates over-voltage
protection, it can still be damaged if
input voltage exceeds 16 volts.
Inverter Loads
The XPower inverter will operate most AC loads within its power
rating. However, some appliances and equipment may be difficult
to operate, and other appliances may actually be damaged if you
try to operate them with the inverter. Please read High Surge
Loads and Trouble Loads carefully.
The XPower inverter will operate many AC loads within its power
rating. However, some appliances and equipment may be difficult
to operate. Please read Inverter Loads carefully.
High Surge Loads
Some induction motors used in freezers, pumps, and other motor-
operated equipment require high surge currents to start. The
inverter may not be able to start some of these motors even
though their rated current draw is within the inverter’s limits. The
inverter will normally start single-phase induction motors rated at
3/4 horsepower or less.

975-0555-01-01 19
Trouble Loads
NOTICE
EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
Some appliances, including the types listed below, may be
damaged if they are connected to the XPower inverter because
of the XPower inverter’s modified sine wave output:
nElectronics that modulate RF (radio frequency) signals on the
AC line will not work and may be damaged.
nSpeed controllers found in some fans, power tools, kitchen
appliances, and other loads may be damaged.
nSome chargers for small rechargeable batteries can be
damaged. See “Precautions For Using Rechargeable
Appliances” on page viii for details.
nMetal halide arc (HMI) lights can be damaged.
nIf you are unsure about powering any device with the
inverter, contact the manufacturer of the device.
Failure to follow these instructions can damage the unit and/or
damage other equipment.
Connecting Appliances to the Inverter
Since regular amounts of AC current flows between the inverter
and your appliances, commonly available extension cords can be
used to connect the inverter to your appliances. If your appliance
will be connected at a considerable distance from the inverter, it is
much more practical and less expensive to lengthen the AC wiring
than it is to lengthen the DC wiring.
Routine Maintenance
Maintaining the Inverter
Minimal maintenance is required to keep your inverter operating
properly. Periodically you should:
nclean the exterior of the unit with a damp cloth to prevent
the accumulation of dust and dirt,
nensure that the DC cables are secure and fasteners are
tight, and
nmake sure the ventilation openings on the DC panel and
bottom of the inverter are not clogged.
Testing the GFCI
Perform a monthly test of the GFCI. See Testing the GFCI on
page 17 for instructions.

20 Xantrex XPower 3000 Owner's Guide
4 TROUBLESHOOTING
This section describes the most common problems you may
encounter with the operation of the inverter along with resolutions.
If you encounter problems other than what is described in this
section, contact customer support at the number listed on
“Contact Information” on page i.
Common Problems
Buzz in
Audio
Equipment
Some inexpensive stereo systems may emit a
buzzing noise from their loudspeakers when
operated from the inverter. This occurs because the
power supply in the audio system does not
adequately filter the modified sine wave produced by
the inverter. The only solution is to use a sound
system that has a higher quality power supply.
Television
Reception
When the inverter is operating, it can interfere with
television reception on some channels. If
interference occurs, try the following:
1. Make sure that the chassis ground screw on
the rear of the inverter is solidly connected to
the ground system of your vehicle or home.
2. Make sure that the television antenna provides
an adequate (“snow-free”) signal, and that you
are using good quality cable between the
antenna and the television.
3. Keep the cables between the battery and the
inverter as short as possible, and twist them
together with two to three twists per foot. (This
minimizes radiated interference from the
cables.)
4. Move the television as far away from the
inverter as possible.
5. Do not operate high power loads with the
inverter while the television is on.