Xantrex XPower Charger 2 User manual

XPower Charger 2
Owner's Guide
975-0135-01-01 REV. B Printed in China
t 1-800-670-0707 (toll free in North America)
 1-360-925-5097 (direct)
f 1-800-994-7828 (toll free in North America)
 1-360-925-5143 (direct)
e [email protected]
www.xantrex.com
by

by
About Xantrex
Xantrex Technology Inc. is a world-leading supplier of
advanced power electronics and controls with products
from 50 watt mobile units to 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.
XPower Charger 2
Owner’s Guide

Trademarks
XPower by Xantrex 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
XPower Charger 2 Owner’s Guide
© July 2004 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
July 2004 Revision B
Part Number
975-0135-01-01
Contact Information
Telephone: [phone] (toll free North America)
1 360 925 5097 (direct)
Fax: [phone] (toll free North America)
1 360 925 5143 (direct)
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.xantrex.com

Contents
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
About the XPower Charger 2 . . . . . . . . . 1
About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2. Important Safety Information. . . . . . . 2
Warnings and Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Personal Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Preparing to Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Charger Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
DC Connection Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3. XPower Charger 2 Features . . . . . . . 10
Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
DC Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4. Charging a 12 volt Battery . . . . . . . . 14
Using the Lighter Plug Adapter . . . . . . 14
Using the Battery Clip Adapter . . . . . . 16
Using the Ring Terminal Adapter . . . . . 21
5. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
6. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
7. Warranty and Return . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
8. Other Xantrex Products . . . . . . . . . . 33

1
1Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Xantrex XPower
Charger 2. The XPower Charger 2 is part of a
family of ultra-compact, light weight and
modern power inverters and chargers from
Xantrex Technology.
About the XPower Charger 2
The 2 amp XPower Charger 2 is designed to
charge 12 volt rechargeable batteries. The
XPower Charger 2 regulates the charging
process, ensuring the battery is always fully
charged, but never overcharged.
About This Guide
To get the best performance from your
XPower Charger 2, Xantrex recommends
that you read this guide before connecting
and using the charger, and then save it for
future reference.
This guide contains:
• Important safety information (page 2)
• Features of the XPower Charger 2
(page 10)
• Battery charging instructions (page 14)
• Troubleshooting guidelines (page 23)
• Specifications (page 25)
• Warranty and service information
(page 26)

2
2 Important Safety
Information
Misusing or incorrectly connecting the
XPower Charger 2 may damage the
equipment or create hazardous conditions for
users. Read the following safety instructions
and pay special attention to all Caution and
Warning statements in the guide.
Warnings identify conditions that may result
in personal injury or loss of life.
Cautions identify conditions or practices that
may damage the unit or other equipment.
Warnings and Cautions
WARNING:
This guide contains important safety and
operating instructions in how to use the
XPower Charger 2, to recharge 12 volt
batteries. Read this guide fully for safe
operation of this charger. Save this guide for
future reference.

3
1. Do not expose the XPower Charger 2 to
rain or snow.
2. Use of an attachment not recommended
may result in a risk of fire, electric shock,
or injury to persons.
3. To reduce risk of damage to electric plug
and cord, pull by plug rather than cord
when disconnecting the XPower
Charger 2.
4. An extension cord should not be used
unless absolutely necessary. Use of an
improper extension cord could result in a
risk of fire and electric shock. If an
extension cord must be used, make sure
that:
a) pins on plug of the extension cord
are the same number, size, and shape
as those of plug on the XPower
Charger 2;
b) the extension cord is properly wired
WARNING: Shock and fire hazard
The battery clip adapter, lighter plug adapter,
and ring terminal adapter accessories are to
be used individually with the XPower
Charger 2 as specified in this manual.
Connecting adapters together for other, non-
specified use will result in reverse polarity
and may result in damaged equipment and
personal injury.

4
and in good electrical condition; and
c) wire size is No. 18 AWG (mini-
mum) with a maximum length of 50
ft. (15.2 m).
5. Do not operate XPower Charger 2 with
damaged cord or plug—replace the cord
or plug immediately.
6. Do not operate XPower Charger 2 if it
has received a sharpblow, been dropped,
or otherwise damaged in any way; take it
to a qualified service technician.
7. Do not disassemble XPower Charger 2;
take it to a qualified service technician
when service or repair is required.
Incorrect re-assembly may result in a
risk of electric shock or fire.
8. To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug
XPower Charger 2 from the electric
outlet before attempting any
maintenance or cleaning.

5
Personal Precautions
1. Someone should be within range of your
voice or close enough to come to your
aid when you work near a lead-acid
battery.
2. Have plenty of fresh water and soap
nearby in case battery acid contacts skin,
clothing, or eyes.
3. Wear complete eye protection and
clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes
while working near battery.
4. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing,
wash immediately with soap and water.
If acid enters eye, immediately flood eye
WARNING: Risk of explosive
gases
Working in the vicinity of a lead-acid battery
is dangerous. Batteries generate explosive
gases during normal battery operation. For
this reason, it is of utmost importance that
each time before using a battery charger, you
read this guide and follow the instructions
exactly.
To reduce risk of battery explosion, follow
these instructions and those published by
battery manufacturer and manufacturer of
any equipment you intend to use in the
vicinity of the battery. Review cautionary
marking on these products and on any
engine.

6
with running cold water for at least 10
minutes and get medical attention
immediately.
5. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame
in the vicinity of battery or engine.
6. Be extra cautious to reduce risk of
dropping a metal tool onto a battery. It
might spark or short-circuit the battery
or other electrical part that may cause an
explosion.
7. Remove personal metal items such as
rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches
when working with a lead-acid battery.
A lead-acid battery can produce a short-
circuit current high enough to weld a
ring or the like to metal, causing a severe
burn.
8. Use XPower Charger 2 for charging a
LEAD-ACID battery only. It is only
intended to charge lead-acid batteries or
batteries, such as those used in specific
integrated products. Do not use XPower
Charger 2 for charging dry-cell batteries
that are commonly used with home
appliances. These batteries may burst
and cause injury to persons and damage
to property.
9. NEVER charge a frozen battery.