Xantrex DR1512W User manual

DR Inverter/Charger
DR1512
DR2412
DR1524
DR2424
DR3624
DR1512W
DR1524W
DR1512E
DR1524E
DR1548E
DR2424E
Installation and Operations Manual

DR Inverter/Charger
Installation and Operation Manual

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
DR Inverter/Charger 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
DR Inverter/Charger Installation and Operations Manual © March 2005 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
March 2005 Revision
Part Number
975-0012-01-02 Rev A
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: [email protected]
Web: www.xantrex.com

975-0012-01-02 Rev A iii
About This Manual
Purpose
The purpose of this Installation and Operation Manual is to provide explanations
and procedures for installing, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting the DR
Inverter/Charger.
Scope
The Manual provides safety guidelines, detailed planning and setup information,
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 Manual is intended for anyone who needs to install and operate the DR
Inverter/Charger. Installers should be certified technicians or electricians.
Organization
This Manual is organized into four chapters and three appendices.
Chapter 1, “Introduction” contains information about the features and functions of
the DR Inverter/Charger.
Chapter 2, “Installation” contains information about how to plan for and install
the DR Inverter/Charger.
Chapter 3, “Operation” contains information about how to operate the DR
Inverter/Charger.
Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting” contains information about how to troubleshoot
possible error conditions while using the DR Inverter/Charger.
Appendix A, “Specifications” contains information about the electrical
specifications and environmental specifications of the DR Inverter/Charger.
Appendix B, “Appendix B, “Battery Information” supplies general information
about batteries such as battery types, battery bank sizing, battery configurations,
and battery care. For detailed information, see your battery manufacturer or your
system designer.”
Appendix C, “Multi-wire Branch Circuit Wiring” supplies information about
Multi-wire Branch Circuit Wiring Precautions when using stand-alone 120 Vac
inverters or generators.

About This Manual
iv 975-0012-01-02 Rev A
Conventions Used
The following conventions are used in this guide.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Related Information
You can find more information about Xantrex Technology Inc. as well as its
products and services at www.xantrex.com.
WARNING
Warnings identify conditions or practices that could result in personal injury or loss of life
CAUTION
Cautions identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to the unit or other
equipment.
Important: These notes describe things which are important for you to know, but not as
serious as a caution or warning.
AC Alternating Current
ASC Authorized Service Center
AHJ Authority Having Jurisdiction
COM COMmunications Port
CW Clockwise (rotates to the right)
CCW Counter-clockwise (rotates to the left)
DC Direct Current
DR Inverter DR Inverter/Charger
DRI DR Interface (for stacking)
LED Light Emitting Diode
PV Photovoltaic
PVGFP PV Ground Fault Protection
RE Renewable Energy
RMA Return Material Authorization

975-0012-01-02 Rev A v
Important Safety Instructions
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains important instructions for all DR Inverter/Charger models
that shall be followed during installation and maintenance of the inverter.
General
1. Before installing and using the DR Inverter/Charger, read all instructions and
cautionary markings on the DR Inverter/Charger and all appropriate sections
of this guide. Be sure to read all instructions and cautionary markings for any
equipment attached to this unit.
2. This unit is designed for indoor use only. Do not expose the DR Inverter/
Charger to rain, snow, or spray.
3. To reduce risk of fire hazard, do not cover or obstruct the ventilation
openings. Do not install the DR Inverter/Charger in a zero-clearance
compartment. Overheating may result.
4. Use only attachments recommended or sold by the manufacturer. Doing
otherwise may result in a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
5. To avoid a risk of fire and electric shock, make sure that existing wiring is in
good condition and that wire is not undersized. Do not operate the DR
Inverter/Charger with damaged or substandard wiring.
6. Do not operate the DR Inverter/Charger if it has received a sharp blow, been
dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way. If the DR Inverter/Charger is
damaged, see the Warranty section.
7. Do not disassemble the DR Inverter/Charger. It contains no user-serviceable
parts. See Warranty for instructions on obtaining service. Attempting to
service the DR Inverter/Charger yourself may result in a risk of electrical
shock or fire. Internal capacitors remain charged after all power is
disconnected.
8. The DR Inverter contains more than one live circuit (batteries and AC line).
Power may be present at more than one source. To reduce the risk of electrical
shock, disconnect both AC and DC power from the DR Inverter/Charger
before attempting any maintenance or cleaning or working on any circuits
connected to the DR Inverter/Charger. Turning off controls will not reduce
this risk.
9. Use insulated tools to reduce the chance of short-circuits when installing or
working with the inverter, the batteries, or a PV array.

Safety
vi 975-0012-01-02 Rev A
Wiring Requirements
1. All wiring methods and materials shall be in accordance with the National
Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70 (Current Edition). When sizing conductors
and conduits interfacing to the DR Inverter, both shall be in accordance with
the National Electric Code ANSI/NFPA 70, as well as all state and local code
requirements.
2. This product is intended to be installed as part of a permanently grounded
electrical system per the National Electric Code ANSI/NFPA 70 (current
edition). This is the single point earth ground for the inverter system.
3. Use copper conductors only with insulation rated for 75 °C.
4. The grounds on the DR Inverter are marked with this symbol:
5. The AC voltage and current on the DR Inverter is marked with this symbol:
6. The DC voltage and current on the DR Inverter is marked with this
symbol:
7. Phase on the DR Inverter is marked with this symbol:
Explosive gas precautions
1. This equipment contains components which tend to produce arcs or sparks.
To prevent fire or explosion, do not install the DR Inverter/Charger 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.
2. To reduce the risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those
published by the battery manufacturer and the manufacturer of the equipment
in which the battery is installed.
WARNING Fire Hazard:
Do not install 120 volt AC stand-alone inverters onto 120/240 volt AC multi-branch
circuit wiring. This could pose a fire hazard due to an overloaded neutral return wire in
this configuration. See “Multi-wire Branch Circuit Wiring” on page C–1 for details.
WARNING: Explosion Hazard
Working in the vicinity of lead-acid batteries is dangerous. Batteries generate
explosive gases during normal operation. Therefore, you must read this guide and
follow the instructions exactly before installing or using your DR Inverter/
Charger.

Safety
975-0012-01-02 Rev A vii
Precautions When Working With Batteries
1. Make sure the area around the battery is well ventilated.
2. Never smoke or allow a spark or flame near the engine or batteries.
3. Use caution to reduce the risk or dropping a metal tool on the battery. It could
spark or short circuit the battery or other electrical parts and could cause an
explosion.
4. Remove all 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 metal to skin, causing a severe burn.
5. Have someone within range of your voice or close enough to come to your aid
when you work near a lead-acid battery.
6. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin,
clothing, or eyes.
7. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching your
eyes while working near batteries.
8. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and
water. If acid enters your eye, immediately flood it with running cold water
for at least twenty minutes and get medical attention immediately.
9. If you need to remove a battery, always remove the grounded terminal from
the battery first. Make sure all accessories are off so you don’t cause a spark.
10. Always use identical types of batteries.
11. Never install old or untested batteries. Check each battery’s date code or label
to ensure age and type.
12. Batteries are temperature sensitive. For optimum performance, the should be
installed in a stable temperature environment.
13. Always recycle old batteries. Contact your local recycling center for proper
disposal information.
WARNING: Explosion or Fire Hazard
Follow all instructions published by the battery manufacturer and the
manufacturer of the equipment in which the battery is installed.

viii