Xantrex XPower 150 User manual

by
XPower Inverter 150
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
XPower 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 Inverter 150 Owner’s Guide © Sept 2003 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
Sept 2003 Revision B
Part Number
975-0089-01-01
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

iii
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2. Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Warnings and Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3. XPower 150 Inverter Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
AC Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4. Connecting the XPower 150 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Choosing a Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Connecting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5. Operating the XPower 150 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operating Statuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Interference With Electronic Equipment. . . . . . . . . 10
6. Battery Operating Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
7. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
8. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Regulatory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
9. Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
10. Other Xantrex Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Table of Contents

iv

1
1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the XPower Inverter 150. The
XPower 150 is part of a family of advanced high-
performance power inverters from Xantrex, the leader in
high frequency inverter design.
Connected to the 12 volt outlet in your vehicle, the XPower
150 efficiently and reliably powers a wide variety of AC
loads, such as compact TVs and VCRs, laptops, camcorder
and cell phone chargers, compact fluorescent lights, and
soldering irons.
The XPower 150 uses reliable solid state power electronics
for years of safe, trouble-free operation and includes
automatic safety monitoring circuitry to protect it, and your
battery, from inadvertent overload conditions.
Read this guide before connecting or using the XPower 150,
and save it for future reference. The main topics in the guide
are:
• Safety information (page 2)
• XPower 150 features (page 5)
• Instructions for connecting the inverter (page 7)
• Operating guidelines (page 8)
• Troubleshooting information (page 12)
• Specifications (page 15)
• Warranty and service information (page 17)

2
2 Important Safety Information
If the XPower 150 is connected or used incorrectly,
hazardous conditions may be created. Read and save this
safety information, and pay special attention to all Warning
and Caution statements in the guide and on the inverter
itself. Warnings and Cautions are indicated by this symbol:
•Warning statements identify conditions that could
result in personal injury or loss of life.
•Caution statements identify conditions or practices that
could result in damage to the XPower 150 or other
equipment.
Warnings and Cautions
WARNING: Shock hazard
The XPower 150 generates the same potentially lethal AC
power as a household wall outlet. Do not insert foreign
objects in the inverter’s AC outlet or any other openings in
the inverter. Do not open the inverter. Have a qualified
individual complete any service work.
WARNING: Shock hazard
Do not expose the XPower 150 to water, rain, snow, or
spray.

3
WARNING: Risk of fire or explosion
The XPower 150 contains components that 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.
WARNING: Fire hazard
To reduce the risk of fire, do not cover or obstruct the
ventilation openings. Do not install the XPower 150 in a
zero-clearance compartment. Overheating may result.
CAUTION: Risk of damage to equipment
The XPower 150 is designed to be directly connected to
standard electrical and electronic equipment in the manner
described in this guide. Do not connect it to household or
RV AC distribution wiring. Do not connect it to any AC
load circuit in which the neutral conductor is connected to
ground (earth) or to the negative of the DC (battery)
source.
CAUTION: Risk of damage to the XPower
150
Reverse battery polarity (negative connected to positive;
positive connected to negative) will damage the XPower
150, and it will require servicing. Damage caused by
reverse polarity is not covered by your warranty.

4
CAUTION: Risk of damage due to high
temperatures
Do not use the XPower 150 in temperatures over 40°C
(100°F). Overheating may result.
CAUTION: Risk of damage to rechargeable
appliances
The output of the XPower 150 is non-sinusoidal. Certain
battery chargers can be damaged if they are connected to
the XPower 150. Two particular types of equipment are
prone to this problem:
• Small battery-operated appliances such as flashlights,
shavers, and night lights that can be plugged directly
into an AC receptacle to recharge.
• Certain battery chargers for battery packs used in hand
power tools. These chargers will have a warning label
stating that dangerous voltages are present at the
battery terminals.
Do not use the XPower 150 with the types of appliances
just described.

5
3 XPower 150 Inverter Features
This section describes the main features of the XPower 150.
Figure 1 shows the inverter’s AC panel.
Figure 1 AC Panel on the XPower 150 (European Outlet)
① AC Outlet An AC outlet is located on one end of the
XPower 150. It allows you to plug in a 230 volt AC load
with a power consumption of 150 watts or less.
The AC outlet on your inverter may be different from the
one shown here. For all available outlets, see Figure 2,
Figure 3, and Figure 4 on page 6.
② On/Standby Switch The two positions on the On/
Standby switch are indicated as follows: = Standby and
= On.
When the inverter is connected to a DC power source and
the switch is on, AC power is available at the AC outlet.
③④
①
②

6
③ Power Light The green PWR light is on all the time
when the On/Standby switch is on.
④ Fault Light The red light indicates that the
inverter has shut down because of low or high battery
voltage, AC overload, or excessively high temperatures.
Audible Alarm An audible alarm warns you of a high-
temperature shutdown or of an impending low battery
voltage shutdown.
AC Outlets
Depending on your geographic location, your XPower 150
will have one of the following AC outlets.
Figure 2 European AC
Outlet
Figure 3 British AC
Outlet
Figure 4 Australian and New Zealand AC

7
4 Connecting the XPower 150
Choosing a Location
For best performance, choose a location that is:
•Dry Do not expose the inverter to water drip or spray.
•Cool Operate the inverter in ambient temperatures
between 0° C and 40° C (32° F and 100° F). Keep it
away from heating vents and direct sunlight.
•Well ventilated For proper cooling, allow at least 5 cm
(2 in.) of clearance around the inverter.
•Clean and free of dust and dirt Choose a location
that is free of any debris that could get into the inverter.
Connecting
To connect the inverter:
1. Place the inverter on a flat surface like the vehicle’s
dashboard. Use the floor only if it is dry and free of
debris that could get into the inverter.
2. Plug the inverter’s DC lighter plug into the vehicle’s
cigarette lighter socket or a 12 volt outlet.
3. Turn on the inverter’s On/Standby switch. The green
PWR light comes on, and AC power is available at the
outlet.
Note: You may need to turn the vehicle’s ignition key
to the accessory position.
4. Plug in the AC load you want to operate.

8
5 Operating the XPower 150
Operating Statuses
This section describes normal operation as well as problems
that could occur when you use the inverter. If you have a
problem, see “Troubleshooting” on page 12.
•Normal Operation When you connect the inverter to
your vehicle’s 12 volt outlet and turn on the On/Standby
switch, the green PWR light comes on and AC power is
available at the outlet.
The inverter shuts down automatically in response to
low battery voltage, high battery voltage, AC overload,
overheating, or a short in the AC output.
•Low Battery Voltage Alarm and Shutdown As the
battery discharges, its voltage decreases.
When the inverter senses that the voltage at its DC input
has dropped to 10.7 volts, it sounds an alarm. This gives
you time to shut down computers or other sensitive
devices. If you ignore the alarm and the DC input drops
to 10.0 volts, the inverter shuts down the AC load being
operated. The PWR light stays on, the alarm stays on, and
the light comes on. The low battery voltage
shutdown feature saves the battery from excessive
discharge, which can prevent you from starting your
vehicle, or more seriously, damage the battery.
•Possible shutdown when the vehicle’s engine is
started The XPower 150 will operate while your
vehicle’s engine is running, but the normal voltage drop

9
that occurs when the engine starts may trigger a low
voltage shutdown.
•AC Overload Shutdown If you connect an AC load
that is rated higher than 150 watts or 0.65 amps or that
draws excessive surge power, the XPower 150 shuts
down. The PWR light stays on, and the light
comes on to indicate that the inverter is overloaded.
Note: High startup surge requirements The power,
or “wattage” rating of an AC load is the average amount
of power it uses. When they are first turned on, many
AC loads consume more power than their continuous
power rating. TVs, monitors, and electric motors are
examples of loads that have high surge requirements at
start up. Although the XPower 150 can supply
momentary surge power to 300 watts, some loads rated
less than 150 watts can exceed its surge capabilities and
trigger the AC overload shutdown feature. (See page 12
for troubleshooting procedures.)
•High Battery Voltage Shutdown If a defective battery
charging system causes the battery voltage to rise to
dangerously high levels, the inverter shuts down
automatically. The PWR light stays on, and the
light comes on.
•High Temperature Shutdown If the inverter exceeds
its safe operating temperature because of insufficient
ventilation or a high-temperature environment, it
sounds an alarm and shuts down automatically. The PWR
light stays on, and the light comes on. When the
inverter has cooled sufficiently, it restarts automatically.

10
Interference With Electronic Equipment
Most AC loads operate with the XPower 150 as they would
with household AC power with the following exceptions.
Buzzing Sound Some inexpensive stereo systems and
“boom boxes” have inadequate internal power supply
filtering and buzz slightly when powered by the XPower
150. The best solution is to have an audio system with a
good quality filter.
Television Interference The XPower 150 is shielded to
minimize its interference with TV signals. If TV signals are
weak, you may see the interference in the form of lines
scrolling across the screen. Try one of these suggestions to
minimize or eliminate the problem:
• Adjust the orientation of the inverter, TV, antenna, and
cables.
• Maximize TV signal strength by using a better antenna,
and use shielded antenna cable where possible.
• Try a different TV. Different models vary considerably
in their susceptibility to interference.

11
6 Battery Operating Time
The operating time of the XPower 150 depends on the
charge level of the battery, the battery capacity, and the
amount of power drawn by the particular AC load being
used. With a typical vehicle battery and a 150 watt AC load
(like a small TV), you can expect two to three hours of
operating time.
To preserve the battery:
• Do not allow your vehicle battery to become deeply
discharged. A vehicle battery (starting battery) is not
designed to be deeply discharged, and repeated deep
discharge/charge cycles will shorten its life.
When you use a vehicle battery as a power source, start
the vehicle every hour or two and run it until you have
partially recharged the battery.
• Do not leave the XPower 150 on for extended periods if
an AC load is not connected.
The inverter draws less than 0.18 amps with the On/
Standby switch on and no AC load connected, but that
will eventually discharge the battery.

12
7Troubleshooting
This section describes problems you could encounter as well
as possible causes and various remedies.
The AC load will not operate; the light is on.
Symptom An AC load is plugged in or turned on, operates
for one to ten seconds, and then shuts down.
Symptom The AC load will not operate. The light
comes on when the inverter is turned on or when the AC
load is turned on or plugged in. The alarm may sound.
WARNING: Shock hazard
Do not open the inverter or attempt to service it yourself.
Refer all service to qualified personnel.
Possible cause Suggested remedy
The AC load is rated at more
than 150 watts; an overload
shutdown has occurred.
Use a load with a power rating
less than 150 watts (0.65 amps).
The AC load is rated at less than
150 watts, but a high starting
surge has caused an overload
shutdown.
The AC load exceeds the
inverter’s surge capability. Use
a load with a starting surge
power within its capability.
Possible cause Suggested remedy
The battery is discharged. Recharge the battery.
The battery voltage is
excessive.
Check the charging system.

13
Symptom The AC load runs for more than one minute,
the alarm sounds, and the light comes on. The
inverter is warm or hot to touch.
The AC load will not operate; no inverter lights are on.
Symptom The cigarette lighter works in the lighter
socket, but the inverter does not.
Symptom The cigarette lighter does not work in the
lighter socket.
Possible cause Suggested remedy
Poor ventilation or a high-
temperature environment has
caused the inverter to overheat.
Ensure that ventilation is not
restricted around the inverter.
Possible cause Suggested remedy
The contact between the plug
and the lighter socket or the 12
volt outlet is poor.
Press the plug firmly into the
socket. Clean the plug or the
socket if necessary.
The inverter has been connected
with reverse DC input polarity.
The inverter has probably been
damaged. Have it repaired.
Instructions for returning the
inverter are on page 22.
Damage caused by reverse
polarity is not covered by the
warranty.

14
Measured inverter output voltage is too low.
Symptom The AC voltmeter reading is 5 to 15 volts too
low.
Battery operating time is less than expected.
Symptom The inverter runs for a while, and then the
light comes on. The inverter is cool or warm to
touch.
Possible cause Suggested remedy
The lighter socket or the 12 volt
outlet may require that the
ignition be switched on.
Turn the key to the accessory
position.
The cigarette lighter fuse or the
12 volt outlet fuse is blown.
Check the vehicle fuses, and
replace the blown fuse with the
correct type and size.
Possible cause Suggested remedy
A standard “average reading”
AC voltmeter has been used to
measure the output voltage.
For accuracy, the XPower 150
modified sine wave output
needs to be measured with a
“true RMS” voltmeter, like a
Fluke 87 series multimeter.
The battery voltage is too low. Recharge the battery.
Possible cause Suggested remedy
The battery is old or defective. Replace the battery.
The battery is not being charged
properly.
Have a qualified technician
check the vehicle’s electrical
system.

15
8 Specifications
Specifications may change without notice.
Electrical
AC receptacles 1
AC output voltage 230 volts AC ± 5%
AC output frequency 50 Hz ± 3 Hz
AC output waveform Modified Sine Wave
Maximum continuous AC output
power
150 watts
Maximum AC output surge power 300 watts
DC input voltage range 10–15 volts DC
Battery drain with no AC load (at
12V input) and inverter switch on
0.18 amps
Efficiency (optimal) 90%
Ambient operating temperature
range
0° C–40° C (32° F–100° F)
Low battery alarm trigger point 10.7 volts DC
Low battery voltage shutdown 10.0 volts DC
High battery voltage shutdown 15 volts DC
Over-temperature shutdown Automatic shutdown and
automatic restart
Overload shutdown Automatic shutdown and
automatic restart
Internal Fuse 25 amps

16
Physical
Regulatory
Dimensions (L x W x H) 156mm x 103mm x 62mm
(6.2 in. x 4.1 in. x 2.5 in.)
Weight 0.65 Kg (1.5 lb.)
CE Mark Low Voltage Directive
e Mark Automotive EMC Directive
TUV/GS Certified to EN60950