Xantrex XPower 1500 User manual

TM
TM
XPower™Inverter 1500
Owner’s Guide

975-0558-01-01 i
About Xantrex
Xantrex Technology Inc. (www.xantrex.com), a subsidiary of Schneider Electric, is a
world leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of advanced power
electronic products and systems for the renewable and mobile power markets. The
company's products convert and control raw electrical power from any central,
distributed, renewable, or backup power source into high-quality power required by
electronic equipment and the electricity grid. Xantrex is headquartered in Vancouver,
Canada, with facilities in the United States, Germany, Spain, India, and a joint
venture in China.
Trademarks
Xantrex, XPower, and Smart Choice for Power are trademarks of Schneider
Electric International Services sprl, registered in the U.S. and other countries. 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 1500 Owner’s Guide © February 2010 Xantrex Technology Inc. All
rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form or disclosed
to third parties without the express written consent of: Xantrex Technology Inc., 161-
G South Vasco Road, Livermore, California, USA 94551. Xantrex Technology Inc.
reserves the right to revise this document and to periodically make changes to the
content hereof without obligation or organization of such revisions or changes unless
required to do so by prior arrangement.
Exclusion for Documentation
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 LOSSES, DAMAGES, COSTS OR EXPENSES,
WHETHER SPECIAL, 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’SRISK; AND
(C)REMINDS YOU THAT IF THIS MANUAL IS IN ANY LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH,
ALTHOUGH STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO MAINTAIN THE ACCURACY OF THE TRANSLATION, THE
ACCURACY CANNOT BE GUARANTEED. APPROVED XANTREX CONTENT IS CONTAINED WITH THE
ENGLISH LANGUAGE VERSION WHICH IS POSTED AT WWW.XANTREX.COM.
Date and Revision
February 2010 Rev B
Document Part Number
975-0558-01-01
Product Number
813-1500-UL
Contact Information
Telephone: [phone] (toll free North America)
1 408 987 6030 (direct)
Fax: [phone] (toll free North America)
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.xantrex.com

ii XPower Inverter 1500 Owner’s Guide
About This Guide
Purpose
The purpose of this Owner’s Guide is to provide explanations and
procedures for installing, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining the
XPower Inverter 1500 .
Scope
The Guide provides safety and operating guidelines as well as information
on installing and configuring the inverter. It also provides information about
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 Guide is intended for users and operators of the XPower Inverter 1500 .
Conventions Used
The following conventions are used in this guide.
STATEMENT OF HAZARD
Contains statements of avoidance or strict compliance.
Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious
injury.
STATEMENT OF HAZARD
Contains statements of avoidance or strict compliance.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious
injury.
STATEMENT OF HAZARD
Contains statements of avoidance or strict compliance.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in minor or moderate
injury.
STATEMENT OF HAZARD
Contains statements of avoidance or strict compliance.
Failure to follow these instructions can damage the unit and/or
damage other equipment.
IMPORTANT: These notes describe things which are important for you to
know, however, they are not as serious as a caution or warning.

975-0558-01-01 iii
Related Information
You can find more information about Xantrex Technology Inc. as well as
its products and services at www.xantrex.com.

iv XPower Inverter 1500 Owner’s Guide
Important Safety Instructions
IMPORTANT: READ AND SAVE THIS OWNER’SGUIDE FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
This chapter contains important safety and installation instructions for the
XPower Inverter 1500 . Each time, before using the XPower Inverter 1500 ,
READ ALL instructions and cautionary markings on or provided with the
inverter and all appropriate sections of this guide.
NOTE: The XPower Inverter 1500 contains no user-serviceable parts. See
“Warranty and Return Information” on page 20 for guidance.
NOTE: Turning off the inverter using the on/off switch on the front panel
will not reduce an electrical shock hazard.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD
• Do not expose the inverter to rain, snow, spray, or bilge water. This
inverter is designed for indoor use only.
• Do 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.
• Do not disassemble the inverter. Internal capacitors remain charged
after all power is disconnected.
• Disconnect both AC and DC power from the inverter before
attempting any maintenance or cleaning or working on any circuits
connected to the inverter. See note below.
• Do 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.

975-0558-01-01 v
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.
FIRE AND BURN HAZARD
• Do not cover or obstruct the air intake vent openings and/or install in
a zero-clearance compartment.
• Do 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.
EXPLOSION HAZARD
• Charge only properly rated (such as 12 V) lead-acid (GEL, AGM,
Flooded, or lead-calcium) rechargeable batteries because other
battery types may explode and burst.
• Do not work in the vicinity of lead-acid batteries. Batteries generate
explosive gases during normal operation. See note #1.
• Do not install and/or 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.

vi XPower Inverter 1500 Owner’s Guide
Precautions When Working With Batteries
NOTES:
1. Locate the XPower Inverter 1500 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. 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.
5. Use extra 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.
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.
BURN FROM HIGH SHORT-CIRCUIT CURRENT, FIRE AND EXPLO-
SION FROM VENTED GASES HAZARDS
• Always 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.
• Remove all personal metal items, like rings, bracelets, and watches
when working with batteries. See notes #5 and #6 below.
• Never smoke or allow a spark or flame near the engine or batteries.
• Never charge a frozen battery.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious
injury.

975-0558-01-01 vii
Precautions When Placing the Inverter Regulatory
The XPower Inverter 1500 is certified to UL458 standard. For more
information see “Regulatory Approvals” on page 19.
The XPower Inverter 1500 is intended to be used for residential or
commercial applications. It is not intended for other applications as it may
not comply with the additional safety code requirements needed for those
other applications. See “Limitations On Use” below.
RISK OF DAMAGE TO THE inverter
• Never allow battery acid to drip on the inverter when reading gravity,
or filling battery.
• Never place the XPower Inverter 1500 unit directly above batteries;
gases from a battery will corrode and damage the inverter.
• Do not place a battery on top of the inverter.
Failure to follow these instructions can damage the unit and/or
damage other equipment. LIMITATIONS ON USE
• Do not use in connection with life support systems or other medical
equipment or devices.
• Do not use in ambulances or other life-saving emergency vehicles.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious
injury.

Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Quality Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Ease of Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Comprehensive Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
inverter Materials List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Inverter Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
AC Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
DC Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Inverter Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Installation Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Prepare for Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Typical Power System Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Battery Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Cables for DC Input and Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Fuses (or Circuit Breakers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Install the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Overview of Installation Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Mount the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Connect the Chassis Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Connect the DC Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Contents

Inverter Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Turning the Inverter On and Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Testing the GFCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Operating Several Loads at Once . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Operating Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Inverter Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
High Surge Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Trouble Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Connecting Appliances to the Inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Routine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Maintaining the inverter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Recharging batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Testing the GFCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Buzz in Audio Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Television Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Troubleshooting Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Warranty and Return Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

975-0558-01-01 1
Introduction
The XPower Inverter 1500 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.
Quality Power
The XPower Inverter 1500 is a quality inverter designed for recreational
vehicle (RV) and truck applications.
• The inverter provides up to 1000 watts of continuous power. It is
designed to handle loads such as 600 watt microwaves, TVs, VCRs,
and midsized power tools.
• The inverter’s high surge capability lets you handle many hard-to-start
loads, including large TVs, refrigerators, and small freezers.
• The unit’s low standby battery demand means you don’t have to worry
about excessive drain on your battery if you leave the inverter on for a
few days. When the inverter is on but no power is being supplied to a
load, the inverter draws less than 300 mA from the battery.
• The cooling fan in the 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 unit is compact, light weight, and easy to install.
• Loads can be powered directly from the GFCI-protected AC outlets.
Comprehensive Protection
The XPower Inverter 1500 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 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 inverter down automatically if
the input voltage rises to 15 volts or more.
Overload shutdown Shuts the inverter down automatically if a short
circuit is detected in the circuitry connected to the inverter’s output, or if
the loads connected to the inverter exceed the inverter’s operating limits.
Over temperature shutdown Shuts the inverter down automatically if
its internal temperature rises above an unacceptable level.

2XPower Inverter 1500 Owner’s Guide
Introduction
Inverter Materials List
The inverter ships with the following items:
• one XPower Inverter 1500 unit,
• owner’s guide,
• integrated GFCI-protected AC outlets,
• two sets of locks and washers for DC cables, and
• one ON/OFF remote switch with communications cable.
NOTE: If any of the items are missing, contact Xantrex or any authorized
Xantrex dealer for replacement. See “Contact Information” on page i.
IMPORTANT: Keep the carton and packing material in case you need to
return the inverter for servicing.
Figure 1 Materials List
Inverter
with GFCI-protected outlets
Owner’s Guide
ON/OFF remote switch with
communications cable locks and washers

975-0558-01-01 3
Inverter Features
This section describes the different parts of the inverter.
AC Panel
Item Description
1GFCI-protected AC outlets are used to power loads up
to a combined 1000 watts continuous.
1a GFCI Reset button is used to recover from a ground trip.
1b GFCI Test button is used to manually trip the GFCI
device and cut power from the AC outlets.
2ON/OFF Switch turns the inverter’s control circuit on and
off. This switch is not a power disconnect switch.
Disconnect AC and DC power before working on any
circuits connected to the inverter.
3Remote ON/OFF Connector Port is used for connecting
the ON/OFF remote switch.
4Fault light (red) indicates that the inverter has shut down
due to inverter overload or over-temperature.
5Power light (green) indicates the inverter is operating.
Figure 2 AC Panel
4
3
5
11a1b 2

4XPower Inverter 1500 Owner’s Guide
Inverter Features
DC Panel
Figure 3 DC Panel
2
3
1
4
Item 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.

975-0558-01-01 5
Inverter Installation
This section describes general installation instructions for the XPower
Inverter 1500 .
Installation Code
In residential applications, electrical codes do not allow permanent
connection of AC distribution wiring to the inverter’s GFCI-protected AC
output receptacles. The receptacles are intended for temporary (as-needed)
connection of cord connected loads only.
Prepare for Installation
• Design your power system.
• Calculate your battery requirements.
• Choose an effective charging system.
• Choose an appropriate location.
• Purchase cables for DC input and ground.
• Select the correct fuses (or circuit breakers).
IMPORTANT: Use a qualified installer if you do not possess the knowledge
and skill necessary to follow these general instructions. In addition, a
qualified installer such as a licensed electrician, knows all national and
local electrical codes and specific installation codes that may apply to your
power system design.

6XPower Inverter 1500 Owner’s Guide
Inverter Installation
Typical Power System Design
Determine how you are going to use your inverter then design a power
system that will give you maximum performance. The configuration shown
below is a typical power system design applied in installing the inverter in
recreational vehicles.
Battery Requirements
Battery type and battery size strongly affect the performance of the XPower
Inverter 1500 . Therefore, you need to identify the type of loads your
inverter will be powering and how much you will be using them between
charges. Once you know how much power you will be using, you can
determine how much battery capacity you need. Xantrex recommends that
you purchase as much battery capacity as possible.
Charging System
The charging system must be appropriate for your particular installation. A
well-designed charging system will ensure that power is available when you
need it and that your batteries remain in top condition. Inadequate charging
will degrade system performance and the wrong type of charger will reduce
battery life.
Contact Xantrex or visit www.xantrex.com to find more information about
our different battery chargers.
Figure 4 Typical Power System Design
12V
12V
IMPORTANT: Connect the inverter to a 12-volt battery or 12-volt battery
bank system. The inverter will not work on 6-volt battery systems and will
be damaged when connected to a higher-than-12-volt battery system such
as a 24-volt battery system in some trucks or recreational vehicles.

975-0558-01-01 7
Inverter Installation
Location
The XPower Inverter 1500 must only be installed in a location that is:
:
Cables for DC Input and Ground
To operate safely and effectively, use low-resistance wiring between the
battery and the inverter because the inverter receives high-current input
from a low-voltage battery.
Run a chassis ground cable from the grounding point to the chassis ground
screw on the inverter’s DC panel.
When purchasing cables for DC input and ground:
• Use a minimum No. 2 AWG for the DC input cable with a
• Maximum cable length of 1.5 meters (5 feet), measured one-way from
battery terminal to inverter terminal.
• Use a matching cable size for ground cable. Terminate one end with an
appropriately-sized ring connector.
• Use stranded copper wires, avoiding aluminum wires due to their
higher-resistance rating.
• Have your DC input cables crimped and terminated with
appropriately-sized ring connectors at the store of purchase.
Fuses (or Circuit Breakers)
Install only a DC-rated fuse (or a DC-rated circuit breaker) on the positive
cable line as shown on Figure 4. When purchasing fuses (or circuit
breakers), follow these recommendations.
• Select a fuse (or circuit breaker) with a maximum rating of 150 Adc.
• Determine the short-circuit current rating of the battery and
• Choose a battery fuse that can withstand the short-circuit current that
may be generated by the battery.
Dry The inverter must be installed in a dry location not subject
to moisture especially rain, spray, or splashing bilge water.
Cool The inverter should not be exposed to metal filings or any
other form of contamination.
Ventilated The ambient air temperature should be between
0 – 40 °C (32 – 104 °F) for best performance.
Safe Ventilation openings on the inverter must not be
obstructed. If the inverter is mounted in a tight fitting
compartment, the compartment must be ventilated with
cut-outs to prevent the inverter from overheating.
Close to
battery The inverter is not ignition-protected equipment, so it cannot be installed in areas containing gasoline tanks or
fittings which require ignition-protected equipment.
Xantrex recommends that it is safest not to install any kind
of electrical equipment including the inverter in these
areas.
Protected
frombattery
gases
The inverter should be installed as close as possible to the
batteries, but not in the same compartment to prevent
corrosion. Avoid excessive cable lengths and use the
recommended wire sizes. Xantrex recommends installing
with cables sized to achieve less than 3% voltage drop on
battery cables under full load. This will maximize the
performance of the inverter.

8XPower Inverter 1500 Owner’s Guide
Inverter Installation
Install the Inverter
Review and follow the safety guidelines in “Important Safety Instructions”
on page iv before proceeding with installation.
Overview of Installation Steps
• Mount the inverter.
• Connect the chassis ground.
• Connect the DC cables.
Mount the Inverter
1. Make sure the inverter’s ON/OFF switch is in the Off position.
2. Select an appropriate mounting location and orientation. The inverter
must be oriented in one of the following ways:
• Horizontally on a vertical surface. (The ventilation opening on
the DC end must not point up or down.)
• On or under a horizontal surface.
3. Hold the inverter against the mounting surface, mark the positions of
the mounting screws, and then remove the inverter.
4. Pilot drill the four mounting holes.
5. Fasten the inverter to the mounting surface using corrosion-resistant
fasteners sized #10 or larger.
Connect the Chassis Ground
1. Make sure the inverter’s ON/OFF switch is in the Off position.
2. Locate the screw terminal labelled CHASSIS GND on the DC panel
and remove the chassis ground screw and star washer.
3. Attach the ground cable’s ring connector to the screw terminal on the
inverter and secure with the star washer and chassis ground screw.
4. Attach the other end of the ground cable to the vehicle chassis via a
grounding point on the vehicle.
IMPORTANT: Do not mount the inverter under the engine hood of a
vehicle.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD
Never operate the inverter without properly connecting the chassis
ground to the vehicle chassis.
Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious
injury.