Xantrex XS400 User manual

XS400 Sine Wave Inverter
Owner’s Guide

XS400 Sine Wave Inverter
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
XS400 Sine Wave Inverter 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
XS400 Sine Wave Inverter Owner’s Guide © October 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
October 2003 Revision B
Part Number
975-0054-01-01
Contact Information
Telephone: [phone] (toll free in North America)
1-604-422-2777 (direct)
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.xantrex.com

975-0054-01-01 iii
About This Guide
Purpose
The XS400 Sine Wave Inverter Owner’s Guide contains information for
installing, operating, and troubleshooting the XS400 Sine Wave Inverter
(XS400) and the S400 Remote Switch.
Scope
This Guide provides safety guidelines, installation, operation,
troubleshooting, and warranty information for the XS400 and S400
Remote Switch.
Basic information on battery types and sizes is provided in Appendix B,
“Battery Types and Sizes”. For comprehensive information about your
battery, refer to the battery manufacturer’s guide.
Service information is not included as the unit does not contain user-
serviceable parts.
Audience
This Guide is intended for anyone who needs to install and operate the
XS400 Sine Wave Inverter and S400 Remote Switch. Installers should be
certified technicians or electricians.
Organization
The Owner’s Guide is organized into four chapters and two appendixes.
Chapter 1, “Introduction”, outlines the main performance and safety
features of the XS400. Reading this chapter will give you a clear
understanding of the inverter’s capabilities.
Chapter 2, “Installation”, provides detailed information for installing the
XS400 and the S400 Remote Switch.

About This Guide
iv 975-0054-01-01
Chapter 3, “Operation”, provides information about operating the XS400
and S400 Remote Switch. Details are provided on how to read the front
panel indicators to monitor the XS400.
Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting”, explains how to identify and solve
problems that can occur with the XS400 and S400 Remote Switch.
Appendix A, “Specifications”, provides the electrical and physical
specifications of the XS400.
Appendix B, “Battery Types and Sizes”, provides information that will
help you to select, connect, and maintain batteries that are most
appropriate for your application.
“Warranty and Product Information”, contains the product warranty,
explainshow to return a product for service, and describes how to prepare
for a call to Xantrex Customer Service.
Conventions Used
The following conventions are used in this guide.
WARNING
Warnings identify conditions that could result in personal
injury or loss of life.
CAUTION
Cautions identify conditions or practices that could result in
damage to the XS400 Sine Wave Inverter or to other
equipment.
Note: Notes describe additional information which may add to
your understanding of how to use the XS400.
Important: These notes describe an important action item or an
item that you must pay attention to.

About This Guide
975-0054-01-01 v
Acronyms and Terminology
Related Information
You can find more information about Xantrex Technology Inc. as well as
its products and services at www.xantrex.com
AC Alternating current
DC Direct current
CSA Canadian Standards Association
FCC Federal Communications Commission
GFCI Ground fault circuit interrupter
UL Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
Hardwiring to make a permanent electrical connection
Shore power refers to the AC input power from a utility grid,
generator, or other external AC source.

vi

975-0054-01-01 vii
Important Safety Instructions
General Precautions
1. Before installing and using the inverter, read all appropriate sections
of this guide and any cautionary markings on the inverter and the
batteries.
2. Do not operate the inverter if it has received a sharp blow, been
dropped, or otherwise damaged. If the unit is damaged, see “Warranty
and Product Information” on page WA–1.
3. Do not dismantle the inverter; it contains no user serviceable parts.
Attempting to service the unit yourself could cause electrical shock or
fire. Internal capacitors remain charged after all power is
disconnected. See “Warranty” on page WA–1 for instructions on
obtaining service.
WARNING
This Owner’s Guide contains important safety and operating
instructions.
Before using your XS400 Sine Wave Inverter, be sure to read,
understand, and save these safety instructions.
WARNING: Restrictions on Use
The XS400 Sine Wave Inverter shall not be used in connection
with life support systems or other medical equipment or
devices.
WARNING: Shock hazard
The XS400 has On/Standby mode only. It does not have an Off
mode, that is, DC power is permanently connected to the unit.

Important Safety Instructions
viii 975-0054-01-01
4. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, disconnect both AC and DC
power from the inverter before working on any circuits connected to
the inverter. Turning the On/Standby switch to Standby ( ) will not
reduce this risk.
5. Protect the inverter from rain, snow, spray, and water.
6. To reduce the risk of overheating, keep the ventilation openings clear,
and do not install the inverter in a compartment with limited airflow.
Precautions When Working With Batteries
1. To reduce the risk of battery explosion, follow all instructions
published by the battery manufacturer and the manufacturer of the
equipment in which the battery is installed.
2. Make sure the area around the battery is well ventilated.
3. Never smoke or allow a spark or flame near the engine or batteries.
4. Use 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.
Explosive Gas Precautions
1. Batteries generate explosive gases during normal operation. Be sure
you follow all relevant instructions exactly before installing or using
your inverter.
2. This equipment contains components which 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. This includes any
space containing gasoline-powered machinery, fuel tanks, as well as
joints, fittings, or other connections between components of the fuel
system.
WARNING: Explosion and Fire Hazard