Xantrex XPower 300 User manual

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K
445-0092-01-01 PRINTED IN CHINA
t 1 800 670 0707
f 1 800 994 7828
support.xpower xantrex.com
www.xantrex.com
xPower 300TM
Portable Household Power
Owners Guide

About Xantrex
Xantrex Technology Inc. is a world-leading supplier of advanced power
electronics with a product line that ranges from 50-watt mobile units to 1 W
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, PORTAWATTZ, TRUECHARGE are trademarks and PROsine is a registered
trademark of Xantrex International. Xantrex is a registered trademark of Xantrex
Technology Inc.
© 2001 Xantrex International. All rights reserved.
Notice of Copyright
xPower300 Owners Guide © ay 2001 Xantrex International.
Disclaimer
UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, XANTREX
TECHNOLOGY INC. (XANTREX)
(a) AKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY, SUFFICIENCY
OR SUITABILITY OF ANY TECHNICAL OR OTHER INFOR ATION
PROVIDED IN ITS ANUALS OR OTHER DOCU ENTATION.
(b) ASSU ES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR LOSS OR
DA AGE, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR
INCIDENTAL, WHICH IGHT ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF SUCH
INFOR ATION. THE USE OF ANY SUCH INFOR ATION WILL BE
ENTIRELY AT THE USERS RISK.
Date and Revision
ay 2001, Revision 2
Part Number
445-0092-01-01
Contact nformation
Tel: [phone]
1.800.670.0707
Fax: [phone]
1.800.994.7828
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.xantrex.com

Contents
Safety First  1
1 Introduction 3
2 Quick Start Guide 4
Overview .......................................................................................... 4
An Explanation of Power Ratings and Battery Life ......................... 5
Operating 115-Volt A Products ...................................................... 5
Operating 12-Volt D Accessories ................................................... 6
Recharging xPower300 ..................................................................... 6
Using xPower300 to Jump-Start Your Vehicle .................................. 6
3 Indicators, Controls and Connectors 7
Display Panel ................................................................................... 7
Battery Level Indicator ........................................................................... 7
Recharge Indicator .................................................................................. 7
Charger Input Socket .............................................................................. 8
DC Power Socket ................................................................................... 8
A Inverter ...................................................................................... 8
High-Power D onnector ............................................................... 8
4 Powerin 115-Volt AC Products 9
General Information ......................................................................... 9
onnecting Your A Products ......................................................... 9
Automatic Protection: Overload, Overheating and Low Battery ... 10
Interference with Electronic Equipment ......................................... 10
Buzzing Sound in Audio Systems ......................................................... 10
Television Interference .......................................................................... 11
Battery Operating Times ................................................................ 11
5 Powerin 12-Volt DC Accessories 12
onnecting 12-Volt D Accessories .............................................. 12
xPower300 Emergency Light .......................................................... 12
Battery Operating Times ................................................................ 13

6 Vehicle or Boat En ine Startin Assistance 14
Jump-Starting Direct to the Battery ............................................... 14
Jump-Starting via a Vehicles Lighter Plug Socket ......................... 15
7 Rechar in xPower300 16
General Information on Batteries and harging ............................. 16
Charging Options ................................................................................. 16
Battery Self-Discharge and Shelf Life .................................................... 16
Battery Replacement ............................................................................ 16
Recharging with the A harger ................................................... 17
Recharging from Your Vehicle ........................................................ 17
Recharging with a Generators 12-Volt D Power Outlet ............... 18
Recharging with a Solar Panel ........................................................ 18
8 Connectin to an External Battery 20
Extended Operating Time ............................................................... 20
onnecting an External Battery ..................................................... 20
9 Troubleshootin 21
10 Specifications 23
11 Limited Warranty (USA and Canada only) 24
12 Out-of-Warranty Service Information 26
13 Other Products from Xantrex 27

1
Safety First 
Misuse of xPower300 may result in danger to the user. We urge you to pay
special attention to all CAUTION and WARNING statements. CAUTION
statements identify conditions or practices that may result in damage to
xPower300 or to other equipment. WARNING statements identify
conditions that may result in personal injury or loss of life.
WARNING! Not for use with medical or life-support equipment.
 xPower300 will run a wide variety of consumer electronics, power
tools and household appliances. This product is not desi ned for
use with medical or life-support equipment.
WARNING! Shock hazard. Keep away from children.
 xPower300 enerates the same potentially lethal AC power as a
normal household wall outlet. Treat it with the same respect that
you would any AC outlet.
 Do not insert any forei n objects into xPower300s AC outlets,
its DC Power Socket, the Hi h Power DC Connector, or the
ventilation holes in its AC inverter. Do not expose xPower300 to
water.
 Not for hardwire applications. Do not, under any circumstances,
connect xPower300s AC outlets to AC distribution wirin .
Permanent dama e to xPower300 will occur.
 Failure to follow the above safety instructions may result in personal
injury and/or dama e to xPower300.
WARNING! Explosion hazard.
 Do not use xPower300 where there are flammable fumes or
ases, such as in the bil e of a asoline powered boat, or near
propane tanks. Do not use xPower300 in an enclosure containin
automotive-type lead acid batteries. These batteries, unlike the
sealed battery in the xPower300, vent explosive hydro en as
which can be i nited by sparks from electrical connections.
 When workin on electrical equipment, always ensure someone
is nearby to help you in an emer ency.
WARNING! Heated surface.
 xPower300s AC inverter chassis may become uncomfortably warm,
reachin 140° F (60° C) under extended hi h power operation.
Ensure at least 2 in. (5 cm.) air space is maintained on all sides of
xPower300. Durin operation, keep away from materials that
may be affected by hi h temperatures such as blankets, pillows
and sleepin ba s.

2
CAUTION
 Do not expose xPower300 to temperatures in excess of 104°F
(40°C).
CAUTION
 Do not connect any AC load, whose neutral conductor is
connected to round, to xPower300.
CAUTION: Do not use the xPower300 with the followin equipment:
 Small battery operated products such as rechar eable flashli hts,
some rechar eable shavers, and ni ht-li hts that are plu ed
directly into an AC receptacle to rechar e.
 Certain battery char ers for battery packs used in hand power
tools. These char ers will have a warnin label statin that
dan erous volta es are present at the char ers battery terminals.

3
1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing xPower300 the 300-watt electronic generator.
Designed for best-in-class performance and value xPower300 can
temporarily power a wide variety of electrical products and equipment
when utility power is unavailable or during a power outage and can even
jump-start your car in an emergency.
Read this guide before using xPower300 and save it for future referen e.
Be sure to charge xPower300 immediately after purchase (see Section 7).
xPower300s automatic charging system is intended to be left permanently
plugged into a wall outlet to keep its battery fully charged and ready for
use.
To ensure you enjoy all the features of xPower300 the following topics are
covered in this guide:
How to use xPower300 as a source of 115-volt AC power
to run household or workplace products.
How to use xPower300 as a source of 12-volt DC power
to run typical auto or marine accessories.
How to use xPower300 to jump-start a vehicle.
How to recharge xPower300s battery.

4
2 Quick Start Guide
Overview
The following basic instructions are intended to provide a
brief overview of xPower300s key features. For complete
information be sure to read this guide fully. The diagram
below shows xPower300s key features and accessories.
Figure 1 - Key Features

5
An Explanation of Power Ratings and Battery Life
AC powered produ ts are rated by how much electrical power
(in watts) they consume. xPower300s AC inverter is capable
of generating a maximum of 300 watts to power AC products
plugged into the AC receptacles. As an example a 40 watt
light bulb can be operated from xPower300 for up to 3½ hours
when xPower300s internal battery is fully charged.
12-volt DC auto and marine a essories are generally rated
according to how much electrical current (in amperes or
amps) they draw from the battery. The small 12-volt
fluorescent light included draws less than 0.7 amps. When
connected to the xPower300s DC Power Socket this light
could be expected to operate up to 25 hours with its switch set
to II or about 50 hours with its switch set to I before
xPower300s battery needs recharging. xPower300 is designed
to supply up to 12 amps from its DC Power Socket.
Remember: The fewer watts an AC product uses or the fewer
amps a DC accessory draws the longer xPower300 will operate
before recharging is required.
Operating 115-Volt AC Produ ts
1. Ensure xPower300 battery is fully charged. See Section 7 for
details.
2. Turn the AC inverter switch ON. The green POWER light
indicates AC power is available at the AC outlets.
3. Plug the AC product(s) you wish to operate into the AC outlet(s)
and switch the product(s) ON one at a time. xPower300 will
operate most devices rated up to 300 watts.
4. In the event of an overload low battery voltage or overheating
the AC inverter will automatically shut down and its red FAULT
light will illuminate. See Section 4 - Automati Prote tion
Overload, Overheating and Low Battery for details.
5. Fully recharge xPower300s battery as soon as possible after
each use.

6
Operating 12-Volt DC A essories
1. Ensure xPower300s battery is fully charged. See Section 7 for
details.
2. Plug the accessory into xPower300s DC Power Socket and
switch the accessory on (if required). xPower300 will operate
any 12-volt DC auto or marine accessory that draws 12 amps or
less.
3. Because the DC Power Socket is internally wired direct to
xPower300s battery extended operation of a 12-volt accessory
may result in excessive battery discharge.
Important: Care must be taken to ensure the battery does not
become totally discharged. See Section 5 - Conne ting 12-
Volt DC A essories for details.
Re harging xPower300
1. The batterys charge level may be seen by pressing the Battery
Status Button on xPower300s display panel.
2. To recharge plug the AC Charger into a household AC outlet
and plug the AC Charger cord into the Charger Input Socket on
xPower300s display panel. The Recharge Indicator will change
from amber to green when charging is complete (typically after
35 hours). It is safe (and recommended) to leave the AC Charger
connected indefinitely.
3. Charging may also be done from an automobile lighter socket.
See Section 7 - Re harging from Your Vehi le for details.
CAUTION: Do not use xPower300 to operate any AC products
or DC accessories while char in with the AC Char er.
Using xPower300 to Jump-Start Your Vehi le
Due to potential dangers see Section 6 for a detailed
explanation.

7
3 Indicators, Controls and Connectors
Refer to Figure 1 in Section 2 for location of the items identified below.
Display Panel
The display panel is located on the front of xPower300
directly below its carrying handle. Located on the display
panel you will find xPower300s DC Power Socket the Charger
Input Socket a Recharge Status Indicator light and a Battery
Level Indicator that is actuated by the Battery Status Button.
Battery Level Indicator
The Battery Level Indicator shows the state of charge of
xPower300s battery. Its function is similar to the fuel gauge in
a car. When pressing and holding the Battery Status Button
one or more of the displays four lights will illuminate
showing the approximate amount of charge remaining in the
battery. Figure 2 shows the function of each light:
When the battery is fully charged all four
lights will illuminate. When discharged
(empty) only the red light will illuminate
and the battery must be recharged
promptly. Figure 2 shows the battery is
approximately ¾ full.
Battery condition is indicated most
accurately when the battery has been
unused for 15 minutes. Pressing the
Battery Status Button while supplying power to an AC
product may result in false battery level reading.
Recharge Indicator
The Recharge Indicator operates only when the battery is
being recharged through the Charger Input Socket. It will not
operate when other charging methods are used. When
charging the battery with the AC Charger this light will glow
amber then change to green when the battery is fully charged.
Once fully charged the charging circuitry automatically
switches into its charge maintenance mode.
Figure 2

8
Charger Input Socket
The AC Charger supplied with xPower300 connects to this
socket when recharging is required. Other low power charging
devices can also be connected here. See Section -
Recharging with a Solar Panel for full details.
DC Power Socket
The DC Power Socket is a cigarette lighter style connector
used for powering 12-volt DC auto or marine accessories (see
Section 5), and for recharging xPower300 from your vehicles
electrical system. See Section - Recharging from Your
Vehicle.
AC Inverter
The front-mounted AC inverter is the heart of xPower300. It
converts 12 volts DC supplied by the internal battery to 115-
volt AC power. Two standard AC outlets mounted on the
right side of the inverter supply the AC power for running
products from xPower300. The inverters ON/OFF switch, and
its POWER and FAULT indicator lights are mounted on the
same side of the inverter as the AC outlets. A low battery
voltage alarm warns you when the inverter has nearly
discharged the battery, prior to automatic low voltage
shutdown. See Section 4 for complete details on using the AC
inverter.
High-Power DC Connector
The High-Power DC Connector, located on the lower left side
of xPower300, is a high current capacity connector wired
directly to xPower300s battery. The Jump-Start Cable
supplied with xPower300 connects to the High-Power DC
Connector to allow jump-starting of a vehicle in an emergency.
Be sure to read Section 6 for full details before any attempt is
made to use this feature. The High-Power DC Connector can
also be used to connect an external battery to xPower300 to
increase battery capacity. See Section 8 for more information.

9
4 Powering 11 -Volt AC Products
General Information
xPower300 is capable of powering most 115-volt AC products
and equipment that use 300 watts or less. Its AC output
waveform called a quasi-sine wave or modified sine
wave is designed to function similarly to the sine wave
shape of utility power.
CAUTION: Do not use the xPower300 with certain small battery
operated products or certain battery char ers. See Section -
Safety First... for details
The power or wattage rating of AC products is the average
power they use. During the first moments after they are
switched on many products such as televisions monitors
and products with motors consume much more power than
their average rating. Although xPower300 can supply
momentary surge power greater than 300 watts some
products may exceed its capabilities and trigger the inverters
safety overload shutdown circuit. See details in Section 4 -
Automati Prote tion: Overload, Overheating and Low
Battery for the reset procedure. If this problem occurs when
attempting to operate several products at the same time try
first switching on the inverter with all products switched off
then one by one switch each on starting with the high surge
product first.
Conne ting Your AC Produ ts
The following steps assume you have fully charged
xPower300s battery. See Section 7.
1. Turn on the AC inverter switch located on the inverters right
side. The green POWER light that illuminates adjacent to the
switch indicates AC power is now on and available at the two
inverter AC outlets. See Figure 1 in Section 2.
2. Plug the AC product you wish to operate into one of the two
inverter outlets and switch the product on. The product should
operate normally just as it would if plugged into a wall receptacle.
3. As the AC product is operated you can check the level of the
battery as detailed in Section 3 - Battery Level Indi ator. This
will allow you to approximate how much time remains until the
battery needs recharging.

10
4. As the battery becomes nearly discharged or empty a low
voltage warning will sound. This will give you time to shut
down a computer for example. If this warning is ignored the
inverter will switch off automatically a few minutes later to
prevent battery damage. (See section below for full details.)
5. Fully recharge xPower300s battery as soon as possible after
each use. See Section 7.
Automati Prote tion: Overload, Overheating
and Low Battery
xPower300 has built-in protection against output overload and
from overheating. If an AC product rated higher than 300
watts (or which draws excessive surge power at start up) is
connected or if the inverter exceeds a safe temperature it will
automatically shut down. The green POWER light will go off
and the red FAULT light will switch on. To reset unplug the
product and turn the AC Outlets Switch off for 5 seconds
then turn it back on. Normal operation should resume. If not
turn the AC Outlets Switch off again and allow xPower300 to
cool for several minutes. While AC power is off press the
Battery Status Switch to make sure the charge level is
sufficient.
If the battery is allowed to discharge excessively damage may
occur. To prevent this the AC inverter has a built-in audible
warning that alerts you when the battery is nearly discharged
and it is time to recharge xPower300. If this warning is ignored
the inverter will automatically switch off and the red FAULT
light will illuminate when the battery reaches empty.
xPower300s internal fan will continue running and the FAULT
light will remain on until inverter is turned off. Promptly
recharge the battery. See Section 7.
Interferen e with Ele troni Equipment
Buzzing Sound in Audio Systems
Some inexpensive stereo systems and boom-boxes will emit
a buzzing sound from their loudspeakers when operating from
the AC output of xPower300. This is because the power
supply in the equipment does not adequately filter the
modified sine wave produced by xPower300s AC inverter.
Unless the stereo can be operated directly from xPower300s
12-volt DC Power Socket the only solution is a sound system
with a higher quality internal power filter.

11
elevision Interference
xPower300s AC inverter is shielded to minimize interference
with TV signals. In some cases particularly with weak TV
signals some interference may still be visible in the form of
scrolling lines across the screen. In this case take the
following corrective measures:
1. Use an extension cord to position xPower300 as far away as
possible from the television antenna and cables.
2. Adjust the orientation of xPower300 television antenna and
cables to minimize interference.
3. Maximize TV signal strength by using a better antenna and
ensure a shielded antenna cable is used.
4. Try a different TV. Different models of TV sets vary greatly in
their susceptibility to interference.
Battery Operating Times
Below are typical 115-volt AC products that may be operated
by xPower300 with estimated operating times. See Section 8
for information about connecting to an external battery to
increase operating time.
1 Represents actual power consumption as measured on sample products.
2 Operating times will vary depending on the battery charge level and the actual AC
product being operated.
3 xPower3 will not operate AC products rated at more than 3 watts, such as hair
dryers, microwave ovens, and toasters.
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12
Powering 12-Volt DC Accessories
Conne ting 12-Volt DC A essories
xPower300 can operate any accessory that is intended to run
from a vehicles lighter socket. Simply insert the accessorys
plug into the DC Power Socket on xPower300s display panel.
xPower300s DC Power Socket will operate any 12-volt DC
auto marine or other 12-volt accessory that draws 12 amps or
less. The following steps assume you have first fully charged
xPower300s battery according to instructions in Section 7.
1. Plug the accessory into xPower300s DC Power Socket and
switch the accessory on (if required).
2. The 12-volt accessory will operate until the battery runs out of
power. Refer to the important note below step 4 to avoid battery
damage due to excessive discharge.
3. If an accessory that draws more than 12 amps (or which has a
short circuit defect) is connected xPower300s internal circuit
breaker will switch off power to the accessory. If this occurs
unplug the accessory and the breaker will automatically reset
after a few seconds.
4. Fully recharge xPower300s battery as soon as possible after
each use.
IMPORTANT: The DC Power Socket does not automatically
switch off the load when the battery is dischar ed. To protect
the battery a ainst dama e resultin from total dischar e, turn
the AC Outlets Switch ON, even when powerin 12-volt
accessories. This will enable the xPower300s low battery alarm
to warn you when the 12-volt accessory has nearly depleted
the battery. The battery power used by xPower300 to monitor
the internal battery volta e level is ne li ible.
xPower300 Emergen y Light
To use the Emergency Light insert its power plug into
xPower300s DC Power Socket. Switch the lamp to either I
or II according to the level of illumination desired.
The wire hook concealed in the back of the light may be used
to hang the light if desired.

13
CAUTION: Use the Emer ency Li ht indoors only. Do not expose
to rain or moisture.
Should lamp tube replacement be necessary first unplug the
light then remove the clear cover by grasping it on each side
at the end furthest from the switch. Squeeze firmly inward and
pull the top of the cover away from the housing. Remove the
small black plastic cover to expose the top end of the lamps.
Rotate lamps ¼ turn to remove.
Battery Operating Times
Below are typical 12-volt DC accessories that may be operated
by xPower300 with estimated operating times.
1 Represents actual power consumption as measured on sample products.
2 Represents talk time available from 12 recharge cycles.
3 Operating times will vary depending on the battery charge level and the specific accessory
being operated.
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14
6 Vehicle or Boat Engine Starting
Assistance
Jump-Starting Dire t to the Battery
xPower300 may be used to jump-start a 12-volt vehicle or small
boat engine using the Jump-Start Cable supplied. Jump-
starting causes very high current surges and possible
sparking. Unless care is taken the possibility of battery
explosion exists. Read the safety warnings in the beginning of
this guide before proceeding then follow these instructions
exactly.
1. Turn off the vehicle or boat ignition and all accessories.
2. Engage the park or emergency brake and place the transmission
in park or neutral.
3. If jump-starting a boat engine purge the engine compartment
and bilge of all fumes before jump-starting.
4. Lay xPower300 on its back on a flat stable surface near the
battery and clear of all moving parts of the engine.
5. Do not connect the Jump-Start Cable to xPower300 yet. Connect
its red positive (+) clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the
engine battery.
WARNING: Connectin to the ne ative terminal can lead to a
battery explosion later in this procedure. The batterys positive
terminal is identified as bein lar er in diameter than the ne ative
terminal. In most vehicles it has a red wire connected to it. Do
not proceed until you are sure you have connected to the positive
terminal.
6. Connect the black negative (-) clamp to the engine block cylinder
head or other stationary heavy metal part of the motor as far
from the battery as possible. Do not attach the black negative
clamp to the battery terminal.
7. Making sure that the cables are clear of belts and fans plug the
Jump-Start Cable into the High-Power DC Connector on the
lower left side of xPower300 and start the engine.
8. If the vehicle fails to crank unplug the Jump-Start Cable from
xPower300 then disconnect the jumper cable clamps. Ensure
that the contact area is clean then repeat steps 5 through 7.

15
9. After the vehicle is started and while the cables are still
connected it is a good idea to run the motor at fast idle for 2
minutes to fast-charge xPower300s battery. After recharging
unplug the Jump-Start Cable from xPower300 disconnect the
black (negative) cable clamp and then as a last step disconnect
the red (positive) cable clamp.
Jump-Starting via a Vehi les Lighter Plug
So ket
The following simple procedure is often sufficient to start a
vehicle when its battery is not completely dead.
1. Connect your vehicles cigarette lighter socket to xPower300s
DC Power Socket using the DC Charging Cable. You may need
to switch the ignition key to the accessory position to supply
power to the lighter socket.
2. Wait 15 minutes while xPower300 partially charges your vehicles
battery then attempt to start the engine.
3. Once the engine starts leave xPower300 connected for at least
5 minutes to recharge its battery.
4. If your vehicle does not start attempt to jump-start as described
above - Jump-Starting Dire t to the Battery.

16
7 Recharging xPower300
General Information on Batteries and Charging
Charging Options
A variety of charging options are possible with
xPower300:
 Charging with the fully automatic plug-in-and-
forget AC Charger.
 Charging from your vehicle as you drive.
 Charging from a generator equipped with a 12-volt
battery charging outlet.
 Charging from a solar panel.
Battery Self-Discharge and Shelf Life
All rechargeable batteries gradually discharge when left
standing. Periodic charging is necessary to maintain
maximum battery capacity. When the AC Charger is
connected via xPower300s Charger Input Socket the
circuitry built into xPower300 will regulate the charging
process ensuring the battery is always fully charged
but never overcharged. To ensure safe recharging and
maximum battery life charge only with Xantrex supplied
or approved products.
CAUTION: Due to inherent self-dischar e, lead acid batteries
must be char ed at least every 3 months, especially in a warm
environment. Leavin a battery in a dischar ed state, or not
rechar in every 3 months, risks permanent dama e.
Battery Replacement
xPower300 uses a state-of-the-art internal battery that
will serve as a reliable power source for years when
properly maintained.
Should replacement ever be needed we recommend this
be performed by those experienced in the installation of
high amperage high energy batteries. For full details
including information on approved replacement battery
models contact Xantrex Customer Service. See front of
Owners Guide for contact information .