Xantrex XPower 300 User manual

XPower Powerpack
300 and 300 PLUS
Owners Guide

About Xantrex
Xantrex Technology Inc. develops, manufactures and markets leading advanced
power electronic and control products for the Distributed, Mobile, and
Programmable Power markets. The company’s enabling technology converts raw
electrical power from any central, distributed, or backup power source into high-
quality power required by electronic and electrical equipment. Its products are
sold under the Xantrex, Trace, Heart and Statpower brands.
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.
© May 2002 Xantrex International. All rights reserved.
Notice of Copyright
XPower™ Powerpack 300 and 300 Plus Owner’s Guide
© May 2002 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
May 2002, Revision 1
Part Number
445-0170-01-01
Contact I nformation
Phone [phone] (toll free in North America)
1-604-420-1585 (outside North America)
Fax: [phone] (toll free in North America)
1-604-420-1591 (outside North America)
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.xantrex.com

About This Guide
Conventions Used
The following conventions are used in this guide.
WARNI NG
Warnings identify conditions that could result in
personal injury or loss of life.
CAUTI ON
Cautions identify conditions or practices that could
result in damage to the XPower™ Powerpack unit
or to other equipment.
Important: These notes describe an important action item
or an item that you must pay attention to.
Note:Notes describe additional information which may
add to your understanding of how to use the XPower
Powerpack.

About This Guide
iv
References to XPower Powerpack
In this guide, both the XPower Powerpack 300 and the
XPower Powerpack 300 Plus (with the air compressor) are
referred to as XPower Powerpack when the information
applies to both models. However, when the information is
specific to one model, then reference is made specifically to
the XPower Powerpack 300 or to the XPower Powerpack
300 Plus.
Related I nformation
You can find more information about Xantrex Technology
Inc. as well as its products and services at www.xantrex.com

v
I mportant Safety I nformation
The XPower Powerpack generates a similar type of AC
power as a normal household wall outlet. Operating the
XPower Powerpack incorrectly or misusing it may damage
the equipment or create hazardous conditions for the user.
Warnings and Cautions
Important: Before using your XPower Powerpack, be sure to
read and save these safety instructions.
WARNI NG: Shock hazard. Keep Away
from Children.
The XPower Powerpack generates the same potentially
lethal AC power as a normal household wall outlet. Do
not insert foreign objects into the AC Outlet, the DC
Power Socket, the Jumper Cable Port, or the ventilation
holes. Do not expose this product to water, rain, snow,
or spray.
Do not open the XPower Powerpack except to replace
the internal battery. Have a qualified technician
complete any service work.
CAUTI ON
Do not connect any AC appliance with the neutral
conductor connected to ground to the XPower Powerpack.

Warnings and Cautions
vi
CAUTI ON
Do not expose the XPower Powerpack to temperatures
over 104 °F (40 °C).
WARNI NG: Explosion hazard
Do not use this product where there are flammable fumes
or gases, such as in the bilge of a gasoline powered boat,
or near propane tanks. Do not use this product in an
enclosure containing automotive-type lead acid batteries.
These batteries, unlike the sealed AGM battery in
XPower Powerpack, vent explosive hydrogen gas which
can be ignited by sparks from electrical connections.
When working on electrical equipment, always ensure
someone is nearby to help you in an emergency.
WARNI NG: Heated surface
Ensure at least 2 inches (5 cm) air space is maintained on
all sides of the XPower Powerpack. During operation,
keep away from materials that may be affected by high
temperatures such as blankets, pillows and sleeping bags.
CAUTI ON
The jump-start feature is designed for short term operation
only—less than 4 seconds. Operating the jump-start
feature for more than 4 seconds may cause damage to the
unit. Allow the XPower Powerpack to cool down for 3–4
minutes after each jump start.
CAUTI ON: XPower Powerpack 300 Plus
The compressor is designed for short term operation only.
Operating the compressor over an extended period of time
will cause the compressor unit to overheat and may cause
damage. Allow the compressor to cool down for 10
minutes after each 10 minutes of continuous operation.

Precautions When Working With Batteries
vii
Precautions When Working With
Batteries
1. 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 in vicinity of the
engine or batteries.
4. Be careful not to drop a metal object on the battery or
allow a metal tool to simultaneously touch the positive
and negative cable ends or battery terminals. It might
spark or short-circuit the battery or other electrical parts
and cause an explosion.
5. Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets,
necklaces, and watches when working with a lead-acid
battery. A lead-acid battery produces a short circuit
current high enough to weld a ring or other similar
objects to metal, causing a severe burn.
6. If you need to remove a battery, always remove the
positive terminal from the battery first. Make sure all
accessories are off so you don’t cause an arc.
7. Someone should be within range of your voice, or close
enough to come to your aid when you work near a lead-
acid battery.
8. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case
battery acid contacts skin, clothing, and eyes.
9. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection.
Avoid touching your eyes while working near batteries.
WARNI NG: Explosion and Fire Hazard

Precautions for Using Rechargeable Appliances
viii
10. 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.
11. Keep a supply of baking soda on hand in the area of the
batteries. Baking soda neutralizes lead-acid battery
electrolyte.
Precautions for Using Rechargeable
Appliances
Most rechargeable battery-operated equipment uses a
separate charger or transformer that is plugged into an AC
receptacle and produces a low voltage charging output.
Some chargers for rechargeable batteries can be damaged if
connected to the XPower Powerpack.
Do not use the following with the XPower Powerpack:
• Small battery-operated appliances like flashlights, razors,
and night lights that can be plugged directly into an AC
receptacle to recharge.
• Some chargers for battery packs used in hand power
tools. These affected chargers display a warning label
stating that dangerous voltages are present at the battery
terminals.
Note:If you are unsure about using your rechargeable appliance
with the XPower Powerpack, contact the equipment manufacturer
to determine the rechargeable appliance’s compatibility with the
modified sinewave AC waveform of the XPower Powerpack.

ix
I mportant Safety I nformation
Warnings and Cautions- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - v
Precautions When Working With Batteries - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - vii
Precautions for Using Rechargeable Appliances - - - - - - - - - - - viii
1Introduction
About the XPower Powerpack - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1
Comprehensive Protection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2
2Features
Materials List - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3
XPower Powerpack Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4
Front Panel Detail - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4
Air Compressor (XPower Powerpack 300 Plus only)- - - - - - - - - - 6
Right Side View - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7
Left Side View - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 8
Accessories- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 9
3Operation
Operating Conditions and Guidelines - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11
Choosing a Location - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 12
Using XPower Powerpack for the First Time - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13
Recharging with the AC Charger - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13
Operating AC Appliances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14
Understanding AC Appliances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14
Contents