Xantrex XPower Powerpack 300 User manual

by
XPower Powerpack 300
(Emergency Power)
Owner's Guide
975-0277-01-01 REV. A Printed in China
t 1-360-925-5059
f 1-360-925-5143
www.xantrex.com/support

by
XPower Powerpack
300
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 Powerpack 300 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 Powerpack 300 Owner’s Guide © February 2006 Xantrex International.
All rights reserved.
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’S RISK; 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 2006 Revision A
Part Number
975-0277-01-01
Product Number
852-0301
Contact Information
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Website: www.xantrex.com/support

i
About This Guide
Purpose
The purpose of this Owner’s Guide is to provide explanations
and procedures for installing, operating, maintaining, and
troubleshooting the XPower Powerpack 300.
Organization
This guide is organized into five chapters and an appendix:
Chapter 1, “Introduction”, provides an overview of the main
features of the XPower Powerpack 300.
Chapter 2, “Features”, provides a detailed description of the
features of the XPower Powerpack.
Chapter 3, “Operation”, gives instructions for the main
operational procedures of the XPower Powerpack, including
operating AC and DC appliances, using the air compressor,
and jump-starting an engine.
Chapter 4, “Maintenance”, gives instructions for recharging
the XPower Powerpack and changing the built-in light bulb.
Chapter 5, “Troubleshooting”, provides a troubleshooting
guide to the XPower Powerpack.
Appendix A, “Specifications”, provides the electrical and
physical specifications of the XPower Powerpack.
“Warranty and Return” at the end of this guide provides
detailed warranty information and instructions for getting
warranty service.

About This Guide
ii
Conventions Used
The following conventions are used in this guide.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
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 unit or to other equipment.
Important: These notes describe an important action item or an
item that you must pay attention to.
A Ampere(s)
AC Alternating Current
AGM Absorbed Glass Mat
Ah Amp-hours
DC Direct Current
Hz Hertz
mA Milli-ampere
MHI Metal halide arc
RMS Root Mean Square
UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply
V Volt(s)
WWatt(s)

iii
Important Safety Instructions
The XPower Powerpack 300 generates a type of AC power
similar to 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 300, be sure
to read and save these safety instructions.
WARNING: Shock hazard. Keep away from
children.
The XPower Powerpack 300 generates the same potentially lethal
AC power as a normal household wall outlet. Do not insert foreign
objects into the AC power outlet, the DC power outlet, or the
ventilation holes. Do not expose this product to water, rain, snow,
or spray.
Do not open the XPower Powerpack 300. There are no user-
serviceable parts inside the unit.
CAUTION
The unit will be damaged if connected to any AC load that has its
neutral conductor connected to ground. Such loads include AC
distribution wiring and house wiring.
CAUTION
Do not expose the XPower Powerpack 300 to temperatures over
40°C (104°F).

Important Safety Information
iv
WARNING: 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 the XPower Powerpack 300, 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.
WARNING: Heated surface
Ensure at least 2" (5 cm) air space is maintained on all sides of the
XPower Powerpack 300. During operation, keep away from
materials that may be affected by high temperatures such as
blankets, pillows and sleeping bags.
WARNING: Fire hazard
Never allow jump-start cables’ red and black clamps to touch each
other or another common metal conductor. This could cause
damage to the unit and/or create a sparking/explosion hazard.
Always store the clamps in the appropriate holder on each side of
the XPower Powerpack after use.
WARNING: Fire hazard
Jump-start cable clamps must be connected positive to positive (red
clamp to battery “+”) and negative to negative (black clamp to
battery “–”). A reverse polarity connection (positive to negative)
may cause damage to the unit and/or create a sparking/explosion
hazard.
WARNING: Limitations on use
Do not use this product in connection with life support systems or
other medical equipment or devices.

Important Safety Information
v
WARNING: Fire hazard
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 300 to cool down for at least 3 minutes after each jump-
start.
WARNING: Fire hazard
Do not leave the compressor unattended while operating. The
compressor is designed for short term operation only. Operation of
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.

Important Safety Information
vi
Precautions When Working With Your
Vehicle Battery
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 the 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/or eyes.
9. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection.
Avoid touching your eyes while working near batteries.
WARNING: Risk of Explosion, Fire or Burns

Important Safety Information
vii
10. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash
immediately with soap and water. If acid enters your
eyes, immediately flood them 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.

Important Safety Information
viii
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 300.
Do not use the following with the XPower Powerpack 300:
• 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.
CAUTION
The output of the XPower Powerpack 300 inverter is a non-
sinusoidal modified sine wave, which is different from pure sine
wave utility-supplied electricity. Certain types of load equipment
may be damaged.
Note:If you are unsure about using your rechargeable appliance
with the XPower Powerpack 300, contact the equipment
manufacturer to determine the rechargeable appliance’s
compatibility with the modified sine wave (non-sinusoidal) AC
waveform.

ix
Contents
1 Introduction
About the XPower Powerpack 300 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1
Comprehensive Protection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1
Automatic Overload - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1
Overheating- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1
Low Battery Protection - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2
2 Features
Materials List - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3
XPower Powerpack Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4
Front Panel Detail- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4
Left Side View- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6
Accessories - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7
3 Operation
Operating Conditions and Guidelines - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 9
Choosing a Location- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10
Using XPower Powerpack for the First Time - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11
Recharging with the AC Charger - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11
Using the Flashlight - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 13
Operating AC Appliances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14
Understanding AC Appliances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14
Run Time on Typical AC Appliances- - - - - - - - - - - - - 14
High Surge Appliances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15
Trouble Appliances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 15
Operating Several Appliances at Once - - - - - - - - - - - - 16
Operating an AC Appliance - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 16
Operating 12 V DC Appliances - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17
Jump-Starting a Vehicle’s Engine - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18

x
Using the Air Compressor - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 21
Over-temperature Safety Protection- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 21
Inflating Tires - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 22
Inflating Small Sports Equipment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 23
Connecting to an External Battery- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 24
4 Maintenance
Battery Maintenance- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 27
Recharging the XPower Powerpack Battery - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 28
Recharging with the AC Charger- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 28
Recharging with the DC Charging Cable - - - - - - - - - - - - - 30
Recharging with a Generator’s Regulated 12 V DC Outlet - 32
Recharging from a Solar Panel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 33
Recycling - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 34
5 Troubleshooting
Common Problems- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35
Buzz in Audio Equipment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35
Television Interference - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35
Troubleshooting Reference - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 36
A Specifications
Electrical Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 41
Physical Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 43
Warranty and Return - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 45

1
1Introduction
About the XPower Powerpack 300
Easy-to-use and designed for years of reliable service, the
XPower Powerpack can run many AC appliances and
12 V DC appliances whenever you need power for work or
play, at home or on the road.
XPower Powerpack:
• Powers 120 V AC appliances
• Powers 12 V DC appliances
• Jump-starts vehicle engines
• Provides lighting for emergency use
• Inflates vehicle tires and small sports equipment
Comprehensive Protection
Automatic Overload
The XPower Powerpack has built-in protection against output
overload. If you connect an appliance that draws more than
300 W to the AC power outlet on the XPower Powerpack, or
one which draws excessive surge power, the power to the AC
power outlet automatically shuts off.
Overheating
The XPower Powerpack is protected from overheating. If the
inverter exceeds a safe temperature, power to the AC power
outlet automatically shuts off.

Comprehensive Protection
2
Low Battery Protection
Low battery protection protects the internal battery from
excessive discharge and possible damage. When the AC
Power ON/OFF switch is turned ON, an audible alarm alerts
you when the internal battery is nearly discharged
(11.0 V DC) and the unit turns off at 10.5 V DC.

3
2Features
Chapter 2 describes the main features of the XPower
Powerpack 300. We recommend that you familiarize yourself
with these features before operating the unit.
Materials List
Your XPower Powerpack package includes these items:
pXPower Powerpack
pOwner’s Guide
pAC charger
pDC charging cable
pNozzle and needle adaptors for the compressor
pDetachable flashlight

XPower Powerpack Features
4
XPower Powerpack Features
Front Panel Detail
Feature Description
1DC power outlet:
• Powers 12 V DC auto, RV or marine appliances
• Recharges XPower Powerpack from a 12 V outlet in a vehicle
using the DC charging cable.
2Battery Level LEDs illuminate to indicate the XPower Powerpack
battery charge level. All LEDs (two green, one yellow and one red)
are illuminated when the battery is fully charged (Full), only the red
LED is illuminated when the battery is completely discharged
(Empty).
3Battery Level button triggers the Battery Level Full/Empty LED
indicators. Press to view the battery charge status.
7
86
234
5
1
9

XPower Powerpack Features
5
4Battery Status LED illuminates when the XPower Powerpack is
charging (when an AC charger is connected to the XPower
Powerpack’s AC charger input socket and plugged into the
household 120 V AC outlet).
5Red Incorrect Jumpstart Connection LED illuminates and an
alarm sounds when the jump-starting clamps are improperly
connected to the vehicle battery.
6Green Correct Jumpstart Connection LED illuminates when the
jump-starting clamps are properly connected to the vehicle battery.
7AC power ON/OFF switch illuminates when the switch is turned
ON.
8AC power outlets are standard 3-prong outlets that supply
120 VAC power for running AC appliances when the AC power
ON/OFF switch is on.
9Flashlight detaches and recharges from the Powerpack.
Not
shown Audible alarm (inside the unit) sounds in the event of overheating or low XPower Powerpack battery condition.
Feature Description

XPower Powerpack Features
6
Left Side View
Feature Description
1Pressure gauge shows the PSI (lb/in2).
2Jump-starting clamp
3Jump-start power switch
4AC charger input socket
5Compressor ON/OFF switch
6Nozzle packet compartment
Not shown Valve connector with connector hose
2
6
1
4
5
3

XPower Powerpack Features
7
Accessories
Accessory Description
1AC charger lets you recharge the XPower Powerpack from a
standard AC wall outlet and can only be used to recharge the
internal battery of the XPower Powerpack.
2DC charging cable lets you recharge the XPower Powerpack
from a 12 V system in a car, SUV, RV or a boat.
Not shown Nozzle packet containing nozzle adaptor and sports needle
adaptor.
1
2