Xantrex XPower 1500 User manual

Owners Guide
xPower1500
Portable Household Power
TM

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
xPower1500 Owners Guide © ay 2001 Xantrex International.
Disclaimer
While every precaution has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this
guide, Xantrex International assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Note as
well that specifications and product functionality may change without notice.
Date and Revision
ay 2001, Revision 1
Part Number
445-0127-01-01
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 2
2 Quick Start Guide 3
Overview ............................................................................................. 3
Assembling xPower1500s Handle ......................................................... 4
An Explanation of Power atings and Battery Life ................................ 4
Operating 115-Volt AC Products ............................................................ 5
Operating 12-Volt DC Accessories ........................................................ 5
echarging xPower1500 ........................................................................ 6
Using xPower1500 to Jump-Start Your Vehicle ....................................... 6
3 Indicators, Controls and Connection Points 7
AC Power Panel .................................................................................... 7
Battery Status Switch / Battery Level Indicator ......................................... 8
AC Outlets Switch / POWER Li ht / AC Outlets ...................................... 8
FAULT Li ht .......................................................................................... 8
DC Power Panel .................................................................................... 9
High Power 12-Volt DC Terminals ........................................................ 10
4 Powerin 115-Volt AC Products 11
Connecting Your AC Products ............................................................ 11
Automatic Protection: Overload, Overheating and Low Battery .......... 12
Interference with Electronic Equipment ............................................... 12
Buzzin Sound in Audio Systems ............................................................ 12
Television Interference ............................................................................. 13
Battery Operating Times ..................................................................... 13
5 Powerin 12-Volt DC Accessories 14
Connecting 12-Volt DC Accessories .................................................... 14
Battery Operating Times ..................................................................... 15

6 Vehicle or Boat En ine Startin Assistance 16
Jump-Starting Directly to the Battery .................................................. 16
Jump-Starting via a Vehicles Lighter Plug Socket ............................... 17
7 Rechar in xPower1500 18
Charging Options ............................................................................... 18
Battery Self-Discharge and Shelf Life .................................................. 18
echarging with the AC Charger ......................................................... 18
echarging From Your Vehicle ............................................................ 19
echarging with a Generators 12-Volt DC Power Outlet ...................... 20
echarging with a Solar Panel ............................................................. 20
8 Connectin to an External Battery 21
Extended Operating Time ................................................................... 21
Preparing the Cables ........................................................................... 21
Connecting the Cables ....................................................................... 22
9 Battery Replacement 23
eplacing xPower1500s Internal Battery Pack ..................................... 23
Obtaining a eplacement Battery ........................................................ 24
10 Troubleshootin 26
11 Specifications 27
12 Limited Warranty (USA and Canada only) and
Out-of-Warranty Service Information 28
13 Other Products from Xantrex 31

1
Safety First 
Misuse of xPower1500 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
xPower1500 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.
·xPower1500 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.
·xPower1500 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 xPower1500s AC outlets, its DC
Power Socket, or the ventilation holes. Do not remove the covers on
the Hi h Power DC Terminals, unless connectin cables. Do not expose
xPower1500 to water.
·Do not, under any circumstances, connect xPower1500s AC receptacle
to power utility AC distribution wirin .
·Failure to follow the above safety instructions may result in personal
injury and/or dama e to xPower1500.
WARNING! Explosion hazard.
·Do not use xPower1500 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 xPower1500 in an enclosure containin automotive-type
lead acid batteries. These batteries, unlike the sealed battery pack in
the xPower1500, 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.
·xPower1500s internal inverter components may become uncomfortably
warm, reachin 140°F (60°C) under extended hi h power operation.
Ensure at least 15 cm (6 in) of air space is maintained on all sides and on
top of xPower1500. Durin operation, keep away from materials that
may be affected by hi h temperatures such as blankets, pillows and
sleepin ba s.
CAUTION:
 Do not connect any AC load whose neutral conductor is connected to
round, to xPower1500.
 Do not expose xPower1500 to temperatures in excess of 104°F (40°C).

2
1 Introduction
Than you for purchasing xPower1500, the 1500-watt electronic generator
thats portable and rechargeable. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use,
xPower1500 can run a wide range of electrical products  from power tools to
entertainment equipment, and even refrigerators. xPower1500s rugged, cart-
li e design gives you go-anywhere AC power and its plug-in-and-forget
charging system eeps it fully charged and ready for use any time the power
goes out. With an optional set of jump-start cables, xPower1500 can even
start a vehicle or boat.
Read this guide before using xPower1500 and sa e it for future reference.
Be sure to charge xPower1500 immediately after purchase (see Section 7).
xPower1500s plug-in-and-forget charging system can be left permanently
plugged into a wall outlet to eep its battery pac fully charged and ready for
use.
To ensure you enjoy all the features of xPower1500, the following topics are
covered in this manual:
·How to use xPower1500 as a source of 115-volt
AC power to run household or wor place
products.
·How to use xPower1500 as a source of 12-volt
DC power to run typical auto or marine
accessories.
·How to use xPower1500 to jump-start a
vehicle.
·How to recharge xPower1500s internal battery
pac .
·How to connect an external battery to
xPower1500.

3
2 Quick Start Guide
Overview
A brief overview of xPower1500s features is provided below. For
complete information, be sure to read this manual fully. Figure 1
below shows xPower1500s ey features and accessories.
Figure 1 - Key Features and Accessories

4
Assembling xPower1500s Handle
Figure 2 shows how to assemble the handle and attach it to
xPower1500.
An Explanation of Power Ratings and Battery
ife
AC powered products are rated by how much electrical power (in
watts) they consume. xPower1500 is capable of generating a
maximum of 1350 watts (maximum continuous) to power AC products
plugged into the AC outlets. As an example, a lamp with a 40-watt
light bulb can be operated from xPower1500 for up to 9½ hours when
xPower1500s internal battery pac is fully charged.
Figure 2 - Handle Assembly

5
12- olt DC auto and marine accessories are generally rated
according to how much electrical current (in amperes or amps) they
draw from the battery. For example, a small 12-volt fluorescent light
draws less than 0.7 amps. When connected to xPower1500s DC
Power Soc et, this light could be expected to operate for about 75
hours before xPower1500s battery pac needs recharging.
xPower1500 is designed to supply up to 12 amps from its DC Power
Soc et.
Remember: The fewer watts an AC product uses, or the fewer amps
a DC accessory draws, the longer xPower1500 will operate before
recharging is required.
Operating 115-Volt AC Products
1. Ensure xPower1500s battery pac is fully charged. See Section 7
for details.
2. Turn the AC Outlets 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. xPower1500 will
operate most devices rated up to 1350 watts.
4. In the event of an overload, low battery voltage or overheating,
the AC outlets will automatically shut down and the red FAULT
light will illuminate. See Section 4 - Automatic Protection:
O erload, O erheating and Low Battery for details.
5. Fully recharge xPower1500s battery pac as soon as possible
after each use.
Operating 12-Volt DC Accessories
1. Ensure xPower1500s battery pac is fully charged. See Section 7
for details.
2. Plug the accessory into xPower1500s DC Power Soc et, and
switch the accessory on (if required). xPower1500 will operate any
12-volt DC auto or marine accessory that draws 12 amps or less.
3. Because the DC Power Soc et is internally wired directly to
xPower1500s internal battery pac , extended operation of a 12-
volt accessory may result in excessive battery discharge.
IMPORTANT: Care must be ta en to ensure the battery pac does
not become totally discharged. See Section 5 for details.
NOTE: The internal cooling fan is thermally activated whenever the
AC Outlets switch is ON. The cooling fan helps maintain
xPower1500s output power when products with high power
requirements are run.

6
Recharging xPower1500
1. The batterys charge level may be seen by pressing the Battery
Status switch on the AC Power Panel.
2. To recharge, plug the AC Charger into a standard 115-volt AC
outlet and the DC plug into the DC Power Soc et (located on the
DC Power Panel). The Recharge Indicator on the AC Charger will
change from amber to green when charging is complete (up to 15
hours). It is safe (and recommended) to leave the AC Charger
connected indefinitely.
IMPORTANT: Review the safety information in the AC Charger
Owners Guide (also enclosed) before recharging xPower1500.
3. Charging may also be done from an automobile lighter soc et.
See Section 7 for details.
Using xPower1500 to Jump-Start Your Vehicle
Due to potential dangers, see Section 6 for a detailed explanation.

7
3 Indicators, Controls and
Connection Points
AC Power Panel
As shown in Figure 3 below, the AC Power Panel contains the
Battery Status Switch, Battery Level Indicator, AC Outlets Switch,
AC Power Light, Fault Light, and dual AC Outlets.
Figure 3 - AC Power Panel

8
Battery Status Switch / Battery Level In icator
The Battery Level Indicator shows the state of charge of
xPower1500s battery pac . Its function is similar to the fuel
gauge in a car. When pressing and holding the Battery Status
Switch, one or more of the four lights in the display will
illuminate, showing the approximate amount of charge remaining
in the battery pac . The following diagram shows the function of
each light:
When the battery pac is fully
charged, all four lights will illuminate.
When discharged (empty), only the
red light will illuminate and the
battery pac must be recharged
promptly. Figure 4 shows the battery
pac to be approximately ¾ full.
Battery charge level is indicated most
accurately when the battery pac has
been unused for 15 minutes. Pressing the Battery Status Switch
while supplying power to an AC product may result in a false
battery charge level reading.
AC Outlets Switch / POWER Light / AC Outlets
Turning this switch ON supplies power to both AC Outlets. An
audio tone sounds briefly when the AC Outlets are turned on.
The POWER light illuminates to confirm the AC Outlets are on.
Turning this switch OFF cuts power to the AC Outlets. When the
POWER Light is off, the AC Outlets are off.
IMPORTANT: The vents around the AC Outlets should never be
covered or bloc ed when xPower1500 is used. These vents are
essential for maintaining optimal performance.
FAULT Light
The FAULT Light illuminates when automatic shutdown occurs
as a result of low battery voltage, overload, or over temperature
conditions. See Section 4 - Automatic Protection: O erload,
O erheating and Low Battery for details.
Figure 4 - Battery Le el
Indicator

9
DC Power Panel
As shown in Figure 5 below, the DC Power Panel contains the DC
Power Soc et, which provides 12 volts for operating automotive and
marine type products. The DC Power Soc et also serves as the input
for recharging with either the AC Charger or DC Charging Cable. See
Section 7 for details.
IMPORTANT: The vents below the DC Power Soc et should never
be covered or bloc ed when xPower1500 is used. These vents are
essential for maintaining optimal performance.
Figure 5 - DC Power Panel

10
High Power 12-Volt DC Terminals
Referenced in Figure 6 below, the High Power DC Terminals are wired
directly to xPower1500s battery pac and supply power for jump-
starting a vehicle. See Section 6 for details. These terminals also can
be used to connect an external battery, which can increase
xPower1500s total battery capacity and extend operating times. See
Section 8 for details.
Figure 6 - High Power 12-Volt DC Terminals

11
4 Powering 11 -Volt AC Products
xPower1500 is capable of powering most 115-volt AC products and
equipment that use 1350 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 xPower1500 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 sometimes have a warnin label statin
that dan erous volta es are present at the char ers battery
terminals. Check with the manufacturer of the power tool to
verify whether the battery char er supplied with the tool
should be used with xPower1500.
The power, or wattage, rating of AC products is the power they use.
During the first moments after they are switched on, many products such as
power tools or pumps, consume much more power than their average rating.
Although xPower1500 can supply momentary surge power greater than 1350
watts, some products may exceed its capabilities and trigger the inverters
safety overload shutdown circuit. See Automatic Protection: O erload,
O erheating and Low Battery in this section for the reset procedure. If this
problem occurs when attempting to operate several products at the same
time, try first switching on the AC Outlets with all products switched off,
then one by one switch each on, starting with the high surge product first.
Connecting Your AC Products
The following steps assume you have fully charged xPower1500s
battery pac . See Section 7.
1. Turn on the AC Outlets Switch located on the AC Power Panel.
The green POWER light illuminates to confirm AC power is now
on and available at the two AC Outlets. See Figure 3 in Section 3.
2. Plug the AC product you wish to operate into one of the two AC
outlets and switch the product on. The product should operate
normally, just as it would if plugged into a wall outlet at home.
3. While operating the AC product you can chec the level of the
battery as detailed in Section 3. This will tell you the approximate
charge level of the battery and whether you are approaching the
point when recharging is required.

12
4. As the battery pac 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 below - Automatic Protection:
O erload, O erheating and Low Battery for details.
5. Fully recharge xPower1500s battery pac as soon as possible
after each use. See Section 7.
Automatic Protection: Overload, Overheating
and ow Battery
xPower1500 has built-in protection against output overload and from
overheating. If an AC product rated higher than 1350 watts (or which
draws excessive surge power at start up) is connected, or if the
inverter exceeds a safe temperature, it will automatically shutdown.
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 bac on. Normal operation
should resume. If not, turn the AC Outlets Switch off again and allow
xPower1500 to cool for several minutes. While AC power is off, press
the Battery Status Switch to ma e sure the charge level is sufficient.
If the battery pac is allowed to discharge excessively, damage may
occur. To prevent this, xPower1500 has a built-in audible warning that
alerts you when the battery pac is nearly discharged and that
recharging is needed. If this warning is ignored, xPower1500 will
automatically switch off the AC Outlets and the red FAULT light will
illuminate when the battery pac reaches empty. The FAULT light
will remain on until the AC Outlets Switch is turned off. Promptly
recharge xPower1500 to help maintain the internal battery pac . See
Section 7.
Interference with Electronic Equipment
Buzzing Soun in Au io Systems
Some inexpensive stereo systems and boom-boxes will emit a
buzzing sound from their loudspea ers when operating from the
AC output of xPower1500. This is because the power supply in
the equipment does not adequately filter the modified sine wave
produced by xPower1500. Unless the stereo can be operated
directly from xPower1500s 12-volt DC Power Soc et, the only
solution is a sound system with a higher quality internal power
filter.

13
Television Interference
xPower1500 is shielded to minimize interference with TV signals.
In some cases, particularly with wea TV signals, some
interference may still be visible in the form of scrolling lines
across the screen. In this case, ta e the following corrective
measures:
1. Use an extension cord to position xPower1500 as far away as
possible from the television, antenna, and cables.
2. Adjust the orientation of xPower1500, 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 AC products that may be operated by xPower1500
with estimated operating times. See Section 8 for information about
connecting to an external battery to increase operating time.
Operating times will vary depending on the battery charge level and
the actual AC product being operated.
xPower1500 will not continuously operate AC products rated at more
than 1350 watts, such as air conditioners or motors over 12 amps.
(1) Represents actual power consumption as measured on sample products.
(2) Operating times assume a fully charged battery and may vary based on model/brand
used.
(3) ssumes continuous operation (send or receive).
(4) ssumes 40% duty cycle.
(5) ssumes continuous operation (blade engaged, but not cutting).
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14
Powering 12-Volt DC Accessories
Connecting 12-Volt DC Accessories
xPower1500 can operate any accessory that is intended to run from a
vehicles lighter soc et. Simply insert the accessorys plug into the
DC Power Soc et on xPower1500s DC Power Panel. xPower1500s
DC Power Soc et 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 xPower1500s internal battery
pac according to instructions in Section 7.
1. Plug the accessory into xPower1500s DC Power Soc et, and
switch the accessory on (if required).
2. The 12-volt accessory will operate until the battery pac runs out
of power. Refer to step 4 (below) 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, xPower1500s internal circuit
brea er will immediately switch off power to the accessory. If this
occurs, unplug the accessory and the brea er will automatically
reset after a few seconds.
4. Fully recharge xPower1500s battery pac as soon as possible
after each use.
IMPORTANT: The DC Power Soc et does not automatically switch
off the load when the internal battery pac is discharged. To protect
the battery pac against damage resulting from total discharge, turn
the AC Outlets Switch ON, even when powering 12-volt accessories
only. This will enable the xPower1500s low battery alarm to warn you
when the 12-volt accessory has nearly depleted the battery pac .
The battery power used by xPower1500 to monitor the internal
battery voltage level is negligible.

15
Battery Operating Times
Below are typical DC accessories that may be operated by
xPower1500 with estimated operating times.
Operating times will vary depending on the battery charge level and
the specific accessory being operated.
(1) Represents actual power consumption as measured on sample products.
(2) Operating times assume fully charged battery pack and may vary based on model/
brand used.
(3) Represents talk time available from 34 recharge cycles.
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16
6 Vehicle or Boat Engine Starting
Assistance
Jump-Starting Directly to the Battery
xPower1500 may be used to jump-start a 12-volt vehicle or small boat
engine using standard jump-start cables available from most auto
parts stores.
Jump-starting causes very high current surges and possible
spar ing. Unless care is ta en, the possibility of battery explosion
exists. Read the safety warnings in the beginning of this Owners
Guide before proceeding, then follow these instructions exactly.
Before proceeding, remove the Terminal Covers (rotate counter
cloc wise) and place them in xPower1500s Accessory Storage
Compartment.
WARNING: Connect only in the following order and ma e sure the
polarity is correct. The batterys positive terminal is identified as
being larger in diameter than the negative terminal. In most vehicles it
has a red wire connected to it. Do not proceed until you are sure you
have identified the positive terminal.
1. Turn off the vehicle or boat ignition, and all accessories.
2. Engage the vehicles par or emergency bra e and place the
transmission in par (automatic) or neutral (manual).
3. Purge the area where connections will be made of all fumes before
ma ing any connections.
4. Position xPower1500 so that it is a convenient distance from the
battery that supplies power to the engine you wish to start, but
will not cause the jump-start cables to come in contact with any
moving parts of the engine. If helpful, remove xPower1500s
handle to improve placement.
5. Connect the cables red positive (+) clamp to the positive (+)
terminal of the engines battery.
6. Ma ing sure the cables are clear of the engines belts and fans,
ta e the other end of the jump-start cables and connect the red
positive (+) clamp to xPower1500s positive High Power DC
Terminal (red).
7. As far from the battery as possible, connect the cables blac
negative (-) clamp to the engine bloc , cylinder head, or other
stationary heavy metal part of the engine. Do not attach the
blac negative clamp to the engines battery terminal.