What size of inverter do I need?
Choosing the right size of inverter depends on the power requirements of the appliances you expect to operate at any given time. You should consider both the continuous and surge power rating of your appliance. The continuous rating must be high enough to handle all the loads that may run at the same time. The inverter must also be capable of handling the starting surge of all loads that may start at the same time. Loads typically take many times their continuous rating to start.
How long can I operate my inverter?
The length of time you can operate an inverter depends on the amp-hour capacity of your battery bank.
Is it possible to run my computer with an inverter?
Both sine-wave and modified sine-wave inverter output will operate a computer, including a laptop. However, some monitors and laser printers can only be powered by sine wave output.
Is it possible to run an air conditioner on an inverter?
Yes, it is possible to operate a small air conditioner in the 5000-9000 BTU range using a higher-powered inverter and battery bank with the right capacity for power. Select an inverter and battery combination that takes into account the startup surge required by the air conditioner.
Should I leave my inverter ON or OFF when shore power is available?
When shorepower is available, you may leave your inverter ON or OFF. There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods. If the inverter is left ON, you have immediate backup AC power if you lose shorepower. You may not be aware shorepower is lost until your batteries are fully discharged. If you choose to leave your inverter OFF you have the advantage of knowing when you have lost shorepower. This, however, is at the expense of losing automatic backup power capabilities.
What is automatic AC transfer switching?
All Xantrex Inverter/Chargers incorporate an automatic transfer switch. This switch senses when outside AC Power is present and transfers the load from the inverter to the source of incoming power (shore or generator). The unit also automatically switches from invert mode to charge mode.
Using a polarity tester with an inverter
When I check the 115 volt output of a Xantrex inverter with a three light polarity tester, all three lights come on. There is no fault description for the tester covering this. My ground fault outlets do not trip. Is there a problem?
No. What you are seeing is normal if you are testing the output of a Modified Sine Wave (MSW) inverter. The device you’re using is for use with household utility power; the internal wiring of the inverter causes this symptom.
Can I installer the inverter without a fuse?
No. A fuse (or circuit breaker, depending on the location and nature of the application) is an integral part of the safe installation of many Xantrex Technology Inc. products. If your installation does not meet the recommendations and specifications in the user guide, it is possible that an unsafe condition may be created, which could result in a fire. Your insurance company may not be obliged to cover damages in this case.
Follow the installation guidelines in the manual for optimal performance and safety of your Xantrex Technology Inc. power conversion product.
Remote on/off switch for Prowatt and Portawattz
The remote on/off switch for Prowatt and Portawattz products is part number 808-9000. It includes 20 feet (6 meters) of cable and works with the following products:
Portawattz inverters (1000, 1750, 3000).
All Prowatt inverters over 800 watts, whether 12 or 24VDC and whether domestic or international.
The remote switch can be purchased through Xantrex E-store www.xantrex.com/estore (under Accessories) if your local Xantrex dealer doesn’t carry it.
The Prowatt and Portawattz models mentioned above can be controlled remotely by an external dry-contact switch. You can find more information on the electrical requirements of the switch at our support FAQ under Prowatt products entitled Prowatt 1000/1750/3000 Remote Control.
NOTE: This switch does not work with XPower Plus inverters. For the XPower 1200 Plus and XPower 1750 Plus inverters, the correct remote switch part number is 808-9500. It is also available through Xantrex E-store. Do not use the electrical information at the above-noted FAQ for XPower Plus inverters.
Voltage measurement issues (AC Output)
I’ve installed the modified sine wave inverter and it’s working okay. However, the output voltage doesn’t seem right. There is 124 vac between the hot and neutral pins but the safety ground is not at 0 volts with respect to the neutral pin. Instead, the safety ground appears to float about halfway between the neutral and hot pin voltage. Please explain what’s going on!
This FAQ applies to Xpower, PROwatt, Portawattz, Jazz and Xantrex inverters, including the inverters integral to Powerpacks.
Your inverter is designed to have loads plugged directly into it and not be permanently connected to an AC distribution system. The fact that the inverter is not a permanent installation means the US NEC (United States National Electrical Code) doesn’t apply, and the NEC is the main place where the requirement resides for single-phase 120Vac or 240Vac systems to have neutral bonded to earth. The US standard for inverters of this sort, UL458, does not have a requirement for a bonded neutral on the output of inverters.
Regarding the voltage that the you are measuring, the ground does not float halfway, rather the neutral is not at 0 volts. The grounding is correct, in that loads plugged in will have their chassis held at the same ground potential as the chassis of the inverter, but the neutral has approximately 60V on it instead of the usual 0V. The impact of that is minimal, since wiring and equipment connected to the neutral side of the circuit are required by safety standards to be treated as if they were at 120Vac. This is because there are many receptacles that are wired backwards or 2-prong plugs that are not polarized. As a result the 60V neutral is not accessible to the user, and any shock hazard presented is mitigated by lack of access.
The main safety agencies, CSA, UL, and ETL, have all approved inverters with this half-voltage on the neutral scheme, and the manuals contain warnings not to AC hardwire any of these inverters.
Do I need to install my inverter near my batteries?
Ideally an inverter should be installed within 10 feet of the battery bank. If you increase this distance, you will need to use larger DC cables to compensate for a drop in voltage and DC ripple.
Can I install my inverter/charger in a gasoline engine compartment?
All Xantrex Inverter/Chargers are not ignition protected and therefore should not be installed in a gasoline engine compartment. They are approved for installation in a diesel engine compartment.
What type of environmental conditions must I consider when installing an inverter/charger
All Xantrex Inverter/Chargers must be installed in a dry, well-ventilated compartment. While most units are designed to withstand corrosion from the salty air, they are not splash proof. The units also require a fresh air supply to operate properly.