Battery Charger Tutorial

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.

The length of time you can operate an inverter depends on the amp-hour capacity of your battery bank.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.
 

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 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.

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.

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.

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.