Xantrex HI400 - Manual

v Important safety information General precautions 1. Before installing and using the inverter, read all appropriate sections of this guide and any cautionary markings on the inverter and batteries. 2. Do not operate the inverter if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged. I...

Explosive gas precautions vi Explosive gas precautions 1. Batteries generate explosive gases during normal operation. Be sure you follow all relevant instructions exactly before installing or using your inverter. 2. This equipment contains components which tend to produce arcs or sparks. To prevent ...

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...

Precautions for using rechargeable appliances 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 out. Some chargers for rechargeable batteries...

1 Introduction Chapter 1 “Introduction” describes the main operating features of the HI400 Inverter.

Introduction 3 This receptacle has a “ground fault circuit interrupter” to reduce shock hazards on loads connected to both the receptacle and hardwire outputs. • Ignition lockout Ignition lockout prevents the inverter from operating while the engine is running. It allows the user to turn the inverte...

Materials list 6 Materials list Your HI400 inverter package includes the items listed below: ❐ Inverter with hardwire (80-0401-12) or Inverter with hardwire and GFCI outlet (80-0400-12) ❐ Owner’s Guide

7 Installation Chapter 2 “Installation” provides complete information for installing the HI400 Inverter. Specifically, this section describes:• safety instructions and installation codes that must be observed during installation. • installation tools and materials. • appropriate locations and enviro...

Preparing for installation 8 Preparing for installation Prior to beginning your installation, review the “Important Safety Instructions” on page v , and read the entire “Installation” section so you can plan your installation from beginning to end. Installation codes Applicable installation codes va...

Preparing for installation 9 Installation tools and materials You will need the following tools and materials to install the inverter: ❐ #2 Phillips screwdriver ❐ Wire stripper ❐ 4 mounting screws or bolts and appropriate tools ❐ 3/8” wide slot screwdriver for DC input and chassis ground terminals ❐...

Preparing for installation 10 Installation features Figure 3 and Table 3 below, list the installation features of your HI400 inverter. Figure 3 Installation features: back view Table 3 Installation features: back view Feature Description ➀ DC input terminals ➁ Cable clamp ➂ Chassis grounding lug ➃ A...

Installing the HI400 12 AC disconnects and over-current protection devices To meet electrical code requirements, you must provide the inverter with over-current protection (such as a circuit breaker or fuse) and a disconnect device as follows: AC Input: The circuit breaker or fuse used to protect th...

Installing the HI400 13 AC output neutral bonding The neutral conductor of the inverter’s AC output circuit is automatically connected (“bonded”) to the safety ground whenever the inverter is running and AC utility shorepower is not present. When AC shorepower is present, this connection is automati...

Installing the HI400 15 Choosing a location The inverter should only be installed in locations that meet the following requirements: Table 4 Tested GFCI models Manufacturer Model number Leviton 6599 Pass & Seymour 1591 Hubbell GF 5252GYA WARNING: Risk of fire or explosion This equipment contains...

Installing the HI400 16 Mounting your inverter The HI400 inverter must be mounted flat (for example, on or under a horizontal surface) in order to comply with safety agency requirements. To mount your HI400 inverter: 1. Turn the On/Off switch on the inverter to the off position. 2. Fasten the invert...

Installing the HI400 17 Permanently connecting (hardwiring) the AC output To hardwire the AC output connections: 1. Remove the AC hardwire compartment cover. Three wires are located inside the wiring compartment as follows: • Black – the AC output line conductor • White – the AC output neutral condu...

Installing the HI400 18 5. Connect the black and white (line and neutral) wires from the AC cable to the black and white wires located in the HI400 hardwire compartment. Be sure to connect black to black and white to white. Check to make sure the wires are making a good connection, and secure the tw...

Installing the HI400 19 2. Route the lockout signal wire through the cable clamp and into the hardwire compartment. 3. Strip approximately ½ inch off the insulation of the red ignition lockout wire and the lockout signal wire (if using the twist-on wire connectors provided). If you are providing you...

Installing the HI400 20 Follow the procedures given below to connect the battery to the DC input terminals. The cables should be as short as possible and large enough to handle the required current, in accordance with the electrical codes or regulations applicable to your installation. As noted abov...

Installing the HI400 21 7. Insert the other end of the negative (–) cable into the negative (–) terminal on the HI400 and tighten the terminal screw. Ensure all strands of wire are inside the connector (no stray strands). The terminal manufacturer’s recommended tightening torque is 21 inch-pounds. 8...

Installing the HI400 22 In an RV or vehicle installation, this will usually be the vehicle chassis or a dedicated DC ground bus. Connecting the AC input cord To connect the AC input cord: ➢ Plug the AC input cord (located at the back of the inverter) into a properly grounded 120 Vac, 15 A receptacle...

Installing the HI400 23 Checks prior to initial power-up Before powering up your inverter, ensure these conditions are met: ❐ On/Off power switch is in the off position. ❐ Positive (+) battery cable is connected to the positive (+) battery terminal. ❐ Negative (–) battery cable is connected to the n...

25 Operation Chapter 3 “Operation” explains how to operate the HI400 Inverter.

Operation features 26 Operation features Inverter on and off The On/Off power switch on the front panel turns the HI400 inverter on or off: • In the On position, the green inverter On LED indicator illuminates and the unit begins inverting if AC shorepower is not present. The HI400 is now operationa...

Operation features 27 Monthly testing Once a month, with either AC shorepower or inverter power present, press the test button on the GFCI receptacle. The reset button should pop out. Push it to reset the GFCI, and continue normal operation. This should be completed on a monthly basis. If the reset ...

Inverter loads 28 Inverter loads The HI400 will operate most AC loads within its power rating (400 watts/3.3 amps). Typical loads that can be used on the HI400 are as follows : • Laptops • Small TVs • Handheld computing devices • VCRs • Camcorders • Other light duty AC devices Operating several load...

Inverter loads 29 • Some chargers for battery packs used in power hand tools. These affected chargers display a warning label stating that dangerous voltages are present at the battery terminals. If you are unsure about powering any load with the HI400, contact the appliance manufacturer. Turning th...

Maintenance 32 Maintenance Minimal maintenance is required to keep your HI400 operating properly. Periodically you should • clean the exterior of the unit with a damp cloth to prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt. • ensure the DC cables are secure at both the HI400 and the battery. Troubleshoot...

Troubleshooting reference 33 • Adjust the orientation of the HI400, television, antenna, and cables. • Maximize TV signal strength by using a better antenna; use a shielded antenna cable where possible. • Try a different TV. Different models vary considerably in their susceptibility to interference....

35 Specifications Appendix A “Specifications” contains electrical and physical specifications for the HI400 Inverter.

Electrical 36 Electrical Physical Specifications are subject to change without notice. Output power• continuous • surge capacity 400 W550 W Output voltage 120 Vac RMS ±5% Output frequency 60 Hz nominal Output wave form Modified sine wave Transfer switch 4 Amp AC High battery shutdown 15.0 V Low batt...

Battery types 38 Battery types Automotive starting batteries The lead-acid battery you are most familiar with is probably the starting battery in your automobile. An automotive starting battery is designed to deliver a large amount of current for a short period of time (so it can start your engine)....

Battery size 39 Battery size Battery size or capacity is as important as the battery type for efficient operation of your loads. Xantrex recommends that you purchase as much battery capacity as possible. A number of different standards are used to rate battery energy storage capacity. Automotive and...

Estimating battery requirements 40 To calculate the battery capacity you require, read “Estimating battery requirements” and “Battery sizing example” on page B–41 , and then complete the “Battery sizing worksheet” on page B–42 . Estimating battery requirements To determine how much battery capacity ...

Estimating battery requirements 41 Battery sizing example This battery sizing example illustrates a typical calculation, assuming an opportunity to charge the batteries every three days. This example illustrates how quickly your battery needs can escalate. To reduce the required battery size, you ca...

Estimating battery requirements 42 Battery sizing worksheet Use the following worksheet to calculate your battery needs. To ensure sufficient battery capacity, be generous when estimating the operating time per day for each of your loads. Appliance (A) Power consumption (B) Operating time per day Da...

Using multiple batteries 43 Using multiple batteries As your power requirements increase, you may need to use more than one battery to obtain sufficient capacity. Read “Two batteries connected in parallel” and “Two separate battery banks” to determine whether two batteries or two battery banks are m...

Battery tips 44 Battery tips Temperature sensitivity The capacity of lead-acid batteries is temperature sensitive. Battery capacity is rated at 77 ºF (25 ºC). At 0º F (–20 ºC), the Ah capacity is about half the rated capacity. You should consider temperature when designing your system. Low temperatu...

Battery tips 45 Discharged batteries Do not leave batteries in a discharged state for more than a day or two. They will undergo a chemical process (sulfation) that can permanently damage the battery. As well, batteries self-discharge over a period of three to six months, so they should be recharged ...

Warranty information 48 Warranty information What does this warranty cover? Xantrex manufactures its products from parts and components that are new or equivalent to new, in accordance with industry standard practices. This warranty covers any defects in workmanship or materials. How long does the c...

Returning a product 49 service, please return it to the place of purchase along with a copy of your dated proof of purchase. If you are unable to contact your merchant, or the merchant is unable to provide service, contact Xantrex directly: Returning a product You must obtain a Return Material Autho...

Out-of-warranty service 50 8. Ship the inverter to the address provided in Step 1, freight prepaid. Xantrex recommends that you obtain proof of delivery. How other laws apply This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdictio...

Contacting Xantrex Customer Service 51 Contacting Xantrex Customer Service If none of the troubleshooting suggestions work, you will need to call Xantrex Customer Service. If possible, note the circumstances surrounding the failure below. This will assist the service technician in diagnosing the pro...

53 A AC disconnects 11 AC input cord 22 , 23 AC load circuit 13 AC output cable, 3-conductor 9 AC shorepower 11 Ah. See amp-hour capacity.alternating current 11 amp-hour (Ah) capacity 39 appliances battery-operated viii current draw 40 power consumption 40 , 42 rechargeable viii B batteries amp-hour...