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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

3-conductor (2-conductor-plus-ground cable) AC output 
cable sized appropriately for load according to applicable 
installation code(s). In the NEC, CEC and RV 
applications, this is No. 14 AWG.

Crimp connectors and appropriate crimping tool for AC 
output wiring and ignition lockout wiring (if twist-on 
wire connectors are not appropriate for your installation).

DC cable, sized appropriately for load per the applicable 
installation code(s). In NEC, CEC and RV applications, 
this is No. 8 AWG if copper conductors rated 60 °C –
90 °C are used.

Terminals for connecting the DC cables to the battery, as 
well as appropriate tools for those terminals (for 
example, crimping tool, hex-key, etc.).

AC and DC disconnects and over-current protective 
devices.

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Summary of Contents for HI400

Page 1: ...HI400 Owner s Guide Get other manuals https www bkmanuals com ...

Page 2: ...trex International All rights reserved Disclaimer 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 LOSS OR DAMAGE WHETHER DIRECT INDIRECT CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL WHICH MIGHT ARI...

Page 3: ...ring for installation 8 Installation codes 8 Installation tools and materials 9 Installation features 10 Installing the HI400 11 Overview 11 Designing your installation 11 Choosing a location 15 Mounting your inverter 16 Permanently connecting hardwiring the AC output 17 Installing the ignition lockout wiring 18 Connecting the DC cables 19 Connecting the battery to the DC input 20 Connecting the D...

Page 4: ...oads 28 Operating several loads at once 28 Problem loads 28 Turning the inverter off between charges 29 Battery charging frequency 29 4 Maintenance and Troubleshooting Maintenance 32 Troubleshooting 32 Common problems 32 Buzz in audio equipment 32 Television interference 32 Troubleshooting reference 33 A Specifications Electrical 36 Physical 36 B Battery Types and Sizes Battery types 38 Automotive...

Page 5: ...tteries 43 Two batteries connected in parallel 43 Two separate battery banks 43 Battery tips 44 C Warranty and Product Information Warranty information 48 Returning a product 49 Out of warranty service 50 Contacting Xantrex Customer Service 51 Other Xantrex products 51 Index 53 Get other manuals https www bkmanuals com ...

Page 6: ...iv Get other manuals https www bkmanuals com ...

Page 7: ...shock or fire Internal capacitors remain charged after all power is disconnected See Warranty information on page 48 for instructions on obtaining service 4 To reduce the risk of electrical shock disconnect both AC and DC power from the inverter before working on any circuits connected to the inverter Turning off the front panel On Off Switch will not reduce this risk 5 Protect the inverter from r...

Page 8: ...nents which tend to produce arcs or sparks To prevent fire or explosion do not install the inverter in compartments containing batteries or flammable materials or in locations that require ignition protected equipment This includes any space containing gasoline powered machinery fuel tanks as well as joints fittings or other connections between components of the fuel system WARNING Explosion hazar...

Page 9: ...of dropping a metal tool on the battery It could spark or short circuit the battery or other electrical parts and could cause an explosion 5 Remove metal items like rings bracelets and watches when working with lead acid batteries These batteries produce a short circuit current high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal and cause a severe burn 6 If you need to remove a battery always remove t...

Page 10: ...r rechargeable batteries can be damaged if connected to the HI400 Inverter Do not use the following with the HI400 Inverter 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 a...

Page 11: ...1 Introduction Chapter 1 Introduction describes the main operating features of the HI400 Inverter Get other manuals https www bkmanuals com ...

Page 12: ...ed permanently HI400 offers the following inverter features Ability to run many of the entertainment loads that you use at home You can operate TVs stereos VCRs computers and even small battery chargers You can run multiple loads up to 400 watts in total Surge capability HI400 will surge up to 550 watts peak Low voltage shutdown The inverter shuts off when your batteries discharge to less than 10 ...

Page 13: ...om operating while the engine is running It allows the user to turn the inverter on and off remotely Transfer switch Automatically connects the loads on the receptacle and hardwire outputs to the external AC source when one is available Upon disconnection or loss of the external AC source the transfer switch automatically transfers the load circuits over to inverter power Get other manuals https w...

Page 14: ...gure 1 Front Panel Hardwire with GFCI version Table 1 Front panel features Feature Description Fan vents Output circuit protector ON OFF power switch Dual AC receptacle on the GFCI outlet and hardwire version only GFCI test and reset buttons on the GFCI outlet and hardwire version only On inverter and low battery status LEDs Get other manuals https www bkmanuals com ...

Page 15: ...e 2 Back panel p Table 2 Back panel features Feature Description Air vents Cable clamp Chassis grounding lug AC hardwiring compartment with cover on DC input terminals AC input cord Get other manuals https www bkmanuals com ...

Page 16: ... 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 Get other manuals https www bkmanuals com ...

Page 17: ... section describes safety instructions and installation codes that must be observed during installation installation tools and materials appropriate locations and environments for mounting the inverter AC cabling DC cabling and ground information detailed installation procedures Get other manuals https www bkmanuals com ...

Page 18: ...ndustry Association RVIA requirements for installation in RVs It is the installer s responsibility to determine which codes apply and to ensure that all applicable installation requirements are met WARNING Electrical shock and fire hazards Xantrex recommends all wiring be done by qualified personnel Disconnect all AC and DC power sources to prevent accidental shock Disable and secure all AC and DC...

Page 19: ...e NEC CEC and RV applications this is No 14 AWG Crimp connectors and appropriate crimping tool for AC output wiring and ignition lockout wiring if twist on wire connectors are not appropriate for your installation DC cable sized appropriately for load per the applicable installation code s In NEC CEC and RV applications this is No 8 AWG if copper conductors rated 60 C 90 C are used Terminals for c...

Page 20: ...ure 3 Installation features back view Table 3 Installation features back view Feature Description DC input terminals Cable clamp Chassis grounding lug AC Hardwire compartment Ground screw for AC output ground Ignition lockout wire red AC output wiring black white AC input cord Wire connectors 3 Get other manuals https www bkmanuals com ...

Page 21: ... the loads connected to the inverter from a source other than the inverter Typically this source will be utility grid power company power provided at an RV park or campground or an AC generator Step 1 Designing your installation page 11 Step 2 Choosing a location for your inverter page 15 Step 3 Mounting your inverter page 16 Step 4 Permanently connecting the AC output wiring page 17 Step 5 Instal...

Page 22: ...nnect switches will be needed between the source of power and the fuses AC output wiring The type and size of the wires between the inverter output and the loads varies with the installation type and applicable codes For many RV applications flexible multi strand wire is required Installation codes may specify solid or stranded overall size of the conductors and type and temperature rating of the ...

Page 23: ...ce This usually consists of a DC rated circuit breaker a fused disconnect or a separate fuse and DC disconnect Do not confuse AC circuit breakers with DC circuit breakers they are not interchangeable The current rating of the fuse or breaker must be matched to the size of the DC cables used in accordance with the applicable installation codes The breaker or disconnect and fuse should be located as...

Page 24: ... protect people from electrical shocks and are usually required in wet or damp locations A regular circuit breaker cannot provide this type of protection Installations in recreational vehicles require GFCI protection of branch circuits connected to the AC output of the inverter The HI400 comes in two versions In the version with the integral GFCI receptacle the GFCI protects both the receptacle s ...

Page 25: ...mmable materials or in locations that require ignition protected equipment This includes any space containing gasoline powered machinery fuel tanks or joints fittings or other connections between components of the fuel system WARNING Fire hazard Do not cover or obstruct the ventilation openings Do not install this equipment in a zero clearance compartment Overheating may result Dry Do not allow wa...

Page 26: ...e compartment in which the inverter is installed allows airflow through the compartment Safe See the warning on page 15 Do not install the inverter in the same compartment as batteries or in any compartment capable of storing flammable liquids like gasoline Close to battery compartment and the AC source and load Avoid excessive cable lengths these reduce input and output power due to wire resistan...

Page 27: ...pproximately inch off the insulation of the black and white wires from the AC cable if using the twist on wire connectors provided If you are providing your own connectors follow the manufacturer s recommendations regarding strip length and use of the connectors WARNING Fire shock and energy hazards Make sure wiring is disconnected from all electrical sources before handling All wiring must be don...

Page 28: ...nstalling the ignition lockout wiring The ignition lockout system turns the inverter off when the ignition is on The system is designed so that when a user applied 12 V signal is present on the red ignition lockout wire in the hardwire compartment the inverter turns off This 12 V signal is normally obtained by connecting a wire to circuits downstream from the vehicle ignition switch so that 12 V i...

Page 29: ...tall the hardwire compartment cover plate 6 Tighten the cable clamp so that the AC output cable and ignition lockout wiring are secured Check to make sure the clamp is securing the overall jacket of the AC output cable not the individual conductors and that no wiring is being pinched in the corners of the clamp Connecting the DC cables CAUTION Before making the final DC connection check cable pola...

Page 30: ... correct length with enough insulation stripped off so you can properly install the type of terminals you will be using at the battery end At the HI400 end strip the wire 3 8 inch 2 Assign one cable to be positive and one cable to be negative Mark both ends of each cable to avoid confusion during installation 3 Switch the On Off switch into the off position if you have not already done so 4 Route ...

Page 31: ...tightening torque is 21 inch pounds 10 Verify the polarity of the DC connections is correct positive on the inverter connected to the positive on the battery and negative connected to the negative When you are ready to operate the inverter close the DC circuit breaker or disconnect switch to supply DC power to the inverter Connecting the DC ground The chassis ground lug on the DC end of the invert...

Page 32: ...ll transfer the loads to the shorepower source and turn off the inverter When the shorepower AC source is disconnected or fails the HI400 will automatically turn on the inverter and transfer the loads to inverter power WARNING Shock hazard Connect the AC input cord only to a properly grounded standard 120 Vac 15 A receptacle If the correct type of receptacle is not available have an electrician in...

Page 33: ... not blown Starting up and testing your installation To turn on the HI400 1 Turn the On Off power switch on the front panel to the on position The green ON INVERTER LED indicator illuminates 2 Plug a load into the GFCI receptacle on the front panel Apply a load of 400 watts or less 3 Test the transfer feature by plugging the AC input cord into the shorepower source receptacle The inverter will tra...

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Page 35: ...25 Operation Chapter 3 Operation explains how to operate the HI400 Inverter Get other manuals https www bkmanuals com ...

Page 36: ...oads will operate With the switch in the Off position the unit does not draw any battery power except as required to run the fan until the unit cools off Ground fault circuit interrupter GFCI protection The GFCI with hardwire version contains a GFCI receptacle that protects the hardwire output and the receptacle output against a ground fault Correcting a ground fault When a fault condition is dete...

Page 37: ...he load can be run from the alternate source when it is present When the shorepower source is not present the internal transfer relay will automatically transfer the load to inverter power This transfer relay functions whether the power switch is in the on or off position Ignition lockout The inverter automatically shuts off when the ignition lockout is engaged This occurs when the power switch is...

Page 38: ...he inverter on This ensures that the inverter does not have to deliver the starting current for all the loads at once The HI400 can handle several loads as long as they do not exceed 400 watts in total Problem loads Some appliances may be damaged if they are connected to the HI400 Electronics that modulate RF radio frequency signals on the AC line will not work and may be damaged Speed controllers...

Page 39: ...o power is being supplied to a load the inverter idles and draws less than 400 mΑ from the battery Because of this current draw the battery may need to be recharged after a few days If you are not using your inverter turn it off Battery charging frequency When possible recharge your batteries when they are about 50 discharged or before This gives them a much longer life cycle than recharging when ...

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Page 41: ...ommon problems that can occur with the HI400 Inverter Read this chapter before calling Xantrex Customer Service If you cannot solve the problem record the information asked for on page 51 This will help our Customer Service Representatives to assist you better Get other manuals https www bkmanuals com ...

Page 42: ...iltering and buzz slightly when powered by the HI400 The best solution is to use an audio system with a good quality filter Television interference The HI400 is shielded to minimize interference with TV signals If TV signals are weak you may see interference in the form of lines scrolling across the screen Try one of these suggestions to minimize or eliminate the problem Use an extension cord to i...

Page 43: ... disassemble the HI400 It does not contain any serviceable parts and attempting to service the unit yourself could result in electrical shock or burn Table 5 Troubleshooting reference Problem Possible Cause Solution Low battery shutdown Low battery LED illuminated red Battery under voltage Check battery voltage If the voltage is low charge the battery If the voltage is normal check for loose batte...

Page 44: ...power switch on No AC output No LED illuminated Output circuit breaker or tripped GFCI High battery Open blown battery fuse Check the circuit breaker and GFCI Push in the GFCI button to reset Wait for battery voltage to drop Reset the inverter Check battery fuse Table 5 Troubleshooting reference Problem Possible Cause Solution Get other manuals https www bkmanuals com ...

Page 45: ...35 Specifications Appendix A Specifications contains electrical and physical specifications for the HI400 Inverter Get other manuals https www bkmanuals com ...

Page 46: ...5 Output frequency 60 Hz nominal Output wave form Modified sine wave Transfer switch 4 Amp AC High battery shutdown 15 0 V Low battery shutdown 10 0 V Efficiency Approximately 80 90 No load current draw switch on Less than 400mA Length 9 7 inches 24 6 cm Width 6 5 inches 16 5 cm Height 3 5 inches 8 9 cm Weight 4 lb 1 8 kg Get other manuals https www bkmanuals com ...

Page 47: ...ly affect the performance of the HI400 Inverter It is important to connect the inverter to the correct size and type of battery The information in this appendix will help you select connect and maintain batteries that are most appropriate for your application Get other manuals https www bkmanuals com ...

Page 48: ...d batteries are designed for deep discharge service where they will be repeatedly discharged and recharged They are marketed for use in recreational vehicles boats and electric golf carts so you may see them referred to as RV batteries marine batteries or golf cart batteries For most applications of the HI400 Xantrex recommends you use one or more deep cycle batteries that are separated from the v...

Page 49: ...For example a battery with a reserve capacity of 180 minutes can deliver 25 amps for 180 minutes before it is completely discharged Amp hour Ah capacity Amp hour capacity is a measure of how many amps a battery can deliver for a specified length of time usually 20 hours For example a typical marine or RV battery rated for 100 Ah can deliver 5 amps for 20 hours 5 A x 20 hours 100 Ah This same batte...

Page 50: ...ct If only the current draw is given multiply it by 115 to get the power consumption in watts 2 Estimate how many hours each appliance will be operating each day 3 Calculate the daily watt hours needed for each appliance 4 Add the total number of watt hours needed for all the appliances and multiply it by the number of days between charges 5 Divide the total watt hours of AC load between charges b...

Page 51: ... large loads and surge loads and your battery won t be discharged as deeply Battery life is directly dependent on how deeply the battery is discharged The deeper the discharge the shorter the battery life Most battery manufacturers recommend limiting the depth of discharge to 50 of the battery capacity Appliance A Power consumption B Operating time per day Daily watt hoursneeded for this appliance...

Page 52: ...ce A Power consumption B Operating time per day Daily watt hours needed for this appliance A x B W hours Wh W hours Wh W hours Wh W hours Wh W hours Wh W hours Wh W hours Wh W hours Wh Total daily watt hours of AC load Wh x Number of days between charges Total watt hours of AC load between charges Wh Battery Ah used between charges divide by 10 Ah Recommended Battery Bank Size in Ah multiply by 2 ...

Page 53: ...tains the voltage of a single battery Two separate battery banks If you need more than two batteries or are using different makes or models of batteries Xantrex recommends that you install two separate battery banks and a battery selector switch By installing a battery selector switch you can select between the two battery banks use both banks in parallel or disconnect both banks from the load Bat...

Page 54: ...es These can be caused by high ambient temperatures solar heating of the battery enclosure or heat released by a nearby engine or generator High battery temperatures shorten battery life and therefore you should ventilate the enclosure and use shade and insulation as appropriate Note Review Precautions when working with batteries on page vii before working with the batteries in your system WARNING...

Page 55: ...must be made with permanent connectors that provide a reliable low resistance connection Do not use alligator clips Clean the connections regularly and prevent corrosion by using a protective spray coating or vaseline Battery state of charge You can measure battery state of charge with a hydrometer or more easily with a voltmeter Use a digital voltmeter than can display tenths or hundredths of a v...

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Page 57: ...47 Warranty and Product Information Appendix C Product and System Information contains the warranty and return information for the HI400 Inverter Get other manuals https www bkmanuals com ...

Page 58: ...environment Xantrex does not warrant uninterrupted operation of its products Xantrex shall not be liable for damages whether direct incidental special or consequential or economic loss even though caused by the negligence or fault of Xantrex Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you W...

Page 59: ...Date of purchase Information about the installation and use of the inverter If you are returning a product from the USA or Canada 1 Obtain an RMA number and a shipping address from Xantrex Products returned without an RMA number or shipped collect will be refused 2 Package the inverter safely preferably using the original packing materials Include the following with your shipment 3 The RMA number ...

Page 60: ...period for your HI400 Inverter has expired if the inverter was damaged by misuse or incorrect installation if other conditions of the warranty have not been met or if no dated proof of purchase is available your inverter may be serviced or replaced for a flat fee To return your HI400 for out of warranty service contact Xantrex Customer Service for a Return Material Authorization RMA number and fol...

Page 61: ...osing the problem quickly Other Xantrex products To see the range of inverters and chargers offered by Xantrex visit our web site at www xantrex com How long have you had the inverter Serial number Battery types and sizes Entertainment equipment running at shutdown Were the LEDs flashing and if so what pattern slow blinks fast blinks Was the ambient temperature extremely hot or cold Were any DC ap...

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Page 63: ...ischarged 45 electrolyte level 45 golf cart 38 marine 38 reserve capacity 39 41 RV 38 self discharge 45 temperature sensitivity 44 tips 44 using multiple 43 using two battery banks 43 battery bank 20 battery banks described 43 battery connections 45 battery isolator 20 battery isolator using 38 battery packs viii battery reserve capacity 39 battery selector switch 43 battery size estimating exampl...

Page 64: ...ssociation CSA 8 RV Industry Association RVIA 8 U S National Electrical Code NEC 8 installation features 10 AC input cord 10 cable clamp 10 chassis grounding lug 10 DC input terminals 10 designing your installation ground fault circuit interrupters GFCIs 14 tested GFCI models 15 flying leads 10 ground screw 10 hardwire compartment 10 ignition lockout wire 10 wire connectors 10 installation procedu...

Page 65: ...ve cabling terminals 5 On inverter 4 On Off switch 4 problem loads 28 strain relief 5 typical loads 28 wiring compartment plate panel 5 operation features problem loads electronics that modulate RF radio frequency 28 speed controllers 28 over current protection 12 P polarity of DC connections 21 power up check 23 preparing for installation 8 AC cabling DC cabling and ground information 7 detailed ...

Page 66: ... utility grid power 11 V vehicle chassis 21 ventilation 44 ventilation openings v versions hardwire and GFCI outlet 2 hardwire only 2 voltage drop 20 voltmeter 45 W warranty 48 Canadian customers for 50 contacting Xantrex customer service 51 legal rights under warranty 50 length of coverage 48 not covered under warranty 48 out of warranty service 50 returning a product 49 service during warranty 4...

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