8
Battery Status Switch / Battery Level Indicator
The Battery Level Indicator shows the state of charge of
xPower1500’s battery pack. 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 pack. The following diagram shows the function of
each light:
When the battery pack is fully
charged, all four lights will illuminate.
When discharged (empty), only the
red light will illuminate and the
battery pack must be recharged
promptly. Figure 4 shows the battery
pack to be approximately ¾ full.
Battery charge level is indicated most
accurately when the battery pack 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 blocked 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: Overload,
Overheating and Low Battery for details.
Figure 4 - Battery Level
Indicator
21
8 Connecting to an External Battery
Extended Operating Time
Much longer battery operating time is possible when connecting
xPower1500 to an additional external battery. For example, an external
21 amp-hour battery will increase xPower1500’s operating time by
about 33%. Since xPower1500 uses three 21 amp-hour batteries, we
recommend connecting one or more 21 amp-hour batteries externally
when you want to increase operating time.
WARNING:
Explosion hazard. Use a sealed, non-spillable battery
for indoor use. Common auto and marine batteries are not
suitable for indoor use unless their fumes are vented outdoors.
WARNING:
Battery acid is corrosive. Wear eye protection and
protective clothing when working with batteries.
Preparing the Cables
To connect an external battery to xPower 1500 you will need two
pieces of #2 AWG cable with appropriate connectors fastened to
each end. Keep the length of each cable as short as possible, and
when using #2 AWG cable, the length of each piece should not
exceed 5 feet. One cable will be used to connect the positive (+)
terminal of the external battery to xPower 1500’s positive High Power
DC Terminal (red cover), and the other cable will be used to connect
the negative (-) terminal of the external battery to xPower 1500’s
negative High Power DC Terminal (black cover).
Remove ½” of insulation from the end of each cable. On one end of
each cable attach a 5/16” ring terminal. On the opposite end of each
cable attach a permanent type connector that is designed for
connecting to the terminals of your external battery. Make sure all
terminals are securely connected to the cable ends and check them
any time the cables are used to connect the external battery to
xPower 1500.
The cable and connectors specified above are typically available at
RV, marine, or auto parts stores. When possible, we recommend
purchasing one length of cable with red insulation and the other
length of cable with black insulation. Use the red cable length to
connect the positive terminals and the black length of cable to
connect the negative terminals.
WARNING:
Do not connect an external battery to xPower 1500
using automotive jump-start cables or any other type of cables
that are designed for making a temporary connection. These
types of cables will not provide the secure connection required
when operating AC products with high power requirements and
their use can create a fire hazard.
ARTWORK FILM No. 445-0127-98-01 REV. 1 MAY 10/2001