Xantrex PROWatt Series - User Manual

This addendum is issued to expand the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
outlet features of the PROWatt series products.
The addendum affects the following PROWatt products:
• PROWatt 800 Owner’s Guide (part no. 440-0159 Rev 5)
• PROWatt 1000 Owner’s Guide (part no. 445-0116-01-01)
• PROWatt 1500 Owner’s Guide (part no. 445-0160 Rev 5)
• PROWatt 1750 Owner’s Guide (part no. 445-0117-98-01)
Front Panel (AC End)
This section affects the description of the AC Outlet with Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) of all the above mentioned PROWatt products.
PROWatt 800/1000/1500/1750
Owner’s Guide Addendum
Addendum
PROWatt Series
976-0159-01-01 Rev A
Figure 1 AC Outlet with GFCI (PROWatt 1750 model shown)
Feature Description
➅
AC Outlet. This is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet,
equipped with an LED indicator light. The LED comes on when AC power
is interrupted due to a ground fault or an end of life (for the GFCI) fault.
See “Troubleshooting Reference” below.
ON
OF F
➀
➆
➆
➃
➅
➄
➁
➂
LED

Summary

Front Panel AC End Features

AC Outlet with GFCI

GFCI outlet with LED indicator. LED signals interruption due to ground fault or end-of-life fault.

Troubleshooting GFCI Faults

GFCI Trip Fault

Diagnosing and resolving GFCI trip faults caused by ground faults. Includes load removal and wiring checks.

GFCI End of Life Fault

Addressing GFCI end-of-life faults, involving reset attempts and potential unit servicing.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications (as inferred from the document)
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The Xantrex PROWatt 800/1000/1500/1750 series are DC to AC power inverters designed to convert direct current (DC) power from a battery source into alternating current (AC) power, suitable for operating various household and professional appliances. This addendum specifically expands on the features and troubleshooting of the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet integrated into these PROWatt series products. The devices are part of the PROWatt series, with specific models including the PROWatt 800, PROWatt 1000, PROWatt 1500, and PROWatt 1750, each corresponding to different power output capabilities. The addendum is relevant to existing owner's guides for these models, ensuring users have comprehensive information regarding the GFCI functionality.

Function Description:

The core function of the PROWatt series inverters is to provide reliable AC power from a DC source, typically a vehicle battery or a dedicated battery bank. This allows users to power standard AC devices in remote locations, during power outages, or in vehicles. The inclusion of a GFCI outlet is a critical safety feature, designed to protect users from electric shock in the event of a ground fault. A ground fault occurs when electricity takes an unintended path to the ground, often through a person, which can be extremely dangerous. The GFCI continuously monitors the current flowing in the circuit and, if it detects an imbalance (indicating a ground fault), it rapidly trips, interrupting the power supply to prevent injury.

Important Technical Specifications (as inferred from the document):

• Input: DC power (voltage range not specified in this addendum, but typical for automotive/marine applications).
• Output: 115 Vac / 60 Hz (standard North American AC power).
• GFCI Protection: Integrated Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter for enhanced safety.
• LED Indicator: The GFCI outlet is equipped with an LED indicator light. This LED illuminates when AC power is interrupted due to a ground fault or when the GFCI reaches its "end of life" fault condition. This visual cue is crucial for quickly identifying the status of the GFCI and potential issues.
• Power Output: The series includes models with varying power outputs, specifically 800W, 1000W, 1500W, and 1750W, catering to different power demands. The PROWatt 1750 model is shown in the provided diagram, indicating its higher power capability within the series.
• Front Panel Features: The front panel of the inverter includes several indicators and controls:
  • ON/OFF Switch: For controlling the inverter's operation.
  • LED Indicators:
    • "OVER TEMP" LED: Illuminates when the inverter's internal temperature exceeds safe operating limits.
    • "OVER LOAD" LED: Illuminates when the connected AC load exceeds the inverter's rated capacity.
    • "VOLTS" and "AMPS" displays: Digital readouts for monitoring battery voltage and output current.
    • "BATTERY" indicator: Likely a multi-segment LED or bar graph indicating battery charge level (e.g., 15V, 14V, 13V, 12V, 11V, 10V).
  • GFCI AC Outlet: The primary AC output interface, featuring the GFCI reset button and LED indicator.

Usage Features:

• Ground Fault Protection: The primary usage feature is the safety provided by the GFCI outlet. When a ground fault occurs, the GFCI immediately trips, cutting off power to the outlet.
• Reset Functionality: The GFCI outlet includes a "Reset" button. After a ground fault trip, users can press this button to restore power, provided the fault condition has been cleared.
• Visual Fault Indication: The GFCI LED indicator light provides immediate visual feedback on the status of the GFCI. If the LED is on, it signifies an active ground fault or an end-of-life condition for the GFCI, prompting the user to investigate.
• Load Management: The "OVER LOAD" and "OVER TEMP" indicators assist users in managing connected loads and ensuring the inverter operates within its safe limits. The "VOLTS" and "AMPS" displays provide real-time data for monitoring the system's performance and battery status.
• Versatile Power Source: These inverters are designed for use in various applications where AC power is needed away from the grid, such as in RVs, boats, work trucks, or during camping and emergency situations.

Maintenance Features:

• Troubleshooting Reference: The addendum provides a detailed troubleshooting guide specifically for GFCI-related issues. This guide outlines steps to diagnose and resolve problems when the GFCI LED is on and there is no output voltage.
• Ground Fault Troubleshooting:
  • Initial Steps: If the GFCI LED is on and there's no output, the first step is to remove all AC loads and press the Reset button on the GFCI.
  • Fault Identification: If the GFCI trips again, it indicates an active ground fault. Users are advised to turn the inverter off and inspect all wiring for potential ground faults.
  • Wiring Correction: Any wiring issues that could cause a ground fault must be corrected before turning the inverter back on and attempting to reset the GFCI again.
• GFCI End-of-Life Troubleshooting:
  • Diagnosis: If the Reset button continues to pop out after being pressed, even after checking for ground faults, it suggests that the GFCI has reached its "end of life" and has permanently ceased to function.
  • Service Requirement: In such cases, the troubleshooting guide recommends taking the inverter to the place of purchase for service, as the GFCI module itself may need replacement.
• Preventive Measures: Regular inspection of AC wiring connected to the inverter is implicitly encouraged to prevent ground faults.
• Documentation: The availability of an owner's guide addendum ensures that users have updated information for maintaining and troubleshooting their PROWatt inverters, particularly concerning the GFCI feature.
• Contact Information: Xantrex provides comprehensive contact information (toll-free phone numbers for North America, direct lines, fax numbers, and email) for customer service and support, facilitating maintenance and repair inquiries.

In summary, the Xantrex PROWatt series inverters, with their integrated GFCI outlets, offer a robust and safe solution for converting DC to AC power. The detailed addendum highlights the critical safety and troubleshooting aspects of the GFCI, empowering users to effectively manage and maintain their power inversion systems.

Xantrex PROWatt Series Specifications