Xantrex XPower 1500 Owner's Manual - Preparing The Cables
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 xPower1500s 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 1500s 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 1500s
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.