Xantrex Technology XM 1000, XM 1800 Calculating Cable Sizes, Calculating Size of DC Input Cables

Installation

Calculating Cable Sizes

To operate safely and effectively, the XM 1800 needs proper cables and fuses. Because the XM 1800 has low-voltage and high-current input, it is essential that you use low-resistance wiring between the battery and the inverter to deliver the maximum amount of usable energy to your load.

For safe and efficient operation, you will need to calculate cable sizes for your:

•DC input cables from the battery to inverter (one way)

•Chassis ground cable from the grounding point to the chassis ground screw on the inverter’s DC panel.

See Figure 3-3 on page 3–12.

WARNING: Fire hazard

Never use a DC cable longer than 5 feet (1.5 meters). A cable longer than 5 feet (1.5 meters) can potentially generate enough heat to start a fire or result in poor inverter performance.

Calculating Size of DC Input Cables

Refer to Table 3-1 to plan the DC input cabling for your application:

•Use only cable rated for 90 °C

•Oil-resistant cable is recommended

•Keep all cables as short as possible, and ensure that each cable between the inverter and the battery is no longer than 5 feet (1.5 m)

•Do not use aluminum cable. It has about 1/3 more resistance than copper cable of the same size, and it is difficult to make good, low- resistance connections to aluminum wire.

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