Xantrex Technology 120 VAC/60 Dc Wiring, Battery Cable Sizing, Inverter Model, TYPICAL DC AMPS1

INSTALLATION

DC WIRING

CAUTION: The inverter’s maximum peak current requirements are high. If battery cables are too small and/or connections are loose, efficiency and maximum output power are degraded. Small cables or loose connections may cause dangerous overheating and a fire.

BATTERY CABLE SIZING

The larger the battery cables the better. Undersized cables result in additional stress on the inverter, lower efficiency, reduced surge power and lower peak output voltage. Don’t use cables that are too small and degrade the efficiency that we have worked so hard to achieve and you have paid so much to own.

Also, don’t use cables that are too long - the shorter the better. The lower the DC system voltage, the shorter the cables need to be. If long cables are required, either oversize them substantially, or switch to a higher voltage system, such as 24 Vdc or 48 Vdc. On 12-Vdc system, cables may need to be doubled up (paralleled) to get maximum performance from the inverter.

NOTE: Do not separate the positive and negative cables - taping them together in parallel is best. This reduces the inductance of the wire resulting in a better waveform and reduces the current in the inverter’s filter capacitors. Make the battery cables as short as possible.

Although large cables may seem expensive, spending an additional $100 or more to ensure the performance of your inverter is a wise investment. Using cables that are too small is like putting cheap tires on a high performance sports car - the results will be disappointing.

If the system is expected to operate at the inverter’s continuous power level rating for long periods of time (over an hour), larger disconnects and cables may be required. Most systems do not operate at full capacity for periods exceeding an hour and can operate satisfactorily with the following cable and disconnects shown. If your system includes enormous batteries or has a very large DC source able to continuously power the inverter (such as a hydroelectric plant, etc.) then increasing the disconnect and cable sizes may be required to prevent nuisance tripping of a breaker or blowing of fuses.

The following table gives recommended minimum cable sizes for various cable run lengths and inverter voltages. Use only all copper cables. These recommendations may not meet all local code or NEC requirements.

Table 2, Minimum Recommended Battery Cable Size vs. Cable Length

INVERTER

MODEL

TYPICAL

DC

AMPS1

NEC	1 TO 3 FEET	3 TO 5 FT
AMPS2	ONE WAY	ONE WAY

5 TO 10 FT ONE WAY

SW2512

SW2612E

SW3024E or J

SW4024 or W, K

SW3048E or J

SW4048 or K

SW4548E or A

SW5548

267Amps

278Amps

160Amps

214Amps 80 Amps

107Amps

120Amps

147Amps

334 Amps	#4/0 AWG/107 mm2
348 Amps	#4/0 AWG/107 mm2
201 Amps	#4/0 AWG/107 mm2
267 Amps	#4/0 AWG/107 mm2
100 Amps	#2/0 AWG/67.4 mm2
134 Amps	#2/0 AWG/67.4 mm2
150 Amps	#2/0 AWG/67.4 mm2
184 Amps	#4/0 AWG/107 mm2

#4/0 AWG/107 mm2

#4/0 AWG/107 mm2

#4/0 AWG/107 mm2

#4/0 AWG/107 mm2

#2/0 AWG/67.4 mm2

#2/0 AWG/67.4 mm2

#2/0 AWG/67.4 mm2

#4/0 AWG/107 mm2

Not Recommended

Not Recommended

#4/0 AWG/107 mm2

#4/0 AWG/107 mm2

#4/0 AWG/107 mm2

#4/0 AWG/107 mm2

#4/0 AWG/107 mm2

#4/0 AWG/107 mm2

1TYPICAL DC AMPS is based on Low Battery Voltage with an efficiency of 85%.

2NEC AMPS is based on Low Battery Voltage, an efficiency of 85%, and a 125% NEC de-rating.

WARNING! Battery cables that are too small will melt and burn the first time the inverter is operated at high power levels.

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 2001 Xantrex Technology, Inc.	Telephone: 360/435-8826	SW Series Inverter/Charger
5916 - 195th Street N. E.	Fax: 360/435-2229	Part No. 2031-5
Arlington, WA 98223	www.traceengineering.com	Rev. C: February 2001