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International Series
GFX Inverter/Charger
GFX1312E GFX1424E GFX1448E
Operator’s Manual
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About OutBack Power Technologies OutBack Power Technologies is a leader in advanced energy conversion technology. Our products include true sine wave inverter/chargers, maximum power point tracking charge controllers, and system communication components, as well as circuit breakers, batteries, accessories, and assembled systems. Contact Information Telephone: +1.360.435.6030 +1.360.618.4363 (Technical Support) +1.360.435.6019 (Fax) Address: North America Address: Sales, Marketing
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Important Safety Instructions READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS! This manual contains important safety instructions for the International Series GFX inverters. Read all instructions and cautionary markings on the inverter and on any accessories or additional equipment included in the installation. Failure to follow these instructions could result in severe shock or possible electrocution. Use extreme caution at all times to prevent accidents. Audience This manual is intended for
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Important Safety Instructions Definitions The following is a list of initials, terms, and definitions used in conjunction with this product. Table 1 Terms and Definitions Term Definition AC Alternating Current; refers to voltage produced by the inverter, utility grid, or generator AGS Advanced Generator Start AUX Inverter’s 12-volt auxiliary output CE Conformité Européenne; French for “European Conformity”; a marking on OutBack products indicating that they me
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Table of Contents Important Safety Instructions ........................................................................1 Audience .................................................................................................................................................................................1 Symbols Used ........................................................................................................................................................................1
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Table of Contents Specifications for Model GFX1312E.............................................................................................................................43 Specifications for Model GFX1424E.............................................................................................................................44 Specifications for Model GFX1448E..........................................................................................................................
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Table of Contents List of Tables Table 1 Terms and Definitions..................................................................................................................... 2 Table 2 Battery LED Values..........................................................................................................................11 Table 3 Status LED Quick Reference ........................................................................................................12 Table 4 Ba
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Introduction Welcome to OutBack Power Technologies Thank you for purchasing the OutBack International Series GFX Inverter/Charger. This product offers a complete power conversion system between batteries and AC power. It can provide backup power or complete off-grid service. Battery-to-AC inverting which delivers 230 Vac at 50 Hz AC-to-battery charging Rapid transfer between AC source and inverter output with minimal delay time Inverter load support for a small AC source 12-, 2
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Introduction System Display and Controller The GFX inverters have no external controls. They can operate normally without an external control or interface. Basic modes and settings are pre-programmed at the factory. (See page 47 for default settings.) The MATE and MATE2 System Display and Controller (sold separately) are OutBack products designed to accommodate programming and monitoring of an OutBack power system. The MATE3 System Display and Controller (also sold separat
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Commissioning Functional Test Pre-startup Procedures 1. Ensure all DC and AC overcurrent devices are opened or turned off. 2. Double-check all wiring connections. 3. Inspect the work area to ensure tools or debris have not been left inside. 4. Verify battery voltage using a digital voltmeter (DVM). Confirm the voltage is correct for the inverter model. Confirm the polarity. 5. Connect the system display (if present). CAUTION: Equipment Damage Incorrect battery
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Commissioning continued from previous page.... 5. If the INVERTER LED (green) is not illuminated, turn on the inverter using the system display or external switch. 6. Check the STATUS LEDs. Confirm that the INVERTER LED (green) is illuminated. 7. Using a DVM, verify 230 Vac between the AC HOT OUT and AC NEUTRAL OUT terminals. Do not turn on any AC circuit breakers at this time. 8. Using the system display, perform all programming for stacking, battery charging, AC current, generato
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Operation LED Indicators AUX LED (see page 27) BATTERY LEDs STATUS LEDs Figure 4 LED Indicators BATTERY LEDS The battery LEDs show the approximate battery state. (See IMPORTANT note below.) The BATTERY LEDs are independent of STATUS LEDs. Any STATUS LED could accompany any BATTERY LED based on certain conditions. Common combinations are noted. A GREEN LED means the batteries have an adequate charge at that time. It does not always mean they are full. May be accompanied
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Operation STATUS LEDS GREEN Solid: The inverter is ON and providing power. If accompanied by solid yellow LED, unit is selling power to the utility grid. (See page 24 for a description of the Sell function.) Flashing: The inverter has been turned ON but is idle. May be accompanied by the yellow LED. If not accompanied by the yellow LED, the unit is in inverting mode and is idle due to lack of demand. This can be because the unit is in Search mode. (See page 14 for a descr
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Operation Description of Functions All items identified as settable or adjustable have set points which can be accessed using the remote system display. (See the system display manual for instructions on locating these set points.) The default settings and ranges of adjustment are listed near the end of this book, beginning on page 47. Each function is accompanied by a symbol representing the inverter and that function: These items represent the input from the AC DC source, the output
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Operation Search An automated search circuit is available to minimize the power draw when no loads are present. When enabled, the inverter does not always deliver full output. The output is reduced to brief pulses with a delay between them. These pulses are sent down the output lines to see if a resistance is present. In effect, the pulses “search” for a load. If one is detected, the inverter’s output increases to full voltage so that it can power the load. When the load is turne
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Operation AC Current Settings The AC current settings control the amount of current that the inverter draws from the source(s). The amount of current is controlled by the grid or generator limit settings. These settings should be adjusted to match the size of the input circuit breaker or input conductor. In the system display, if the source is set to grid, the inverter uses the grid settings. If the source is set to gen, the inverter uses the generator settings. This is intend
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Operation Generators A generator should be sized to provide enough power for both loads and battery charging. The generator needs a single circuit which is sized to provide current to all inverters on a given phase or leg. It is usually recommended that the generator be sized at twice the wattage of the inverter system. Many generators may not be able to maintain AC voltage or frequency for long periods of time if they are loaded more than 80% of rated capacity. Using the MATE
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Operation Input Support A system display is required to control this function. When this function is enabled, the inverter limits the current draw from an AC source, augmenting it with additional current from the batteries when necessary. This helps prevent overloading a small AC circuit or generator during short-term use. Initially the AC source current is used for both loads and battery charging. In the MATE system display, the ac1/grid limit or ac2/gen limit settings con
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Operation Battery Charging IMPORTANT: Battery charger settings need to be correct for a given battery type. Always follow battery manufacturer recommendations. Making incorrect settings, or leaving them at factory default settings, may cause the batteries to be undercharged or overcharged. Voltage Absorption Set Point Absorption Float Set Point Float Timer Sell RE Set Point Sell RE Sell RE Float Refloat Set Point Silent Silent Bulk No Charge Time Figure 5 Ch
