Filter
Top Products
10 Freedom HF Installation Guide
Basic Installation Procedures
DC Disconnects and Over-Current Devices
The DC circuit from the battery to the Freedom HF must be equipped with a
disconnect and over-current device. This usually consists of a circuit
breaker, a “fused-disconnect,” or a separate fuse and DC disconnect. Do not
confuse AC circuit breakers with DC circuit breakers. They are not
interchangeable. The rating of the fuse or breaker must be matched to the
size of cables used in accordance with the applicable installation codes. The
breaker or disconnect and fuse should be located as close as possible to the
battery, in the positive cable. Applicable codes may limit how far the
protection can be from the battery.
Batteries
The Freedom HF uses 12-volt battery banks. Every Freedom HF system
requires a deep-cycle battery or group of batteries that provide the DC
current that the Freedom HF converts to AC.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
A GFCI is a device that de-energizes a circuit when a current to ground
exceeds a specified value that is less than that required to blow the circuit
breaker. GFCIs are intended to protect people from electric shocks and are
usually required in wet or damp locations.
Installations in marine and recreational vehicles require GFCI protection of
branch circuits connected to the AC output of the Freedom HF.
The modified sine wave output of the Freedom HF is not equivalent to the
waveform provided by electric utilities, and compliance with UL and CSA
standards requires that Xantrex test and recommend specific GFCIs that
will work correctly with the Freedom HF. Here are the recommendations:
IMPORTANT:
Using the correct cable size is critical to achieving the rated
performance of the Freedom HF unit. When starting a heavy load the
Freedom HF can draw current surges from the battery of up to 400A. If the
DC wiring is too small the voltage drop from this surge will result in a
voltage at the Freedom HF terminals that is too low for the Freedom HF to
operate correctly. The Freedom HF may appear to operate correctly with
smaller cables until a heavy load such as a microwave or refrigerator
attempts to start - then the unit may work correctly sometimes and not work
correctly other times.
Make Model
Hubbell GFR5252
Leviton 6598
8598
Freedom HF Install Guide.book Page 10 Thursday, November 24, 2011 11:06 AM