The FAQs below provide answers to questions related to backup power solutions.

What appliances do most people power during an outage?
What appliances can a Xantrex system run?
How long can the batteries run the system?
How is the system recharged?
What kind of batteries do the systems include?
Why should I choose a Xantrex system over a generator-only system?
How fast will my system respond to a power outage?
How do I install my Xantrex system?
Where will my system be installed?
How do I decide which system is right for me?

What appliances do most people power during an outage?

In residential settings, refrigeration, gas- or oil-fueled heating systems, and lighting are most common. Electronic appliances such as computers, home entertainment components, and security systems don't consume much electricity and can easily be added to a home's backup subpanel. If you use pumps to supply water, keep a basement dry or pet fish alive, include these items in your backup power plans. Many gas appliances require only a small amount of electricity and should be included on the sub-panel. Comfort and convenience appliances such as fans, coffee makers, microwave ovens and garage door openers are other items your may want to use during an outage.

In an office setting, computers, printers, modems, fax machines and telephone systems are the most common equipment to run along with lighting. It makes sense to include whatever you need to keep your business functioning efficiently. Just remember that the more things you power, the bigger your system will need to be.

What appliances can a Xantrex system run?

Almost anything. But appliances that require exceptional amounts of power are best to avoid, if possible, as they are very expensive to run from batteries or a generator. Examples include central air conditioners, heat pumps, electric hot water heaters, electric clothes dryers, electric ranges and electric space heaters.

How long can the batteries run the system?

Xantrex dealers can customize a system with any battery run time you need. The recommended battery bank size for a generator/recharged system is eight hours, so that you can keep your generator turned off all night. (This type of "quiet period" is a standard, field-adjustable feature on Xantrex SW Series systems.) Systems that include solar panels for recharging should have larger battery banks in order to take full advantage of available sunshine.

How is the system recharged?

Xantrex backup systems recharge themselves automatically whenever utility power is available. To be able to recharge the system during a power outage, a propane-, natural gas- or diesel-powered generator can be included in the system. Xantrex SW (sine wave) inverters can automatically start and stop a generator as needed during long outages. All Xantrex systems can also be recharged using renewable energy sources such as solar panels.

What kind of batteries do the systems include?

Xantrex backup electric systems use special high-quality electric storage batteries. Sealed deep-cycle batteries are often specified, because of their ease of installation and maintenance-free design. Non-sealed batteries may also be used, but require special installation and regular maintenance.

Why should I choose a Xantrex system over a generator-only system?

Xantrex systems provide clean, quiet, instantaneous power backup that requires no fuel. When used in combination with a generator or solar panels, a Xantrex system can deliver the "best of both worlds" - protection from long power outages, instantaneous transfer and high reliability, all with minimal generator run time, fuel consumption and noise.

How fast will my system respond to a power outage?

Xantrex inverters typically transfer to battery power in less than 16 milliseconds (less than 1/50th of a second). Worst-case transfer time is 34 milliseconds (less than 1/25th of a second). That's too fast to notice and fast enough to keep any modern computer running. Inverters in the SW Series run in synchronization with utility power and in many cases will transfer to battery power in less than one millisecond.

How do I install my Xantrex system?

A Xantrex backup inverter is connected to a home electric system by a qualified installer to meet local building code requirements.

Where will my system be installed?

Xantrex systems are usually wall-mounted near a home's main electrical (circuit breaker) panel. However, systems can be installed anywhere it is convenient to place the battery bank and other equipment - including outdoors, if you choose a Xantrex enclosure.

How do I decide which system is right for me?

For protection from long outages, include a generator or solar panels in your Xantrex system. Shorter outages can be handled by a battery-only system. Solar panels are significantly more expensive than a generator, but can provide year-round electric bill savings and require no fuel or maintenance.

Xantrex top-of-the-line systems, using sine-wave SW Series inverters, come in three power output levels and integrate easily with a generator for automatic starting and system recharging. Several lower-cost Xantrex systems are intended primarily as battery-only systems. Your Xantrex dealer can help you select the system that best meets your needs and answer any additional questions.