Outback Power Systems OBE 1 & 2 Quick Start Guide User Manual

Important safety instructions, Read and save these instructions, Obe-1 and obe-2 indoor series

OutBack reserves the right to make changes to the products and information contained in this document without notice.

is a registered trademark of The Alpha Group.

OBE-1 and OBE-2

Indoor Series

Installation Guide

Purpose

This document provides instructions for the initial assembly and installation of the OutBack Enclosure (OBE)

Indoor Series.

Scope

This document applies to all models of the OBE Indoor Series: the OBE-1 (two-shelf model) and OBE-2 (three-shelf

model). The OBE Indoor Series is designed to shelve Outback EnergyCell RE Top Terminal Batteries: 12Vdc VRLA.

Alternative top terminal batteries used with this enclosure should first be reviewed with the respective battery

manufacturer for compatibility.

Tools Required

• Eye and ear protection

• Tape measure

• Hammer drill

• ½

" masonry drill bit

• ⁹⁄₁₆

" socket

• Torque wrench

Parts Included

• OBE

• Four ½

" sleeve anchors

• OBE Installation Instructions (this document)

Figure 2, OBE-1 Dimensions

Figure 1, OBE-2 Dimensions

35.4" (899.2mm)

28" (711.2mm)

26" (660.4mm)

15"
(381mm)

17" (431.8mm)

4" (101.6mm)

Wall

OutBack Power

Mounting Holes

28" (711.2mm)

26" (660.4mm)

15"
(381mm)

17" (431.8mm)

48" (1219.2mm)

OutBack Power

4" (101.6mm)

Wall

Mounting Holes

WARNING: Serious Personal Injury

• Securely fasten the enclosure to the floor to prevent tipping when the battery trays are

used. Failure to do so could lead to serious injury or death.

• Wear appropriate protective equipment when working with batteries, including eye or

face protection, acid-resistant gloves, an apron, and other items.

• Keep plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin or clothing.

• If acid enters the eye, immediately rinse the eye with running cold water for at least 20

minutes and seek medical attention immediately.

CAUTION: Personal Injury

• Wear gloves while assembling or moving the empty enclosure. Sheet metal edges are

sharp and may lacerate unprotected skin.

• Use eye and ear protection when drilling.

• Always use proper lifting techniques. The empty enclosure or individual batteries are heavy.

• Use assistance to move the assembled empty enclosure into place.

CAUTION: Equipment Damage

• Do not pull out more than one battery tray at once, as the enclosure may tip.

• Follow all installation instructions in this document. Failure to complete the installation

per these instructions may lead to product damage or risk of personal injury.

• Follow all manufacturer’s instructions for battery installation. Overtightening or

incorrectly connecting batteries can irreparably damage the batteries.

• Install the enclosure in an environmentally controlled location. If installing the

enclosure out of doors or in a location that does not have environmental control

additional installation steps and equipment connections must be in accordance with

the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), Current Edition. If installed in Canada, all wiring

methods shall be in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, C22.1, Current

Edition.

NOTE: Additional Equipment Information

• This document covers information for OBE-1 and OBE-2 installation and use. Refer to

the specific equipment documentation for other OutBack products used in conjunction

with this equipment. For more information go to www.outbackpower.com.

WARNING: Explosion, Electrocution, or Fire Hazard

• Never smoke, or allow a spark or flame near, the batteries.

• Ensure space between each battery is ½" (12.7mm) minimum for convection cooling.

• Keep the area around the enclosure well ventilated and free of debris.

• Always use insulated tools. Never rest tools on top of batteries or other electrical parts.

Safety Instructions

900-0127-01-00 Rev D

Important Safety Instructions

READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

This manual contains important safety instructions for the EnergyCell battery. These instructions are in addition
to the safety instructions published for use with all OutBack products. Read all instructions and cautionary
markings on the EnergyCell battery 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.

WARNING: Personal Injury



Some batteries can weigh in excess of 100 lb (45 kg). Use safe lifting techniques
when lifting this equipment as prescribed by the Occupational Safety and Health

Association (OSHA) or other local codes. Lifting machinery may be recommended

as necessary.



Wear appropriate protective equipment when working with batteries, including
eye or face protection, acid-resistant gloves, an apron, and other items.



Wash hands after any contact with the lead terminals or battery electrolyte.

WARNING: Explosion, Electrocution, or Fire Hazard



Ensure clearance requirements are strictly enforced around the batteries.



Ensure the area around the batteries is well ventilated and clean of debris.



Never smoke, or allow a spark or flame near, the batteries.



Always use insulated tools. Avoid dropping tools onto batteries or other

electrical parts.



Keep plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin,
clothing, or eyes.



Wear complete eye and clothing protection when working with batteries. Avoid

touching bare skin or eyes while working near batteries.



If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water.
If acid enters the eye, immediately flood it with running cold water for at least

20 minutes and get medical attention as soon as possible.



Never charge a frozen battery.



Insulate batteries as appropriate against freezing temperatures. A discharged
battery will freeze more easily than a charged one.



If a battery must be removed, always remove the grounded terminal from the

battery first. Make sure all devices are de-energized or disconnected to avoid

causing a spark.



Do not perform any servicing other than that specified in the installation
instructions unless qualified to do so and have been instructed to do so by OutBack

Technical Support personnel.

Additional Resources

These references may be used when installing this equipment. Depending on the nature of the installation, it
may be highly recommended to consult these resources.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) guidelines: IEEE 450, IEEE 484, IEEE 1184, IEEE 1187, IEEE
1188, IEEE 1189, IEEE 1491, IEEE 1578, IEEE 1635, and IEEE 1657 (various guidelines for design, installation,
maintenance, monitoring, and safety of battery systems)

Safety Instructions

900-0127-01-00 Rev D

Important Safety Instructions

READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

WARNING: Personal Injury



Some batteries can weigh in excess of 100 lb (45 kg). Use safe lifting techniques
when lifting this equipment as prescribed by the Occupational Safety and Health

Association (OSHA) or other local codes. Lifting machinery may be recommended

as necessary.



Wear appropriate protective equipment when working with batteries, including
eye or face protection, acid-resistant gloves, an apron, and other items.



Wash hands after any contact with the lead terminals or battery electrolyte.

WARNING: Explosion, Electrocution, or Fire Hazard



Ensure clearance requirements are strictly enforced around the batteries.



Ensure the area around the batteries is well ventilated and clean of debris.



Never smoke, or allow a spark or flame near, the batteries.



Always use insulated tools. Avoid dropping tools onto batteries or other

electrical parts.



Keep plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin,
clothing, or eyes.



Wear complete eye and clothing protection when working with batteries. Avoid

touching bare skin or eyes while working near batteries.



If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water.
If acid enters the eye, immediately flood it with running cold water for at least

20 minutes and get medical attention as soon as possible.



Never charge a frozen battery.



Insulate batteries as appropriate against freezing temperatures. A discharged
battery will freeze more easily than a charged one.



If a battery must be removed, always remove the grounded terminal from the

battery first. Make sure all devices are de-energized or disconnected to avoid

causing a spark.



Do not perform any servicing other than that specified in the installation
instructions unless qualified to do so and have been instructed to do so by OutBack

Technical Support personnel.

Additional Resources

These references may be used when installing this equipment. Depending on the nature of the installation, it
may be highly recommended to consult these resources.

EnergyCell Batteries

900-0127-01-00 Rev D

Materials Required

Tools (use insulated tools only)



Torque wrenches



Voltmeter

Accessories



Interconnect bar (provided with front terminal batteries only)



Terminal cover (provided with front terminal batteries only)



Hardware kit



Interconnect cables as needed

CAUTION: Fire Hazard

Install properly sized battery cabling and interconnect cables. The cable

ampacity must meet the needs of the system, including temperature, deratings,

and any other code concerns.

Storage and Environment Requirements

Temperatures



EnergyCell batteries should not be operated in an environment where the average ambient
temperature exceeds 85°F (27°C). The peak temperature of the operating environment should not
exceed 110°F (43°C) for a period of more than 24 hours. High operating temperatures will shorten a
battery’s life (see page 8).



Do not allow batteries to freeze, as this will damage them and could result in leakage.



Do not expose batteries to temperature variations of more than 5°F (3°C). This leads to voltage
imbalance between multiple batteries (or between battery cells if there is a temperature differential).



Batteries should be stored in a cool, dry location. Place them in service as soon as possible. The best
storage temperature is 77°F (25°C), but a range of 60°F (16°C) to 80°F (27°C) is acceptable.

Self-Discharge

All EnergyCell batteries will discharge over time once charged, even in storage. Higher storage temperatures
increase the rate of self-discharge. The EnergyCell GH has a longer shelf life than other VRLA batteries,
including the EnergyCell RE. At room temperature (77°F or 25°C), the EnergyCell GH has a shelf life of 18 months
before self-discharging to unacceptable levels. Figure 4

shows the rate of EnergyCell GH self-discharge at

various temperatures.

Fully charged, the natural (“rest”) voltage of all
EnergyCell batteries is approximately 12.8 Vdc.
A battery should have a freshening charge (see
pages 14 and 15) if its rest voltage is below
12.5 Vdc per battery (2.08 Vdc per cell).
A battery should not be used if its rest voltage
is 12.0 Vdc or lower upon delivery. Contact the
vendor upon receiving a battery in this state.
No EnergyCell should

ever be permitted to

self-discharge below 70% state of charge
(SoC). Such as condition is highly detrimental
and will shorten battery life. (This situation is
not the same as discharging to 70% SoC or
lower under load. See page 8.)

Figure 4 EnergyCell GH Shelf Life

Months

2.17

2.16

2.15

2.14

2.13

2.12

2.11

2.10

Res

t V

olt

s p

ell

xim

e o
f C

har

100

40°C

104°F

30°C

86°F

25°C

77°F

20°C

68°F

10°C

50°F

EnergyCell Batteries

900-0127-01-00 Rev D

Materials Required

Tools (use insulated tools only)



Torque wrenches



Voltmeter

Accessories



Interconnect bar (provided with front terminal batteries only)



Terminal cover (provided with front terminal batteries only)



Hardware kit



Interconnect cables as needed

CAUTION: Fire Hazard

Install properly sized battery cabling and interconnect cables. The cable

ampacity must meet the needs of the system, including temperature, deratings,

and any other code concerns.

Storage and Environment Requirements

Temperatures



Do not allow batteries to freeze, as this will damage them and could result in leakage.



Self-Discharge

shows the rate of EnergyCell GH self-discharge at

various temperatures.

ever be permitted to

Figure 4 EnergyCell GH Shelf Life

Months

2.17

2.16

2.15

2.14

2.13

2.12

2.11

2.10

Res

t V

olt

s p

ell

xim

e o
f C

har

100

40°C

104°F

30°C

86°F

25°C

77°F

20°C

68°F

10°C

50°F