Southwire Elite 300 Series Portable Power Station
Operating and Maintenance Instructions
Brand: Southwire
Model: 53251
Website: southwiretools.com
Technical Support: 1-855-SW-TOOLS
Get Started: Charge First!
Before reading through the manual, you can begin by charging your Southwire Elite 300 Series. Just connect it to the power supply cord provided and plug the unit into a wall socket.
Technical Specifications
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Capacity | 296Wh, 80Ah@3.7V |
Battery Type | Lithium-ion |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 8.46 x 6.3 x 7.56 inches (215 x 160 x 192 mm) |
Management System | Temperature control, Surge protection, Short circuit protection, Over-current protection, Low-voltage protection |
Weight | 7.61 pounds / 3.45 Kg |
Waveform | Pure Sine Wave |
Input | DC 12-30V, 3.78A |
Lifecycles | >1000 |
Input/Output (USB C) | PORT USB C PD60W*1 (5V 3A/9V 3A/12V 3A/15V 3A/20V 3A) |
Operating Temperature | 32°F to 113°F (0°C to 45°C) |
DC Output | DC 12V 5A x 2 (Total 10A) |
Storage Temperature | 14°F to 149°F (-10°C to 65°C) |
AC Output | 120V, 60Hz, 300W |
Certifications | FCC/CE/PSE/RoHS |
USB Output | USB A Port: QC3.0*1 (5V 2.4A x 2) |
Warranty | 24 Months |
Auto Power-Off Safety Function
This product turns off automatically after specified minutes/hours of not being connected.
Model | AC Ports | DC Ports | USB Ports |
---|---|---|---|
53251 | 30-45 Mins | 8 Hours | 8 Hours |
Display Features
The LCD screen provides information about the power station's status.
- LCD Screen: Press any output button (LED/DC/USB/AC) to turn on the display. Press the desired output button again to activate power output, indicated by an output icon. Press again to turn off power to conserve battery.
- Power Level Percentage: Press any input button to view the battery level. The screen shows battery status in 5 segments (approx. 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%). Segments disappear as the battery drains. During charging, segments blink. The icon is solid when fully charged. A blinking battery icon (10 times) indicates less than 10% power remaining.
- Power Input & Output (Watts): Displays real-time wattage of connected devices. Icons for active ports and charging hours are shown. If total output exceeds 300 Watts, the unit will automatically shut off. Ensure power consumption is below 300 Watts before using output.
- Low Power Warning: When remaining power is less than 10%, the battery level icon will blink 10 times.
- Low & High Temperature Warning: The unit operates optimally between 0°C - 45°C (32°F - 113°F). Operation outside this range may result in reduced efficiency or shutdown.
DC Input
All charging methods use the DC Input port, except for PD charging. Connect your adapter first, then plug it into the DC input of the Elite 300 to start charging.
How to Charge Your Elite 300
Note: To charge your unit faster, plug in the AC adapter and PD charger simultaneously. The Elite 300 will be fully charged within 2.5 hours.
Charging Methods:
- AC Charger: Use the included AC wall charger. Plug into a standard wall outlet, then into the unit's DC Input. The battery icon will blink while charging and become solid when fully charged.
- 12V Car Charger: Use the included car charger. Plug into a 12V vehicle socket, then connect to the unit. Recommended to use with the car engine started to avoid draining the car battery.
- PD Charger (Cord Not Included): Supports PD60W fast charging. Connect to the Type-C port marked PD60W.
- Solar Panels (Sold Separately): Use the 4.0mm DC output plug to connect solar panels to the unit. Ensure panels are in direct sunlight. Connect to the DC 12-30V input port.
Note on Solar Charging: When solar recharging, do not exceed 30V from solar panels. Individual panels or series-connected panels exceeding 30V can damage the unit. Southwire recommends the Elite Series 100-Watt Solar Panel.
Powering Your Devices
1. Powering DC Appliances:
- Connect the appliance's power cable to the unit's USB outlets or 12V port.
- Press the "DC or USB" button once to illuminate the LCD screen. Press again to turn output on. An audible beep and DC/USB icon will appear.
- The LED display shows real-time wattage.
- To turn off DC power, press "DC or USB" again. DC power will automatically turn off after 2 hours of no output.
Note: If total output exceeds the DC outlet's wattage, the power station will shut off. Ensure power consumption is within the outlet's rating.
2. Quick Charge Output:
Supports Type-C PD 60W output, compatible with smart devices (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3A). Actual output depends on the connected device.
3. Powering AC Appliances:
- Ensure the appliance is in the OFF position before connecting.
- Connect the appliance's power cable to the unit's AC outlet.
- Press the "AC" button once to illuminate the LCD screen. Press again to turn AC power output on. An audible beep and AC icon will appear.
- Turn the appliance on.
- The LED display shows real-time wattage and runtime.
- When finished, turn off the appliance, remove the power cable, and press the "AC" button to turn off outlets. Leaving the AC power on can drain the battery.
Note: If total output exceeds 300W, the power station will shut off. Ensure power consumption is less than 300W. WARNING: AC outlets, voltage, and frequency differ. This unit cannot support devices exceeding 300W.
How to Use the Flashlight
- Press the LED button once for light.
- Press again for brighter light.
- Press a third time for SOS mode.
- Press a fourth time to turn off the light.
WARNING: Do not look directly into the light when turning it on.
Usage Strategies
Best-Use Strategy:
Monitor the LCD battery display when charging devices. High-power devices may drain the battery quickly. The Elite 300 converts DC to AC power, with some energy loss during conversion. You may not get the full rated capacity. If run times are shorter than expected, check your device's power requirements. Refer to Troubleshooting or contact customer service for questions.
Cold Weather Usage:
Cold temperatures can affect battery capacity. For sub-zero conditions, keep the unit in an insulated cooler connected to a power source to maintain battery capacity through generated heat.
What the Elite 300 Series Can Charge
- Mini Fridge (60W): Powers for 5 Hours
- Laptop (50W): 6 Recharges
- Phone (10W): 30 Recharges
- CPAP (40W): Powers for 7 Hours
- LED Light (5W): Powers for 60+ Hours
- 32" LED TV (55W): Powers for 5 Hours
- Speaker (30W): Powers for 10 Hours
- Drone (60W): 5 Recharges
Troubleshooting
General Notes:
- Ensure output ports are turned off when not in use.
- Ensure power consumption is less than 300W before connecting. Exceeding 300W will cause a beep and warning icon; disconnect the device to reset.
If Devices Are Not Recharging:
- Ensure output buttons (AC/DC/USB) are turned on. The output type will light up on the LCD.
- Check the LCD for battery level. If below 20%, charge the unit.
- Check the LCD for warning icons:
- Overload or Short-circuit: DC icon blinks, alarm sounds twice.
- Temperature: Low/High Temperature Warning icon appears. The unit operates optimally between 0°C - 40°C (32°F - 104°F).
- Ensure device power does not exceed 300W (this is the maximum the station can support). The unit will beep twice with a flashing warning icon. Unplug the overloading device to reset.
For additional support, contact 1-800-561-4231.
Storage and Maintenance
- Before use or storage, fully charge the unit. Store in a cool, dry location.
- If the display shows less than 20% capacity, plug into a power source (AC outlet or solar panel) to recharge.
- Keeping the power station connected to a power source between uses or during storage keeps the battery healthy and topped off, prolonging its life.
- If not keeping it plugged in, fully charge every 3 months and store in a cool, dry place. Failure to maintain may damage the battery and void the warranty.
What's in the Box
- Southwire 300 Power Station
- Car Charger Cable
- AC & AC Cable (Two Parts)
- User Manual
- 8-in-1 Connectors
Safety Instructions
CAUTION: Failure to read these notes may result in battery leakage, explosion, or fire.
- Do not place the product in a microwave oven or pressure vessel.
- Do not combine the battery with single-use batteries or batteries of different capacities, models, or functions.
- Do not use the battery if it exhibits abnormal conditions (peculiar smell, heating, deformation, discoloration).
- Keep the product away from open flames if the battery is leaking or smells unusual.
- Electrolyte leakage can cause fire or explosion hazards.
- Do not cover the unit's air vents, as they are essential for cooling and efficient operation. Covering them can cause overheating.
FCC Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance with instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, interference is not guaranteed to not occur in a particular installation. If interference occurs, the user is encouraged to correct it by:
- Reorienting or relocating the receiving antenna.
- Increasing the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connecting the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from the receiver's.
- Consulting the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Warranty
Limited Warranty: All Southwire Company, LLC products are tested before leaving the factory. If a product fails due to faulty workmanship or material within one year of purchase, return it to the place of original purchase for replacement. Our Lifetime Return Policy is limited to replacement of the original purchase. No other liability or warranty is expressed or implied.
Warranty Period: 24 months from the date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser. Proof of purchase (sales receipt or other documentary proof) is required.
Exclusion of Damages: Southwire is not liable for incidental, consequential, indirect, special, or punitive damages for any breach of this warranty. Some states may not allow these limitations.
Warranty Claim Information / How to Get Service:
For warranty, customer service, and product return authorizations, contact:
Southwire Tools & Assembled Products
840 Old Bremen Road
Carrollton, GA, 30117
Phone: 1.855.SW.Tools
All warranty claims must be approved by Southwire's Warranty Department before return. Southwire will, at its option, repair or replace defective products or components free of charge. A Product Return Authorization Form will be issued with return instructions. Southwire will cover standard freight charges for defective products.
Repair Your Product When it is Out of Warranty:
For repair information, contact 1.855.SW.tools or visit www.southwiretools.com/tools/resources/repair-centers.