GORDIE'S NEW ELECTRICAL TROUBLE SHOOTING THREAD

[Gordie Allen]

Thanks for the info Tom.  I'll see what the seller has to say about the warranty and then decide to tackle it. 

[Len Silva]

In most electrical installations, the neutral is never switched.  It is a necessity in our conversions at both the generator and inverter.  Of course, any switch, relay, contactor, or plug is a weak point in electrical work.  We must remain vigilant that whatever switching method we use, the neutral is dependable.

[technomadia]

Have you noticed if there are any error lights on the inverter?  Victron has a nice decoder that lets you interpret what the various flashes might mean if there are any. They even just released an app version of the decoder.

I suspect you might have either a bad relay in the inverter, or something incorrectly wired elsewhere.

Have you confirmed that the circuit breaker on the fridge circuit is working correctly?  Have you checked all your AC outlets with a circuit tester for open neutrals, etc?

I'm very eager to learn what failed here.

But...  You are still under warranty, so you should be starting with the manufacturer.  I've generally gotten good responses from knowledgeable folk when I've written to Victron with questions.

Keep us all posted.

  - Chris

[Gordie Allen]

Chris,
No flashing lights on the inverter.  I checked all the outlets with a simple outlet tester.  Everything is good.  Breaker for frig is good.  I bypassed the inverter for now and have no issues when hooked to shore power for my 110v stuff.  I have rewired the inverter with a 15 amp cord, and have the inverter on charge only.  I plug it in every night to top off the house batteries.  I have two 12v motors (water pump and bay fan) that run off the house batteries. It goes through the charging stages just fine.  Since the meltdown happened as soon as we unplugged from shoreline, and I've had it working in both modes for almost a year running the frig, air conditioners, water heater, etc.  I'm pretty sure it's the inverter.  Will keep you updated on what I find out from Victron.

[Dave5Cs]

Gordie what size and length is the cord from the Battery bank to the inverter?
Just wondering if it is to small and or to far away and your power drops off to much to pull the power for very long? or your circuit s are not balanced and when searching for power the refrigerator get to much and finally burnt out?

Dave5Cs

[Gordie Allen]

Per Victron's installation instructions, I have two 000 in parallel running from both the positive and negative posts of the battery bank to the inverter - 3 ft. in length.  Positive goes through a 400 amp fuse before getting to the inverter.