Why isn't my inverter working?

If you are having difficulties with your inverter, read through this list of common faults to isolate the problem.

Inverter is displaying error codes

A list of error code definitions and corrective actions for transfer model inverters can be found here. If you are experiencing error codes with a 400W or 600W Standalone Inverter, click here. For Standalone 1000W and 2000W Inverter error codes, click here.

Check the connection between your remote and inverter
If you have installed a remote extension cable and moved your inverter's display, then there is a chance that the problems you are encountering are caused by a poor connection between the remote and inverter. The problems associated with a poor or damaged connection between the remote and inverter can be diverse, but may include unusual behaviours such as the inability for the transfer inverter to enter By-Pass mode. If you have cut and re-crimped the ends of the cable (always completely detach/disconnect the cable at both ends prior to cutting or crimping - otherwise you will short out the control board of the unit. This can be repaired at your cost by our Support Team), ensure that your crimp is solid and that the connector has been installed in the correct orientation. More information about the remote extension cable can be found here. You should also inspect the remote cable to ensure that it has not been damaged during installation. For more information on fault finding a poor remote connection, check out our inverter video series here.

 

 

If your inverter won't turn on, double check your battery via your battery monitor or with a multimeter to ensure that you have power. If you do not have a multimeter, you can use ENERDRIVE | DOMETIC's range of either AC or DC2DC Chargers to check your battery's voltage by pushing and holding the menu button. If the unit does not turn on, then your battery has gone flat. A flat B-TEC or eLITE battery will need to have its BMS reset before it can be used again. A guide on how to do this can be found here. If you are using a non-lithium battery, a guide for recharging a flat battery can be found here. If your battery has gone flat, ensure that it has been charged sufficiently before turning on your inverter again.

 

Inverters can run from batteries of any chemistry, but they can run into issues with low voltage when paired with a non-lithium battery. This is because non-lithium batteries will steadily decrease in voltage as they are discharged and will eventually reach they point where they trip the low voltage alarm of the inverter. If you are using a non-lithium battery, you may need to recharge it in order for the voltage to rise to a level where it is once again usable by the inverter. Because lithium batteries excel at maintaining their voltage while supplying high current loads, they are far less likely to experience this problem as long as they have been connected with large enough cabling. For more information on running your inverter with a chemistry other than lithium, click here.

 

If an inverter gets too hot, it will shut down until it has once again reached a safe operating temperature. Ensure that your inverter has been installed in a way that leaves its air intake and exhaust fans unobstructed and that it is in a cool, dry and well ventilated area. For more information on inverter installation, click here.

 

If you inverter is shutting down when you connect it to an AC load, the appliance may be drawing more power than your inverter is capable of outputting. Check the continuous and surge output ratings of the inverter against the power consumption of the AC device that you trying to run. It is important to keep in mind that the power consumption listed in the specifications of your device may be an average and not accurately reflect how much power it uses at any given moment, for example a 50W hair straightener may use over 500W while warming up. For more information on inverter output limits and device power consumption, click here.

 

Inverters that are 'True/Pure Sine Wave' inverters mean that they produce AC power that is identical to the power you would receive from the electrical grid and compatible with the majority of AC devices within the inverter's output limits. Older and cheaper inverters will often produce Square or Modified Sine wave power, which may cause devices with sensitive electronics to malfunction or even permanently damage them. More information on in inverter wave forms can be found here.