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Troubleshooting
Inverter Applications
The Freedom SW 230V performs differently depending on the AC
loads connected to it. If you are having problems with any of your
loads, read this section.
Resistive Loads
Resistive loads are the easiest and most efficient to drive. Voltage
and current are in phase, which means they are in step with one
another. Resistive loads generate heat in order to accomplish their
tasks. Toasters, coffee pots, and incandescent lights are typical
resistive loads. It is usually impractical to run larger resistive
loads—such as electric stoves and water heaters—from an inverter
due to their high current requirements. Even though the inverter
may be able to accommodate the load, the size of battery bank will
limit inverter run time.
Motor Loads
Induction motors (AC motors without brushes) require up to six
times their running current on startup. The most demanding are
those that start under load (for example, compressors and pumps).
Of the capacitor start motors (typical in drill presses and band saws,
for example), the largest you can expect to run is 1 horsepower.
Universal motors are generally easier to start. Check that the
Locked Rotor Amps (LRA) rating of the motor load does not exceed
the maximum surge current rating of the inverter. Since motor
characteristics vary, only testing will determine whether a specific
load can be started and how long it can be run.
If a motor fails to start within a few seconds or loses power after
running for a time, it should be turned off. When the inverter
attempts to start a load that is greater than it can handle, the inverter
may shut down from an AC overload fault.
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Problem Loads
Very Small LoadsIf the power consumed by a device is less than
the threshold of the search mode circuitry, and search mode is
enabled, the inverter will not run. Most likely the solution will be to
disable Search mode or lower the sense threshold.
Fluorescent Lights and Power SuppliesSome devices cannot be
detected when scanned by search mode circuitry. Small fluorescent
lights are the most common example. Some computers and
sophisticated electronics have power supplies that do not present a
load until line voltage is available. When this occurs, each unit waits
for the other to begin. To drive these loads, either a small
companion load like a light bulb rated for more than the Search
Watts setting must be used to bring the inverter out of search mode,
or the inverter may be programmed to remain on by disabling
Search mode. (See "Using Search Mode" on page 39.)
ClocksYou may notice that your clocks are not accurate. Some of
the clocks on your appliances may reset when the Freedom SW
230V is in search mode.
SearchingWhen the inverter is in search mode, it may fail to start
some loads even though the rated wattage on the load is more than
the Search Watts setting. Disable Search or apply an additional
load (companion load) to make the inverter exit search mode.
Freedom SW 230V Owner's Guide
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Table of Contents
Troubleshooting
