[RE-wrenches] Husqvarna 5500 and VFX3524 Compatibility question

[Ray Walters]

Funny that the good old SW inverters still have features that new 
inverters haven't topped:  the (as mentioned) AC current input setting, 
still the best gen autostart menu, dual AC inputs, and excellent 
reliability.  I'm currently working on a project with an SW4024 that is 
17 years old, and still working fine.  We're adding batteries, modules, 
MPPT controllers, etc. but the inverter is not on the upgrade list right 
now.
The SW plus however does not regulate AC input current as well, and I've 
had the same issues with overloading small generators as with the 
Outbacks.  Magnums also are hard to set, and I finally had to give up 
using small (under 4 kw) generators with any of the newer larger 
inverters.  Small genies seem to only work well with old SWs, or small 
inverters with low charger draw.
Using a separate Iota charger (as some pointed out) is definitely an 
option, but last time I used one, they were not UL listed or set up to 
wire in a code compliant manor.

Ray Walters

On 1/31/2013 3:13 PM, Allan Sindelar wrote:
> William,
> Yes, that's my understanding. Outback acknowledged this to me years ago.
> Allan
>
> *Allan Sindelar*
> _Allan at positiveenergysolar.com_ <mailto:Allan at positiveenergysolar.com>
> NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
> NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
> New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
> Founder and Chief Technology Officer
> *Positive Energy, Inc.*
> 3209 Richards Lane (note new address)
> Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
> *505 424-1112*
> _www.positiveenergysolar.com_ <http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/>
>
> *
> *
>
>
> On 1/29/2013 9:28 PM, William Miller wrote:
>> Allan:
>>
>> Could it be that the SW systems are protecting the generator with 
>> Generator Support, and the Outback inverters are not?
>>
>> William Miller
>>
>>
>>
>> At 07:18 PM 1/29/2013, you wrote:
>>> This is going back several years...
>>>
>>> The Outback VFX series lacks the tight input current regulation of 
>>> the SW series, so the max AC amps in is really just a suggestion. In 
>>> many cases (and especially with these small generators) we want to 
>>> set the max amps in as high as possible to minimize charging time 
>>> and maximize C/rate. Yet a surge load can momentarily exceed the max 
>>> amps setting.
>>>
>>> I have observed that the Honda inverter/generators have a quite 
>>> sensitive AC output breaker, that will sometimes trip if a surge 
>>> load (such as a refrigerator) comes on during a charge cycle set 
>>> close to the generator's capacity. This incident was specific to a 
>>> Honda 3000i. In contrast, Yamaha's EF3000iSE will lug when 
>>> overloaded - not good for the generator, but also not likely to trip 
>>> the output breaker.
>>>
>>> This is a different issue than was being discussed, but fits your 
>>> question.
>>> Allan
>

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