[RE-wrenches] Odd Inverter Problem

[Dan Fink]

Since you don't name the inverter OEM, I'm just guessing, but.....the
ground to neutral bond thing can indeed fry what I call "truck top" AKA
"portable" inverters. The puzzling thing in my experience is it can take 6
months......1 month.....1 week......1 second for the failure. Or it might
work fine (but not be to code).

My rule....to connect to a standard AC load panel (no matter how small) the
inverter has to have actual hard-wired AC Out terminals...hot, neutral and
ground. If the only way to connect it to the house AC system is a 120V AC
extension cord with the female end chopped off and hard wired to the load
panel, you are asking for trouble and have left NEC far behind. I got
well-zapped by one these in the past....

Dan Fink
Adjunct Professor of Solar Energy Technology, Ecotech Institute
IREC Certified Instructor™ for:
~ PV Installation Professional
~ Small Wind Installer
Executive Director, Buckville Energy
NABCEP Registered Continuing Education Providers™
970.672.4342



On Sat, Jun 11, 2016 at 12:58 PM, Travis Jordan <travis at jordansolar.net>
wrote:

> Just a thought, but some of the old or cheap inverters don't take nicely
> to bonding the ground to neutral. You may try leaving the ground wire
> disconnected from the inverter for a test and see if that changes
> anything.... Also make sure you don't have moisture or a short of some sort
> in your output cable to the house, I got involved with a job once that had
> normal Romex buried outside and it got wet and caused issues with the
> inverter not working properly. It ohmed out fine, but when I hooked it up
> it didn't play nice with the inverter. I would suspect something with the
> site wiring from what I am understanding from your post.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Travis Jordan
> travis at jordansolar.net
> travis at mtsolar.us
>
>
> --
> *Travis Jordan*
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