[RE-wrenches] 120-240 Transformer loud vibration and humming.

Fri Jan 24 06:04:23 PST 2025

Years ago, I remember hearing an outback 240 V transformer making all sorts of noise on an old well pump like 30+ years old when the pump was replaced, the transformer calm down that would be my vote
Dana Orzel - dana at solarwork.com - 208.721.7003

On Jan 24, 2025, at 7:02 AM, Steve Higgins via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

Well, John, that's strikes 1,2 and 3 for me;  I can't think of anything else causing the noise.

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On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 7:36 PM John Blittersdorf via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>> wrote:
Steve,  I took my scope meter today and checked wave forms at all points.  All were clean sine waves. I checked the breaker connections and all connections back to the inverter and all were tight.
Voltage drop when pump kicked on was small and only about 1 volt when running. Amp were 12 on both legs.

On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 9:48 AM Jay via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>> wrote:
Are the amps leg the same?
Jay

On Jan 22, 2025, at 9:29 PM, Steve Higgins via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>> wrote:

How do their clocks run?   Is the Xfmer quiet down when the generator runs?

If you have an O-scope, check the output waveform off the inverter. My guess is that the output waveform will be deformed, causing extra noise for the Xfmer. You might be able to see this on the frequency as well. It should be solid at 60Hz, but if it's drifting or way off the high side, FETS have probably failed.

If you pull the top cover off the inverter the and you look at the FET board, it'll be the fets closest to the Fan on the AC board.

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Steve Higgins

On Wed, Jan 22, 2025 at 7:32 PM John Blittersdorf via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>> wrote:
Christopher,
Update on the Transformer Humming.  Installed a new PSX-240 from Kirk and it is LOUDER than the T-240 that I took out.
I have a call into the well driller to see if they have a record of the pump size or other details. When connected
directly to the grid via transfer switch, still loud noise... same with battery only.  I did not check the 120VAC 30 amp break
in the backed up loads sub panel. All other wiring was redone as I switched the pump directly to the grid until I received the
new transformer and back to the inverter again. so all the connections were redone except the 120 breaker.

John

On Wed, Jan 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM Howie Michaelson via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>> wrote:
John,
If you need a T240 (internal or external), I have a few used ones (and maybe a new one) in storage.
Howie

On Wed, Jan 22, 2025, 10:14 AM Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>> wrote:
I could be a loose electrical or mechanical connection. It's been
installed for a while and connections could have loosened up from
expansion and contraction.

On 1/18/2025 9:06 AM, John Blittersdorf via RE-wrenches wrote:
> Hi Wrenches,
>   I have a customer with an SW4024 installed in 2003 with the Trace
> T220 transformer for
> her well pump.  Recently it has started making a lot of noise when the
> well pump comes on.
> I checked the current on the well pump and it seems to be in the
> normal range.  I have never had a transformer failure. Could this be a
> failing transformer?
>
> Also, I have not been able to source a new one (Outback T240).  Are
> there other brands
> some of you may have used for a step up transformer?
>
> John Blittersdorf
>
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--
Christopher Warfel, PE
ENTECH Engineering, Inc.
PO Box 871, Block Island, RI 02807
(401) 447-5773

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