Topic: Is My Inverter Dead?

[Ericb760]

Still trying to track down the short in my inverter system which runs my two TV's. I unplugged the the main wire that runs to the TV's and measured with a multimeter at the inverter 110v plugs. That reading was "0". Next I measured the DC input which read 13.6v. To be sure, I removed the lugs on the DC side and cleaned each one with some emery cloth and reconnected. Still reading 13.6 volts. So, the "short" is not in the wire leading to the TV's, but appears to be internal to the inverter. Renogy says to turn the unit off and on to reset it. This does nothing, which leads me to believe that the inverter is toast. I am a nurse, not an electrician, so opening the inverter up probably won't tell my untrained eyes much, just looking for some sage advice on my conclusions. Is it dead?

[Rickf1985]

Unless they told you to check a fuse then I would say it is dead. Call them back and tell them that restarting it does nothing. Is this a new unit under warrantee? There is seldom anything inside these electronic units that is user serviceable.

[Ericb760]

The troubleshooting PDF on the Renogy website does not mention fuses at all. It does say that if the "short" LED is lit that the problem is internal and to call customer service. The inverter came with the RV so I have no receipts for it. I shot an email to Renogy explaining the problem. Maybe they'll replace it in good faith? Doubtful, but I am going to wait until I hear back from them before dropping coinage on a new inverter.

[Ericb760]

I ended up pulling the inverter out and cracking it open to see if there were any serviceable fuses inside. There were, indeed, three 45 amp blade fuses, none of which were blown. I tested them for continuity and all three were good so I reinstalled them and sealed it back up. Dummy me forgot to bring home a tester battery and some jumpers that I had moved to the RV to work on this problem. I guess it's back to the RV before work tomorrow...

[TerryH]

A little late at this point, but with the case open it would have been a good idea to check the inverter off/on switch  for continuity as well. Battery power disconnected, switch wire connectors off, switch open and closed. It is a consumable part. Second time to open the case should be easier and quicker.