Inverex Inverter No Output or Transfer Failure: Fixes

Key Takeaways

• The most common causes for an Inverex inverter having no output or failing to transfer are low battery voltage, an overload condition, or issues with the AC input power. The inverter requires a minimum battery voltage to operate.
• Always check the inverter's LCD display for specific fault codes first, as these directly indicate the problem.
• Before inspecting any wiring or connections, ensure all AC, DC, and PV power sources are disconnected to prevent electric shock. CAUTION: For safety operation and regulation compliance, it’s requested to install a separate DC over-current protector or disconnect device between battery and inverter. CAUTION!! Before connecting to AC input power source, please install a separate AC breaker between inverter and AC input power source. CAUTION: Before connecting to PV modules, please install separately a DC circuit breaker between inverter and PV modules.
• If fault codes indicate internal component failure (e.g., 01, 08, 09, 53, 57), or if troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, contact a qualified technician. These issues typically require specialized tools and knowledge for repair, and you should return the unit to a repair center.

Why is my Inverex inverter not providing output or failing to transfer?

Your Inverex inverter may not provide output or transfer power due to low battery voltage, an overload condition, or problems with the AC input power. The first step is to check the inverter's LCD display for any fault codes, which indicate the specific issue. It is important to note that menu and program numbering can differ by model and firmware on rebadged units, so always match settings by name rather than by number.

Diagnosis

Follow these steps to diagnose why your Inverex inverter is not providing output or failing to transfer.

1. Check the LCD display for fault codes.

• • What it means: The inverter's LCD screen will often show a two-digit fault code if there is an operational issue. Refer to the 'Cause/fix table' below for meanings and initial actions.
  • What to do: Note down any displayed fault code. This is the most direct indicator of the problem.

2. Verify battery voltage.

• • What it means: The inverter requires a minimum battery voltage to operate. If the battery voltage is too low, the unit may shut down or fail to power on. The manual states that the unit shuts down automatically if battery voltage is too low (<1.91V/Cell) and shows no response if the battery voltage is far too low (<1.4V/Cell).
  • What to do: Check the battery voltage. If the voltage is below the inverter's nominal operating range (e.g., 24Vdc for 1.5KW/3KW models or 48Vdc for 5KW models), recharge the battery or investigate battery health.

3. Inspect AC input power.

• • What it means: If the inverter is in line mode but not transferring or providing output, there might be an issue with the incoming grid power. This can manifest as a flashing green LED. Causes include a tripped input protector or insufficient quality of AC power.
  • What to do: If the input protector is tripped, check and reset it. Ensure the grid power is stable and within the inverter's acceptable AC input voltage range (e.g., 90-280VAC for 'Appliances' mode or 170-280VAC for 'UPS' mode, as per Program 03). Menu/program NUMBERING can differ by model and firmware on rebadged units. Readers must match settings by NAME rather than by number.

4. Check connected loads.

• • What it means: An overload condition will cause the inverter to stop providing output to protect itself. This can trigger Fault Code 07.
  • What to do: Reduce the connected load by switching off some equipment. If the inverter resumes normal operation, the issue was an overload. Gradually reconnect loads, ensuring the total power consumption does not exceed the inverter's rated output power (e.g., 1.5KVA/1.5KW, 3KVA/3KW, or 5KVA/5KW depending on your model).

5. Examine physical connections.

• • What it means: Loose or corroded battery terminals, AC output wiring, or PV connections can interrupt power flow. A disconnected battery can cause the internal relay to switch on and off repeatedly, with the LCD and LEDs flashing.
  • What to do: With all power disconnected (AC, DC, PV), check if wiring is connected well.

6. Review inverter settings.

• • What it means: Incorrect settings can prevent the inverter from operating as expected, such as not transferring to battery mode or not prioritizing solar power. For example, if Program 01 (Output source priority) is set to "Solar first" (SUB) or "SBU priority," the inverter will prioritize solar or battery power even if mains are present, leading to a flashing green LED.
  • What to do: Access the inverter's LCD menu and check settings like Program 01 (Output source priority), Program 06 (Auto restart when overload occurs), and Program 07 (Auto restart when over temperature occurs). Ensure they are configured appropriately for your system's needs. Menu/program NUMBERING can differ by model and firmware on rebadged units. Readers must match settings by NAME rather than by number.

Cause/fix table

Inverter Settings for Output and Transfer Control

Proper configuration of your Inverex inverter's settings is crucial for reliable output and transfer operations. The following programs are particularly relevant: Menu/program NUMBERING can differ by model and firmware on rebadged units. Readers must match settings by NAME rather than by number.

• Program 01: Output source priority
• • This setting determines the order in which the inverter draws power from utility, solar, or battery.
  • Utility first (default): Prioritizes grid power.
  • Solar first: Prioritizes solar power, then battery, then utility.
  • SBU priority: Prioritizes solar, then utility, then battery.
  • Incorrect selection here can lead to the inverter not using the expected power source, appearing as a transfer failure.
• Program 03: AC input voltage range
• • This defines the acceptable voltage range for the incoming AC power.
  • Appliances (default): Accepts 90-280VAC.
  • UPS: Accepts 170-280VAC.
  • If your grid power quality is poor or fluctuates outside the selected range, the inverter may not accept it, leading to a failure to transfer to line mode.
• Program 06: Auto restart when overload occurs
• • Restart disable (default): The inverter will not automatically restart after an overload.
  • Restart enable: The inverter will attempt to restart after an overload.
  • If this is disabled, you will need to manually clear an overload condition.
• Program 07: Auto restart when over temperature occurs
• • Restart disable (default): The inverter will not automatically restart after an over-temperature event.
  • Restart enable: The inverter will attempt to restart after an over-temperature event.
  • Similar to overload, if disabled, manual intervention is required.
• Program 12: Setting voltage point back to utility source
• • This setting is used when "SBU" or "SUB" priority is selected in Program 01. It defines the battery voltage at which the inverter will switch back to utility power.
  • For 1.5KW/3KW models (24Vdc system), options range from 22.0V to 25.5V, with 23.0V as default.
  • For 5KW models (48Vdc system), options range from 44V to 51V, with 46V as default.
  • If this value is set too high, the inverter may switch to utility prematurely, or if too low, it may drain batteries excessively before switching.
• Program 13: Setting voltage point back to battery mode
• • This setting is also used with "SBU" or "SUB" priority in Program 01. It defines the battery voltage at which the inverter will switch back to battery power.
  • For 1.5KW/3KW models (24Vdc system), options include "Battery fully charged" and a range from 24V to 29V, with 27V as default.
  • For 5KW models (48Vdc system), options include "Battery fully charged" and a range from 48V to 58V, with 54V as default.
  • An incorrect setting here can prevent the inverter from utilizing battery power when available.
• Program 23: Overload bypass
• • Bypass disable (default): The inverter will not bypass the overload.
  • Bypass enable: The inverter will attempt to bypass an overload condition.
  • Enabling this can help maintain power during brief overloads, but it's important to understand the risks of sustained overload.

Remember, when adjusting settings, always match the setting by name on your inverter's LCD, as program numbers can vary between firmware versions.

Safety

Working with solar inverters and batteries involves significant electrical hazards. Always prioritize safety.

• Qualified Personnel: CAUTION – Only qualified personnel can install this device with batteries.
• Disconnect Power: Before inspecting any wiring or connections, ensure all AC, DC, and PV power sources are disconnected to prevent electric shock.
• Battery Type: CAUTION --To reduce risk of injury, charge only deep-cycle lead acid type rechargeable batteries. Other types of batteries may burst, causing personal injury and damage. NEVER charge a frozen battery.
• Metal Tools: Be very cautious when working with metal tools on or around batteries. A potential risk exists to drop a tool to spark or short circuit batteries or other electrical parts and could cause an explosion. Use insulated tools where possible.
• Over-current Protection: CAUTION: For safety operation and regulation compliance, it’s requested to install a separate DC over-current protector or disconnect device between battery and inverter. Be very cautious when working with metal tools on or around batteries. A potential risk exists to drop a tool to spark or short circuit batteries or other electrical parts and could cause an explosion.
• AC Breaker: CAUTION!! Before connecting to AC input power source, please install a separate AC breaker between inverter and AC input power source. The recommended spec of AC breaker is 16A for 1.5KW models, 32A for 3KW models, and 50A for 5KW models.
• PV Circuit Breaker: CAUTION: Before connecting to PV modules, please install separately a DC circuit breaker between inverter and PV modules.
• Short Circuits: NEVER cause AC output and DC input short circuited. Do NOT connect to the mains when DC input short circuits.

When to call a technician instead

While many issues can be resolved with basic troubleshooting, some problems require professional intervention. You should call a qualified technician if:

• The inverter displays fault codes indicating internal component failure (e.g., Fault Code 01 for fan lock, 08 for bus voltage too high, 09 for bus soft start failed, 53 for inverter soft start failed, or 57 for current sensor failed). These issues typically require specialized tools and knowledge for repair, and you should return the unit to a repair center.
• The inverter shows no response or indication after power on, and you have confirmed the battery voltage is adequate and the internal fuse is not tripped.
• You have followed all troubleshooting steps, including checking connections and adjusting settings, but the inverter still fails to provide output or transfer power.
• You are uncomfortable or uncertain about performing any of the diagnostic or repair steps, especially those involving electrical connections.
• The issue might void your warranty if not handled by an authorized service center. (Note: Specific Inverex warranty terms are not available in the provided manual, which is for the generic Voltronic Axpert platform.)

Warning!! Only qualified service persons are able to service this device. Attempting repairs on complex internal failures without proper training and equipment can be dangerous and may cause further damage to the unit.