sqealing inverter

Submitted: Tuesday, Jan 31, 2012 at 17:03
ThreadID: 91578 Views:1569 Replies:7 FollowUps:3
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Hi once again.

Had this sinewave inverter for about three years no problems ,came to switch it on today and it set of sqealing like a stuck pig.
Checked the deep cycle 13.8 volts
Decided to check it on 240/12v transformer.
No load on it at any time. Still sqeals. Do you reckon its shat its pot. As an electrician Id make a good plumber.


cheers Ken

Mi Missis Me Mad dog n Me
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Reply By: Member - Carl- Tuesday, Jan 31, 2012 at 18:51

Tuesday, Jan 31, 2012 at 18:51
Hi Ken,

Install thicker cables from the battery to the inverter and this will stop it. Had the same problem some time ago. Better still go over the top and make them really thick.

You did not say what size inverter. If it is say 1500 watt then look at something about the same thickness as the starter motor to the earth on the vehicle.

No doubt someone will be more technical than me.

AnswerID: 476493

Reply By: obee1212 - Tuesday, Jan 31, 2012 at 21:01

Tuesday, Jan 31, 2012 at 21:01
Has it got a cooling fan?
AnswerID: 476522

Reply By: Member - notso perfik - Wednesday, Feb 01, 2012 at 12:06

Wednesday, Feb 01, 2012 at 12:06
Thanks for reply Carl & Obee 1212
My mistake its a 300 watt Powertech from Jaycar the wire is AWG 10
It also has a fan which spins freely by hand.Actually thats what I was hoping it would be

Cheers Ken


Mi Missis Me Mad Dog n Me
AnswerID: 476576

Reply By: vk1dx - Wednesday, Feb 01, 2012 at 14:41

Wednesday, Feb 01, 2012 at 14:41
Does it have any overload or under voltage alarm? If not then it may well be time for a caretaker.

But first lets see if I can find the specs and be sure about alarms etc.

Maybe Google can give me the specs and I can look further. But don't hold your breath. It's just asmall one and for my money it won't have any alarms.

What's the part/model number?

Phil
AnswerID: 476583

Follow Up By: vk1dx - Wednesday, Feb 01, 2012 at 14:50

Wednesday, Feb 01, 2012 at 14:50
I just saw the 300 powertech info and searched. It has two alarms. One for low voltage and one for being too hot.

The battery low alarm will sound if the voltage at the 12V DC input is down around 10.5 volts DC +/- 0.5 volts. If you have a multimeter measure the voltage at the input. If it's too low then you need to run larger cables. But I suspect that this will only be a problem when the unit is under load. If you do not have a multimeter then let me know. There are a few ways of seeing if the voltage should be "around" 12V without using a multimeter.

The thermal alarm will sound if the temperature inside the case is higher than 60 degrees C. I don't think that is the problem.

If the input voltage is around 12-13 volts and the case is cool it is in need of replacing.

Phil
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FollowupID: 751694

Reply By: LeighW - Wednesday, Feb 01, 2012 at 15:06

Wednesday, Feb 01, 2012 at 15:06
The symptons you describe is typical of an inverter that is either overloaded or has a faullty output stage, eg a faulty transistor driver or possibly the capacitors in the unit have dried out and it has become unstable.

This sort of event will no doubt become the norm with invertors and DC / DC chargers etc after a few years as they age.

It is quite a common occurence in all types of electronic equipment that utilises switched mode power supplies as the capacitors don't like heat. Most manufacturers use low temperature types to save a few cents, though even high temperature rated devices will eventually fail.

Cars are a very hostile enviroment for electronics, high heat, humidity and vibration, best to keep it as simple as you can.

Cheers

leighW

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AnswerID: 476584

Follow Up By: vk1dx - Wednesday, Feb 01, 2012 at 15:12

Wednesday, Feb 01, 2012 at 15:12
My thoughts as well Leigh.

I just asked him to measure the input voltage. It has a low voltage supply alarm.

Phil
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Reply By: bruce b2 - Wednesday, Feb 01, 2012 at 16:24

Wednesday, Feb 01, 2012 at 16:24
Mine, a 500w pure sine wave unit at home, was quite happy during the day as it was charging a couple of batteries from a spare solar panel. At night, (whilst we were away), running a few lights for some sort of security lighting, battery voltage dropped and the squeal of the Low Volt alarm woke the neighbour two doors down. Not Happy. Neighbour directly next door was also away, so he didn't care, pity about his daughter in law who was house sitting. Luckily we had a friend of the parole officer, warden, sheriff or more commonly known as SWMBO, was checking the house frequently and got bailed up by neighbour 2 doors down. A few quick calls via the mobile and all sorted, inverter turned off - no more high pitched squeal. Neighbours got back to sleep.

but when we got home.......

good luck, hope it not busted


cheers - bb
AnswerID: 476588

Follow Up By: Member - notso perfik - Wednesday, Feb 01, 2012 at 18:12

Wednesday, Feb 01, 2012 at 18:12
Thanks guys for all your input .Have checked voltage 13v going in casing is cold
(only thing what is in Perth. So it looks like what Phil & Leigh say.
Guess its stuffed So i;ll just have to sit and have a few beers in its memory.
Horrible thing to have to do in this heat. LOL

many thanks once again
Ken

Mi Missis Mi Mad dog nMe
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Reply By: vk1dx - Wednesday, Feb 01, 2012 at 23:35

Wednesday, Feb 01, 2012 at 23:35
Hi Ken

Correct decision.

Where do we send the flowers.

Phil
AnswerID: 476637

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