How to Troubleshoot a Trace Inverter
Inverters convert DC power to AC power, and Trace carries some of the most efficient ones on the market. Many of its inverters have the ability to start generators and even sell power back to the utility grid. As with any inverter, however, you are bound to run into some issues.
Troubleshoot them yourself before having your unit serviced.
Warning
Always check manufacturer recommendations before making any adjustments to your Trace Inverter.
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Ensure that the DC voltage to the inverter's DC terminals is correct if the unit will not come on and the Control Panel Display is blank or completely not working. Make sure the breaker hasn't tripped or a fuse hasn't blown. If the DC voltage on the terminals is correct, the unit will need to be serviced.
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Reduce the search watts setting if there is no AC power output and the Invert LED is flashing. Your AC load may be too small for the Search mode circuit to detect. If that does not work, try increasing the load above the search watts setting or defeating the search mode by selecting the ON position.
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Make sure the battery bank is sufficient if you have low AC power output or low surge power and the Invert LED is on. Insufficient DC current may be provided to the inverter to operate the AC loads. Check for low DC voltage while running the load. Also ensure the cable length and size are correct. The owner's manual will give you specific details on correct cable lengths (see References). Tie the battery cables together to reduce inductance.
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Disconnect the BTS (Battery Temperature Sensor) during charging if the charger drops off before the full charging has been completed. You will know this is the problem if your ERROR LED flashes and the AC output drops for a moment. If this does not solve the problem, increase the HIGH BATTERY CUTOUT setting. Cold temperatures around the batteries with a BTS may be creating this situation.
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Adjust the AC voltage or frequency in the generator if the AC IN GOOD LED is flashing, but the unit will not start charging. The AC frequency at the AC input terminal maybe be out-of-tolerance (which means either too high or too low). Allow the unit 40 seconds to synchronize.
The Drip Cap
- Inverters convert DC power to AC power, and Trace carries some of the most efficient ones on the market.
- Many of its inverters have the ability to start generators and even sell power back to the utility grid.
- Your AC load may be too small for the Search mode circuit to detect.
- If this does not solve the problem, increase the HIGH BATTERY CUTOUT setting.
- Adjust the AC voltage or frequency in the generator if the AC IN GOOD LED is flashing, but the unit will not start charging.
Resources
Writer Bio
Kelly Seiler has been a freelance writer and editor in Texas for the past 10 years. She grades essays on national standardized tests and writes reports on service received at local restaurants and businesses. She attended Bucknell University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in English and secondary education, a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and a Master of Science in education.
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