General Power Inverters Troubleshooting Guide
This guide is intended to assist customers with troubleshooting their Renogy Power Inverters without speaking to a technician. The below steps are universal for all of our Power Inverters and will give our customers a good place to start if they believe their Inverter is not functioning properly.
For troubleshooting a specific inverter or inverter charger, visit the following:
- 700W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter (SKU: RNG-INVT-700-12V-P2)
- 1000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter (SKU: RNG-INVT-1000-12V-P2)
- 2000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter (SKU: RNG-INVT-2000-12V-P2)
- 3000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter (SKU: RNG-INVT-3000-12V-P2)
- 1000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter with Power Saving Mode (New Edition) (SKU: R-INVT-PGH1-10111S)
- 2000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter with Power Saving Mode (New Edition) (SKU: R-INVT-PGH1-20111S)
- Renogy 48V 3500W Solar Inverter Charger (SKU: RIV4835CSH1S)
- 2000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger w/ LCD Display (SKU: R-INVT-PCL1-20111S)
- 3000W 12V Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger w/ LCD Display (SKU: R-INVT-PCL1-30111S)
Please read this section which refers to the most common causes of malfunctioning of our Power inverter
Items you will need:
- Multimeter
- Inverter Manual
- 12V Battery
Common Issues and Causes include the following:
Audible Alarm
The audible alarm will sound as a warning that the DC Input Voltage is getting close to its limits on the Low and High End.
Undervoltage Protection
Battery Voltage must be above 11V
Overvoltage Protection
Battery Voltage must be below 15V
With a multimeter test for DC Voltage at the Battery terminals of the Inverter to verify you are within the operating voltage range.
Fault Indicator / Audible Alarm / Shut Down
The fault indicator, audible alarm, and system shut down will occur if the Inverter has gone into Protection Mode.
Low Battery Voltage
Battery Voltage must be above 11V
With a multimeter test for DC Voltage at the Battery terminals of the Inverter to verify you are within the operating voltage range.
Overload Protection
The AC device connected cannot exceed the rated voltage of the Inverter
The Inverter can only power AC devices that are within its rated wattage, for instance a 1000W inverter can only power AC devices that do not exceed 1000W. Try connecting an AC device that does not exceed the rated wattage of the inverter.
Overheat Protection
Temperature of the unit must not exceed 158°F
The Inverter’s temperature may rise depending on:
The location - Verify there is adequate ventilation for the unit, clearance of 10” around
Run Time - If running for a long period of time, turn off the unit and let it cool down
Overload - Reduce the overall load on the inverter
Wires Get Extremely Hot And/Or Melt
Sizing of the wires is very important, ensure the proper length / gauge is being used for the highest amount of amperage that may flow through the line.
Incorrect Wire Gauge:
Loose Connection:
If the wires get extremely hot when running AC loads, turn off the inverter and verify the proper length / gauge wire (refer to manual) is being used and ensure all connections are tight and secure.
Inverter Won’t Turn On
The Inverter Will not turn on if there is an internal short or a malfunction.
Do not try to repair the unit, please call our Customer Engagement team for further support.
GFCI Tripped
The GFCI is tripped if there is an interruption of the AC output circuit
Disconnect the AC load, restart the unit, then reconnect AC load. If the problem still exists there may be a fault with the load. If going to an AC outlet / distribution center, please consult with an electrician or installer for their recommendations.
We hope this guide will help you familiarize yourself with the troubleshooting steps for our Power Inverters. For any other questions or concerns please give our Customer Engagement team a call.
