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Inverter charging problem

Yahoo Message Number: 66360
Thanks to everyone with suggestions on my inverter/charger overcharging my batteries and going into fault mode.
I tried everything, disconnecting the inverter from both shore power and the batteries, letting the batteries partially discharge and then charging them again. It was very strange, the charging seemed to be perfectly normal: Bulk charge, taper off, float charge, and the batteries holding at 13.6 volts. Then, after a while, the voltage would start going up, getting up to 15 volts and over, and the thing would fault. It was driving me crazy, especially since it would sometimes work for days before this happened. Then I noticed something. As long as it was cloudy and cool. everything was fine. The sun came out, and then it did it again. Even my thick skull finally figured out what was going on. It was my solar charge controller that was bad! I disconnected it from the batteries, and everything is now OK. This will be easier and cheaper to get fixed then pulling that inverter!

Al Colby

2000 Intrigue 10979

Re: Inverter charging problem

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 66362
Does your solar controller have a switch that has two charge rates, Dry Camp and Shore Power? If so switch it to shore power. Dry Camp will charge at 14.4 volts. If none of the above, time for a new controller. This is a good company to deal with:

http://www.amsolar.com/index.html
Leonard Kerns
97' Magna 5418

Re: Inverter charging problem

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 66364
No, it is an older version, the RV-30DE (built by the same people). I am asking them if they have seen this problem and if it can be repaired. In the mean time, I just am gong to keep it disconnected except when dry camping.

Al Colby

2000 Intrigue 10979
 

Re: Inverter charging problem

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 66365
To bad it could not be so easy. Suspect you will need a new controller. Our old one died and would not charge at all. One thing you can do is to look at the back of the control and make sure the wires are all tight. Loose wires might cause it to over charge, mis-read the true battery voltage. Still, as you say, will be cheaper.

Leonard Kerns
97' Magna 5418