Troubleshooting when the inverter is not working

If you live away from the public grid and only have DC power, an inverter is a must. The same applies if you and your family are traveling in an RV or campervan to experience nature. A power inverter can easily convert DC power into AC power.

However, due to the many uncertainties in the working environment of the inverter, the inverter may be damaged due to various unexpected reasons, and the warranty period has expired. You have no choice but to repair it yourself, so this article is suitable for you. We will discuss with you how to troubleshoot a failed inverter and try to get it working again.

Why does my inverter have no AC output?

Understanding all the reasons why your inverter can go wrong will help you find the real reason why your inverter is not working properly. Here are the most common reasons why an inverter stops working or doesn’t work properly:

Faulty battery connection: The battery connected to the inverter may have a loose connection or no connection at all.

Voltage input is too high or too low: The input voltage of the battery is lower than the normal working voltage of the inverter.

Battery terminal corrosion: If you use the inverter for a considerable period of time, the battery terminals may corrode due to moisture or hydrogen gas release.

Faulty power switch: If your inverter is not receiving power at all, the fault may be with the power switch on the inverter.

Dead battery: Maybe the problem isn’t with the inverter at all; instead, your battery may not have enough charge to begin with.

Blown fuse: If you are using it with permanent terminals and the oscillator suddenly fails, the fault may be a blown fuse!

Temperature is too high: If the temperature of the inverter is too high during operation, the internal thermal protection mechanism may be activated, causing the inverter to suspend operation.

Internal fault: Failure of the inverter’s internal circuits, such as the power circuit, control circuit, or power circuit, will also result in the inability to output AC power.

How do troubleshoot？

After understanding the above common causes of inverter failures, we can use troubleshooting methods to restore the inverter to work:

1. Check whether a fault code appears on the inverter display (if any)
   Usually, the user manual of the inverter will explain the meaning of each fault code to help users troubleshoot the cause of the fault. JCPOWER’s inverters have the function of displaying fault codes to facilitate user troubleshooting.
2. Check the power supply. Make sure the power source (such as a battery or solar panel) provides sufficient voltage and current. Use a multimeter to measure the inverter input terminal voltage. If the voltage is too low, recharge or replace the batteries, or check the solar panel connections.
3. Check cables and connections. Make sure all cables and connections are secure and not damaged. Loose or corroded connections can cause power outages or interruptions. Tighten any loose connections and use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any corrosion.
4. Check the fuse. Power inverters are usually equipped with fuses to protect against overcurrent. If the inverter won’t turn on or supply power, check the fuses. Replace any blown fuses with appropriate ratings and types. See the inverter manual for the location of the fuse.
5. Test the inverter under no load. Disconnect any devices or appliances from the inverter and turn them on. Use a multimeter to measure the AC voltage at the inverter output terminals. If the voltage is not present or is significantly lower than the rated output, the inverter may have an internal fault.
6. Check for overheating. Overheating may cause the power inverter to shut down or perform poorly. Make sure the inverter is well ventilated and not placed in direct sunlight or near other heat sources. Remove any dust or debris from the cooling vents and make sure the fans (if present) are functioning properly.
7. Reset the inverter. Some power inverters have a reset button or switch. If your inverter has one, turn it off, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on. This can help reset internal circuitry and resolve minor issues.

Conclusion

Power inverters bring convenience to your power conversion by helping you run your devices on DC power even if they run on AC power. When an inverter fails, you need to use troubleshooting methods to find out what is really causing the inverter to stop working, and then judge whether you can solve it yourself, or consult a professional repairman.