question

carloa avatar image
carloa asked

What happens when Multiplus inverter load is higher than nominal load (overload)?

With a Multiplus 2000, 12V DC, 120V AC, the inverter nominal power is 1600W.


What happens if the inverter load excess the nominal load? (>1600W) Alarm, failure?

at what point is the fuse blown?, at what point is the equipment damaged?


Thanks,

Carlos

Multiplus-IIinverter current draw
2 |3000

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1 Answer
Guy Stewart (Victron Community Manager) avatar image
Guy Stewart (Victron Community Manager) answered ·

Hi @Carloa,

The exact power value of overload will vary depending on temperature, battery voltage, DC ripple, power factor and other things.

As the unit approaches overload, it will trigger a warning, this will not effect the ability for the inverter to provide power, but give you some indication if you are nearby that shutdown overload is close.

Once the unit has exceeded one of the overload parameters (typically current limit or AC voltage drop), it will go into an overload alarm state.

The overload alarm state will switch off the AC output to the loads, after 30 seconds, the inverter will attempt to restart. If the overload condition has cleared, it will return normal operation.

If it has not cleared, the unit will overload again.

This will repeat 3 times, with 30 seconds between each retry.

After the 3rd overload shutdown alarm, the inverter will not attempt to restart automatically. You will need to manually reset the inverter.

It should not be possible under normal operation to blow any internal fuses. The software/firmware protections will stop the inverter before an internal fuse is blown. If an internal fuse DOES blow, it may indicate some other issue. Appropriate, accessible external fuses should always be installed to the rating of the connecting battery cables, they should be sized to blow before any internal fuse does (internal fuse ratings are in the manual for each unit).

Correctly installed equipment should not be damaged by connecting an excessive load, even a short circuit fault load. Though not recommend of course.

Damage can occur from excessive over voltage on DC, reverse polarity on DC, excessive uncontrolled external heat (eg installed in an unventilated engine room), water, rodent, or dust ingress, physical shock, and very old age (capacitance expiration).

4 comments
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carloa avatar image carloa commented ·

Great detailed answer! exactly what I needed to know.

Thanks a lot.

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krishn-raj avatar image krishn-raj commented ·

Thank you for your answers on the Overload issue:

"Correctly installed equipment should not be damaged by connecting an excessive load, even a short circuit fault load. Though not recommend of course"

A customer connects a welding plant on a 24V 1600VA Multiplus, why would it blow its mosfets even with internal and external safety features and devices. Happened 2 weeks ago and the inverter is under warranty, should customer be awarded a replcement?


Customer side of story: It was an accident of connecting on that particular GPO but he did mention of the welding plant running for atleast 15 mins but the ability to melt welding rod was not good, before the Inverter gave up. Why?


Thank You once again.


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Guy Stewart (Victron Community Manager) avatar image Guy Stewart (Victron Community Manager) ♦♦ krishn-raj commented ·

Hi @Krishn Raj,

If you are in doubt about a fault being suitable for warranty or not, we have a pre-RMA procedure which should be able to answer it.

Please first read the instructions here - https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/Pre-RMA_Bench_Test_Instructions/en/introduction.html

And if you are suitably qualified, then you can follow the proceedure;

https://www.victronenergy.com/media/pg/Pre-RMA_Bench_Test_Instructions/en/pre-rma-test-form---inverter-charger.html

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krishn-raj avatar image krishn-raj Guy Stewart (Victron Community Manager) ♦♦ commented ·

Guy, Thank you. Its the season when people demand things and hoped it had happened yesterday.

I did go through your Pre RMA test form and confirm that the unit, has failed Mosfets. No sign of any physical damages. Its clean in side out. No oil , No soot not even any type of residue. Its was 16 months old. I have worked on inverters in the past, as installer and also as service personal but this looks like a factory issue.
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