Power Inverter Possible Problems and Remedies

The following problems may occur when you are running your power inverter, so it’s better to be prepared and know what to look for when it happens.

First Problem:  You bought a power inverter and hooked it up to the battery.  Eventually, you notice that the battery run time is less than expected.  Here are some possible causes and suggested remedies for this problem.

CAUSE:   The AC product power consumption is higher than rated.

REMEDY:  Use a larger battery to make up for increased power requirement.

CAUSE:  The battery is old or defective.

REMEDY:  Replace the battery.

CAUSE:  Battery is not being properly charged.

REMEDY:  Many simple chargers are unable to charge a battery fully.  Replace your charger with a better model.

CAUSE:  Power dissipation in the DC cables.

REMEDY:  Use shorter/heavier DC cables.

Second Problem:  This time, after you hook up the power inverter to the battery, the AC product will not operate and/or the red FAULT light comes on.  Here are some possible causes and suggested remedies for this problem.

CAUSE:  AC product(s) connected are rated at more than the rated continuous output power and overload shutdown has occurred.

REMEDY:  Use a product with a power rating less than the rated continuous output power of your inverter, or get an inverter with more output power.

CAUSE:  AC product is rated less than the rated continuous output power, but the high starting surge has caused overload shutdown.

REMEDY:  Your product exceeds the inverter’s surge capability.  Use a product that has starting surge power within the inverter’s capability.

CAUSE:  Your battery is discharged (alarm is sounding).

REMEDY:  Recharge the battery or use another battery that is fully charged.

CAUSE:  The inverter has overheated due to poor ventilation and this has caused over temperature shutdown.

REMEDY:  Switch the inverter OFF and allow it to cool for 15 minutes.  Cleared a blocked fan or remove objects covering unit.  Move the unit to a cooler environment.  Reduce the load if continuous operation is required and RESTART the inverter.

CAUSE:  The input voltage is greater than 17.0V.

REMEDY:  Verify that the charging system is properly regulated and the battery is 12V DC nominal.

I hope these problems never happen to you, but if they should, you will know what to look for and hopefully, be able to solve them.  You can find more tips, information and suggestions at my website, Energy Igloo.

Evolving Into Today’s Environment

Like many others, Energy Igloo has joined the fight to help save our planet.  They have recently added some products that use only solar power.

You can now find a portable, solar powered inverter and battery pack available from Xantrex.  The XPower Powerpack Solar is the first portable power pack that incorporates solar power in a compact, portable power source.  It’s completely self-renewing, which means the detachable 5-watt solar panel has the ability to recharge the power pack’s 10 amp-hour battery.

The 5-watt solar panel captures, stores and converts the sun’s renewable energy, replenishes the XPower Powerpack Solar’s battery, and extends the runtime of many devices by up to 25 percent.

Now available from Go Power! are solar charging kits for RV’s.  They keep your batteries charged and healthy.  Full Batteries give you the freedom to run lights, furnaces, fans and more DC appliances without the worry of running out of power.  Watch TV, DVDs, play video games with healthy batteries you don’t have to give up the comforts you are used to wherever you choose to stay.  The rugged durability of their solar panels guarantee you’ll generate solar power everywhere you go.  All components you need to set up your solar charging system are included in every Go Power! Solar Charging Kit.

Energy Igloo has also added other new products that allow you to take the power with you, wherever you go.  We all need electricity to run our ever expanding inventory of electronic gadgets and a power inverter is the way to have that electricity when it’s needed.

Reliable Power With Douglas Guardian Batteries

Our need for batteries continues to grow. We need them for toys, alarm systems, emergency lighting, machine operation, wheelchairs, medical equipment, telecommunications and UPS systems, just to name a few. Energy Igloo features the Douglas Guardian® 12 volt batteries to use with a power inverter. These are great batteries to use for backup electricity, during power outages, or to take with you when regular electricity isn’t available.

The valve regulated, spill-proof construction of the Guardian® line allows trouble-free safe operation in any position. These batteries use state of the art design, high-grade materials and a controlled plate manufacturing process to provide excellent capacity output per cell.

The main features of these 12 volt batteries are:

Maintenance-Free, Spill Resistant Construction – Never need to add water. Battery can be installed in any position without fear of leakage.

Longer Service Life - Heavy-duty lead calcium alloy provides longer life and an extra margin of performance.

Longer Shelf Life – A fully charged battery can be stored up to a year without recharging. (Under normal operating conditions at room temperature).

High Recovery Capacity From Deep Discharge – Special separators, advanced high density plate composition combined with balanced electrolyte have greatly improved recovery time.

No Memory Effect – Delivers full capacity when required whether used in cyclic or stand-by applications.

Wide Operating Temperatures – The Guardian Battery will operate from -40°C (-40°F) to 60°C (140°F) when fully charged.

Fold-Down Suitcase Handle - Handle may be folded in either direction for maximum fit and ease of storage.

These batteries perform well both at low and high temperatures. For maximum life, temperature compensation is recommended when the operating temperature is outside the range of 68° to 77°F (20° to 25°C).

The shelf life is affected by temperature. The lower the storage temperature, the longer the shelf life. A low self-discharge rate (about 3% capacity per month) permits storage of fully charged batteries for up to 1 year at room temperature before charging is required.

Recharge time depends on the current available and the depth of discharge. Recommended charge voltage is – Float Use: 2.25-2.30 Vpc, Cycle Use: 2.40-2.45 Vpc.

If you are in need of a good 12 volt battery, I would highly recommend the batteries featured on the Energy Igloo website.

Energy Igloo Using New Sources

Energy Igloo is now going to be found in new shopping and auction sites.  We have uploaded our inventory on Shopzilla.com and hope this will bring in even more customers.

Our eBay store is really doing well, but the fees do cut into the profits a lot, so we are also using a new auction website called Wensy.com and have a store there as well.  Wensy is a free website with the same setup as eBay and they also use Paypal, which is very helpful.

I hope you’ll come visit our new store and also check us out on Shopzilla.  The Wensy.com store is also named Energy Igloo, which is the same as our eBay store and our website.