Smoky Xantrex

[sfchallenger]

Hi All,

My Xantrex 1800w inverter crapped the bed on me a few months ago. It literally started smoking. I've left it turned off since then but a few weeks ago it started freaking out and clicking freneticly after I turned the VCR on while plugged in to shore power. I unplugged, then turned AC power off, tested a few times, with the same result. I've since disconnected the AC side completely, AC shore power was previously run through the unit.

My questions are:

Is this thing user-serviceable at all?

Is what I've read about Xantrex's customer service apathy level true? The unit is about five years old and was purchased by the boat's previous owner so I'm not expecting a warranty.

What would you replace this with? 1800 watts is probably enough for my needs, although a little more wouldn't hurt.

Is there any unfair strain placed on the unit by running shore power through? Any advantage to adding isolation switching?

Thanks in advance for your help and insight.

Cheers,
h

[mitiempo]

Hi

It might be serviceable, try the marine dealers for Xantrex or other inverters in your area and ask who they recommend for service. But no it is not user serviceable unless you are a qualified tech yourself.

There should not be any additional strain on the inverter with the AC shorepower running through it I don't think - the internal transfer switch switches it off when shorepower is present.

As far as isolating it, that really requires either a source selector switch or dedicated AC outlets fed by the inverter.

What would you replace it with? That depends - what are you planning on running with it?

[sfchallenger]

Thanks for the reply mytime,

I asked about isolation because of the odd side effect when I put a load on the inverter and in resulted in it freaking out. I imagine I could wire up a source selector fairly easily, even a series of toggle switches could do the trick I think.

As far as service, I have some micro-electric repair experience, am comfortable soldering on a board, but really don't know where I'd start to look inside this thing for likely faults. I suppose the burn marks might be a good indicator?

From your post, I'm guessing that taking it apart and identifying the internal transfer switch might be a good start.

As far as desired output, it would be great to be able to run my two 110v mini-fridges for a few hours a day at sea, probably coordinated with the engine running at least part of the time for recharging. We have a 110v stereo that would be a nice amenity as well. Beyond that, a laptop or two recharging for an hour or more would be great.

Thanks for the input,

Cheers,
h

[mitiempo]

A series of toggle switches may work but are not recommended and would be dangerous. There must be no possibility of having both shorepower and the inverter on at the same time. A source selection switch is shown below.

If you don't know your way around the inside of an inverter I wouldn't recommend trying to fix it yourself.

How many watts do you think you will need at any one time?

[sfchallenger]

Hi mitiempo,

Thanks for the advice,

I doubt I'd ever draw more than 1000 to 1200 watts at once, although I'd like to leave a margin in there for start up loads, etc. If I ever had to run a power tool to effect an emergency repair I could see drawing 1500w, with a possible start up peak of 2000w. This scenerio is based on the idea of having to run a skillsaw on board at sea to cut a replacement hatch cover, temporary rudder, etc. Unlikely in the extreme, as I wouldn't put to sea without these items fabricated, but peace of mind.

Cheers,
h

[mitiempo]

I would replace it, if you do, with one of about the same size. The next level of inverter gets a bit pricey. I would wire the same way it is now, AC input through the inverter to the main panel. The shorepower should go through a breaker before the inverter, 30 amps max for one of 1800 watt output.

[sfchallenger]

Thanks for the insight mitiempo,

Any recommendations on a brand you like? I'm reluctant to shell out for another Xantrex based on what I've heard about the company changing hands and spotty service record over the last few years.

Cheers,
h

[SlowButSteady]

1) Electricity is really just smoke, trapped in wires.

2) Once you let the smoke out of the wires of anything electric, it very rarely works anymore (as getting the smoke back in the wires is worse than getting toothpaste back in a tube).

Obviously, you've let the smoke out of the wires of your inverter -- time to get a new one.

[mitiempo]

I install mostly Xantrex inverters, actually started the install of a 1800HF inverter/charger today. I haven't had any problems with Xantrex or their products but I have heard the same you have.

It is hard to get away from Xantrex actually. Magnum's are all inverter/chargers and are in the same category as the Freedom series from Xantrex - and expensive. There are dozens of no-name products available but in my experience they are nowhere the quality of the Xantrex product.

[mitiempo]

Slow

Good post.