Inverter fuse

[Mataji]

My Sterling inverter has stopped supplying mains power unless I’m connected to shore power. When on shore power all is ok, the batteries are charging and mains sockets supply power. I’ve found a fuse which might be dodgy but I’ve not seen one like this before and not sure if it’s the right one. Is anyone familiar with these and can tell from photos if I’m on the right track?

 

[angelmariya]

That’s likely the main 250A inverter battery fuse, test it with a multimeter since they often fail without visible damage.

 

[PaulRainbow]

That's the fuse between the inverter and the batteries,if it has blown, the inverter will not work, but shore power will work. But, the batteries will not charge, although the inverter may indicate that it's charging. Check the fuse with a multimeter.

It is one of these https://uk.farnell.com/littelfuse/157-5701-6201/fuse-fork-lift-truck-200a/dp/307373

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

That's the fuse between the inverter and the batteries,if it has blown, the inverter will not work, but shore power will work. But, the batteries will not charge, although the inverter may indicate that it's charging. Check the fuse with a multimeter.

Is is one of these https://uk.farnell.com/littelfuse/157-5701-6201/fuse-fork-lift-truck-200a/dp/307373

Paul if you look at your link and compare it with OP's photo. It's gone No doubt about that. Problem is what caused it to blow? Could just be age, with repeated stress from switch on inrush current. Hopefully

 

[rightstuff]

Common fuse 250amp belling Lee that one is blown

 

[PaulRainbow]

Paul if you look at your link and compare it with OP's photo. It's gone No doubt about that. Problem is what caused it to blow? Could just be age, with repeated stress from switch on inrush current. Hopefully

Ah, didn't look closely, was on my phone in hospital.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

Ah, didn't look closely, was on my phone in hospital.

Nothing drastic I hope!

 

[PaulRainbow]

Nothing drastic I hope!

Fractured hip, no weight on my left leg for 8 weeks, but luckily no surgery.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

Fractured hip, no weight on my left leg for 8 weeks, but luckily no surgery.

Sorry to hear that Paul.

 

[penberth3]

Fractured hip, no weight on my left leg for 8 weeks, but luckily no surgery.

Oh blimey. Best wishes for a quick recovery.

 

[cpedw]

Fractured hip, no weight on my left leg for 8 weeks, but luckily no surgery.

That's lucky for us numpties - you'll have more time to devote to keeping us right! But really, I hope your recovery is swift and sound.

 

[mrming]

Nasty business Paul - hope you have a swift recovery

 

[Sea Change]

Get well soon Paul

 

[Mataji]

Well, new fuse fitted but still the same. When on shore power the batteries are being charged and mains power is available on the boat. When off shore power - nothing. When I switch the unit on all the lights come on for half a second and then all go dark again. I’ve spoken to Sterling technical help and all they can say is return the unit to them for a service. Not sure what removing the inverter from the system will leave me with, will I still be able to use the boat? Think I might just live with it, the fridge is 12v and the wife will have to live without a hairdryer.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

Well, new fuse fitted but still the same. When on shore power the batteries are being charged and mains power is available on the boat. When off shore power - nothing. When I switch the unit on all the lights come on for half a second and then all go dark again. I’ve spoken to Sterling technical help and all they can say is return the unit to them for a service. Not sure what removing the inverter from the system will leave me with, will I still be able to use the boat? Think I might just live with it, the fridge is 12v and the wife will have to live without a hairdryer.

Looks like something in the inverter has "Blown" that is what caused the fuse to blow. I am assuming the the replacement fuse hasn't blown? Either way there is a fault with the unit.
You have the choice, If you want mains power at sea, have it repaired or get a new one! New one may be cheaper than repair I would be inclined to go down that route, but!

 

[PaulRainbow]

Well, new fuse fitted but still the same. When on shore power the batteries are being charged and mains power is available on the boat. When off shore power - nothing. When I switch the unit on all the lights come on for half a second and then all go dark again. I’ve spoken to Sterling technical help and all they can say is return the unit to them for a service. Not sure what removing the inverter from the system will leave me with, will I still be able to use the boat? Think I might just live with it, the fridge is 12v and the wife will have to live without a hairdryer.

What model of inverter ?

 

[Mataji]

This one.

 

[billskip]

When on shore power the batteries are being charged and mains power is available on the boat.

Do you mean when on shore power the inverter works? Od do you mean mains power available direct from shore power?

 

[PaulRainbow]

This one.

OK. That's an inverter charger. Shore power connects to it, then from it to the 240V. 240V is either "passed through" from the marina supply, or is inverted from the battery supply, depending on the state of the device. If no battery supply (or the voltage is too low) you just get the pass through and the charger works. If using it as an inverter shore power is not passed through and the charger does not work.

Assuming 12V is present at the battery terminals on the device (check with a multimeter) it should work as an inverter, regardless of having shore power present, or not. If no 12V at the input it can only pass shore power through and act as a battery charger. Also, of course, there can bean internal issue preventing the inverter from working, which may be what you have.

Removal is simple enough. First, disconnect the shore power cable, disconnect, not switch off. then remove the main DC fuse. Remove the negative cable from the battery, then the positive, secure these out of the way, not touching each other. Remove the battery cables from the device. Disconnect the incoming shore cable and the outgoing cable, join these 2 cables together, live to live, neutral to neutral and earth to earth, Wago connectors are ideal here. Now you can remove it safely. You will have shore power, but no battery charger.

If you no longer want/need the inverter you could carry on using it as a battery charger, but i would wire it differently, if it completely fails you will lose shore power. I don't think this is the best solution. It's a £650 piece of equipment, so worth getting it looked at, it could be something simple/cheap. If it's too costly and you don't want/need the inverter, just fit a Victron battery charger and leave the Wago connectors in place, suitably secured and sealed.

 

[billskip]

If no battery supply (or the voltage is too low) you just get the pass through and the charger works

Paul that is why I asked the question in post#18...its possible his batteries are low...
See if it works with his engine running..not shore power...maybe the alternator will lift the batteries V up to prove a point.