Sterling inverter/charger problem.

[Mataji]

First trip this year out on the boat last week and I find that my inverter will not turn on. While plugged in to shore power there was no problem, batteries fully charged and mains power available in the boat. Away from shore power however the inverter will not turn on. When I flick the switch on the inverter to turn it on all the lights on the front of the inverter light up for about a second then all go off again and no mains power is available. The batteries are fully charged. On return to the marina and to shore power mains are again available.
Anyone any idea what the problem could be? There is nothing plugged in on the boat that could be causing this, all mains sockets on the boat are switched to off.

 

[Stemar]

Could it be a corroded connection somewhere between the battery and the inverter?

 

[Trident]

First check power from the batteries to the inverter - simple things like is the cut off switch (if there is one) on, is the fuse good, are the connections good (and check thoroughly the connections as they could show 12v but have such a poor connection that they cannot flow enough current ) . Start with seeing what voltage is at the input terminals on the inverter. Check if the batteries are actively being charged by the unit now you are back on shore power.

It certainly sounds like the pass through function from mains to sockets is fine and if the batteries are being charged (as opposed to are already fully charged) then the connections should all be good and it's likely an internal fault.

 

[Boater Sam]

Ask Sterling, they are very helpful. How do you switch from shore power to inverter?
If its anything like the other inverter/chargers, Victron for example, there will be a relay inside that does auto change over, they do fail.

 

[Mataji]

Thanks for these replies. The inverter works as it should when on shore power, ie the batteries are being charged and mains appliance works on the boat. I am puzzled by the momentary turning on of all the lights on the inverter when I turn it on while away from shore. It’s as if it turns on but immediately trips out immediately. Does look like an internal fault.
Sterling do have a phone number for technical help, something I didn’t consider. I’ll call them on Monday.