Hi everyone, I'm so new to this forum and also to solar!

Okay so I have a butchery. I installed a luxpower 5.5kw inverter, and 5kw Greenrich lithium battery in our office, without any panels. I did this to act as UPS backup when loadshedding hits.

Okay so I installed myself, the company I bought the system from did the inverter settings, and checked my installation. Everything works as supposed to, but after the installation, we started getting issues. We have 4 computers, one blown a power supply, we have an old school till, which keeps on blowing fuses, and an amp also keeps on blowing fuses.

We checked the connections, input voltage and wiring, all is perfect. The only solution thus far, is I wired in our old online ups AFTER the inverter. But the moment I remove it, fuses keeps blowing again. I also noticed that sometimes when loadsheddding hits, the ups complains about no power supply, so somehow the inverter disconnects the power too?

This all happens either with the eskom to loadshedding changeover, or with loadshedding to eskom. In other words, with the changeovers.

 

Can anyone maybe help me on a solution, with this? I did a google search yesterday, and came across 2 posts on this forum about the same issue of blowing fuses, same brand inverter too. But both didn't have replies.

Anyone can guide me?

Thanks

Have you checked the Output voltage of the inverter?

Do you have access to the inverter's webpage? that you can do a screenshot of the settings

 

I am having exactly the same issue on my gate motor. The day I got an electrician to install it the gate motor started with its problems. First the transformer circuit board got fried and since replacing it I have had 4 fuses blowing. Any ideas would be appreciated 

Fuses are installed to disconnect power from equipment that went faulty.  This is to protect the equipment from more catastrophic failure and potential fire.

In your case we can assume that your computers, till, etc. are NOT faulty.  So what other (outside) factors could cause the fuses to blow?  I can think of the following:

1. Continues over-voltage, you can rule this out if you measured the output voltage correctly;
2. Very high voltage transients - normally less than a few milliseconds - a multimeter would not register these;
3. Very high harmonics riding on top of the 50Hz AC sine wave - for instance from so-called modified Sinewave Inverters - your 5KVA inverter is a true sinewave inverter, so no, very unlikely.
4. A large DC component added to your 230VAC output.

Let me explain point (4).  Imagine that by some very, very strange wiring fault, you would connect your 48VDC battery in series with your inverters 230VAC.  Chances are you would blow up the inverter, but depending on the inverter's topology such as fully isolated DC/DC boost inverters, etc. one could maybe get it right.  If you where to measure AC voltage, you would measure 230V.  The meter would ignore the DC component.  If you where to measure on DC, your meter would show 48VDC, ignoring the AC component (your meter might also not like this).  Your equipment would see very excessive voltages and would certainly start sweating, or get ready to release some smoke, entrapped within the components.

I have mentioned point 4 for completeness sake.  I don't for a moment consider this a likely or possible situation.  However, I like to throw my net wide open.... at least it is food for thought and could trigger someone else to get an ah-ha moment.

So in conclusion, point 2 is the most likely.  But why?  How?  Well, I don't know,  BUT seeing that you did the installation yourself, make sure you have a good earth to your inverter.  This is the 2nd time today I mention earth as a possible culprit.

During switch-over, you are for a moment in a no-mans land until the relay contacts have slammed over.  A bad or no earth connection would allow for possible (or much larger than normal) inductive or capacitively induced spikes.  Electronics make extensive use of negative feedback control loops, to keep the system stable.  This requires good earth references.

11 hours ago, Modina said:

4. A large DC component added to your 230VAC output.

I suspect this could be it - likely the SPWM generator does not get serviced for a while and it continues generating the last value - which will be DC.

@P1000 I would hope that some sort of hardware watchdog would be implemented to prevent this.  A DC-only output, as well as large DC offsets on top of 230VAC would be the end of any wound component such as a motor or conventional mains transformer.

SMPS supplies would normally not mind DC or DC+AC as long as the voltages are not too high - and not too low.

Just now, Modina said:

I would hope that some sort of hardware watchdog would be implemented to prevent this.

I agree, but the evidence suggests otherwise.

On 2023/03/01 at 8:29 PM, Modina said:

...
4. A large DC component added to your 230VAC output.

...

Hi,

Is this not the reason for the B-type RCD (earth leakage protection against residual AC currents, pulsating DC currents and smooth DC currents) being specified (IEC 62109-1) as the only RCD to be used with inverters?

Edit: I was looking for these the other day but could not find any. Anybody knows where to buy in SA?

Edited March 6, 20233 yr by ChrisDieVis

Hi Folks. I also have Lux SNA5000 and Shoto battery (no PV's). Everything works well, except two 'problems' when Eskom goes off and inverter/battery kicks in: (1) if eg washing machine is running, there is a loud 'thump' sound then all fine. Just that second.  (2) I have an old hifi rack system, if it's playing when Eskom goes off, the 0.800A fuse pops on the amplifier when the inverter kicks in. I've even got an Ellies surge protect plug which does not help. I've contacted Ellies, no idea. However the Lux agent in Cape Town told me: The surge power on switching is 2,3A (tested by Intertek) and that I need to install a UPS to solve the problem, as Luxpower unfortunately do not have a solution at this point. So they are aware, but don't know how to fix it!!! Luckily it's not impacting eg TV or other items (maybe newer technology than my old amp?) I'm wary of doing software updates, as it's running well besides these 2 issues and don't want to create new problems I've read about. My sparky also has no idea how to resolve this. Would the ideas mentioned byHenkFR in the previous post...items 1 and 2, be able to solve this?  Do you maybe get such a thing as a small trip switch with can be placed at the wall plug, so I don’t need to unscrew and replace the fuse every time? Any advice appreciated.

28 minutes ago, JohnCT said:

Hi Folks. I also have Lux SNA5000 and Shoto battery (no PV's). Everything works well, except two 'problems' when Eskom goes off and inverter/battery kicks in: (1) if eg washing machine is running, there is a loud 'thump' sound then all fine. Just that second.  (2) I have an old hifi rack system, if it's playing when Eskom goes off, the 0.800A fuse pops on the amplifier when the inverter kicks in. I've even got an Ellies surge protect plug which does not help. I've contacted Ellies, no idea. However the Lux agent in Cape Town told me: The surge power on switching is 2,3A (tested by Intertek) and that I need to install a UPS to solve the problem, as Luxpower unfortunately do not have a solution at this point. So they are aware, but don't know how to fix it!!! Luckily it's not impacting eg TV or other items (maybe newer technology than my old amp?) I'm wary of doing software updates, as it's running well besides these 2 issues and don't want to create new problems I've read about. My sparky also has no idea how to resolve this. Would the ideas mentioned byHenkFR in the previous post...items 1 and 2, be able to solve this?  Do you maybe get such a thing as a small trip switch with can be placed at the wall plug, so I don’t need to unscrew and replace the fuse every time? Any advice appreciated.

What do you have set as the AC input range?

Not sure this would make any difference but worth a try:

 

I'd suggest having it set to UPS as per the above screenshot.

Edited August 30, 20232 yr by PsyCLown

8 minutes ago, PsyCLown said:

What do you have set as the AC input range?

Not sure this would make any difference but worth a try:

 

I'd suggest having it set to UPS as per the above screenshot.

@JohnCTI agree with @PsyCLown if Apl is selected change the setting to ups it might make a diffrence.

16 minutes ago, PsyCLown said:

What do you have set as the AC input range?

Not sure this would make any difference but worth a try:

 

I'd suggest having it set to UPS as per the above screenshot.

Hi. Thanks.  I don't see an AC input range, but will look again. the EPS Voltage Set is 208.

Looking at Eskom input, it's now 240.6Vac / 56w / 49.82hz

Software version 2.9.9.

Will try find the AC range.

31 minutes ago, JohnCT said:

Hi. Thanks.  I don't see an AC input range, but will look again. the EPS Voltage Set is 208.

Looking at Eskom input, it's now 240.6Vac / 56w / 49.82hz

Software version 2.9.9.

Will try find the AC range.

I would suggest you set the EPS voltage to 230v or 240v - I feel you want it to be as close to the grid voltage as possible

My voltage from Eskom is generally between 226v to 240v and I have set EPS voltage to 230v as a happy medium. 208v is quite low and could have an affect on appliances in a negative way - ie. a toaster taking longer to toast and microwave taking longer to heat.

 

Your amp for example, if the PSU side is not regulated then you would not get your full rated output as the voltage after the transformer would be lower at 208v from the inverter vs 240v from Eskom.

 

If you want to update your inverter to the latest firmware, your installer would need to do the update from their account.

I updated my inverters to the latest firmware and did not notice any bugs - however I only have solar panels connected and no batteries yet.

 

EDIT: Also make sure you click on "read" before making changes otherwise it may not display the correct settings.

 

Edited August 30, 20232 yr by PsyCLown

2 minutes ago, PsyCLown said:

I would suggest you set the EPS voltage to 230v or 240v - I feel you want it to be as close to the grid voltage as possible

My voltage from Eskom is generally between 226v to 240v and I have set EPS voltage to 230v as a happy medium. 208v is quite low and could have an affect on appliances in a negative way - ie. a toaster taking longer to toast and microwave taking longer to heat.

 

Your amp for example, if the PSU side is not regulated then you would not get your full rated output as the voltage after the transformer would be lower at 208v from the inverter vs 240v from Eskom.

Thanks, I'll try changing it to 230. As long as I don't burn the house done. As for the UPS range - when I log on, I don't see that field - maybe you have a different model or newer software? My electrical knowledge is as far as changing a light bulb or wiring a plug. 

14 minutes ago, PsyCLown said:

I would suggest you set the EPS voltage to 230v or 240v - I feel you want it to be as close to the grid voltage as possible

My voltage from Eskom is generally between 226v to 240v and I have set EPS voltage to 230v as a happy medium. 208v is quite low and could have an affect on appliances in a negative way - ie. a toaster taking longer to toast and microwave taking longer to heat.

 

Your amp for example, if the PSU side is not regulated then you would not get your full rated output as the voltage after the transformer would be lower at 208v from the inverter vs 240v from Eskom.

 

If you want to update your inverter to the latest firmware, your installer would need to do the update from their account.

I updated my inverters to the latest firmware and did not notice any bugs - however I only have solar panels connected and no batteries yet.

 

EDIT: Also make sure you click on "read" before making changes otherwise it may not display the correct settings.

Thanks for the tip about clicking "read".... guess what, it is actually already set to 230.

@JohnCT Glad it is set to 230v, that sounds a lot better than 208v.

You could try connecting to your inverter "locally", in order to do this you need to connect your phone to the Luxpower dongle WiFi (you will see the same code as on the dongle, it would read something like BA13512350). Then once you are connected to that WiFi, on your Luxpower app click on logout and then on the login screen click on Local Connect and it might give you this option then.

 

If not, reach out to your installer and they can check and make the change for you remotely.

6 minutes ago, PsyCLown said:

@JohnCT Glad it is set to 230v, that sounds a lot better than 208v.

You could try connecting to your inverter "locally", in order to do this you need to connect your phone to the Luxpower dongle WiFi (you will see the same code as on the dongle, it would read something like BA13512350). Then once you are connected to that WiFi, on your Luxpower app click on logout and then on the login screen click on Local Connect and it might give you this option then.

 

If not, reach out to your installer and they can check and make the change for you remotely.

I have the app and checked that first via my phone, but the info there is very limited. Thanks again for the comments and training session - I'll need to try my installer again, this time for the UPS setting which you and TaliaB suggested. Maybe others might also post how they resolved similar issues.

 

@JohnCT I have the same problem with my amp fuse. It blows when Eskom power goes off and Inverter takes over. Have you found a way to fix this yet? It is very annoying! I also don't have that AC input range setting on mine

On 2024/02/24 at 9:31 PM, Rust said:

@JohnCT I have the same problem with my amp fuse. It blows when Eskom power goes off and Inverter takes over. Have you found a way to fix this yet? It is very annoying! I also don't have that AC input range setting on mine

@Rust - unfortunately not. I've asked various electrical shops and installers and even the local Lux agent - no defined solution other than adding a UPS. I'm a bit wary of doing software updates or fiddling with the settings, because every else works fine. It's only my 30yr old amp which keeps popping (maybe old technology is more sensitive). Me workaround was to buy a packet of fuses which I swop out every time. Cost effective, but a nuisance. 

If you find a solution, please share it here. Good luck.

3 hours ago, JohnCT said:

@Rust - unfortunately not. I've asked various electrical shops and installers and even the local Lux agent - no defined solution other than adding a UPS. I'm a bit wary of doing software updates or fiddling with the settings, because every else works fine. It's only my 30yr old amp which keeps popping (maybe old technology is more sensitive). Me workaround was to buy a packet of fuses which I swop out every time. Cost effective, but a nuisance. 

If you find a solution, please share it here. Good luck.

From what we could gather it is when equipment have a transformer PSU and not switched mode which is normally happy with the 120-260V range. 

May be contact Solar Europe manager. It seems new firmware is available. This we heard from a manager who visited them. 

On 2023/08/30 at 1:48 PM, JohnCT said:

Hi Folks. I also have Lux SNA5000 and Shoto battery (no PV's). Everything works well, except two 'problems' when Eskom goes off and inverter/battery kicks in: (1) if eg washing machine is running, there is a loud 'thump' sound then all fine. Just that second.  (2) I have an old hifi rack system, if it's playing when Eskom goes off, the 0.800A fuse pops on the amplifier when the inverter kicks in. I've even got an Ellies surge protect plug which does not help. I've contacted Ellies, no idea. However the Lux agent in Cape Town told me: The surge power on switching is 2,3A (tested by Intertek) and that I need to install a UPS to solve the problem, as Luxpower unfortunately do not have a solution at this point. So they are aware, but don't know how to fix it!!! Luckily it's not impacting eg TV or other items (maybe newer technology than my old amp?) I'm wary of doing software updates, as it's running well besides these 2 issues and don't want to create new problems I've read about. My sparky also has no idea how to resolve this. Would the ideas mentioned byHenkFR in the previous post...items 1 and 2, be able to solve this?  Do you maybe get such a thing as a small trip switch with can be placed at the wall plug, so I don’t need to unscrew and replace the fuse every time? Any advice appreciated.

I have exactly the same problem. .5A fuse blowing on amplifier regularly. Lux software updates has not solved the issue which seems to occur when load is from grid because total load exceeds EPS inverter max 4kW and loadshedding happens. (Washing machine plus kettle plus other eg) I have now just put in  a 1A fuse (not wise) as a last resort (my Amp is 40 years old). My Eskom input voltage is 240 volts in Knysna. There is a noticeable drop in brightness of lights from Eskom to EPS at 220V

On 2023/03/01 at 8:29 PM, Modina said:

Fuses are installed to disconnect power from equipment that went faulty.  This is to protect the equipment from more catastrophic failure and potential fire.

In your case we can assume that your computers, till, etc. are NOT faulty.  So what other (outside) factors could cause the fuses to blow?  I can think of the following:

1. Continues over-voltage, you can rule this out if you measured the output voltage correctly;
2. Very high voltage transients - normally less than a few milliseconds - a multimeter would not register these;
3. Very high harmonics riding on top of the 50Hz AC sine wave - for instance from so-called modified Sinewave Inverters - your 5KVA inverter is a true sinewave inverter, so no, very unlikely.
4. A large DC component added to your 230VAC output.

Let me explain point (4).  Imagine that by some very, very strange wiring fault, you would connect your 48VDC battery in series with your inverters 230VAC.  Chances are you would blow up the inverter, but depending on the inverter's topology such as fully isolated DC/DC boost inverters, etc. one could maybe get it right.  If you where to measure AC voltage, you would measure 230V.  The meter would ignore the DC component.  If you where to measure on DC, your meter would show 48VDC, ignoring the AC component (your meter might also not like this).  Your equipment would see very excessive voltages and would certainly start sweating, or get ready to release some smoke, entrapped within the components.

I have mentioned point 4 for completeness sake.  I don't for a moment consider this a likely or possible situation.  However, I like to throw my net wide open.... at least it is food for thought and could trigger someone else to get an ah-ha moment.

So in conclusion, point 2 is the most likely.  But why?  How?  Well, I don't know,  BUT seeing that you did the installation yourself, make sure you have a good earth to your inverter.  This is the 2nd time today I mention earth as a possible culprit.

During switch-over, you are for a moment in a no-mans land until the relay contacts have slammed over.  A bad or no earth connection would allow for possible (or much larger than normal) inductive or capacitively induced spikes.  Electronics make extensive use of negative feedback control loops, to keep the system stable.  This requires good earth references.

Good evening,do you have surge protection on your supply side 

On 2024/03/09 at 11:14 AM, Warwick H said:

I have exactly the same problem. .5A fuse blowing on amplifier regularly. Lux software updates has not solved the issue which seems to occur when load is from grid because total load exceeds EPS inverter max 4kW and loadshedding happens. (Washing machine plus kettle plus other eg) I have now just put in  a 1A fuse (not wise) as a last resort (my Amp is 40 years old). My Eskom input voltage is 240 volts in Knysna. There is a noticeable drop in brightness of lights from Eskom to EPS at 220V

Hi Warwick. Let me know how the 1A fuse works. As you say, it's not wise, but I'm curious to outcome.

13 hours ago, David Hird said:

Good evening,do you have surge protection on your supply side 

Hi All. To add to my initial problem of fuses blowing, I did a test. Just before load shedding, I turned the volume right down to pretty much 0 (but amp was left on). Load shedding started and inverter kicked in..... fuse did not blow, I then increased volume and all was fine. Not sure if this gives any better idea as to the cause?

My earth is good. Electrician put in a new earth spike when he wired the inverter to the DB board (with surge protect). Cheers.