Inverter won't power the AC panel

[John McCurdy]

My boat (2017 R25-SC) has three ways to power the AC panel (am I correct to refer to the AC panel as an AC bus?). Shore power, generator, and inverter. When any AC source is available, there's a rotary switch at the helm that will show a green light adjacent to the power source (generator, shore, inverter). When you turn the rotary switch to the power source, the AC volt meter will show voltage (~120), and you can start turning on AC components. There's a main AC power switch and below that there are power switches for each component: HVAC, Microwave, receptacles, etc.. When you select the main AC switch, you'll see a small jump on the voltmeter and then the green light on the switch illuminates. Then as you select individual components you'll get a green light on each respective switch. The component is then powered and will operate. For example, when you select the microwave switch you'll hear a faint beep as the microwave receives power and then you can use it.

Shore power and generator both work just like this.

The inverter has a remote on/off switch at the helm, and when I press it I can hear a beep from the inverter which is in a lazarette in the cockpit. I see the voltage meter go to 120V, and when I activate the main AC toggle switch I see a small jump in voltage. However, the green light doesn't illuminate on the toggle switch and the AC components switch, likewise, don't illuminate. None of the AC components are powered. What's up with this? It used to work.


I haven't tried plugging something directly into the inverter to see if it's providing good power, but I'll try and get back down to the boat today. Meanwhile, has anyone experienced this? I hope I'm just missing something very obvious.

Thank you,
John

 

[Martin610]

Definitely plug something in to check. Even better, use a multi meter to confirm you have about 120 VAC. On mine the factory put in a 120 volt plug on the cable that goes into the inverter, that plug goes to the panel. If that plug is pulled out or too loose, it could be your issue. Also check for corrosion on the plug and conductor going to the panel.

I have had the remote switch fail, so you can try unplugging that switch and using the switch on the inverter itself. That's not likely to be the cause as you say you see 120 on the power panel when you turn on the inverter. Check the panel on the inverter itself.

Just to confirm, you do get 120 volt AC power when using shore power and the generator?

-martin610