'14 33-Hybrid Victron Quattro Failure

PeterB40 · 09-05-2023, 12:29 PM

48V/5000W/70A/120VAC. Failed when AirCon running and dock AC inadvertently unplugged in prep. for leaving the dock. I switched the on/off several times - no lights except a brief flash of Inverter and Charging lights, then nothing. Re-plugged the dock 120V, but all AC circuits remained dead as it seems that there is no parallel 120V circuit outside the box.

All 48V fuses intact in the several connection boxes, and I removed the lower (connection) panel of the unit to verifiy that 48VDV was reaching it, but had the dock power unplugged for 120VAC safety in that confined space.

I'm hoping for some feedback about others' experiences with their unit - repair locally, factory service, etc. - and also about the advisability of removing the AC input and output cables from the unit and coupling them together for dockside AC service at least until the unit is sorted.

Thanks for any suggestions here,
Pete

ScottC · 09-05-2023, 12:53 PM

Wow. Unfotunate!
One simple thing to check, if you haven't already: Is the unit switched on?
I'm not trying to insult your intelligence here ;-)
On a number of occasions, I have experienced what seems to be a "dead" Victron charger, only to find that while working in the bilge I, or a mechanic, accidentally bumped the rocker switch on the front of the Victron. It should always be in the "on" position. So - easy to check...and if you're lucky, that's all the problem is!

twistedtree · 09-05-2023, 01:11 PM

And try and off/on cycle with that switch, if you haven’t already.

Also, if there is a practical way to remove the 48V input for a minute or so, that would ensure a full restart.

PeterB40 · 09-05-2023, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottC

Wow. Unfotunate!
One simple thing to check, if you haven't already: Is the unit switched on?
I'm not trying to insult your intelligence here ;-)
On a number of occasions, I have experienced what seems to be a "dead" Victron charger, only to find that while working in the bilge I, or a mechanic, accidentally bumped the rocker switch on the front of the Victron. It should always be in the "on" position. So - easy to check...and if you're lucky, that's all the problem is!

Checked several times, cycled on/off to no effect, took the lower face-plate off yesterday to check connections, and hoped to find a re-set button. Bilge time is hard time!

ScottC · 09-05-2023, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterB40

Checked several times, cycled on/off to no effect, took the lower face-plate off yesterday to check connections, and hoped to find a re-set button. Bilge time is hard time!

Ouch. Then it sounds like you need to get a Victon-knowledgeable specialist involved. In the Victron configuration utility (for which you need a special dongle and software), there is a tick box to be ticked if you want the unit to provide UPS (uninterruptable power supply) funtionality. The scenario you describe makes me wonder if this is ticked "on" (it should be on). But again, if you don't have the software or the dongle, you need to call a Victron specialist to come have a look.

PeterB40 · 09-05-2023, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twistedtree

And try and off/on cycle with that switch, if you haven’t already.

Done - no effect.

Also, if there is a practical way to remove the 48V input for a minute or so, that would ensure a full restart.

Great idea! I'll just remove the 48V pos. battery lead with Victron switch off, then re-connect after a minute or so and turn switch back on.

ScottC · 09-05-2023, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterB40

Great idea! I'll just remove the 48V pos. battery lead with Victron switch off, then re-connect after a minute or so and turn switch back on.

Before removing the cable, try cycling the hybrid/house 48V master switch, if you haven't already.

PeterB40 · 09-05-2023, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottC

Before removing the cable, try cycling the hybrid/house 48V master switch, if you haven't already.

Cycling done several times. Unfortunately the '14 33 model has no external or internal switches to the 48V fuse box inside the aft compartment of the Port seat. That would be too easy!

Pete

twistedtree · 09-05-2023, 01:57 PM

I’m not sure what they protect, but I think I recall seeing a couple of small fuses inside my Quattro. If there are any, removing and testing them is probably worthwhile.

PeterB40 · 09-06-2023, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twistedtree

I’m not sure what they protect, but I think I recall seeing a couple of small fuses inside my Quattro. If there are any, removing and testing them is probably worthwhile.

I saw a couple of things on the right side that might have been fuses, but would have needed neesle-nosed pliers to try extracting in the very cramped un der-deck location, and a not-so-supple 83 yr.-old bod!

I did disconnect the 48V at the lithium batt. with Victron switch off, waited a couple of minutes and re-connected. Turning the unit switch back on, all four LED lights lit up and stayed lit for both the charger and inverter - no flashing. This finding is not covered in the manual's extensive list of error codes. And still no function from charger or inverter - no 120AC with either dock mains plugged or un-plugged. Time to give Victron a call...

Pete

martyc · 09-09-2023, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterB40

I saw a couple of things on the right side that might have been fuses, but would have needed neesle-nosed pliers to try extracting in the very cramped un der-deck location, and a not-so-supple 83 yr.-old bod!

I did disconnect the 48V at the lithium batt. with Victron switch off, waited a couple of minutes and re-connected. Turning the unit switch back on, all four LED lights lit up and stayed lit for both the charger and inverter - no flashing. This finding is not covered in the manual's extensive list of error codes. And still no function from charger or inverter - no 120AC with either dock mains plugged or un-plugged. Time to give Victron a call...

Pete

Pete,
Dumb question. It's not this is it? It may have tripped and not be visible? At least it's easier to get to than the bilge.

ScottC · 09-09-2023, 07:08 AM

That’s the Ground Fault Interruptor. The associated breaker switch just to the left of it should be ”on”, normally. Is it off in your case? If it’s off/tripped, that would certainly result in a lot of things not working!

sunchaser · 09-09-2023, 08:27 AM

I can only but guess as to this problem and solution.

This failure brings to mind the “back pocket” need to bypass problematic inverter chargers so that shore power, gensets, solar and on engine alternators can still function and keep things going. As inverter and battery systems have gotten more complicated, on board in place work arounds are increasingly relevant.

Our inverter bypass switch got us through several interesting issues whether inverter failure or overly sensitive dock GFIC devices. In this OP particular case, a ten year old inverter charger is indeed that - old. Age is not a friend.

PeterB40 · 09-16-2023, 02:05 AM

Thanks, folks, for your many suggestions, unfortunately none of which worked, and with a new (outdated) Victron costing $2200 or more, and no one local to diagnose/repair it nearer than San Fran. Bay, I found a Renogy 48V/3500W (7000W instantaneus)/70A/120VAC inverter/ charger designed for heavy-duty off-the-grid applications with large solar arrays and big 48V battery packs. It's very much lighter @ 26lbs with current technology, selectable battery type, and adjustable parameters. For less than $600 inc. tax!

This morning I hooked it up with the 48Vdc in, and 120VAC in/out leads I had removed from the Victron, set the L-ion charging parameters with the same 54.4V float point, and turned her on - works a charm with AC unplugged from dock! The only remaining problem is finding a gorilla to lift the 66# Victron off its mounting plate at the top so I can mount the Renogy in its place!

Pete