Charles Inverter Blowing Fuses

[remwines]

I have a Charles 93-ACP1220 2000W True Sine Wave inverter that has worked well for 5 years, but recently has blown the 300ANL fuses. This an inverter only, no charger. I disconnected it from the 120VAC circuit and had the unit turned off, but when I momentarily jump across the ANL posts, there was an arc as if it was shorted. I removed it from the boat and opened the cover. There are no obvious signs of damage or burnt smell. Charles no longer makes inverters, but I sent a message to their tech assistance last week anyways. No response yet and really do not expect any. I have 4' long 2/0 cables from the battery bank to the inverter. I have a Snap On battery load test at home and will take it to the boat next time I go there to see if there is a shorted cell. Any ideas on what inverter component may have failed?

 

[kchace]

One or more of the main FETs has probably shorted. It’s probably the only section that can draw that kind of current without obviously burning up.

Ken

 

[remwines]

Thanks kchace. Had to look up FET (field effect transistor). It has many of these MOSFET's. Too many to want to un-solder and test individually. Though Charles is no longer making inverters, I found that the Vanner, Inc. IT12-2000 physically looks identical to the Charles inverter with a label change. So it could be that segment of Charles was bought by Vanner. I'll call Vanner on Monday to see if they are the same and where to take it for repair.

 

[CharlieJ]

The Vanner IT12-2000; 2000W; $2850.

Some alternatives:
Victron MultiPlus 3kW inverter/charger: $1388
Victron Phoenix Inverter 12/3000 120V VE.BUS: $1349

 

[High Wire]

Maybe a shorted electrolytic capacitor?

 

[remwines]

The Vanner IT12-2000; 2000W; $2850.

Some alternatives:
Victron MultiPlus 3kW inverter/charger: $1388
Victron Phoenix Inverter 12/3000 120V VE.BUS: $1349

I like having a true or pure sine wave inverter, but there is really no 120VAC scientific or sensitive electronic equipment in the boat at this time. Just the usual laptop computer, smart tv's and other stuff. I would not pay for what they are asking for a new Vanner. I bought this inverter 5-6 years ago, new in box at a consignment chandlery for $500. Has worked flawlessly until now and if it is not too expensive to fix, I would opt for that. Having an extra 1k watts would be nice though. I did bench test it in my shop and it seems to be fine, so I still have to rule out problems on the boat. Will do that in a week or so. Will check out the Victron's in the meantime.