Troubleshooting
975-0125-02-01 4–15
Inverter Applications
The Xanbus system performs differently depending on the AC loads connected to
it. If you are having problems with any of your loads, read this section. The
Xanbus system perform differently based on different loads.

Resistive Loads

These are the loads that the in verter finds the simplest and m ost efficient to drive.
Voltage and current are in phase, which means they are in step with one another.
Resistive loads usually generate heat in order to accomplish their tasks. Toasters,
coffee pots, and incandescent lights are typical resistive loads. It is usually
impractical to run larger resistive loads—such as electric stove and water
heaters—from an inverter due to their high current requirements. Even though the
inverter may be able to accommodate the load, the size of battery bank required
would be impractical if the load is to be run for long periods.

Motor Loads

Induction motors (motors without brushes) require two to six times their running
current on start up. The most demanding are those that start under load (for
example, compressors and pumps). Of the capacitor start motors (typical in dr ill
presses, band saws for example), the largest you can expe ct to run is ½ to 1 hp ( the
30 amp transfer relay is rated at 1 ½ hp). Universal motors are generally easier to
start. Since motor characteristics vary, only testing will determine whether a
specific load can be started and how long it can be run.
If a motor fails to start w ithin a few seconds or l oses power after running for a
time, it should be turned off. When the inverter attempts to start a load that is
greater than it can handle, the inverter will turn itself off after a few seconds.

Problem Loads

Very Small Loads

If the power consumed by a device is less than the threshold of the Load Sense
mode circuitry, and load sense is enabl ed, the inve rter wi ll not run. Most likely th e
solution will be to defeat the Load Sense mode feature or lower the sense
threshold. Refer to Xantrex Tech Note TN3 (979-0003-01-01 Rev. A) for more
information.

Fluorescent Lights & Power Supplies

Some devices cannot be detected when scanned by Load Sense circuitry. Small
fluorescent lights are the most common exam ple. Some computers and
sophisticated electronics have power supplies that do not present a load until line
voltage is available. When this occurs, each unit waits for the other to begin. To