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Old 01-15-2018, 08:27 AM   #1
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Inverter smoking instantly when connected to power

I just bought a used inverter - It is a quality, heavy duty Dimensions 1800w unit built in 2001 - It looks identical to the new line by Magnum Dimensions :

( 1800W 12VDC Pure Sine Inverter N Series | Magnum Dimensions )

I was connecting it to my engine batteries to test it, as I bought it used and just want to make sure it is functioning. I got it for $350 so I am really hoping this is a great deal and not a heart break.

Within 5 seconds of connecting it to the battery power I got smoke and that electrical terrible smell. I of course instantly disconnected. I tried a second time with more secure connections, and same deal.

I did not connect the inverter to a ground - not sure if this is my fatal mistake.

I have a couple small inverters that I have connected to my batteries with no issues in the past.

Any insight would be very appreciated

thank you!

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Old 01-15-2018, 08:46 AM   #2
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The specs. don't mention reverse polarity protection. Maybe hooked up backwards?
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Old 01-15-2018, 09:01 AM   #3
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I have one of that series in Elfie, a 2500 watt. Did it work at the seller? They are very nice inverters but have a lot of standby current. Not very efficient but very robust. If you can not return it then open it up and see what looks burned out.

Good luck,
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Old 01-15-2018, 09:51 AM   #4
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[IMG]<img src="https://image.ibb.co/hsNMsR/0115181031_Burst01.jpg" alt="0115181031_Burst01" border="0">[/IMG]

The component on the board 'D5' seems to be the culprit. I am not sure if this is a resistor, cap, etc - but if anyone has any insight onto what would cause this to fail, that would be appreciated.

Just emailed Magnum's tech support as well.

Not sure if I should buy a part and solder or just return the unit.
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Old 01-15-2018, 09:53 AM   #5
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Old 01-15-2018, 10:10 AM   #6
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Looks like a diode to me. Like a check valve. Polarity??

You may want to have it checked-out at the factory. Ask how much, might be free if you are nice with them. They will know their own units best.


Many ( and I mean many) electronics from that era failed due to some bad Chinese capacitors being used. They got the recipe wrong and electrolytics croaked.
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Old 01-15-2018, 10:51 AM   #7
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If you can return it then do so. There are good more efficient inverters out there. The repair will cost you more then the inverter. That is industrial equipment and it will cost you industrial prices.
I repaired another dimensions for a friend of mine that cut of at to 12 volt ( should be 10.5) and that was indeed a capacitor.

Later J
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Old 01-15-2018, 10:52 AM   #8
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D5 should be identical to D6. Previous post correct about it being a diode and for reverse polarity issues. I would try replacing the diode first (under a dollar).
Doug
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Old 01-15-2018, 11:03 AM   #9
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You can try, but it is very unlikely in the world of electronics that a component like a diode would fry without something else going on. May be a loose screw under the PCB board, mouse droppings somewhere else.
If tech support , or anybody here, will give you a schematic, then I am more then happy to help you out.
Return it, let is sit , and if you are really excited about trying it buy it broken for $ 10 copper price.

Good luck
later J
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Old 01-15-2018, 11:04 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Defjr333 View Post
D5 should be identical to D6. Previous post correct about it being a diode and for reverse polarity issues. I would try replacing the diode first (under a dollar).
Doug
Probably $1 for the diode but $10 in fuel to find a radio shack that's still in business!
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Old 01-15-2018, 11:57 AM   #11
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Probably $1 for the diode but $10 in fuel to find a radio shack that's still in business!
Sad, but true. There are however online electronic component stores. I repaired my last inverter without schematics. Very helpful if u can get them for that unit, but an o scope and few tools is all thats needed.
Doug
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Old 01-15-2018, 12:09 PM   #12
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Digi-key or mouser will get it to you fast.

Let us know what happens. I bet a donut it was hooked-up wrong at some point.
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Old 01-18-2018, 12:54 PM   #13
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So, I ended up taking it to my friend's Dad who is a true wizard. He replaced the diode and some other rough looking components.

He really knows his stuff, and even he was not sure of the cause. The new diode he put in also smoked - but briefly. He checked it with the multimeter and he said the diode was still functioning. We were able to get it to be connected with power and no smoke. Battery check light was working, but nothing else lit up. Dimensions offered to send a new upper control board for $250+ or full repair for $500.

So, we think my eBay seller gave us a shot unit. One odd thing was that the transformer had a 12/1500N sticker on it (which is the model down). So not sure if they share a part, but I found this strange as the 1500w model is a smaller unit.

The issue could be the transformer or the whole upper control board.

I ended up buying a smaller unit on eBay - the 12/1200N unit, which realistically is plenty of power for my needs.

Luckily I should be able to return it through eBay Buy Protection. The seller actually offered to send me another unit.

If I learn any more I will post the conclusion, hopefully this could help someone in the future
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Old 01-18-2018, 02:09 PM   #14
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thanks omingnome. often these problem threads go dead. It is nice to have some resolution.
later J
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