Smokin’ Inverter!

[Treblemaker]

Today we put our batteries in our 2015 Escape 21 to pack for a trip. As soon as we had them connected, there was a pop in the Samlex 1500 inverter and a thin line of smoke came out. (At which time I realized I had the battery disconnect switch flipped wrong when we connected the batteries, much to my hubby’s chagrin.) We quickly unplugged the inverter. We obviously plan to replace said inverter. Everything works on shore power, fortunately, but our boondocking for part of the trip is on hold until we can replace it. All wiring seems to check out ok. Is this an easy DIY swap? We have the transfer switch to all outlets and the Samlex remote, . We leave in a couple of days so this will need to be done on the road-will take it to an rv tech if needed. Any advice appreciated. ( We refuse to let this ruin a 3 month trip!)

[Padre]

I don’t have the knowledge about the inverter, but I'm curious about your 3 month trip. Where are you headed?

[splitting_lanes]

Whoops, you let the smoke out!


It’s an easy swap to change it. You’ll need a #2 square drive ( the escape tool ) and a wrench to undo the lugs where the 12 volt positive and negative wires attach.

You really should use a resistor like a 10 ohm, 20 watt, or something around there, to pre charge the capacitors in the inverter before you hook it up to the battery. That will avoid the big spark when connecting an inverter to its input power.

[HABBERDABBER]

Seems to me, if it is just the inverter....it is a straight forward swap. There may be some in-line fuses also requiring replacement. If wiring got damaged, it's a bigger deal, time wise.

Keep the smoke flowing INSIDE the electronic wires, is my advice. It's all smoke and mirrors, right?

[7Gentex]

[Treblemaker]

Padre, we are headed to Texas. Planning on time in Bob Sandlin State Park, Mother Neff State Park, Cedar Breaks COE in Georgetown, then a private park in Bandera, Big Bend National Park, Davis Mountains State Park,South Llano SP, Inks Lake SP, and then working our way home on a route yet to be determined.

[SteveSgt]

Originally Posted by splitting_lanes

You really should use a resistor like a 10 ohm, 20 watt, or something around there, to pre charge the capacitors in the inverter before you hook it up to the battery. That will avoid the big spark when connecting an inverter to its input power.

I've seen a couple of Samlex inverters die that way.

I've never seen the Renology or even any of the Harbor Fright "Jupiter" models fail the same way. I don't have hands-on experience with the Go Power or the Victron units.

[Treblemaker]

Originally Posted by 7Gentex

You crack me up! I needed a laugh!

[Padre]

Very nice.
If you are a boondocker, South Padre Island has some great, free, gulf front camping in the sand.
Dump and fill available.
Have a great trip!

[splitting_lanes]

Originally Posted by SteveSgt

I've seen a couple of Samlex inverters die that way.

I've never seen the Renology or even any of the Harbor Fright "Jupiter" models fail the same way. I don't have hands-on experience with the Go Power or the Victron units.

I bought a resistor to pre charge my go power when I disconnect it. Just keep it in the drawer with the extra fuses and escape tool.

I’m impressed with the go power inverter. It does the job well. No problem running the microwave and coffee maker at the same time.

Harbor Fright.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by 7Gentex

Not funny to someone who's not only seen smoke from their Triumph wiring harness but also seen it glowing red.

Is there any reverse polarity protection in the inverter? Is it truly toast?

Ron

[HABBERDABBER]

Originally Posted by 7Gentex

Bravo! Well said, maestro!

Lucas...."Prince of Darkness", with their reputation of wonky electrical parts and systems.


The Lucas motto: "Get home before dark."

Lucas is the patent holder for the short circuit.

Lucas - Inventor of the first intermittent wiper.

Lucas - Inventor of the self-dimming headlamp.

The three position Lucas switch - Dim, Flicker and Off.

The Original Anti-Theft Device - Lucas Electrics.

Lucas is an acronym for Loose Unsoldered Connections and Splices

If Lucas made guns, wars would not start.

[7Gentex]

Originally Posted by Treblemaker

Padre, we are headed to Texas. Planning on time in Bob Sandlin State Park, Mother Neff State Park, Cedar Breaks COE in Georgetown, then a private park in Bandera, Big Bend National Park, Davis Mountains State Park,South Llano SP, Inks Lake SP, and then working our way home on a route yet to be determined.

When headed to Inks Lake SP, stop in Marble Falls on Hwy 281 just north of the river / lake at Bluebonnet Cafe and get some Momma's pot roast, or a chicken fried steak, or a burger, and then PIE! Good trailer parking in the back / maybe across the street in back. If coming from the south, take the first street (Ave G) to the right just north of the river / lake and it will take you to the back.

https://www.bluebonnetcafe.net/

Simply Pho, in a strip immediately north of the river / lake (first driveway after bridge to the right) is also pretty good - not just Pho either.

Or, further south on Hwy 281, the Bowling Alley in Blanco off the main square (east) is pretty good as well, but shy away from the "mexican" entrees..........weird spices IMHO.

https://roadfood.com/restaurants/bla...ing-club-cafe/

[Treblemaker]

Originally Posted by splitting_lanes

Whoops, you let the smoke out!


It’s an easy swap to change it. You’ll need a #2 square drive ( the escape tool ) and a wrench to undo the lugs where the 12 volt positive and negative wires attach.

You really should use a resistor like a 10 ohm, 20 watt, or something around there, to pre charge the capacitors in the inverter before you hook it up to the battery. That will avoid the big spark when connecting an inverter to its input power.

Thank you-I wasn’t aware of the need to use a resistor but we will get one before we do an install. Seems like good cheap insurance to minimize the chance for damage!

[splitting_lanes]

Originally Posted by Treblemaker

Thank you-I wasn’t aware of the need to use a resistor but we will get one before we do an install. Seems like good cheap insurance to minimize the chance for damage!

After you connect the ground, you hold the resistor to the positive wire and touch it to the battery for 5 seconds. It will allow a slow rise in voltage. Then connect the inverter to the battery directly.

It’s safe and won’t spark.

Here’s the resistor I used:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by HABBERDABBER

Bravo! Well said, maestro!

Lucas...."Prince of Darkness", with their reputation of wonky electrical parts and systems.


The Lucas motto: "Get home before dark."

Lucas is the patent holder for the short circuit.

Lucas - Inventor of the first intermittent wiper.

Lucas - Inventor of the self-dimming headlamp.

The three position Lucas switch - Dim, Flicker and Off.

The Original Anti-Theft Device - Lucas Electrics.

Lucas is an acronym for Loose Unsoldered Connections and Splices

If Lucas made guns, wars would not start.

The Brits drink warm beer because Lucas made their refrigerators.

[fudge_brownie]

Where can I buy Lucas Products? I have the need for some quick post holiday gifts.

[HABBERDABBER]

Originally Posted by fudge_brownie

Where can I buy Lucas Products? I have the need for some quick post holiday gifts.

Stock up for next year too.
https://www.lucasautomotive.com/en/a...ve/electrical/

Seems they're still in business.

[emers382]

You don't have to tell me about Lucas. My first car was a 1967 Rover TC2000. Spent more time fixing that car than driving it!

[John in Santa Cruz]

Moss Motors used to sell that Lucas Smoke, and various other british gag things.

bumper sticker from Moss: "The Parts Falling Off This Car Are Of The Finest British Craftsmanship!"