I've got 2 Freedom 25 (2500 watt) inverters. One seems to work as expected. The other just started going to a battery equalization mode anytime it's turned on. I've got remote panels for both, and have not changed any of the dip switch settings. When we parked about 5 weeks ago, everything was apparently normal. This weekend was when the trouble started. What's the best way to troubleshoot these units? If I need to replace one, what should I look for in a replacement?

an inverter newbie

My Xantrex Freedom 2500 watt inverter just quit and so I went to their web site

http://www.xantrex.com/

There is a trouble shooting guide there. Also a list of authorised repair dealers.

You might try unhooking the cable betweeen the inverter and battery and letting it sit a couple of minutes before hooking it back up. I have found that sometimes this will reset an inverter.

We switched to a Magnum Energy inverter several years ago and have been very pleased with it.

quote:

I've got 2 Freedom 25 (2500 watt) inverters.

I am wondering why two? Would not one larger one have been better?

Did they both work correctly for a time? Could it be that there is some problem with the way the two are connected? Have you tested the questionable one with the one that normally operates properly, turned off?

quote:

I am wondering why two?

I'm guessing, Kirk, but they are probably "stacked" - one for each leg - and provide 240 for the coach. It is rare that anyone needs this, and most who do need it understand the electrical aspects of it. Stacking 458's would not be my first choice...that's for sure.

I suspect someone wanted to provide 2 power sources. Couple reasons being -

1) Smaller cable from batteries to inverter.. Working with 0-0 cable (or whatever a 5KW inverter takes) is nasty.

2) Each inverter can cover a couple breakers and multi outlets. Easy to wire into the main box.

This is a new to me coach and as far as I can tell, the factory made the inverter selection. The literature appears to be original for the coach. There are 2 electrical legs, and the choice of selecting one leg to run/not run, as well as the breaker options do give me almost unlimited electrical availability. There is extreme redundancy built into these coaches as well. They were working fine (as far as I could tell- nothing like what is currently happening was occurring) for the maiden voyage home. This past weekend was when one started a "battery equalization" that wouldn't turn off. It does affect the indicators of the good inverter. I've looked at the website, but the coach is not in a spot where I can safely check 120V circuits. Hopefully I can get her home next weekend to further check things out.

The 458's can be set for auto equalization. It is an option that can be turned off.

I have found that most - but not all - 458's can not have the equalization turned off with the LINK panel. You have to drop power to turn equalization off. Some work correctly, but most do not, for some reason. I've probably installed/worked on a dozen or more 458's and this is usually the case.

Jack,

I have a 458 Freedom 2500 and just rechecked my manual. I cannot find where it says the equalization can be automatically started. In fact, my manual says exactly the opposite -- that it must be started manually. It also says the equalization cycle can be stopped early by removing the A/C power from the unit.

Rif, do you have Link's?

Yes, I have a Link 1000.

Hmm, I guess you are right if you looked in the book. But I could have sworn the 458s would do auto equalization....guess I'm loosing it.