Connecting Gen to AC1 Workaround for "Input Relay Failure" Error
AlanRT
Solar Expert Posts: 57 ✭✭✭✭
We have a customer with a Xantrex 5548 Inverter produced in May 2002 that has started displaying an "Input Relay Failure" error now when the backup gen is running. Xantrex indicates this is a known software issue and there is a chip replacement available.
http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/477/docserve.aspx
We'll need to get the replacement part shipped down to Baja. In the meantime, I'm thinking we might try connecting the gen to AC1 in an attempt to temporarily workaround the error. Does anyone know if there are any issues with connecting the gen to AC1? I'm thinking that, at worst, we'll just get the same error.
http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/477/docserve.aspx
We'll need to get the replacement part shipped down to Baja. In the meantime, I'm thinking we might try connecting the gen to AC1 in an attempt to temporarily workaround the error. Does anyone know if there are any issues with connecting the gen to AC1? I'm thinking that, at worst, we'll just get the same error.
Comments
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Re: Connecting Gen to AC1 Workaround for "Input Relay Failure" Error
I tried this once and you guessed it, same failure! But I would try it in case it is another issue!"we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
htps://offgridsolar1.com/
E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net -
Re: Connecting Gen to AC1 Workaround for "Input Relay Failure" Error
Since this is only NOW happening, Its possible that the relay is actually welded closed, not just a software message. This release was almost 6 years ago , so unless the customer just starting using the generator, I'd think the unit has an actual relay failure -
Re: Connecting Gen to AC1 Workaround for "Input Relay Failure" Error
Or is the generator running out of spec. for the frequency and need some maintenance (or could this be a replacement genset)?
-BillNear San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset -
Re: Connecting Gen to AC1 Workaround for "Input Relay Failure" Errorgenerator running out of specIts possible that the relay is actually welded closed
Question: Are the Xantrex relays plug in units or are they actually soldered to the board? If the AC2 really is bad, I'm thinking we can swap out the AC2 relay with the AC1. -
Re: Connecting Gen to AC1 Workaround for "Input Relay Failure" Error
I got my answer from Xantrex tech support about the relays. They're soldered to the board.
The tech I spoke with was not familiar with this issue, and seemed a little uncertain about sending me the updated firmware without charging $125 for it, even though this inverter is confirmed to be running the older firmware. The tech bulletin says it's free, and seems to indicate it's a good idea to carry a spare set for field repairs.
He wanted me to first confirm whether or not we actually have a welded relay before sending me the updated firmware. I'm now waiting for a call back after he confers with another tech.
His suggestion as to how to identify where the problem is was to disconnect the inverter from the batts for 10 minutes to reset the firmware. This, of course, will erase all the inverter's programming. Not a great solution.
He also said it would be OK to try connecting the gen to AC1, just cautioned to check that the inverter wasn't programmed in "Sell" mode. -
Re: Connecting Gen to AC1 Workaround for "Input Relay Failure" Error
Keep in mind, the tech note is from 2003 ( as to the info about free ) and the inverter is many years past warranty coverage. I'm actually surprised they offer any help as the entire SW line has been end-of-life already, only third party tech's now repair them -
This was very helpful in resolving my "Input Relay failure" error. I've attached the bulletin that I think was referred to. The software with the problem reports its version as "Revision 4.20". The version with the fix is "SW Series Revision 4.20".
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