If you’ve received a notice of an inverter overload or inverter shutdown, it may not be as complex to resolve as you think!
Inverter Overload / Inverter Shutdown
If an inverter is overloaded or shuts down due to the overload, it means that a load was applied to the inverter, larger than your inverter size. Every inverter has a continuous power output rating – that is the number you should keep in mind. For example, if you have a 2000W inverter and you’re running your A/C, you’re probably using ~1500 watts. If you turn on your microwave, that’s an additional 800 watts, which now exceeds the 2000W rating of the example inverter.
A Victron MultiPlus 12/3000 has a 2400W continuous rating at 77*F – if it’s significantly hotter, the inverter will only be able to handle less than 2400W. As you continue to use your system, you’ll likely become more aware of the amount of power your appliances pull. Soon you’ll become a Master of Power Management!
Resolution
The inverter overload is resolved by itself once the heavy load is reduced. Turn off all appliances that pull heavy power loads, and wait for the system to turn back on. Once the system is rebooted, turn on your appliances up to the rating of your inverter.
Prior to modifying any settings, make sure to update your system’s components to the latest firmware version.
Victron’s hybrid inverter-chargers (“VE.Bus”) are powerful, and complex. For a full list of error codes and troubleshooting tips, click here.
