Forum Discussion

2oldman's avatar
2oldman
Explorer II
Nov 04, 2018

Restart inverter

Re: Cotek 4kw 48v inverter.

This unit is difficult to get up and running again after any kind of 48v disconnect.

Simply switching it off, waiting, and then on again rarely works. I have to completely disconnect the 48v feed, wait a few minutes, then reconnect, producing a spark capable of lighting up the Space shuttle. And that doesn't work every time. It can take upwards of 1/2 hour to get it online again.

What are common causes of this behavior?
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Nov 06, 2018
    IIRC ... 200 ampHrs of 48v lithium battery that charges at 54v

    with the power that can deliver, thats quite an inrush current

    even at 12v , I don't regularly disconnect my inverter, i just it the off button on the remote
    i don't worry about the minor parasitic stay alive of the control circuits

    i can't fathom you needing to do battery maintenance and cable cleaning
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Nov 06, 2018
    I could put it in the same cab with the Li battery.. no fumes there! I'm asking on Amazon if it will operate on its side.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Nov 06, 2018
    Outback is where 70% of Trace Engineers fled after the Chinese invasion. I do not know of a better inverter on the market. But woowee heavy and expensive.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Nov 06, 2018
    time2roll wrote:
    2oldman wrote:
    Yeah, maybe I'll just toss it and get another. thanks.
    I would be looking at Victron or some other brand. How old is it? Seemed to fail too fast.
    It's maybe 4. I don't know if it's failing or if that's a feature.

    Was looking at Outback.. but it's too tall for my space. Excellent quality... and heavy.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Nov 06, 2018
    There is a member in Montana who can fix it for you. That way you could have a "spare".

    Does anyone know if a car stereo shop would have some "soft start" box to prevent the capacitors from frying from inrush?
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Nov 06, 2018
    2oldman wrote:
    Yeah, maybe I'll just toss it and get another. thanks.
    I would be looking at Victron or some other brand. How old is it? Seemed to fail too fast.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Nov 06, 2018
    Car stereo accessory manufacturers learned the hard-way to not allow uncontrolled inrush on their one two or four farad capacitors.

    I suspect or or more of your caps have gone bad. Leakage. You might want to verify idle current.


    A failed large capacitor can be most unpleasant. I have had to replace blown capacitors in my 4,000 watt 24 volt Trace inverter, twice. The last time I opted to up cap voltage rating by 100+ volts.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,210 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 02, 2025