Forum Discussion

Rocky2's avatar
Rocky2
Explorer
Jul 07, 2013

Inverter/Charger problem

I have a Heart Freedom 458 inverter charger. I find that when I run the generator for any length of time, the charger goes Overtemp. After it does this once, the next time it may only charge for 3 or 4 minutes before it goes over temp again. I felt the side of the batteries and they are not hot. I moved the over temp sensor from the first battery to the fourth battery and it made no difference. I then disconnected the sensor altogether and that made no difference so I do not think the sensor is bad. When I am plugged into shore power, it does not do this at all. Does this sound like a bad charging section in the Heart?

8 Replies

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  • Rocky2's avatar
    Rocky2
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2013
    Since I am at a point where I do not know how to measure generator speed or frequency, it is time for me to do the unthinkable...hire someone to fix the d:::n thing.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2013
    Unless you have an inverter generator the frequency of the generator is also at issue. I ran into more conflicts with the Heart units with frequency than I did with generator output voltage. A generator can develop 120 volts at 55 Hz or 68 Hz if it has a voltage regulator. The Hearts did not like a wide range of frequencies. Generator speed meaning RPM determines frequency.

    It is worth checking into...
  • Rocky2's avatar
    Rocky2
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2013
    I tested the output of the generator and it was 120.8 volts. I tried to hear the fan in the Heart and could not although I am not sure it runs all the time or just when it gets too hot.
  • Rocky2's avatar
    Rocky2
    Explorer
    Jul 15, 2013
    Thanks all. I did not think it may be a genset issue. Will check and report later.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Jul 07, 2013
    sounds like a generator ~ converter conflict

    you need to check the generator output voltage ( when this happens )
    with a good digital mutli-meter/voltmeter, not some plug in adapter
  • MNtundraRet's avatar
    MNtundraRet
    Navigator
    Jul 07, 2013
    Do you know what AC voltage is being output by the generator to the charger?

    If the voltage is around 105 volts or lower, the inverter/charger may be overheating from low input voltage conditions. How much additional load is on the generator? Is the air-conditioner running at the same time? The over-all amp load may be more than the generator can supply. It sounds like "brown-out" conditions to me.

    The charger may not be getting enough juice to stay in "bulk" charge mode.

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