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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?
  • 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.
  • 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...
  • 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.
  • Thanks all. I did not think it may be a genset issue. Will check and report later.
  • 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
  • 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.