Inverter noise

[GuyT]

Depends on the technology of inverter

There are so many types of inverters on the market.Pure Sine, modified sine, square wave, etc....A pure sine should be the most quiet. But some pure sine inverters have a switching frequencies that are audible - i.e. less than 16KHz.Some modified sine inverters have an audible 60hZ noise that have allot of harmonics - 120,180,240... odd and even harmonics.If the noise is a low frequency, it is probably a modified sine inverter and there could be several causes. Transformer not varnished correctly - or mounted properly. It could be the inverter enclosure and how it is mounted to the wall. If the inverter enclosure has a vibration rich in harmonics, it could resonate with the hull. You could put a absorbing backing plate between the inverter and the hull or the mounting surface.Inverters are generally not designed with sound as a primary measure of quality. Efficiency(BTU loss and wasted battery power) are the primary concern.It is important to know that no two inverters are designed the same and each has different issues. If you are not happy with that model, there are many substitutes.

 

[GuyT]

Depends on the technology of inverter

There are so many types of inverters on the market.Pure Sine, modified sine, square wave, etc....A pure sine should be the most quiet. But some pure sine inverters have a switching frequencies that are audible - i.e. less than 16KHz.Some modified sine inverters have an audible 60hZ noise that have allot of harmonics - 120,180,240... odd and even harmonics.If the noise is a low frequency, it is probably a modified sine inverter and there could be several causes. Transformer not varnished correctly - or mounted properly. It could be the inverter enclosure and how it is mounted to the wall. If the inverter enclosure has a vibration rich in harmonics, it could resonate with the hull. You could put a absorbing backing plate between the inverter and the hull or the mounting surface.Inverters are generally not designed with sound as a primary measure of quality. Efficiency(BTU loss and wasted battery power) are the primary concern.It is important to know that no two inverters are designed the same and each has different issues. If you are not happy with that model, there are many substitutes.

 

[Captn Dare]

current

Shouldn't be all that loud just a health hum. Are you plugged into a 30 amp socket on the pier or are you using something else (50 amp or 20 amp) with an adapter or splitter? Seems to make a difference with the isolation transformers so it may do the same on your inverter.

 

[Captn Dare]

current

Shouldn't be all that loud just a health hum. Are you plugged into a 30 amp socket on the pier or are you using something else (50 amp or 20 amp) with an adapter or splitter? Seems to make a difference with the isolation transformers so it may do the same on your inverter.

 

[LSCalifornia]

More on this

This is a modified Sine Wave inverter and the sound which is extremely high pitched is coming directly from the unit ( no harmonic contribution from the millwork or hull) and occurs without shore power connected and while it is inverting. It does not matter what device is creating the A/C demand.. TV, lights, coffee maker etc. the noise is consistant.It also occurs while shore power is connected and charging is complete and no demand of note on any A/C devices. I can stop the sound by turning off the "Charger" function on the remote panel. Just like I can stop the inverter noise by turning off the "inverter" function on the remote panel.

 

[LSCalifornia]

More on this

This is a modified Sine Wave inverter and the sound which is extremely high pitched is coming directly from the unit ( no harmonic contribution from the millwork or hull) and occurs without shore power connected and while it is inverting. It does not matter what device is creating the A/C demand.. TV, lights, coffee maker etc. the noise is consistant.It also occurs while shore power is connected and charging is complete and no demand of note on any A/C devices. I can stop the sound by turning off the "Charger" function on the remote panel. Just like I can stop the inverter noise by turning off the "inverter" function on the remote panel.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

bench test okay

LynnIf 9it were me and I trusted the folks who bench tested it and pronounced it okay, I'd suspect the installation, e.g., boat connections. It is conceivable that undervoltage input to the unit from the batteries might cause some funny things. A ground loop might also create some noise but that too is speculation.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

bench test okay

LynnIf 9it were me and I trusted the folks who bench tested it and pronounced it okay, I'd suspect the installation, e.g., boat connections. It is conceivable that undervoltage input to the unit from the batteries might cause some funny things. A ground loop might also create some noise but that too is speculation.

 

[Rick D]

One Option

...and, I hate to suggest it, but I think it has to be done. That is to have the unit removed and taken to WCE and have it tested while you are there. I don't have any confidence these guys will react to a noisy inverter if it is outputting OK. It's OK then it's in the installation. Of course, no one is going to be thrilled with the prospect of paying for an R&R of your inverter again, so you might try a deal: their cost and you reimburse if OK but then they pay for an installation check up if it resumes its noisy self when back in the boat. Of course, it may be simpler just to get WCE down to your boat to check it out first, duh! I don't think they are biased; it it's a warranty deal, they get reimbursed anyway. Good luck, it sounds like an annoying issue. Rick D.PS: as I type I am equalizing the house batteries on the boat, and there is only a slight buzz from the Freedom 2500, when I am within a few feet of it. Of course, as I said earlier, my wife says I'm deaf anyway...

 

[Rick D]

One Option

...and, I hate to suggest it, but I think it has to be done. That is to have the unit removed and taken to WCE and have it tested while you are there. I don't have any confidence these guys will react to a noisy inverter if it is outputting OK. It's OK then it's in the installation. Of course, no one is going to be thrilled with the prospect of paying for an R&R of your inverter again, so you might try a deal: their cost and you reimburse if OK but then they pay for an installation check up if it resumes its noisy self when back in the boat. Of course, it may be simpler just to get WCE down to your boat to check it out first, duh! I don't think they are biased; it it's a warranty deal, they get reimbursed anyway. Good luck, it sounds like an annoying issue. Rick D.PS: as I type I am equalizing the house batteries on the boat, and there is only a slight buzz from the Freedom 2500, when I am within a few feet of it. Of course, as I said earlier, my wife says I'm deaf anyway...

 

[LSCalifornia]

Xantrex has stepped up to the plate

and offered to correct or replace the unit. I'm shipping it out tomorrow and will see what happens.Thanks everyone for your input and advice..... I'll post my results when I see how it unfolds.

 

[LSCalifornia]

Xantrex has stepped up to the plate

and offered to correct or replace the unit. I'm shipping it out tomorrow and will see what happens.Thanks everyone for your input and advice..... I'll post my results when I see how it unfolds.

 

[Ken Palmer]

Did anybody mention...

Take the inverter home or just out to your car. Hook it up to the 12 volt car battery and turn it on. Does it make the high pitched sound then?

 

[Ken Palmer]

Did anybody mention...

Take the inverter home or just out to your car. Hook it up to the 12 volt car battery and turn it on. Does it make the high pitched sound then?

 

[LSCalifornia]

That's a good A-B test

that I will perform prior to shipping just to take the boat wiring configuration out of the loop.Thanks for the tip

 

[LSCalifornia]

That's a good A-B test

that I will perform prior to shipping just to take the boat wiring configuration out of the loop.Thanks for the tip

 

[Ron M]

OEM Inverters in Hunters

Seems like everyone's added their advise to this problem. I had a modified sine wave inverter (OEM) in my H386 that when I powered on the inverter just drove me crazy with the loud humming/buzzing noises. It was only a small watt inverter, enough to drive the TV plus, but was wired as to connect the entire entertainment system.I evidently pulled the old inverter out and replaced it with a slightly larger Zantrex model that was a true sinewave model and what a relief. Peace and quiet. I can enjoy the music without the HUMMMING.The OEM unit was some off the wall brand I'd never heard of. Glad the replacement is quiet and it looks as if the problem in solved.

 

[Ron M]

OEM Inverters in Hunters

Seems like everyone's added their advise to this problem. I had a modified sine wave inverter (OEM) in my H386 that when I powered on the inverter just drove me crazy with the loud humming/buzzing noises. It was only a small watt inverter, enough to drive the TV plus, but was wired as to connect the entire entertainment system.I evidently pulled the old inverter out and replaced it with a slightly larger Zantrex model that was a true sinewave model and what a relief. Peace and quiet. I can enjoy the music without the HUMMMING.The OEM unit was some off the wall brand I'd never heard of. Glad the replacement is quiet and it looks as if the problem in solved.