EG4 6000XP Operating Temperature Range

[ChrisG]

Seriously considering using a 6000XP in my cabin basement but the operating temperature has less tolerance than other inverters (32º-113ºF). Would it derate at 32º or below or will it cease to function. My lows for the past year have been within a few degrees (37ºF) of the lower end operating temperature. Batteries are fine as I have methods to keep them warm. The temps are currently trending lower compared to last year so getting to 32 or below is a possibility.

 

[Zapper77]

I'd be worried about condensation.

 

[ChrisG]

I'd be worried about condensation.

The 18kPV can go down lower but that has a much different rating. Victron MP II can go down to -40ºF. Schneider SW and XW can do -13ºF, Growatt is 32º also. Wonder if it's a LF vs HF 'thing'.

 

[EG4_Jarrett]

Seriously considering using a 6000XP in my cabin basement but the operating temperature has less tolerance than other inverters (32º-113ºF). Would it derate at 32º or below or will it cease to function. My lows for the past year have been within a few degrees (37ºF) of the lower end operating temperature. Batteries are fine as I have methods to keep them warm. The temps are currently trending lower compared to last year so getting to 32 or below is a possibility.

I haven't personally done temperature testing, but from the error codes in the inverters manual, I would assume that it would derate. There are over temp warnings and alarms but I didn't see anything about under temp. I will get a concrete answer tomorrow morning though.

 

[ChrisG]

I haven't personally done temperature testing, but from the error codes in the inverters manual, I would assume that it would derate. There are over temp warnings and alarms but I didn't see anything about under temp. I will get a concrete answer tomorrow morning though.

Thanks @EG4_Jarrett . Looking forward to your reply.

 

[42OhmsPA]

The 18kPV can go down lower but that has a much different rating. Victron MP II can go down to -40ºF. Schneider SW and XW can do -13ºF, Growatt is 32º also. Wonder if it's a LF vs HF 'thing'.

Interesting, I never looked at my operating temp specs until now.
HF - SRNE ASF -10~55℃,>45℃ derated （14~131℉，>113℉ derated).
LF - TP6048 -10°C to 50°C.

My only concern, like already stated, would be condensation.

 

[ChrisG]

Interesting, I never looked at my operating temp specs until now.
HF - SRNE ASF -10~55℃,>45℃ derated （14~131℉，>113℉ derated).
LF - TP6048 -10°C to 50°C.

My only concern, like already stated, would be condensation.

Does seem to be some correlation where LF inverters can go lower in operating range. Schneider SW and XW, Victron, Samlex, Outback Radian and Flex can all operate well below 0°F.

 

[Quattrohead]

I would say is more of a condensation thing than anything else and obviously a more efficient inverter will generate less heat within itself so might possibly be a little more prone to condensation.

 

[JAS]

Hmm... I currently have an MPP 1012LV-MS in my Garage. Been planning on replacing it with a 6000XP. The MPP also has an operating range above freezing. However, I asked Ian (Watts247) about it and he claimed they have many units in the field operating well below freezing without issue. I've had my unit running through 2 winters now with frequent night time temps dropping into the teens. I have not seen any issues...

 

[timselectric]

It's only an issue when it is first turned on.
After It's running, the internal temperature is always going to be warmer.
The only concern I would have is the fans drawing cold air across their own bearings.
So, it would depend on if the fans push air through the unit.(outside temperature) Or draw air through the unit. (Inside temperature)

 

[JAS]

So, it would depend on if the fans push air through the unit.

I know my MPP unit pulls out. How do the fans operate on the 6000XP?

 

[timselectric]

I know my MPP unit pulls out. How do the fans operate on the 6000XP?

Pull, I think.

 

[Zapper77]

I know my MPP unit pulls out. How do the fans operate on the 6000XP?

Pull

 

[ChrisG]

Patiently waiting @EG4_Jarrett response on derate or failure.

 

[solarenvy]

Shared this on another thread, but also relevant here:

My "power station" is in an 8'x4' shed just outside my cabin. This houses the inverters (2 x 6000XP) and battery rack (5 x EG4-LLv2). While the shed is well insulated, it can drop below freezing on especially cold nights in central VA. My solution is to keep it comfortably above ~40F with supplemental heat (2 for redundancy): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZ79ZLMP?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

I chose this heater so I can control it remotely and automate as needed while consuming relatively little power needed to keep above the desired temp threshold. When nights are expected to be especially cold, I'll heat the space a little extra during the day to minimize overnight battery drainage. A 2nd heater is plugged into the grid as an emergency backup. It's all automated using temp sensors and device automation.

 

[ChrisG]

Shared this on another thread, but also relevant here:

My "power station" is in an 8'x4' shed just outside my cabin. This houses the inverters (2 x 6000XP) and battery rack (5 x EG4-LLv2). While the shed is well insulated, it can drop below freezing on especially cold nights in central VA. My solution is to keep it comfortably above ~40F with supplemental heat (2 for redundancy): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZ79ZLMP?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

I chose this heater so I can control it remotely and automate as needed while consuming relatively little power needed to keep above the desired temp threshold. When nights are expected to be especially cold, I'll heat the space a little extra during the day to minimize overnight battery drainage. A 2nd heater is plugged into the grid as an emergency backup. It's all automated using temp sensors and device automation.

@solarenvy Thanks for this post. I thought about something similar last night. My 1/2 basement area by my panels is about 900 Sqft. Thought of using construction adhesive and 1" foam board 'box' to go around the XP. I have to mount inverter on outside cinder block wall unfortunately so won't be able to really stop that temperate infiltration.



Guess I could build the box, cut out in bottom for heater to blow into and hole on top for heat to escape. That heater in that link is 1500w which seems excessive. Need to look at options but this may work. I use a TempStick already integrated into home assistant for monitoring basement temps, could get another inside the box and use that measurement to turn on/off a heater(s) pushing warm air into the box.

 

[solarenvy]

You could certainly build an insulated "room" around your gear. At the very least I would recommend a layer of insulating foam board between the cinder block wall and the XP. Cinder | foam board | wood | Hardie board | inverter. Build it out like an interior wall with a couple studs and the foam board sandwiched in-between. But that's just how I'd do it.

I hope to not run the heater at 1500w. It has multiple heat settings and I should be able to keep it on low for the most part. However, I did want the option to quickly heat things up, especially via the grid-connected unit.

 

[ChrisG]

You could certainly build an insulated "room" around your gear. At the very least I would recommend a layer of insulating foam board between the cinder block wall and the XP. Cinder | foam board | wood | Hardie board | inverter. Build it out like an interior wall with a couple studs and the foam board sandwiched in-between. But that's just how I'd do it.

I hope to not run the heater at 1500w. It has multiple heat settings and I should be able to keep it on low for the most part. However, I did want the option to quickly heat things up, especially via the grid-connected unit.

@solarenvy can you have those heaters automatically come on at 40° and off at 50° without intervention?

 

[JAS]

I use one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006U2HD2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

To heat my battery box when necessary

 

[ChrisG]

I use one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006U2HD2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

To heat my battery box when necessary

Thanks, I may be able to make this work for both inverter and battery.