If you really want to freak them out tell them you put a power strip on it and its powering a pi computer running solar assistant that is connected to the inverter too.Will's video "Beginner Friendly 48V Solar Power System! Step by step!" inspired me to purchase my 1st solar setup:
EG4 LifePower4 Lithium Battery | 48V 100AH
EG4 3kW Off-Grid Inverter | 3000EHV-48
4 x 415 Watt Panels
The system is stand alone (There is no other power coming in besides the panels).
As Will suggested I used a power strip for my output. I am only running a 60W light off the power strip. The light flickers all the time so I called Signature Solar's customer support. They stated quite clearly that I must connect the output to a grounded panel and that Will's video is wrong and dangerous to me and any equipment connected to the power strip. Being so new this concerned me enough that I have disconnected everything hoping to get some clarification:
1. Is Signature solar correct that the current setup is dangerous to me and anything connected to the power strip?
2. Why does signature solar think Will's setup is incorrect?
3. Is connecting to a grounded panel the only way to stop the light from flickering?
Thanks in advance for everyone's help!
90% of the stuff in the panel can't handle the total output of the inverter. As long as you don't put more than 10 to 15 amps worth of stuff on it there is no more danger doing what the op did than there would be plugging it into the wall powered by the grid.This is typically the reason they say that. Most power strips are not rated for the amount of power that the inverter can output, and MOST people use is for a lot more than 60w of lights.
I have seen beginner solar installations with power strips on the output of the inverter and they are powering far more than that surge protector can handle (skill saws, power tools, AC Units, etc...). Those extension chords and power strips typically melt because there is no path to ground, and the heat starts to make the components fail.
If you are not running a ground from the inverter to a ground rod, then yes. You need to make sure that the system has a path to ground.
Deep breaths... Glad you could join the party.Oh man where do I begin
This is typically the reason they say that. Most power strips are not rated for the amount of power that the inverter can output, and MOST people use is for a lot more than 60w of lights.
And this is what causes light flicker? How about we address what the OP has stated is a problem (light flicker was the reason for the call)?I have seen beginner solar installations with power strips on the output of the inverter and they are powering far more than that surge protector can handle (skill saws, power tools, AC Units, etc...). Those extension chords and power strips typically melt because there is no path to ground, and the heat starts to make the components fail.
Hang on a minute, let's address the light flicker problem first and foremost and forget the OP was testing the unit to see if it had any problems. Which it does, the light flickers.If you are not running a ground from the inverter to a ground rod, then yes. You need to make sure that the system has a path to ground.
All 3 of you seem to be trying I'll give you that, it's noticed and appreciated.Come on guys leave Jarrett alone he’s really trying.
If you guys seen some of the set ups after Wills video Tech Support saw and had to troubleshoot you would understand his side better. People complaining about getting shocked and so on.
Man I love your attitude and everything you all do on here.All 3 of you seem to be trying I'll give you that, it's noticed and appreciated.
Don't forget to recognize the other forum members who aren't even employees that go above and beyond in helping those that have issues. I've seen some engaged in troubleshooting for days on end until things are resolved.
I can only imagine some of the stuff you've seen, it scares me thinking about it after some of the stuff I've seen here.
I worked in tech support for a few years, it's unbelievable what people deem to be ok...
The issue is the multiple repeat issues that don't seem to end, that isn't seen with other active vendors.
Honestly I feel it should be mandatory that multiple photos of a system and list of settings are required when creating a post for help.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, keep fighting the good fight.
wow. a statement that provides no value to your argument going on here, and taking things out of context. do better budDo you write the "script" support uses when you call in? Because it sure sounds like you might be the writer of the "script".
The power strip may have a ground conductor but it has to trace back to a ground somewhere off the invertor (off grid) or main panel panel (on grid). You can leave the ground screw in the invertor and bond the inverter to the hand cart. If you are really paranoid you can run a wire from the cart to a copper/aluminum stake that you jam into the earth when you run the jnvertor.I will admit it may not be ideal, however, most power strips are rated at 120v/15A. and use #14 wire pigtails. They typically have a breaker/fault switch, and are generally 3-prong grounded NEMA 5-15 outlets. That means it should handle 12A sustained at 120v = ~1500Watts
Therefore your statement makes no sense, since the outlets should be grounded. Most small power tools use <1000 watts and rarely would you have more than one operating at the same time. Non-the-less it should blow the breaker on the strip if you pull too many amps.
Having a path to ground has nothing whatsoever to do with overloading, ground is a safety issue to trip breakers. Nothing will melt because it has no path to ground. If you have no breaker on the strip, then you could melt it by overloading it.
It doesn't. The bulb could be sensitive to the particular inverter output or the inverter is unstable either from a slight fault or the way it is being used.Why is the 60watt light flickering?
How does a ground wire make the 60watt light flicker?
Man I love your attitude
Negative (username does not check out this time), on a career hunt... Stoned sober sir.I think he mightve had a little bit of help with that one ?
I've dealt with tech support at SS/EG4 a few times.wow. a statement that provides no value to your argument going on here, and taking things out of context. do better bud
Can someone answer the question about the unit dynamically bonding N-G?Come on guys leave Jarrett alone he’s really trying.
If you guys seen some of the set ups after Wills video Tech Support saw and had to troubleshoot you would understand his side better. People complaining about getting shocked and so on.
Zwy did some "product development work" unintentionally on the EG4-6500EX, ultimately concluding it had some shortcomings, and apparently SS agreed as they sunset that product...long story.wow. a statement that provides no value to your argument going on here, and taking things out of context. do better bud
Having said that, ... A quality line-interactive UPS would be better for your TV's. Laptop, or anything that has a nice power supply in the front it won't matter, and the fridge won't care.