Inverter Incorrect Installation

ID: fm:inverter-installation-defect
IRI: https://solarlattice.org/kb/fm/inverter-installation-defect
Status: active
Also known as: PVFS 4-2, PVFS 4-2vs.01
Category: Inverters

This failure is an inverter that was not installed according to the manufacturer's installation instructions. Common errors include placing the inverter near flammable, explosive, corrosive or humid sources or in direct sunlight, and not keeping the minimum distances at the bottom, top and sides. Input cables that are not properly fixed can run hot at the loose contact, which can lower performance or create a fire risk. Incorrect installation can cause the inverter to overheat, puts users at risk, and can lead to explosions if flammable vapours or gases are present. Look for the fault with a visual inspection and with monitoring data. To fix it, dismount the inverter and install it again following the installation procedure, keeping it accessible and secured to a suitable base. To prevent it, use adequate cooling, leave gaps at the sides and top, keep the inverter out of direct sunlight, inspect the ventilation units regularly, and consider monitoring inverter temperature.

<!-- review notes

sentence 1: support check: partial - Passages say inverter must be installed according to the installation instruction, but don't say 'manufacturer's' explicitly.
sentence 5: support check: partial - Detection is VI (MON), which suggests visual inspection and monitoring, but the abbreviation's meaning is not spelled out in the passages.
sentence 6: support check: partial - Dismount and follow installation procedure is stated, and accessibility and secure base are stated as requirements, but not as part of the fix explicitly. -->

Claims

`affects`

c1 drafted · lead Inverter

Degradation and Failure Modes in New PV Technologies – Annex tbl=6.r29 h=3f8a36f3151e
Quantification of Technical Risks in PV Power Systems tbl=7.r29 h=3f8a36f3151e
Degradation and Failure Modes in New PV Technologies – Annex sec=h57 h=6ee6caf78272

`caused_by`

c2 drafted · lead Installation error

Instruction manual not followed, e.g. placed near flammable materials such as wood, in direct sunlight, or without the required minimum distances to adjacent components.

Degradation and Failure Modes in New PV Technologies – Annex sec=h57 h=6ee6caf78272
Quantification of Technical Risks in PV Power Systems tbl=52.r1 h=8dae9fa5191e

`leads_to`

c3 drafted · lead Inverter Overheating

Improper installation is listed as one origin of inverter temperature derating.

Degradation and Failure Modes in New PV Technologies – Annex sec=h57 h=6ee6caf78272
Quantification of Technical Risks in PV Power Systems tbl=52.r5 h=46c42be6ee70
Degradation and Failure Modes in New PV Technologies – Annex tbl=33.r3 h=e1cf6ecb59de
Quantification of Technical Risks in PV Power Systems tbl=51.r3 h=f67d18849d2b

`presents_as`

c4 drafted · lead Loose cable connection

Input cables that are not properly fixed can heat up at the loose contact, lowering performance or creating a fire risk.

Degradation and Failure Modes in New PV Technologies – Annex sec=h57 h=6ee6caf78272
Quantification of Technical Risks in PV Power Systems tbl=52.r1 h=8dae9fa5191e

review note: support check: partial - Passages say unfixed input cables cause increased temperature at the loose contact, but don't list loose cable connection as a presented symptom explicitly; it's close though.