Solar Lattice

Stressor

Load inrush current

ID
stressor:load-inrush-current
IRI
https://solarlattice.org/kb/stressor/load-inrush-current
Status
active
Also known as
switch-on currents, high start-up current demand, motor starting current, initial current, peak inrush current, starting impact power

Load inrush current is the short surge of current a load draws when it is switched on. Motors and other appliances with a high start-up demand are the usual source. On battery or backup inverters, too much load power or start-up demand trips the inverter's AC current limitation on a line conductor. If a motor is driven directly, its starting surge must stay inside the power and time limits of the inverter's overload curve. For RLC loads, the peak inrush current when a load is switched in should stay within twice the inverter's rated current, and the total load should not exceed the inverter's rated power. To reduce exposure, lower the total load or stagger when loads are switched on, and choose appliances with a lower initial current. Start three-phase motors with a star-delta or electronic starter, or connect very large loads directly to the grid supply rather than through the inverter. Inverter datasheets list the inverter's own inrush current. Some models rate it as negligible, and others give a small value over a few milliseconds.

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