Inverter/Charger power interruptions

[mtnman49]

We have a Freedom 458 series 12 volt inverter/charger P/N 81-2022-12 (SD 15/20). Single feed in, dual breakers out (one 15 and one 20amp). Heart Interface remote panel installed in hallway. A IOTA ITS-50R 50 Amp Power Switch in the basement (replaced 2 years ago) due to short. The batteries were replaced 3 years ago and all connections are good and clean. All this in our 2001 National RV Tradewinds LTC 7390 Motorhome. The 20 Amp side of the circuit handles the two TV's, the microwave, and a few other outlets. The 15 amp supplys lights and recepticles. We've lived full time in our motorhome since 2005 so the systems have had a lot of use. For quite some time now the power goes out on the 20 amp circuit only. We flip the inverter breakers off and back on and the power comes back on. The breakers in the coach never trip. Sometimes this occures under a heavy load like the tv running and oven or microwave being turned on. Other times the power outage occurs when only one tv is on and nothing else. I've isolated the microwave and both tv's by unplugging them one at a time and found the outage can still occur in all three cases. Also sometimes the power will come back on after a short period of time without going out to reset the breakers. We don't use the diesel generator much but haven't noticed any power outages while using the generator. The inverter seems to be charging the batteries fine also. We had a power surge about 18 months ago and had to replace the little fuse inside the inverter cowling. I'm thinking about replacing the inverter with a new one (doesn't look too difficult). Was just wondering if someone knew of some circuit troubleshooting that should be done first.

[WSRG]

Before going to the expense of replacing the whole 458, I would try replacing the suspect 20 amp breaker on the inverter.

Bill

[Bugzme]

Put an amp meter on the tripping circuit before you replace anything

[WSRG]

Jeff is correct about checking the amp draw on any circuit that is blowing breakers. But...It will not tell you if there is a defective or corroded contact within the breaker. The reason I'm saying this is that you said that sometimes the current will go off and then back on without resetting the breaker. This would indicate to me that there is a bad contact inside the breaker itself. The breaker will not reset itself.

Bill

[mtnman49]

thanks for your input... I'm going to check with Xantrex this morning and will post their opinion...

[WSRG]

I hope you have better luck than I did dealing with Xantrex. What a lousy company to deal with.

Bill

[mtnman49]

Talked with Xantrex tech support Monday. The agreed the 20 amp breaker was probably defective. They offered to send a list of service centers in the Phoenix/Tucson area, I asked if they could just send me the part. They shipped it same day and I should have it today (no charge for the part or postage) I'm pleased with their quick support. I'll have to remove the inverter from the motorhome, pop the cowling, remove some input wires and 2 circut boards to get to the breaker and replace. Hope this is the cure... I'll post pics of the progress...
Bob