Old SMA inverter error IMAX disturbance
- Thread starter Texican
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jpwdesign
New Member
I just started getting the same issue. 15 years without an issue. Did you come across a solution?
Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
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- Mar 28, 2020
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I'm not sure if I've ever seen it. Manual for 5000US says,
"Disturbance Imax
Over current on the AC side.
This failure code is indicated in case the current to the AC grid exceeds the specification. This may happen in case of harmful interference on the grid. If you observe “Imax“ often, check your grid. For assistance contact SMA."
Not much help here either, except to say only transformer type inverters are affected, and could involve DC current (which doesn't belong on AC grid.)
We don't expect AC current to be "higher than specified" because the inverter drives the current.
Just a stab here - since "interference" is mentioned, try tightening all connections from inverter through main breaker panel. Most you can do while breakers off after confirming zero voltage. (The wires from meter to main breaker of course are always hot, so can't be safely tightened with precautions and insulated tools.) If a bad connection is varying in resistance, might cause issues.
"Disturbance Imax
Over current on the AC side.
This failure code is indicated in case the current to the AC grid exceeds the specification. This may happen in case of harmful interference on the grid. If you observe “Imax“ often, check your grid. For assistance contact SMA."
Not much help here either, except to say only transformer type inverters are affected, and could involve DC current (which doesn't belong on AC grid.)
We don't expect AC current to be "higher than specified" because the inverter drives the current.
Just a stab here - since "interference" is mentioned, try tightening all connections from inverter through main breaker panel. Most you can do while breakers off after confirming zero voltage. (The wires from meter to main breaker of course are always hot, so can't be safely tightened with precautions and insulated tools.) If a bad connection is varying in resistance, might cause issues.
Bsnyder709
New Member
Bsnyder709
New Member
Hi: Having same problem with SMA 7000 installed in 2011. Were you able to figure out a fix? Thank you.
Bsnyder709
New Member
Hi: Having same issue with SMA 7000 installed in 2011. Were you able to figure out any fix? Thank you.
Bsnyder709
New Member
Thanks for the reply
Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2020
- Messages
- 21,015
I've got it now, on a used "for parts" SunPower branded SB 7000US I just bought.
I wired it up, it was "waiting" to qualify the grid, then from a distance I heard what I thought might be relays clacking closed. But too loud for this model. Besides, it was more of a loud "Splat". I lifted off the lid, observed the messages, heard another "Splat" and saw sparks fly, I think from vicinity of display board lower right.
Disconnected for now.
I wired it up, it was "waiting" to qualify the grid, then from a distance I heard what I thought might be relays clacking closed. But too loud for this model. Besides, it was more of a loud "Splat". I lifted off the lid, observed the messages, heard another "Splat" and saw sparks fly, I think from vicinity of display board lower right.
Disconnected for now.
nope
Nettravellor
New Member
Hi all, new to the forum but not to solar systems. I have an SMA 7000US-12 (7KW) SMA SunnyBoy inverter that is intermittently generating Imax Disturbance errors. Installed in 2014 it is literally 3 months out of warranty. Spoke to SMA, they won't honor the warranty. SMA has the warranty by the installers purchase date of Nov 2013. Of course, the installer is nowhere to be found. The Imax error is current on the AC grid higher than that specified or DC current on the grid components. The tech I spoke with said that the likelihood of the AC voltage being higher than specified is unlikely, same for DC current on the grid side unless there is (electrical) damage to the inverter. SMA won't repair as it's a discontinued product. The tech at SMA said the Imax error is due to a mechanical fault in the inverter circuitry. I'll open the box and see if I can determine what might be failing. I'm hoping it's a relay that has gone bad (contact resistance issue) or something like that. Stay tuned for more updates but the not so good news is the the only fix may be an inverter replacement.
gse
New Member
I’m very familiar with this error I can fix it. My info is green solar electric 707-621-5107
fromport
Solar Addict
This might help:
Intermittent disturbance on Sunny Boy inverter
Has anyone had any issues with Sunny Boy inverters before? We've had one playing up on us for the last couple of weeks. On a couple of occassions now, we have had "Disturbance" come up on the inverter. I haven't been there to witness it so can't give any more information. The inverter has...
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