[RE-wrenches] Honda 3000i low ac output

[John Blittersdorf]

I have a Honda 3000i for my off grid system that shows 84 vac output.  I
suspect that the inverter is failing.  Just checking to see if any of you
have seen this failure mode?

John Blittersdorf
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Over-torquing Module Clamps?

[Jerry Shafer]

Wrenches
its not the tool its the user so when I hear about impacts got to know the
feel.
Jerry

On Fri, Sep 3, 2021 at 12:06 AM Corey Shalanski  wrote:

> Wrenches,
>
> (This question actually does refer to the proper use of 'wrenches'...)
>
> While inspecting some recent work from one of our contractors, we noted
> that the PV module clamps had been torqued to ~150% of the racking
> manufacturer's specified value. My question is whether that might have any
> detrimental effect on the modules (frame, glass, cells, seal, etc) and
> whether it would be worth loosening the clamps and re-torquing them to the
> proper spec? For reference, 224 modules are installed.
>
> We were made aware that the contractor used an impact driver on the
> clamps, which accounts for the excessive torque applied. I definitely
> understand the temptation to use an impact driver for just about
> any hardware that needs turning—but my understanding is also that impact
> drivers are generally incompatible with machine screws. So my other
> question to the group is whether anyone has had success in dissuading
> subcontractors from using impact drivers so liberally on project sites? Any
> advice is appreciated.
>
> --
> Corey Shalanski
> Jah Light Solar
> Portland, Jamaica
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Over-torquing Module Clamps?

[Benn Kilburn]

I definitely agree with Jerry’s comment… I’ll add some more to this in a
bit I just want to say that right away.


Benn

On Sat, Sep 4, 2021 at 12:08 PM Jerry Shafer 
wrote:

> Wrenches
> its not the tool its the user so when I hear about impacts got to know the
> feel.
> Jerry
>
> On Fri, Sep 3, 2021 at 12:06 AM Corey Shalanski 
> wrote:
>
>> Wrenches,
>>
>> (This question actually does refer to the proper use of 'wrenches'...)
>>
>> While inspecting some recent work from one of our contractors, we noted
>> that the PV module clamps had been torqued to ~150% of the racking
>> manufacturer's specified value. My question is whether that might have any
>> detrimental effect on the modules (frame, glass, cells, seal, etc) and
>> whether it would be worth loosening the clamps and re-torquing them to the
>> proper spec? For reference, 224 modules are installed.
>>
>> We were made aware that the contractor used an impact driver on the
>> clamps, which accounts for the excessive torque applied. I definitely
>> understand the temptation to use an impact driver for just about
>> any hardware that needs turning—but my understanding is also that impact
>> drivers are generally incompatible with machine screws. So my other
>> question to the group is whether anyone has had success in dissuading
>> subcontractors from using impact drivers so liberally on project sites? Any
>> advice is appreciated.
>>
>> --
>> Corey Shalanski
>> Jah Light Solar
>> Portland, Jamaica
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>
>> Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org
>>
>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>
>> Change listserver email address & settings:
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>
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>> other:
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/
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>> ___
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> --


Benn Kilburn
CSA Certified Solar Photovoltaic Systems Electrician, SkyFire Energy Inc
Employee Owner
14515 - 121A Ave NW | Edmonton, AB | T5L 2T2
Direct: 780-784-1706 | Office: 780-474-8992
*www.skyfireenergy.com *



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Re: [RE-wrenches] Honda 3000i low ac output

[Dan Fink]

John; I have dealt with similar issues off-grid with the Honda 3000i
"cubes," one client is in northern BC Canada and the 2 sites are only
accessible by helicopter and float plane. So taking them to a local Honda
PE shop is an expensive proposition!

Before replacing the (super expensive) inverter, try these steps:

   - Unplug all the (numerous) white Molex wire connectors inside one at a
   time, clean the contacts with a wire brush, treat with anti-ox and replug.
   - Check all those wire harnesses for chafing and worn-through insulation.
   - Open the inverter, and check the wiring inside the aluminum case for
   chafing against the case. I believe this is a common failure area.
   - If those don't help, get the 3000i shop manual, it has a very thorough
   troubleshooting section, and:
   - There's an internal 6-pin plug under the throttle control where you
   can read the stator voltage, rotor voltage, etc.

Hopefully it's something simple!

The one Honda 3000i problem I was never able to solve was Magnum MMS
inverters not accepting the AC input from the 3000i. We had similar systems
at 2 camps, and tried both inverters with both generators (had to swap via
heli of course) and it ended up as Magnum saying it's Honda's problem, and
Honda saying it's Magnum's problem.

Good luck!

Dan Fink
Owner, Buckville Energy Consulting LLC
IREC Certified Instructor for PV and Small Wind Installation
NABCEP Certified PV System Inspector
NABCEP PV Associate
d anbo...@gmail.com
970-672-4342




On Sat, Sep 4, 2021 at 8:41 AM John Blittersdorf <
john.blittersd...@gmail.com> wrote:

> I have a Honda 3000i for my off grid system that shows 84 vac output.  I
> suspect that the inverter is failing.  Just checking to see if any of you
> have seen this failure mode?
>
> John Blittersdorf
> ___
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Over-torquing Module Clamps?

[Ray]

I don't think impact drivers should be used at all, unless they have a 
way to adjust torque.  Instead, use a drill/ driver with torque setting 
set fairly low, and do a final tightening with a torque wrench.  Also, 
you need to be really careful what speed you use;  even with low torque, 
the screws can start binding from over heating, if driven too fast.


Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760

On 9/4/21 12:08 PM, Jerry Shafer wrote:

Wrenches
its not the tool its the user so when I hear about impacts got to know 
the feel.

Jerry

On Fri, Sep 3, 2021 at 12:06 AM Corey Shalanski > wrote:


Wrenches,

(This question actually does refer to the proper use of 'wrenches'...)

While inspecting some recent work from one of our contractors, we
noted that the PV module clamps had been torqued to ~150% of the
racking manufacturer's specified value. My question is whether
that might have any detrimental effect on the modules (frame,
glass, cells, seal, etc) and whether it would be worth loosening
the clamps and re-torquing them to the proper spec? For reference,
224 modules are installed.

We were made aware that the contractor used an impact driver on
the clamps, which accounts for the excessive torque applied. I
definitely understand the temptation to use an impact driver
for just about any hardware that needs turning—but my
understanding is also that impact drivers are generally
incompatible with machine screws. So my other question to the
group is whether anyone has had success in dissuading
subcontractors from using impact drivers so liberally on project
sites? Any advice is appreciated.

--
Corey Shalanski
Jah Light Solar
Portland, Jamaica
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