Inverter Warning Beep

TabRookie

Hello folks.  We have a 2020 Tab400 and I'm having trouble with what appears to be the inverter.  After an extended vacation (without the trailer) we returned home and were looking forward to a quick camping trip before the parks close.  The trailer had been in my yard all summer unplugged but it was a good summer here so the solar was doing its job.  I plugged the trailer into my house like I normally do (15 amp) and I am getting a periodic warning beep from the inverter.  This has been going on for a few days now.  Any thoughts on what the cause is and how to fix it?  I rarely use the trailer so the inverter is used even less frequently.  It is almost impossible that I left it on but I suppose anything is possible no matter how unlikely. Thanks for the help. 

pthomas745

Are you sure it is the inverter?  Not the smoke alarm or the gas detector?  

What is the Victron app telling you about the exact status of your battery? 

Have you looked at your inverter and made sure it is switched off?  To have a look at the "fault" lights on the inverter?

This is the inverter manual linked below.  Look over Section J, which describes the conditions where the inverter can "beep": undervoltage, overvoltage, etc.  

https://www.aimscorp.net/documents/PWRIX 0421.pdf

TabRookie

You are correct.  It is not the inverter but it is the propane/CO2 detector.  It gives a chirp every minute which indicates a low or faulty battery.  Since this is wired to the trailer battery then that might mean it's time to replace.  It is about five years old and I have no idea what the typical life span is.  The battery level on the control panel by the door is showing a full charge but I understand this is notoriously inaccurate.  The trailer is unplugged at the moment and I'm waiting for the trailer to realize it's on battery power only.  Would appreciate advice from anyone who's seen this before.

qhumberd

Found a link on the Atwood detector that says 7 years before end of life. Might check the manufacture date and double check battery voltage.

Replacements are not expensive or difficult however.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/194735#Comment_194735

pthomas745

Good!  The gas monitor is trying to tell you what the issue "might" be with the pattern of beeps and flashing lights.  It could be "end of life", but that detail seems to be a bit variable.  My Atwood is now in year 8.....and I already have a replacement in hand waiting for the "fail".  (I may just replace it, anyway.)

The battery status, with the trailer unplugged and the battery switch off, no solar coming in, needs to be checked. Below is the Atwood alarm manual, so look closely at the Alarm page and see if you can decode the flashing/beeping.

I know we have looked at the "minimum" battery levels on the gas alarms and the other equipment in the trailer, but I cannot find what the minimum battery status should be before the Alarm starts to beep.  (I may be confusing that detail with the newer monitors.)  

https://manuals.heartlandowners.org/manuals/Alarms and Safety Info/Propane Detector/Atwood Propane Detector Model LP manual.pdf

That link comes from another manufacturers web site, so it does take a moment to load.

TabRookie

I'm fairly certain the sensor needs to be replaced.  The "replace by" date on it is August 2024 and the status light only shows red.  I believe the trailer battery is still good.  The solar is charging and the level appears to be good.