EG4 › Problems
EG4 inverter power makes lights flicker or trips GFCI breakers
Lights flicker or pulse, or GFCI breakers and outlets trip, when the house runs on EG4 inverter power. This page covers what the codes mean, what to check first, and the causes behind it.
Error codes that go with this problem
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| Vbus over range on an 18kPV | EG4's manual says the DC bus voltage is too high and to make sure the PV string voltage is within specification. Owners have also had it with no PV connected at all. |
| EPS overload | The inverter cut its backup (EPS) output because a limit was passed: one 120 V leg over its cap, output above the continuous rating for about 10 minutes, or the battery's own discharge-current limit. |
| over current protection on a 6000XP | The 6000XP shut its output off when a large load, such as a window air conditioner, drew more current than the battery bank could supply. |
| High discharge current alarm on a Victron Cerbo GX | An EG4 WallMount's discharge current went past its continuous rating of about 200 A. The battery then cut out and dropped all loads. |
What to check first
- Note whether the flicker or trips also happen on grid power, or only when the house runs from the inverter on battery or solar.
- Note whether the flicker or trips line up with a large load starting, such as the HVAC condenser.
- If an 18kPV faults with Vbus Over Range, try loads one at a time and note any that bring the fault back each time, even from a different outlet.
- If the inverter shuts off on a big load, click the notice on its screen and write down the fault text.
- If lights pulse while a generator runs, add the house load to the charger's draw and divide by 0.6. A generator with a nameplate rating below that is being run past where its power quality holds up.
- If a 6500EX strobes dimmable lights, contact EG4 tech support. The inverter's case should only be opened with their permission.
Safety. Feeding a generator's power straight into the inverter's AC input can damage the inverter, and a generator loaded past about 60% of its nameplate rating damages electronics connected to it.
The causes and the fixes
Partners see the causes behind this problem, most common first, the checks that tell them apart, and the fix for each, with part numbers and recent prices when a part is involved.