An AC inverter is a type of drive control, or variable-frequency drive, that is used to control the rotating speed of an alternating current-controlled electric motor. The Yaskawa & Omron inverter was manufactured from 2003 until 2009, when the two companies worked together in this joint venture. The AC inverter, which is commonly used in ventilation systems of large buildings, controls AC motor speed, the frequency of the electrical power supplied to the motor. Troubleshooting the inverter at board level involves disconnecting it and inspecting the circuits inside.
Instructions
1. Check the circuit breaker that the inverter is connected to first. Make sure the breaker is flipped in the right direction. If it is not, flip it to the "On" position and power the inverter up to check it.
2. Shut off the power to the circuit breaker to which the inverter is connected if the circuit breaker appears to be working OK.
3. Remove the screw on the front cover of the inverter box with a Phillips screwdriver. Open the inverter box cover.
4. Inspect the electrical wiring terminals at the bottom of the inverter. Make sure all electrical wires running from the wall are connected. If they are not, loosen the terminal screw inside the box with a screwdriver. Wrap the wire around the screw and tighten it down.
5. Remove the electrical wires from their respective terminals if they are all connected adequately, but the unit will not work.
6. Remove the four mounting screws holding the unit to the wall or ventilation panel with the Phillips screwdriver.
7. Place the inverter on a flat table or work bench and remove the casing screws to access the circuit board inside the inverter.
8. Examine the voltage rating on the inverter power supply, which is square and mounted on the top right hand side of the circuit board.
9. Turn the multimeter on, set it to voltage and test the power supply by placing the test leads to each end of the power supply leads. If the voltage on the meter reads lower than the voltage printed on the power supply, it needs to be replaced. To do this, desolder the old power supply solder connections. Remove the old power supply and then solder the new one into place.
10. Inspect all other electronic components visually if the power supply tests OK. Look for carbon scoring or other visible signs such as discoloration or black scorch marks that may be a sign that a component short-circuited.
11. Heat the old solder connections of the damaged component with the soldering iron and pull the damaged component from the inverter's circuit board.
12. Purchase the same component new and install it in the inverter. Set the leads into the holes on the circuit board and solder them with solder and the soldering iron.
13. Reassemble the inverter box by replacing the screws and mount it back into position.
14. Connect the electrical wires to their respective terminals with the screwdriver and shut the inverter cover. Restore power to the inverter from the fuse box and test it by powering it up.
Tags: power supply, circuit board, circuit breaker, electrical wires, damaged component