Manual

Page 14
Troubleshooting
900-0210-01-00 Rev A
©2018 OutBack Power Technologies. All Rights Reserved.
Troubleshooting
The SkyBox records several different kinds of data that may be useful
when troubleshooting.
o Fault accompanied by unit shutdown: Off/On button B turns red.
o Fault, unit continues to operate: Off/On button B turns yellow.
In all cases, faults are recorded under the ALERTS tab accessed
under the System Notification button A.
NOTES:
 The ALERTS tab will identify a Rapid Shutdown event if one occurs.
See page 16 if that message appears.
 The LOG tab accessed under A shows up to 50 status changes of any
type (faults or otherwise). This may also be useful for troubleshooting.
 ALERTS and LOG notifications are historical data and may not reflect
current unit status.
When a defined fault occurs it will generate a fault code as well as
an alert. All defined fault codes are shown under Inverter Fault
Status. Normally this is available by pressing the SkyBox
button C and the “down” chevron D.
NOTE: Fault codes are for internal OutBack use only. However, to identify the
latest fault, go to the ALERTS tab and acknowledge all items. (See page 3.)
Any notifications that continue to appear (at the top of the list) should match the
latest fault codes.
When Off/On is red or yellow, pressing it causes the display to
jump directly to Inverter Fault Status. (As the button cannot also
turn the SkyBox off in this state, an Inverter off button
is located on this screen.) Faults can be cleared directly with the
Clear faults button.
NOTE: If Off/On is yellow but the SkyBox is turned off anyway, the button
will turn red (shutdown with faults) until the fault is cleared.
Most faults are automatically recoverable. The only faults that remain active under Inverter Fault Status are
those that could not be handled automatically and need to be manually cleared.
To manually clear a fault:
1) Push the Clear faults button under Inverter Fault Status.
If this does not succeed:
2) Remove all sources of power from the SkyBox (battery, solar, utility grid, and generator) and wait five minutes.
Reconnect the sources.
If a fault cannot be manually cleared, there may be a physical problem with the SkyBox. Contact the system
installer for instructions.
A B
D
C
Troubleshooting
Page 15
Symptom System Type Possible Cause Possible Remedy
Screen freezes Any Display processing error To recover, press anywhere on the screen and hold for 30 seconds.
Charge complete or nearly complete Check DC voltage and charging stage.
If total loads and charging exceed the AC input and PV sources, the charge
Low charge rate Any charging High loads rate decreases to give priority to the loads. Turn off some loads and test the
source charge rate again.
High temperature Performance is derated in high temperatures. Allow SkyBox to cool, or
apply external cooling.
Check input AC voltage. If not consistent, the problem is external. AC
Erratic AC source voltage source voltage may have dipped to a low enough point to disrupt loads
before the inverter could take over.
The SkyBox features a small but noticeable response time during transfer.
Loads interrupted AC source Loads are sensitive to transfer time. Some devices may require an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Consult
upon transfer (grid or generator) the manufacturer of that device for backup power requirements.
Loads are too large. The SkyBox can pass through more power than it can invert. Reduce load size.
Battery cables smaller than recommended will cause a significant voltage drop
Undersized battery cables. when switching to batteries, acting like either an overload or a low-voltage
condition. Size all cables correctly.
Off/On button green, AC source Rapid shutdown device
no AC output, (grid or generator) and jumper have not Install the jumper (see SkyBox Quick Start Guide).
will not accept AC input been installed
Standard fault has shut down SkyBox See opposite page.
AC source
No AC output, (grid or generator) Unit turned off. Make certain the Off/On button is set to on.
will not accept AC input
Rapid shutdown has occurred. Check ALERT messages and Rapid Shutdown Initiator.
No batteries AC source does not meet requirements Check the AC source (voltage, frequency, and other factors).
AC source AC source does not meet requirements Check the AC source (voltage, frequency, and other factors).
(grid or generator)
Generator source Grid source is present SkyBox will not connect to generator if grid is present.
Will not connect Connection timer is still running Wait for timer to expire (GRID tile reads Waiting).
Use Grid set to DROP Set to USE (requires login).
Grid source
Programmed disconnection (due to
time of day, operating mode, or Adjust programming as needed (requires login).
other priority)
Will not sell Grid source Batteries still charging
SkyBox will not sell while the charger is still active. Wait until the charge
cycle is complete, then try again.
Sell limit set too low Adjust setting as needed (requires login).
Power used for other purposes Power must supply loads (self-supply) and batteries before being sold.
Reduced selling Grid source Check loads and all Tile readings.
Limited PV size or conditions Check solar conditions or PV voltage.
High temperature Performance is derated in high temperatures. Allow SkyBox to cool, or apply
external cooling.
Requires minimum 600 W load Apply load to SkyBox.
before charging can occur
Will not charge Generator source
Will not use generator power to charge No action required.
if PV power is already charging
Insufficient “bootstrap” voltage SkyBox requires 44 Vdc or more before it can function. Check voltage.
Blank screen,
unit unresponsive, Off-grid Battery-related internal fault Cycle all power and restart.
battery voltage present
Surge-load-related internal fault Remove likely loads, cycle all power, and restart.
Symptoms and Remedies