Nowadays, frequency inverters are increasingly widely used and have become essential partners in most industrial equipment. Workers in the industry are likely quite familiar with them. However, some inverters have a short service life and frequently generate errors during operation, often because one key aspect is overlooked: how to perform basic maintenance on dedicated inverter units? Here, Oulu Inverters provides a detailed introduction:

1. Avoid mounting the inverter on vibrating equipment, as vibrations can loosen the main circuit connection screws—a common cause of inverter failure.

2. Wiring considerations: The inverter’s input should be connected to a circuit breaker (air switch) with an appropriately rated current capacity to provide short-circuit protection and prevent severe damage in case of electrical faults.

3. For inverters frequently operating at low speeds (below 15 Hz), the motor should be equipped with an additional cooling fan to ensure adequate heat dissipation.

4. Dust and humidity are critical threats to inverters. Whenever possible, install the inverter in an air-conditioned room or within an electrical cabinet equipped with dust-proof filters. Regularly clean dust accumulated on the circuit boards and heat sinks. Before powering on, allow the inverter to remain powered off for a period to facilitate internal drying and dust removal.

5. Certain inverter brands do not trigger overheating protection until the cooling fan has already been damaged. Therefore, replace the cooling fan as soon as unusual noise is detected during operation.

6. In some factories, power is supplied by generators, leading to unstable voltage and frequent inverter failures. Installing voltage stabilization or overvoltage protection devices for the generator can significantly improve performance and protect the inverter.

7. Lightning protection is also crucial. Although rare, lightning strikes can cause severe damage to inverters. Inverters used in constant pressure water supply systems are particularly vulnerable to lightning because they are often connected to elevated components (such as water tanks or pipes), which can act like lightning rods extending into the sky.

8. For frequent rapid stops, avoid relying solely on the inverter’s built-in braking function. Instead, add an external braking resistor or use mechanical braking. Otherwise, the inverter may frequently be affected by the motor’s back electromotive force (EMF), significantly increasing the failure rate.

9. When an inverter fails, do not allow untrained personnel to perform repairs. Inexperienced handling can worsen the situation. For example, if a fast-acting fuse blows, it must be thoroughly investigated—some electricians may replace it immediately (or even use a copper wire substitute, which is strictly prohibited), leading to further damage. Based on our experience, if a fast-acting fuse blows, the power module is often faulty, though module failures can be unpredictable. Note that many inverter power modules and rectifier modules are interchangeable.

Regular maintenance of dedicated inverters can significantly extend their service life. Nanjing Oulu Electric Co., Ltd. specializes in the R&D, production, sales, and service of inverter-related products. We provide high-quality products and solutions, along with comprehensive support including installation, commissioning, operational maintenance, technical upgrades, and remote data analysis.