Learn how to protect your Victron MultiPlus inverter from salt air corrosion in coastal areas.
Signs of salt air corrosion include rust, discoloration, and physical damage to the inverter's casing.
Regular cleaning, applying protective coatings, and ensuring proper ventilation can help maintain your inverter.
The Victron MultiPlus inverter operates by converting DC from the solar array into AC for household use. Salt air can lead to corrosion, which affects circuit integrity and can trigger fault conditions. Corrosion can increase resistance in electrical connections, leading to ground faults detected by the inverter's protection mechanisms. The inverter continuously monitors parameters including insulation resistance (RISO) and ground fault detection, which can be compromised by corrosion, resulting in operational faults.
Users may notice visual signs such as corrosion on the inverter's exterior, discolored or pitted surfaces, or rust on connectors. The monitoring app may display alerts for reduced performance or fault codes related to ground faults. Production drops may be evident if the inverter is unable to operate efficiently due to internal damage.
Always consult a licensed electrician or certified solar installer when performing maintenance or repairs on electrical systems to ensure compliance with safety protocols and local regulations.
To avoid future issues, ensure the inverter is installed in a location with minimal exposure to salt air. Regular maintenance should include inspecting seals and connections for signs of wear or corrosion. Using protective coatings on metal surfaces and ensuring proper ventilation can also mitigate corrosion risks.