Sterling inverter fault (1 Viewer)

[Techno]

Today I fitted a Sterling 1600 watt pure sine inverter with RCD flex outlet for Norman (awaiting @Jim to change his user name) After completing the installation with a manual changeover switch to service nearly all the sockets, we found the plug in tester was indicating reverse polarity.
After breaking it down the fault was pinpointed to the flex from the inverter RCD which was 230 volts N to earth and zero volts L to earth. One might argue that it doesn't really matter as it is RCD protected anyway BUT it is clearly not acceptable from a top brand product like this.
Rather than the chore of Norman sending it back I just swapped the cores to correct it.

 

[karl c]

wow, makes you think. If you had just fitted it and not put the tester in.
All ways best not to trust anything to be wright first time.

 

[Techno]

Polarity isn't really an issue with double pole circuit breakers or RCD protection but it should be manufactured correctly so you know where you stand.

EDIT
I wasn't prepared to open it up and change it internally as that would invalidate the warranty.

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[Stealaway]

Its a good job you didn't ring Charles Sterling - he is one angry Irish man, his telephone manner is dreadful. Although their after sales service is excellent.

 

[Techno]

My own 1600 watt sterling is still faulty but just stuck it the loft in disgust when I bought a better unit.
It works ok without a remote switch but with the remote it reads the battery voltage 1.5 volts lower than it actually is under load and thus squeals like a pig because it thinks the voltage is too low. Initially Charles said it was because I used a remote from the quasi inverter BUT I since bought the "special" one and it is still the same.

 

[Flamenca]

Today I fitted a Sterling 1600 watt pure sine inverter with RCD flex outlet for Norman (awaiting @Jim to change his user name) After completing the installation with a manual changeover switch to service nearly all the sockets, we found the plug in tester was indicating reverse polarity.
After breaking it down the fault was pinpointed to the flex from the inverter RCD which was 230 volts N to earth and zero volts L to earth. One might argue that it doesn't really matter as it is RCD protected anyway BUT it is clearly not acceptable from a top brand product like this.
Rather than the chore of Norman sending it back I just swapped the cores to correct it.

I have had bad experiences with Sterling products and extremely poor after sales service. I suppose it may be expected from a company who badge engineers products manufactured by another company. I have discovered a very good company who will repair their products, and properly bench test, at reasonable cost. I will dig into my archives if someone would like details of the company.

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[Techno]

I have had bad experiences with Sterling products and extremely poor after sales service. I suppose it may be expected from a company who badge engineers products manufactured by another company. I have discovered a very good company who will repair their products, and properly bench test, at reasonable cost. I will dig into my archives if someone would like details of the company.

Indeed

 

[timetochill]

Looking for a 1600W or 2000W inverter pure sine wave had a cheap one but crap really is a mine field any suggestions always thought the sterling stuff was good kit just shows

 

[Flamenca]

Looking for a 1600W or 2000W inverter pure sine wave had a cheap one but crap really is a mine field any suggestions always thought the sterling stuff was good kit just shows

I bought a 1000 Watt 'Sterling' pure sine wave inverter...big mistake.

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[Stealaway]

In 20 years I have never bought a pure sine wave inverter ---- and never needed one.
All my standard ones have worked with every thing I have ever thrown at it.

 

[Flamenca]

In 20 years I have never bought a pure sine wave inverter ---- and never needed one.
All my standard ones have worked with every thing I have ever thrown at it.

My pure sine wave inverter was powering a motor. They do not like square wave inverters at all.

 

[pappajohn]

Looks like another reason not to buy an over-rated and over-priced product.

Far cheaper chinese inverter will do the same thing.

Same goes for Avtex tvs....a £100 supermarket special does the same thing at a fraction of the over-inflated price.

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[funflair]

Looking for a 1600W or 2000W inverter pure sine wave had a cheap one but crap really is a mine field any suggestions always thought the sterling stuff was good kit just shows

I use a Merlin pure sine 2kw from RoadPro, has remote start/stop panel top mount inside and just work as you would expect 240 volts to work runs all the things with sensitive electronics in etc etc, BUT not cheap.

Martin

 

[bubble63]

Looks like another reason not to buy an over-rated and over-priced product.

Far cheaper chinese inverter will do the same thing.

Same goes for Avtex tvs....a £100 supermarket special does the same thing at a fraction of the over-inflated price.

how very true
bought a LED Aldi telly to replace the LCD Avtex
wow.......... 100% better in every way
Amazing

 

[jezport]

Personally, My opinion of the Sterling inverters is not good. They look to me like any cheapo Chinese import. The Durite inverters look far better inside. I had a Ring inverter for years and have recently gone back to one. Time will tell.

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