Inverter Preventive Maintenance Checklist (2021 Updated) | FieldInsight

Inverter Preventive Maintenance Checklist (2021 Updated)

Imagine you get a call from your customer saying that their inverter has just broken down and they need it fixed ASAP. For many HVAC businesses, this can be a usual occurrence that introduces interruptions and stress into your weekly workload.

However, with a great job management software and a preventive maintenance plan, you can reduce unplanned downtime and improve asset performance and lifespan. With the benefits of preventive maintenance software, you can create consistency in your workflow and reduce the stress on your shoulders.

Regular inverter maintenance is key to long lasting and well performing assets. In this blog we will discuss how to create your ultimate PM plan and checklist for your HVAC business.

9 Tasks You Should Include In Your Preventive Maintenance Checklist For Electrical Maintenance

When you begin your ultimate maintenance checklist, there are some key elements that you need to include. With the right factors in your checklist you will find your maintenance program a breeze for all your team.

1. Inspect fans

• Check for noises that are unusual
• Check for excess vibration
• Check that fans can freely rotate without obstruction

Without correct operation of the inverter fans, your machine will not be able to cool as needed and can overheat. When you have fan failure, the capacitors will dry out and the system can result in tripping out.

Keeping the desired range of temperature is important for inverters and without an operating fan, you will find issues developing here. Neglecting a small step like inspecting your fans can lead to defects that may require more costly repairs.

2. Check for dust and debris

• Vacuum up any dust or dirt
• Blow down or sweep exterior area
• Check for clogs in the heatsinks
• Blow out the heatsink

When you have a build up of dust, debris or dirt in your system, you will find the inverter will become prone to system failure.

Excess dust and dirt will attract and hold more moisture which will create issues for your inverter such as overheating.

3. Check Filters

• Visual inspection of air intake
• Replace air intake filter as required – see your warranty or manufacturer agreements for details
• Clean intake

The asset requirements will be determined by the manufacturer standards and will decide on how often filters need to be changed. As a part of organising your schedule, you should ensure to include research the correct manuals and part numbers you need.

4. Backup the Parameters

• Backup the drive parameters to a laptop or control panel
• Send your data to your customer with any recommended changes or repairs
• For easy sending application for your customers, use a PDF format here
• Ensure all controls are tightened

While backing up your inverter parameters sounds like a simple step, it can be very handy when you realise you have lost your drive or it has become damaged. It is always recommended to have back ups and prepare for the worst case scenario.

 5. Inspect Ventilation

• Check that the panel is well ventilated
• Note any dampness or any odour here from lack of ventilation

Without correct ventilation, your system will struggle to remain cool and can cause overlapping issues and conditions that a simple cleaning could have fixed.

6. Check terminals

• Inspect the control panel for tightness
• Check to see the power terminals are secure

Loose connections can result in creating further issues such as arcing or extra heating.

7. Check resistance

• Test the resistance on the contacts for the drive

Wear and tear will contribute to pitting and imbalances in your switches. It is important to test for any AC and DC imbalances.

8. Inspect keypads

• Check the LCD keypad is secured safely and ensure to remove it when not in use.

By removing when not operational, you can extend the life cycle of the keypad. When programming keypads remain on for long periods of time, you will find the LCD screen will fail. This will also help your technician to diagnose a problem as you will be assured your keypad is working, without having to wait to replace it.

9. Clean the drive

• Ensure that the drive is dry
• Clean the drive

For drives with a rating of IP00-IP20, staying clean and dry is vital for performance levels. If the inverter is based in an area with weather exposure, excess dust or debris build up, you will want to ensure to keep it clean. Dust exposure can result in clogging your fans and heatsinks which can damage the asset. Additionally excess moisture can lead to rust, mould and corrosion that can hinder the performance of the asset.

When creating your checklist for your maintenance plan, you want to have the correct manufacturer recommendations, well trained technicians and a great automated software at your back. Starting your PM checklist isn’t just about having a list of actions on a page to complete, it is about creating a format that will save your technicians time and build consistency in your business.

The Importance Of Electrical Preventive Maintenance

With the aim of boosting asset lifespans and reducing unplanned downtime, preventive maintenance is vital. When you are getting call outs for assets that are breaking down on the regular, you will find it hard to maintain a balanced schedule. The beauty of preventive maintenance is the ability to allow you to plan and prepare in advance of your appointment. You will be able to keep a balanced schedule and consistent workload year round with planned maintenance appointments (especially throughout the quieter months of the year).

Preventive maintenance is also important in keeping to your contracts and requirements (this can be from your customers, warranty or manufacturer). With an automated job management software, your technicians will have access to all the information and user manuals they need while on site. No more hurried trips back to the office or pesky phone calls chasing to find the details you need, with an automated software, the answers are never further than a few clicks away.

With a great preventive inverter checklist in your HVAC business you can:

• Extend asset lifecycle
• Reduce unplanned downtime and breakdowns
• Reduce expensive repairs
• Keep your customers happy
• Boost your business performance
• Create more consistency and balance in your workflow
• Ensure all systems are operating at a desired performance level

To reach your HVAC asset goals and KPIs, a thorough checklist and PM plan will help your business succeed.

For more checklists, see FieldInsight’s Ultimate Commercial Plumbing Checklist and the Preventive Maintenance Schedule for Pumps.

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For more on how FieldInsight can improve your business, book a free demo today.