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All-Electric Reefer Inverter Failure

Likely causes

Inverter overheating — clogged heat sink fins or cooling fan failure

Check: Visually inspect inverter heat sink fins for contamination → check cooling fan operation and power → measure inverter surface temperature

What to do: Clean heat sink fins with air gun → replace cooling fan if faulty → restart after cleaning and re-check fault codes

Input voltage out of range — shore power voltage abnormal (outside 380–480V)

Check: Measure 3-phase input voltage: normal 380–480V → check phase imbalance within 5% → verify DC link voltage 530–680V DC

What to do: Stabilize power supply voltage → improve phase imbalance → restart inverter after confirming normal voltage range

Electric compressor winding insulation degradation → inverter overcurrent trip

Check: Measure electric compressor winding insulation resistance with 500V megger: ≥1MΩ normal — below spec means compressor is faulty

What to do: Replace compressor after confirming insulation resistance → ALWAYS verify compressor insulation before replacing inverter (never install new inverter with failed compressor) → inspect CAN bus

Field tip

Always check electric compressor insulation resistance before replacing the inverter — a new inverter installed with failed compressor insulation will immediately burn out. DC link capacitors require replacement every 5–7 years.

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