On this page
01. Quick checks you can do first02. What usually causes it03. When to call a technician04. Parts that fix it05. FAQ
An inverter trips on overload when the power drawn is more than it can supply, either continuously or for a moment when a motor starts. Pumps, fridges, freezers and air conditioners draw 3 to 6 times their running power at start-up. Move heavy loads off the backup circuit, stagger start-ups, and if your essentials still trip it, the inverter is undersized.
Key takeaways
- Overload = more watts than the inverter rating, even briefly.
- Motors (pumps, fridges, ACs) surge at start-up.
- Irons, kettles and cookers should not be on most home backup circuits.
- Split essential and non-essential circuits.
- If essentials alone trip it, upsize the inverter.
01Quick checks you can do first
- 01Note what was switched onThe trip usually happens the moment a specific appliance starts.
- 02Check the load readingMost inverters show load in % or watts. Over 80% continuous is too high.
- 03Remove heavy loadsKettles, irons, cookers, heaters and water pumps belong on KPLC-only circuits.
- 04Stagger start-upsAfter a blackout, don't let the fridge, freezer and pump all start at once.
- 05Reset correctlySwitch off loads, reset the inverter, then add loads back one at a time.
02What usually causes it
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Trips when the pump starts | Motor starting surge | Soft starter, bigger inverter or pump on grid only |
| Trips when kettle or iron is on | Load above rating | Move to non-backup circuit |
| Trips randomly at night | Fridge and freezer starting together | Stagger or upsize |
| Trips only on battery, not grid | Battery can't deliver the current | Test and replace weak batteries |
| Load % high with little on | Faulty appliance or wiring leakage | Electrician check |
03When to call a technician
- Your essential loads alone trip it.
- It trips even with low load showing.
- The inverter or cables get hot.
- You want to add an AC, borehole pump or more equipment.
Running this across several sites or branches? A Qyvea maintenance contract catches these faults on scheduled visits, with a written report after each one.
04Parts that fix it
05Frequently asked questions
How do I know what size inverter I need?
Add up the running watts of everything on backup, add the largest motor's starting surge, and leave about 25% headroom. We do this free on a site survey.
Can a fridge run on an inverter?
Yes, on a pure sine wave inverter sized for its start-up surge. Inverter-type fridges start much more gently.
Will overload damage my inverter?
The protection is there to prevent damage, but repeated overloads stress components and batteries.
