AC Workhorse Pumps FAQ's and Troubleshooting

Workhorse Pump Notebook FAQ

Important Safety Warning

Measuring live voltage is dangerous. Only perform these tests if you are confident and follow all safety protocols. Ensure your multimeter is rated for at least 1000V DC. Always Keep your fingers behind the protective guards on the multimeter probes.

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Part 1: Measuring Incoming DC Voltage from Solar

Use this test if your screen is blank or showing a "Low Voltage" error to confirm if your solar panels are providing enough power.

Set Up the Multimeter: Turn the dial to DC Voltage, usually marked with a V and a straight line with three dots underneath. Select a range high enough for your system (e.g., 600V).
Connect Probes: Plug the Black probe into COM and the Red probe into the socket marked V.
Prepare the Inverter: Turn on the solar isolator switch. If your inverter uses MC4 connectors, you may need to unplug them to measure the bare pins, or measure at the screw terminals inside the unit if it is a wall-mounted type.
Take the Reading:
- Touch the Red probe to the Positive (+) wire or terminal (labelled P+).
- Touch the Black probe to the Negative (-) wire or terminal.

Interpret the Result:

230V Inverters: The voltage should be between 150V and 450V DC.
380V Inverters: The voltage should be between 400V and 800V DC (up to 900V for some models).
If the reading is below the Minimum DC input voltage listed on your inverter's specification sticker, the system will not boot.

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Foundational Skill: How to Use a Multimeter for Resistance (Ohm) Testing

Many troubleshooting steps require you to "measure resistance." If you have never used a multimeter, follow these basic steps:

Safety First: Always ensure the inverter is powered off and you have waited 5 minutes for the electricity to discharge before touching any wires.
Set Up the Multimeter:
- The Dial: Turn the centre dial to the Resistance setting, which is represented by the Greek letter Omega (). If your meter has different ranges, select a low range (like 200).
- The Probes: Plug the Black probe into the socket labelled "COM" (Common) and the red probe into the socket labelled with the symbol.

Taking a Reading:

Ensure the motor wires are disconnected from the inverter so you are only measuring the motor and its cable.
Touch the metal tip of one probe to the bare copper end of one wire (e.g., the Black wire).
Touch the metal tip of the other probe to the bare copper end of a second wire (e.g., the blue wire).
The number that appears on the screen is the Resistance (Ohms) for that pair of wires. Record this number immediately.
Repeat this process for every combination of the three motor wires (U-V, V-W, and U-W).

Q: Why is my pump running but the water flow is very small or has low pressure?

Step 1: Check Motor Direction (Three-Phase Only). If your pump is three-phase, it may be spinning backward. Access the "AC Output Direction" setting by entering the System Operational settings with password 9580. Select "Reverse" to test if the flow and pressure improve. If they do, you should physically exchange any two of the U, V, and W wires at the terminal and then set the software back to "Forward" to avoid future confusion.
Step 2: Check for Jammed Components. If direction is correct, the pump head or motor may be jammed by debris. Pull the pump out of the water and remove the two screws holding the power cable cover. Use a 13mm spanner to undo the 4 bolts connecting the pump head to the motor and lift the pump away. Use pliers to turn the impeller shaft; it should spin freely in both directions. Turn the motor shaft by hand; it should turn with smooth, moderate effort and a "clunking" magnetic sensation.

Q: How do I wire a single-phase 3-wire motor if I don’t know the colours?

Step 1: Prepare for Measurement. Ensure the inverter is completely powered down and the motor is disconnected from the inverter. Set your multimeter to measure resistance (Ohms).
Step 2: Measure Resistance Between Pairs. Measure and record the Ohms between every combination of the three wires.
- The largest Ohm reading is between the Start (Aux) and Run (Main) wires.
- The middle Ohm reading is between the Start (Aux) and Common wires.
- The lowest Ohm reading is between the Run (Main) and Common wires.
Step 3: Connect to Inverter. Standard Workhorse colours are Common = Black (U), Run = Blue (V), and Start = Brown (W).

Q: My screen isn’t turning on and solar is wired in. What's wrong?

Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Check DC Voltage: This usually indicates the solar input voltage is lower than the Minimum DC input voltage.
2. Verify Specifications: Use a multimeter to check if the voltage is above the minimum required on the inverter's specification sticker.

Q: What do I do if the screen displays "OFF (AC Out S-C)" or "E: AC Out Short-C" (Error E4)?

Step 1: Check for External Switches. Ensure there are no breakers or switches installed between the inverter and the pump, as these cause this error. Remove any such devices immediately.
Step 2: Perform a Resistance Test. This identifies internal shorts in the motor or cable. Turn off the inverter and isolate all power sources (solar, mains, or generator). Wait for the screen to turn off completely and then unplug the AC output plug or disconnect the wires from the U, V, W, and Earth terminals.
- For Three-Phase: Measure resistance between U-V, V-W, and U-W; all three readings must be identical. If any reading differs by more than 1 Ohm, the motor or cable is faulty.
- For Single-Phase: Measure all three pairs; the sum of the two lowest readings must equal the highest reading (e.g., if V-W is 3.2 and W-U is 5.3, U-V must be 8.5). If they differ by more than 1 Ohm, a fault exists.
Step 3: Test the Inverter Without Load. With the pump still unplugged, turn the inverter back on. Check the "AC Output Status" on the screen; if the frequency reaches the maximum set value (usually 50Hz), the inverter is healthy, and the short is definitely in the pump or cable.
Step 4: Inspect Plugs. Look for black marks on the male and female AC output plugs. If marks are found, the connection has been shorting, and the plugs must be replaced.

Q: My pump stops and shows "OFF (Tank)" or "Off (Borehole)". Is it broken?

Step 1: Understand the Message. These are not errors; they are protection messages. "Off (Tank)" means your storage tank is full (or the pressure switch is triggered), and "Off (Borehole)" or "Off (Well)" means the water level in your source is too low.
Step 2: Adjust Sensor Positioning. If your borehole has water but still shows "Off," ensure the sensor is fixed vertically with zip ties and is at least 1 meter above the pump outlet. Do not let it float freely, as this causes false signals.
Step 3: Wait for Automatic Restart. The system will automatically attempt to restart after a programmed delay (usually 30 minutes) once water levels rise.

Q: How do I stop my pump from turning on and off constantly (cycling)?

Step 1: Find the Cut-Out Point on your pressure switch. Using a 3mm Allen key, turn the pressure switch adjustment screw fully clockwise. While the pump is running, slowly turn it counter-clockwise until the screen displays "Off (Tank)".
Step 2: Set the Differential. Turn the screw back clockwise by half a turn (180 degrees). This adds approximately 15 PSI of "buffer" pressure above your running pressure to prevent cycling.
Step 3: Check Tank Air Pressure. If you have a pressure tank, use an air compressor to ensure the air charge is 3 PSI below the "Cut-In" pressure

Q: Can I open the inverter box while it is powered?

Answer: No. To avoid a potentially fatal electric shock, you must turn off the inverter and wait at least 5 minutes for the internal capacitors to discharge to a safe voltage before opening the unit.

Q: How high should I hang my submersible pump in the bore?

Answer: You must ensure there is at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) of clear space between the bottom of the pump and the bottom of the bore to prevent it from resting in or sucking up sand. Never use the power cable to support the pump's weight; always use a dedicated steel hanging cable

Q: How do I slow down the pump/decrease hertz?

1. Preparation

Stop the Pump: Changes to programming should not be made while the pump is running. Press the On/Off button on the screen or the base of the unit to ensure the pump is stopped.
Determine the Required Hz: For surface pumps, the minimum Hz should be set to the lowest speed at which the pump still delivers water to its destination. Warning: Do not set the minimum frequency below 25Hz without consulting technical support.

2. Accessing the Settings Menu

Navigate to the Model Page: Press the UP or ESC button until the screen displays the page showing the inverter's model number.
Enter the Settings: Press Enter. When prompted for a password, input 9582 (use the UP/DOWN buttons to adjust digits and Enter to move to the next digit).
Enter the Menu: Once the final digit is set, press Enter again to access the System Setting menu.

3. Changing the Frequency Hz (Hz)

Select Parameter: Hover over the Hz figure (usually set to 50) and press Enter.
Adjust the frequency: Once the number has been selected you can increase or decrease the figure using the UP/DOWN buttons.
- Press Enter to confirm the Hz value.
The Power-Cycle Rule: Turn off the solar isolator switch, wait 10 seconds for the screen to lose power completely, and then turn the isolator back on. The system will load the main screen and should restart automatically with the new settings applied.

Q: Pump stops working with an Overload error

Step 1: Identify the Specific Error

Look at the message on your inverter's screen to determine which type of overload has occurred:

"OFF (Over Load)" (Error E1): This means the solar input power is exceeding the maximum power rating of the inverter.
"OFF (AC Out O-A)" (Error E8): This means the AC output to the pump is overloaded.

Step 2: Verify Power Ratings

Check that your inverter is correctly sized for your pump:

Locate the specification sticker on the right-hand side of the inverter and the label on your pump motor.
Ensure the inverter’s rated power is equal to or greater than the pump’s rated power.
Warning: You must not run a pump with a higher power rating than your inverter, as this will cause consistent overload failures.

Step 3: Electrical Troubleshooting (Resistance Test)

If the ratings are correct, you must test the pump and its cable for internal shorts using a multimeter.

How to set up and use your multimeter for this test:

Safety: Press the On/Off button to stop the pump, turn off the solar isolator, and wait 5 minutes for the electricity to discharge.
Multimeter Settings: Turn the dial to the Resistance setting, marked with the Omega symbol (). If your meter has ranges, choose a low one like 200 .
Prepare the Wires: Unplug the AC output plug or disconnect the motor wires (U, V, W, and Ground) from the inverter.
Take Measurements: Touch the metal probe tips to the bare ends of the motor wires in pairs: U to V, V to W, and U to W.

Interpret your results:

For Three-Phase Motors: All three readings must be identical. If any reading differs by more than 1 Ohm, the motor or the cable is faulty.
For Single-Phase Motors: The readings will be different, but the sum of the two lowest readings must equal the highest reading. For example, if you measure 3.2 and 5.3 , the third reading must be 8.5 . If they differ by more than 1 Ohm, a fault exists.

Step 4: Mechanical Troubleshooting (Check for Jams)

If the electrical tests pass, the overload may be caused by the pump being physically stuck.

Pull the pump out of the water.
Remove the cable cover by undoing the two small screws on the side of the pump body.
Separate the pump head: Use a 13mm spanner to remove the four bolts connecting the pump head to the motor and lift them apart.
Test the Pump Head: Use pliers to turn the impeller shaft. It should spin freely in both directions. If it is jammed or sounds like it is grinding against sand, it may need repair or replacement.
Test the Motor: Turn the motor shaft by hand. It should turn with moderate effort and a smooth, "clunking" magnetic feel. If it feels like it is grinding through sand or is very difficult to turn, the bearings may be damaged.

Step 5: Check Inverter Settings

Ensure the AC Output Max Current (Password: 9579) is set correctly. This should generally be set to 1.5 times the motor's rated current. For example, a 10A motor should have the inverter set to 15A. If it is set too low, the system will trigger an overload error prematurely.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, take photos of the error message and the specification stickers and contact technical support.

Q: How do I configure settings for grid or generator backup?

Step 1: Safety and Physical Connection

Power Down: Before connecting any wires, ensure the solar isolator is off and wait 5 minutes for the electricity to discharge.
Connect AC Input:
- For 230V Inverters: Connect your 1-phase AC backup wires to the terminals labeled L (Active/Red), N (Neutral/Black), and the Earth terminal.
- For 380V-415V Inverters: Connect your 3-phase backup wires to the terminals labeled R, S, and T, along with the Earth terminal.

Power Up: Turn on the backup power source and the solar isolator.

Step 2: Access the Settings Menu

Stop the Pump: You must stop the pump using the On/Off button before changing settings.
Navigate to Settings: Press the UP or ESC button until you see the screen displaying the inverter's Model Number.
Enter Password: Press Enter. When prompted for a password, input 0000 (use UP/DOWN to change numbers and Enter to move to the next digit). If 0000 fails, use the super password 9590.

Step 3: Select Backup Priority

Scroll down to "2. Hybrid Power" and press Enter.
Select "Priority" and press Enter.
Choose your mode based on your needs:
- Solar First (Recommended): Solar is the priority. When the solar frequency drops below your minimum setting (LE Hz), the AC backup supplements the power automatically.
- AC Sync: Select this if you want the AC input to be active whenever it is available, entering pure solar mode only when the grid/generator is unavailable.

Press Enter to confirm your selection.

Step 4: Configure the Switch-Over Point (LE Hz)

This setting determines when the backup power kicks in.

Under the Hybrid Power menu, scroll to "Parameters" and press Enter.
You will see "LE: 30Hz In 20 Sec".
- LE Hz: Change this to the minimum speed your pump needs to deliver water (typically 25Hz to 35Hz). If the solar power causes the frequency to drop below this number for the set time, the AC backup will take over.
- Detecting Time (20S): This is how long the power must be low before the backup activates.
- Restart Time (20M): This is how long the system waits before trying to switch back to pure solar.

Press Enter to save each value.

Q: How do I test if the inverter output is healthy?

The Inverter No-Load Test

Follow these steps exactly to safely test the unit:

Safety Shutdown: Ensure the On/Off button is in the Off position and shut down all power to the inverter by turning off the solar isolator, mains power switch, or generator.
Disconnect the Pump: Wait for the inverter screen to turn off completely. Unplug the AC output plug or disconnect the pump power wires from the U, V, W, and earth terminals.
Power Up: Turn the power sources (solar, mains, or generator) back on.
Start the Inverter: Press the On/Off button to start the inverter and navigate to the AC OUTPUT STATUS screen.
Interpret the Frequency Reading:
- Healthy Result: If the output frequency reaches the maximum set value (typically 50Hz), the inverter is functioning correctly.
- Failed Result: If the output frequency stays at 0Hz while the screen says "ON (Working)," the inverter’s internal output circuit has failed.

Physical Inspection of Connectors

While the pump is disconnected, you should also check the health of the physical connections:

Check for Arcing: Inspect both the male and female parts of the AC output plug for black marks.
Identify Shorts: Black marks indicate the connection has been shorting; if found, the plug and socket must be replaced.

If the inverter passes the no-load test (reaches 50Hz) but still shows errors when the pump is connected, the fault is located in the pump motor or the power cable, not the inverter.

Q: Why is my pump showing (AC Out PH) or Phase Lost?

Step 1: Verify Inverter Phase Settings

The inverter must be programmed to match the specific phase of your pump motor.

Stop the Pump: Press the On/Off button to ensure the system is not trying to run.
Access Settings: Press UP or ESC until you see the model page. Press Enter and input password 0000 (or 9590 if that fails).
Check Output Phase (230V Models Only): Navigate to the AC Output Phase setting (Password 9578).
- If you have a Single-Phase pump, this must be set to "Single".
- If you have a Three-Phase pump, this must be set to "Three".

Save and Restart: After changing the setting, you must power-cycle the unit (turn the solar isolator off for 10 seconds and then back on) to apply the change.

Step 2: Perform a Resistance Test (Checking for Broken Wires)

A "Phase Lost" error often means one of the wires in your submersible cable has a break or a poor connection.

Setup your Multimeter: Set the dial to Resistance ().
Safety First: Turn off all power and wait 5 minutes for electricity to discharge.
Disconnect the Pump: Unplug the AC output plug from the inverter or disconnect the U, V, and W wires from the terminals.
Measure the Motor Wires:
- For 3-Phase Motors: Measure between U-V, V-W, and U-W. All three readings must be identical. If one reading is "OL" (Open Loop) or much higher than the others, that wire (phase) is broken.
- For Single-Phase Motors: Measure the three combinations. The sum of the two lowest readings must equal the highest reading. If they do not add up, or a reading is "OL", there is a fault in the motor or cable.

Step 3: Conduct a No-Load Test

This test determines if the error is caused by the pump/cable or if the inverter’s internal hardware has failed.

Keep the Pump Disconnected: Ensure the motor wires are still unplugged from the inverter.
Power On: Turn the solar isolator back on and press the On/Off button.
Check the Frequency: Navigate to the AC OUTPUT STATUS screen.
- Healthy Inverter: If the frequency reaches the maximum set value (usually 50Hz) without the error reappearing, the inverter is healthy. The problem is in your pump motor or the submersible cable.
- Failed Inverter: If the error reappears even with the pump disconnected, or if the frequency stays at 0Hz, the inverter's internal circuit has failed.

Summary of Skills Required

How to use a multimeter for this task:

To check Resistance: Dial to. Touch one probe to the blue wire and one to the Black wire. Record the number. Repeat for Black to Brown and Blue to Brown.
To check Output Voltage (Advanced): Dial to AC Voltage (V). While the inverter says "ON (Working)", touch probes to the U and V terminals, then V and W, then U and W. For a 230V system, each pair should read roughly 230V-240V AC.

Safety Warning: Never connect a single-phase pump motor to a three-phase inverter, as this will cause permanent damage and trigger phase errors.

Q: How do I adjust the maximum current settings?

Step 1: Stop the Pump

You must not adjust operational settings while the pump is running.

Action: Press the On/Off button on the screen or the base of the inverter to stop the motor.

Step 2: Access the Password Screen

Action: Press the UP or ESC button repeatedly until the screen displays the inverter's Model Number.
Action: Press Enter. The screen will display "Verify the PW" with four zeros (0000).

Step 3: Enter the Specific Password for Current Settings

Adjusting the max current requires a specific access code rather than the standard user password.

The Code: Use password 9579 to access the AC Out Max Current setting.
How to input:
1. Use the UP/DOWN buttons to change the first digit to 9.
2. Press Enter to move to the next digit.
3. Repeat until the screen shows 9579, then press Enter one final time to open the setting.

Step 4: Calculate and Adjust the Ampere Value

Once inside the "AC Output Maximum Ampere" screen, you can change the current limit.

Calculation Rule: The recommended setting is 1.5 times the motor's rated current (e.g., if your motor is rated for 10A, set the inverter to 15A).
Maximum Limit: The maximum allowable setting is 2 times the rated current.
Action: Use the UP/DOWN directional buttons to reach your calculated number and press Enter to confirm the value.

Step 5: Apply the Changes (The Power-Cycle Rule)

Operational settings like current limits are not applied until the system is fully restarted.

Action: Turn off the Solar Isolator switch (and any AC backup power).
Wait: Count out 10 seconds or until the inverter screen goes completely blank.
Action: Turn the isolator back on. The inverter will load the main screen, and the pump should restart automatically with the new current limit active.

Why adjust this setting? (Troubleshooting)

If your inverter frequently stops with an "OFF (AC Out O-A)" or "Error E8" message, it means the pump is drawing more current than this setting allows. Adjusting this to 1.5x the rated current provides the necessary overhead for the pump to handle varying loads without triggering an overload shutdown.

Q: What is the password to change the AC output direction?

How to Use the Password

To change this setting, follow these steps as outlined in the system operational settings:

Stop the Pump: Press the On/Off button on the inverter keypad or base to ensure the motor is not running.
Navigate to the Model Page: Press the UP or ESC button until the screen displays the inverter's model number.
Enter the Password: Press Enter. When prompted for a password, input 9580 by using the UP/DOWN buttons to adjust each digit and Enter to move to the next.
Change the Setting: Once inside the menu, you can select between Forward (FWD) and Reverse (REV).
Restart the Inverter: After making the adjustment, you must perform a power cycle (turn the solar isolator off for 10 seconds and then back on) to apply the new operational settings.

Note: This setting is typically used to test if a three-phase pump is wired correctly. If the water flow improves in "Reverse," Commodore recommends physically swapping any two of the U, V, or W wires at the terminals and then switching the software setting back to "Forward" to avoid future confusion.

Error Code Meanings:

1. Input Power Faults (Solar/DC Side)

These errors mean the electricity coming from your solar panels is outside of the safe operating range.

E1: Solar Input Overload vs. E2: Solar Input Over Voltage

The Difference: E1 means the total Wattage (power) from the sun is too high for the inverter's capacity. E2 means the Voltage (electrical pressure) is too high, which can physically damage the unit's internal components.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Check the Specification Sticker: Find the "Max VOC" (Voltage Open Circuit) rating on the right side of your inverter.
2. Use a Multimeter for Voltage (E2): Set your multimeter to DC Voltage and measure the bare pins of the solar input wires.
3. Reduce Panels: If the reading is over 450V (for 230V systems) or 900V (for 380V systems), you must remove panels from the string to lower the voltage.
4. Check Panel Specs (E1): If the voltage is okay but E1 persists, ensure your solar array is not significantly oversized (generally no more than 2x the pump motor's power).

E10 / OFF (Low Voltage): Solar Input Low Voltage

The Meaning: This is the opposite of E2; there is not enough sunlight or enough panels connected to "wake up" the inverter.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Check DC Voltage: Measure the DC input with a multimeter. If it is below the Minimum DC input voltage on the sticker, the system will stay on the boot logo or show this error.
2. Wait for Sun: Ensure it is not early morning, late evening, or extremely cloudy.

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2. Output & Motor Faults (AC Side)

These errors occur between the inverter and the pump motor.

E4: AC Out Short Circuit vs. E8: AC Output Overload

The Difference: E4 is an immediate safety stop caused by a Short Circuit (metal touching metal or a total insulation failure). E8 is an Overload where the pump is running but working too hard, drawing more current than the inverter can provide (often due to a jam or heavy mud/sand).
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Check for External Switches: Remove any breakers or manual switches installed between the inverter and the pump, as these trigger E4.
2. Measure Motor Resistance (Ohms): Set multimeter to . Measure U-V, V-W, and U-W. 3-phase readings must be identical; single-phase readings must add up (lowest two sum to the highest). If readings differ by >1 Ohm, the motor or cable has failed.
3. Perform a No-Load Test: Unplug the pump and restart the inverter. If it reaches 50Hz without the error, the inverter is healthy and the problem is in the pump/cable.

E64 / E7: AC Output Phase Lost

The Meaning: One of the three power wires (U, V, or W) is disconnected or broken.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Check Connections: Ensure all wires are firmly screwed into the terminals or that the AC plug is fully seated.
2. Ohm Test for Breaks: Measure resistance between wire pairs. If any pair shows "OL" (Open Loop), that wire is physically broken inside the cable.
3. Check Phase Settings: Ensure the inverter is set to "Single" phase for 2-wire motors or "Three" phase for 3-wire motors (Password 9578).

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3. Internal & Temperature Faults

E16 / E5: Inverter Over Temperature

The Meaning: The internal components have reached 70°C.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Check Installation: Ensure the unit is Vertical and has 1.1m of clearance for air flow.
2. Shade the Unit: Move the inverter out of direct sunlight or provide a ventilated cover.
3. Clean Fans: Check the cooling fans for spider webs or debris. If the screen shows a temperature above 45°C, the fans should be spinning.

E32: Hardware Power Supply Error

The Meaning: A critical failure of the internal circuit boards.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Power Cycle: Turn the solar isolator off for 1 minute and back on.
2. Contact Support: If the error persists, the internal PCB (Printed Circuit Board) needs replacement. Take a photo of the error and the inverter's Serial ID for technical support.

E128: Software Error

The Meaning: The inverter's internal programming has glitched or become corrupted.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Perform a Factory Reset: Access settings with password 0000 (or 9590), scroll to "11. Factory Reset," and select Enter.
2. Re-program: You will need to re-enter your specific pump settings (voltage, Hz, current) after a reset.

Q: How should I mount the inverter for proper cooling?

Step 1: Choose a Shaded and Clean Location

Avoid Direct Sunlight: It is necessary to avoid direct sunlight on the machine, as it reduces heat dissipation performance and shortens the life of the internal components.
Recommended Spot: A great place to install the inverter is underneath the solar panels, ensuring it stays dry, shaded, and free from thick dust.
Forbidden Environments: Do not install the unit in areas with corrosive gas, oil fumes, flammable gas, or liquids.

Step 2: Mount the Unit Vertically

Convection Cooling: To ensure an efficient convection cooling effect, the device must be installed vertically on a wall or supporter.
Airflow: Vertical mounting allows heat to rise and escape naturally through the cooling fins and fan ports.

Step 3: Set the Correct Height

Minimum Height: The installation height of the inverter should be over 1.1 meters. This keeps the unit away from ground-level dust and moisture while allowing for better air circulation.

Step 4: Manage High Ambient Temperatures

Ventilation: The installation environment must be well-ventilated to prevent equipment damage or performance degradation.
Over 45°C Protection: If the ambient temperature exceeds 45°C, ensure the inverter backside is covered. This forces the air from the internal fans to exhaust correctly from the TOP of the inverter.
Fan Operation: The internal fans are designed to run automatically once the internal temperature exceeds 45°C.

Step 5: Monitor the Cooling System

Check for Obstructions: Regularly inspect the fans for foreign objects, such as spider webs or debris, which can stop them from spinning.
Temperature Monitoring: You can view the internal temperature on the inverter status screen ("Temp: ? Degree").
- If the temperature reaches 70°C for 10 seconds, the system will stop and show an Error E16 (Over Temp) message.
- If the temperature consistently stays above 65°C, you should take photos of the installation and contact technical support for advice.

Q: What is the warranty for my pump and cable?

Commodore Pumps (Motor and Pump Head): These components come with a 2-year quality warranty.
Inverters and Controllers: These units are covered by a 1-year warranty by Commodore. (Note: One source indicates a 2-year manufacturer warranty for the inverter specifically).
Cables and Leads: Cables and leads are NOT covered by the warranty.
Consumables: Parts that are expected to wear out over time, such as helical rotor pump impellers, are not covered.

Warranty Service Terms

Defective Parts: If an item is found to be defective within the warranty period, the part will be replaced free of charge.
Repairs: You may send faulty goods back to be repaired by factory-trained staff for free within the warranty period.
Shipping: The cost of shipping for warranty claims is the responsibility of the buyer.

Major Warranty Exclusions (How to Keep Your Warranty Valid)

The manuals list several specific situations that will void your warranty or lead to charges for material costs:

Improper Support: Never support the weight of the pump by the power cable. You must use a dedicated steel hanging cable.
Dry Running: You must install low water sensors to prevent the pump from running dry, as damage from dry running is not covered.
Abrasive/Corrosive Water: Damage caused by sand, abrasives, or corrosive water is excluded. Crucially, a submersible pump must not be used to bail or clean out a brand-new bore.
Unauthorised Access: Repairing or disassembling the unit without manufacturer authorisation will void the warranty.
Installation Height: Ensure there is at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) of clearance between the bottom of the pump and the bottom of the bore to prevent it from resting in or sucking up sand.
Negligence or Misuse: Any damage resulting from improper use, negligence, or natural forces (like fire or flood) is not covered.

If your item is found to be defective, you should provide the inverter failure photos, videos, and the Serial ID to your distributor to begin a claim.

AC Workhorse Pumps FAQ's and Troubleshooting

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