Trace Engineering PS Series

Questions and Answers

E
ejonesAug 19, 2025
Why is my Trace Engineering PS overheating?
- C
  cliffordfuentesAug 19, 2025
  If your Trace Engineering Inverter is hot to the touch due to transformer or heatsink overtemperature, several factors could be responsible: * If you are charging, the AC input voltage may be too high, so check the AC input voltage. * If inverting, you might be operating too large of a load for too long. Try removing excessive loads. * The ambient temperature may be high. * The inverter cooling fan may have failed. Check the fan by holding a piece of paper to the inverter vents (the fan is hard to hear). * The inverter airflow intake may be blocked due to small clearance or clogging.
G
guzmangregoryAug 21, 2025
What to do if my Trace Engineering Inverter shows high or low battery voltage?
- B
  Bruce CabreraAug 21, 2025
  If your Trace Engineering Inverter shows high or low battery voltage, verify the battery voltage at the inverter’s DC input terminal. For high battery voltage, ensure your DC source is regulated below your High battery cut-out (default = 16.0 VDC). For low battery voltage, check for an external DC load on the batteries, assess the condition of your batteries, and recharge them if possible. The Low Battery Cut Out default is 11.0 VDC.
S
Stephanie HessAug 23, 2025
How to fix a Trace Engineering PS that won't turn on?
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  Michael CarrollAug 23, 2025
  If your Trace Engineering Inverter won't turn on and no LEDs are lit, check the DC voltage on the inverter’s DC terminals. If the voltage is incorrect, check the battery voltage, fuses or breakers, and DC cable connections to the inverter. If the DC voltage is correct, have the unit serviced.
K
Kevin SullivanAug 26, 2025
Why is my Trace Engineering Inverter AC power output low?
- N
  Nancy DunnAug 26, 2025
  If your Trace Engineering Inverter has low AC power output or low surge power while the INVERT LED is on, and AC inductive loads aren't running at full speed, it may be due to insufficient DC current being provided to the inverter to operate the AC loads. Check the battery voltage, fuses, breakers, and cable connections. Make sure the battery bank is sufficient by checking for low DC voltage while running the load. Also, ensure the cable length and size are correct, and tie the battery cables together to reduce inductance.
J
Jessica BoydAug 28, 2025
Why does my Trace Engineering PS Inverter stop charging before it's finished?
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  Peter Wilson Jr.Aug 28, 2025
  If the charger on your Trace Engineering Inverter stops before fully charging, it could be due to several reasons: 1. The AC voltage or frequency at the AC input terminal drops out-of-tolerance (too high or low). If the AC source is a generator, adjust it accordingly. You can also switch the ‘MAX AC Amps In’ to a lower AC input level. 2. The circuit breaker on the PS inverter is open. Engage the circuit breaker on the side of the unit by pressing hard on the breaker button to ensure it is engaged. 3. The ambient temperature may be high, causing the unit to overheat and ramp down the charging. Cool the unit down, check the inverter cooling fan, or ensure nothing is preventing airflow.
M
Melissa WalterAug 30, 2025
What to do if my Trace Engineering PS has no AC power output but the invert LED is on?
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  leslie53Aug 30, 2025
  If your Trace Engineering Inverter has no AC power output, the INVERT LED (yellow) is on without the ERROR LED, check for AC voltage on the inverter’s AC terminal block (between Hot AC output and Neutral AC output). If there is no AC voltage, check for an open circuit breaker on the PS inverter. If the circuit breaker on the PS inverter is not open, have the inverter serviced. If there is AC voltage on the AC terminal block, check for open AC output breakers or fuses and bad output wire connections.
P
Paula LopezSep 2, 2025
Why is the charger output on my Trace Engineering Inverter low?
- J
  Joseph ZamoraSep 2, 2025
  If your Trace Engineering Inverter's charger output is low, check for loose or corroded battery connections and clean them. Also, check all AC wiring connections for looseness. Weak or soft batteries can also cause this issue, so consider replacing them. Finally, ensure that the battery cables are not too small or too long; refer to the owner’s manual for cable and battery recommendations.
S
Sean KellySep 4, 2025
What does it mean when my Trace Engineering Inverter detects high or low AC input voltage?
- S
  Sandra KramerSep 4, 2025
  If your Trace Engineering Inverter detects high or low AC input voltage, check the AC voltage at the AC input terminals. Ensure the voltage is within the ‘Set input Upper VAC’ setting (default = 132 VAC) and the ‘Set input Lower VAC’ setting (default = 108 VAC). These advisory errors last for 3 minutes only and will not disconnect the AC input.
C
Carol BaileySep 6, 2025
Why won't my Trace Engineering PS Inverter start charging when the AC IN LED is on?
- T
  Teresa BarrettSep 6, 2025
  If the AC IN LED is on, but your Trace Engineering Inverter will not start charging, the AC frequency at the AC input terminal may be out-of-tolerance (too high or low), or the AC voltage may be outside the ‘Upper/Lower VAC limit’ settings. If the AC source is a generator, adjust the AC voltage or frequency accordingly.
G
garybrownSep 8, 2025
Why does my Trace Engineering PS have no AC power output and the invert LED is blinking?
- J
  Jason JonesSep 8, 2025
  If your Trace Engineering Inverter has no AC power output, the INVERT LED (yellow) is blinking twice with a one-second pause, and the ERROR LED is on, the inverter is in CHG (charge) only mode. Apply AC power to begin charging and to provide AC pass-thru voltage to the output.

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

General Precautions

General safety guidelines and precautions for using the inverter/charger.

Special Notices

Important notices regarding wiring, tools, and connection requirements.

Personal Precautions

Personal safety measures when working with batteries and the inverter.

Introduction

Controls, Indicators, and Components

Unit Identification

Location and description of model and serial number on the unit's identification label.

On;Off Power Switch

Details on the function and operation of the power switch and its modes.

LED Status Indicators

Explanation of the four LED indicators and their meanings.

‘Maximum AC Amps In’ Switch

Function of the switch for limiting AC input current.

Red = Error LED

Explanation of the red error LED and its conjunction with the yellow LED for mode indication.

Yellow = Invert LED

Detailed explanation of the yellow invert LED status and error conditions.

Error Causes (AC Output Disconnected)

Causes for shutdown that disconnect AC output, like over-current, over-temp, and battery voltage issues.

Error Causes (No AC Output Disconnection)

Advisory error causes that do not disconnect AC output, like input voltage issues or generator faults.

AC Side

AC Circuit Board

Location and components of the AC circuit board, including terminal blocks.

AC Terminal Block

Description of the AC terminal block for hardwiring connections.

AC Ground Terminal

Description of the AC safety ground terminal for chassis connection.

DC Side

Battery Positive & Negative Terminals

Location and connection of battery terminals, with polarity warnings.

Stacking Port

Explanation of the stacking port for connecting multiple inverters.

Remote Port

Description of the remote port for connecting SWRC or SWCA.

DC Equipment;Chassis Ground Terminal

Description of the DC ground terminal for chassis connection.

Installation

Location

Guidelines for selecting an appropriate installation location for the inverter.

Ventilation

Importance of adequate ventilation for efficient operation and preventing thermal shutdown.

AC Wiring

Requirements and recommendations for AC wiring, including connections and codes.

DC Wiring

DC cabling requirements, ampacity ratings, and terminal connections.

Battery Cable Sizing

Guidelines for selecting appropriate battery cable sizes for performance and safety.

DC Disconnect and Overcurrent Protection

Requirements for DC overcurrent protection and disconnect switches.

Battery Cable Connections

Proper methods for connecting battery cables, including polarity and torque.

System Grounding

Comprehensive explanation of system grounding requirements and methods.

Grounding vs. Lightning

Grounding techniques to prevent lightning damage.

One Ground for All Equipment

Importance of a single-point ground system for equipment protection.

Quick Install

DC Cabling

Steps for connecting DC cables to the inverter.

AC In Cabling

Steps for connecting AC input cabling.

AC Out Cabling

Steps for connecting AC output cabling.

Wrap Up

Final checks and securing of wiring.

Functional Test

Step 2: Press the ON;OFF Switch Twice

Testing inverter modes (OFF, SRCH, ON, CHG) and LED indicators.

Step 4: Check Your Battery Charger

Testing the battery charger functionality by providing AC power.

Step 5: Disconnect AC Power

Testing AC power disconnection and inverter transfer.

Menu System

Overview

Explanation of the menu system structure and SWRC/SWCA usage.

SWRC Remote Control

Description of the SWRC remote control's capabilities and functions.

User Menu

Explanation of the USER MENU for daily operations and settings.

Setup Menu

Overview of the SETUP MENU for system configuration and adjustments.

Menu Heading - Inverter Mode (1)

Menu Heading - Generator Mode (2)

Gen Failed to Start

Error cause and reset procedure for generator start failure.

Gen Stopped Due to V;F

Error cause and reset procedure for generator synchronization issues.

Menu Heading - Error Causes (5)

Low Battery Voltage

Condition and action for low battery voltage errors.

Low AC Input Voltage

Condition and action for low AC input voltage errors.

High Battery Voltage

Condition and action for high battery voltage errors.

Gen Failed to Start

Condition and action for generator start failure.

Gen Speed Error

Condition and action for generator frequency adjustment.

Over Current

Cause and resolution for overcurrent conditions.

AC Source Wired to Output

Cause and resolution for AC source wired directly to output.

Menu Heading - Inverter Setup (9)

LBX - Low Battery Transfer Mode

Explanation of the LBX mode for automatic transfer based on battery voltage.

SELL - Sell Mode

Explanation of the SELL mode for selling excess power to the grid.

Menu Heading - Battery Charging (10)

Set Low Battery Cut Out VDC

Setting the voltage level for inverter shutdown due to low battery.

Set Low Battery Cut In VDC

Setting the voltage level for inverter to turn back on after low battery shutdown.

Menu Heading - AC Inputs (11)

Set Input Lower Limit VAC

Setting the minimum acceptable AC input voltage.

Set Input Upper Limit VAC

Setting the maximum acceptable AC input voltage.

Menu Heading - Gen Auto Start Setup (12)

Set Load Start Amps AC

Setting AC load current to initiate generator start.

Set 24 Hr Start Volts DC

Setting battery voltage for 24-hour generator start.

Set 15 Min Start Volts DC

Setting battery voltage for 15-minute generator start.

Menu Heading - Gen Starting Details (13)

Set RY7 Function

Setting the function of Relay 7 for generator start routines.

Menu Heading - Auxiliary Relays R9 R10 R11 (14)

Menu Heading - Low Battery Transfer (LBX) (16)

Set Low Battery Transfer VDC

Setting voltage for transferring loads to utility grid.

Set Low Battery Cut In VDC

Setting voltage for transferring loads back to battery.

Menu Heading - Battery Selling (17)

Set Battery Sell Volts DC

Setting battery voltage level for selling power to grid.

Set Max Sell Amps AC

Setting maximum AC amps for selling power to utility.

Menu Heading - Grid Usage Timer (18)

Operation

Theory of Operation

Explanation of how the PS Series Inverter/Charger works, including its patented design.

Operating Modes

Description of various operating modes like Inverter, Charger, and Utility Interactive.

Inverter Mode

Detailed explanation of the inverter's operation and sine wave approximation.

Low Battery Protection

How the inverter protects the battery from over-discharge.

Charger Mode

Operation of the inverter as a battery charger.

Recommended Battery Charger Settings

Recommended settings for different battery types and chemistries.

Equalizing Charging Batteries

Process and considerations for equalizing batteries.

Inverter;Charger Mode

Automatic transfer of AC loads between inverter and utility/generator.

Generator Support Mode

How the inverter supports the generator by managing loads and battery charging.

Automatic Generator Control Mode

Setting up automatic start/stop control of a backup generator.

Generator Auto Start Requirements and Types

Requirements for generators and types suitable for automatic start.

Utility Back-Up Mode

Providing utility system backup.

Utility Support;Overload Protection

How the inverter supports the utility grid and protects against overloads.

Utility Inter-Active Mode

Using the inverter to move power from DC system to AC utility grid.

Utility Inter-Active Islanding Protection

Protection mechanisms against grid failures and islanding conditions.

Selling Power - Stored in the Batteries

Selling stored battery power to the utility grid.

Sell Mode

Explanation of the SELL mode and its configuration.

Energy Management Modes

Modes for managing utility power usage.

Low Battery Transfer (LBX) Mode

Automatic transfer to utility or stand-alone operation based on battery voltage.

Using Multiple Inverters

Guidelines for using multiple PS Series Inverter/Chargers in a system.

Technical Information

Batteries

Information on battery types, charging, care, and maintenance.

Deep Cycle Battery

Importance of deep cycle batteries for inverter use.

Battery Bank Sizing

Guidelines for determining the required battery bank capacity.

Battery Care and Maintenance

Procedures for proper battery care and maintenance.

Parallel Connection

Connecting batteries in parallel to increase amp-hour capacity.

Series - Parallel Connection

Combining series and parallel connections for voltage and capacity increase.

Battery Cable Inductance

Explanation of battery cable inductance and its impact on performance.

Applications

Discussion of load types (resistive, inductive) and their impact.

Troubleshooting Guide

Guide to diagnosing and resolving issues using LED indicators and SWRC.

Inverter;Charger Terminology

Glossary of terms used in the manual for inverter and battery charger operation.

Specifications and Features

Technical specifications and features of the PS Series Inverter/Charger models.

Dimensions

Physical dimensions of the PS Series Inverter/Charger.

Installation Diagrams

Diagrams to assist with system design and installation.

User Settings Worksheet

Worksheet to record user-specific USER and SETUP operating settings.

Setup Menu (PS2512)

Setup menu items and default settings for PS2512 model.

Setup Menu (PS2524)

Setup menu items and default settings for PS2524 model.

Setup Menu (PS2212 E)

Setup menu items and default settings for PS2212E model.

Setup Menu (PS2524 E)

Setup menu items and default settings for PS2524E model.

Options

Available options like remote controls and relay modules.

RC8 Remote Control

Description of the RC8 remote control.

GEN Relay Module

Module for generator starting and stopping control.

AUX Relay Module

Module for battery voltage related tasks and AC fault output.

Overcurrent Protection - Fuses and Disconnects

Information on fuse blocks and circuit breaker disconnects.

Warranty;Repair Information

Limited Warranty

Details of the limited warranty and its exclusions.

Warranty Registration

Instructions for registering the product warranty.

Warranty or Repair Service Required