Solar iBoost died

Guinnesstain · Oct 24, 2022

Hi,

My Solar iBoost died, I kind of suspected the internal fuse, I won't go in to the details of how I knew, ahem...

I used my T10 star drive keys to open the case. Once open I needed the same T10 to remove first the smaller PCB, then the larger board as well.

Once all that is removed from the case the fuse is on the back of the main board, soldered in place. I removed it simply enough using this kit with the solderpult although there is also braid in there if you need it.

After plenty of searching and measuring I've determined that mine is a 5mm x 20mm, ceramic cartridge, axial leaded, fast acting 16A 250V fuse. I have now ordered this and will let you know if it's successful.

Please read the datasheet, do your own research and confirm for yourself what you might need. This post is only my experience and not advice.

I took a load of pictures to post but can't remember a good site to host them. Any advice there?

Sathish Krishnan · Nov 4, 2022

My solar iboost is tripping the MCB. fused spur burnt. i changed the spur. still tripping. checked with different socket as well. still tripping.
While tripping, i noticed the screen of iboost turn on for 1 second bfore it trips. what could be the problem in iboost. I am waiting for long T10 scredriver to arrive to open. Any help appreciated. Its out of warranty. Malec can replace refurbished unit for £175
@Guinnesstain-have you changed fuse. how did you get on

Guinnesstain · Nov 5, 2022

I put it back together the other day. It powers up and everything seems fine except...

The blue lightning lamp is always flashing suggesting the immersion is being powered. This is confirmed by the house load in my GivEnergy app = 3.5kW+ when the iBoost+ is powered up and back to normal levels when it's isolated.

With the blue lamp flashing the display says 'Water Heater OFF'. At this time I was NOT producing excess PV.

I'm suspecting the 'incident' that blew the internal fuse may have affected something else. sigh
Anyone have any suggestions what?
I've gone through all the tests in the manual and on the support page. Reverse sender clamp, resistance checks at the immersion etc. The immersion thermostat has also been replaced.

PirateKing · Oct 6, 2023

Guinnesstain said:
I put it back together the other day. It powers up and everything seems fine except...

The blue lightning lamp is always flashing suggesting the immersion is being powered. This is confirmed by the house load in my GivEnergy app = 3.5kW+ when the iBoost+ is powered up and back to normal levels when it's isolated.

With the blue lamp flashing the display says 'Water Heater OFF'. At this time I was NOT producing excess PV.

I'm suspecting the 'incident' that blew the internal fuse may have affected something else. sigh
Anyone have any suggestions what?
I've gone through all the tests in the manual and on the support page. Reverse sender clamp, resistance checks at the immersion etc. The immersion thermostat has also been replaced.

My 2016 Iboost+ has died in a similar way. It seems they only have a 6-7 year life span. My immersion heater is 20 ohms. I phoned Marlec and they said there was a fuse inside that can blow. They told me there are torx screws to open it. So they were very helpful. The extra detail being discussed in this forum could probably be put to Marlec. I need open mine and replace this fuse next.

DPG · Dec 28, 2023

tyronegrey said:
Check if there is a timer on the booster which is cutting it off when you need hot water. If you suspect the unit is receiving no power, it's best to call a professional in to inspect the situation.

AI generated?