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Frequent SMA Sunny Boy and Tripower event codes, what triggers them, and the difference between a momentary grid event and a real fault.
A reference compiled by Solar Analytica from SMA documentation and field sources. SMA reports faults as numbered event codes on the inverter display or in Sunny Portal / SMA 360°. This covers the common operational codes; SMA defines hundreds in total (including battery, network, and firmware-update events). Note: the insulation and residual-current events (3501, 3701) can latch on some Sunny Boy models and block restart even after the fault is fixed — once an installer has repaired the cause, they're cleared via Sunny Portal (SMA advises no more than once per day). Safety: a DC over-voltage (3401) can destroy the inverter — switch off the DC isolator and call your installer; insulation, residual-current, and earth faults are licensed-installer work.
25 of 25 codes
The grid voltage or grid impedance at the inverter's connection point is too high, so it disconnects.
What to do
Usually a network issue rather than a faulty inverter. Confirm the country dataset is correct and the grid voltage is in range; if it's frequently high, contact your installer or network operator. It self-restores when voltage returns to range.
The grid has been disconnected, the AC cable is damaged, or the grid voltage is too low.
What to do
Check the AC circuit breaker / main switch is on and the grid is present. If the grid is fine and it persists, have an installer inspect the AC cable and connections.
The ten-minute average grid voltage is outside the permissible range.
What to do
Monitor the grid voltage during operation. If it's persistently out of range due to local conditions, contact your network operator.
The inverter has reduced its output because the grid voltage is high (Volt-Watt response, to support grid stability).
What to do
Expected behaviour when grid voltage is high, not a fault. If it happens often it's costing you generation — your network voltage is high; contact your installer or network operator.
A stand-alone (islanded) grid or a very large change in grid frequency was detected.
What to do
Usually a short-term grid event that self-clears. If it recurs, have your installer check the grid connection for frequency fluctuations.
The power frequency is outside the permissible range.
What to do
Monitor the frequency. If fluctuations are frequent — common on a backup generator — contact your network operator.
The inverter detected an excessively high proportion of direct current in the grid current.
What to do
If it recurs, contact your installer; the grid operator may need to raise the monitoring threshold, or the inverter may need a service check.
The protective-earth (grounding) conductor is not correctly connected.
What to do
An electrical-safety fault — have a licensed electrician or installer check the earth connection against the installation manual. Don't keep resetting it.
The L (active) and N (neutral) connections are swapped.
What to do
A wiring fault — have your installer correct the L and N connections per the installation manual.
L or N is not connected (or an AC conductor is damaged) — often simply a mains outage.
What to do
If there's a power cut, it clears when supply returns. Otherwise check the AC main switch is on and the breaker hasn't tripped; if it persists, have an installer check the AC conductors.
A changed country dataset or parameter value doesn't match local requirements.
What to do
Your installer should verify the correct country standard is configured (the “Set country standard” parameter).
There isn't enough power at the DC input for stable operation.
What to do
Often just low light, shading, or snow on the array. Check the panels are clear and the array is error-free; if it persists in good sun, contact your installer.
Over-voltage at the DC input — this can destroy the inverter.
What to do
Switch off the DC isolator and contact your installer immediately. The DC input voltage is above the inverter's maximum — the string is likely sized too long and must be corrected by a professional before reconnection.
A ground fault / low insulation resistance detected on the DC (PV) side — safety-critical, and common in wet weather.
What to do
An installer must check the PV array and DC cabling for ground faults. On some Sunny Boy models this latches — after the fault is repaired it's cleared via Sunny Portal (no more than once a day). Don't keep resetting it.
The inverter detected an excessive residual (earth-leakage) current — an electric-shock hazard.
What to do
An installer must check the PV array and DC cabling for ground faults. Like 3501 it can latch and is cleared via Sunny Portal after repair (max once per day). Treat it as safety-critical.
Over-current at the DC input; the inverter briefly interrupts feed-in.
What to do
If it's frequent, have your installer verify the PV array is correctly rated and wired (and check for a short circuit).
The conditions for feeding into the grid aren't yet met — typically insufficient irradiation.
What to do
Normal early/late in the day. Make sure the array isn't covered or shaded; if it persists in good sun, contact your installer.
The inverter has switched off (or derated) due to excessive temperature.
What to do
Clear dust from the cooling fins and air ducts, ensure good ventilation, and keep the ambient temperature within limits (and the unit out of direct sun). If it persists, contact your installer.
It's too cold — the inverter only resumes feed-in once the temperature reaches at least −25 °C.
What to do
No action needed; it resumes automatically as the temperature rises.
A cooling fan is not functioning properly.
What to do
Check the fan area for blockage. If the fan is faulty it needs service — contact your installer or SMA Service.
The grid disconnection relay is defective or failed its test.
What to do
A hardware fault — contact SMA Service or your installer. If shown only occasionally, note whether it recurs.
The inverter has reduced output for more than ten minutes because of excessive temperature.
What to do
Clean the cooling fins and air ducts, ensure adequate ventilation, and keep the ambient temperature within the rated limit. If it recurs, contact your installer.
The SMA Grid Guard code entered is incorrect, so the protected operating parameters stay locked.
What to do
An installer-level message — enter the correct SMA Grid Guard code. Not something a homeowner needs to action.
Changes to the grid parameters are now blocked (they require the Grid Guard code).
What to do
Informational. To change protected parameters, an installer logs in with the Grid Guard code.
The inverter's self-test was terminated.
What to do
Check the AC connection is correct and restart the self-test. If it keeps aborting, contact your installer.
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