question

Hi Mike,

see here: this has been discussed before Multiplus II failure due to lizard - Victron Community (victronenergy.com)

BR

@mvader (Victron Energy) " Yes, we're aware this must be better. Actually we already have implemented an improvement for this in production. For those into the details: the improvement will be done in two stages, first by making it harder to crawl under the PCB (in case lizard already in product). And later we'll also go into mesh to make sure critters such as lizards can't even get in the product. But thats needs more testing & more work so for now is not implemented yet."

Comment made MID 2020; BUT NO CHANGE YET.

Thanks markus - I did look at the other thread.

Yes, the screen does need to be insect mesh size - SMA have this over a clip on filter for their external fans for cooling their STP series inverters. The problem of dust build up is NOT a big issue if you are aware it happens - an annual service with paint brush and vacuum cleaner will sort this. The concept of preventing the access to the under-side of the HV board did cross my mind as well: this can be done with a foam shape - or better with a conformal coating on the board (same as the outback series inverters - which are in totally sealed cases, with external convection cooling. This makes them look big and ugly though). the conformal coating would be good for the product generally - extending its life in a salt mist environment = Marine (big use) and Tropical island (big/ expanding market?).

I've used conformal coatings in the past on other electronics - this does require a treat and cure stage in the production, whilst this adds cost it could initially be offered as an option? (introduces logistics problems) or restricted to the high voltage boards.

Hi @Mike Dorsett

For a while now all MPII's have a 'gecko guard' under the PCB to prevent small animals from getting between the PCB and the inverter housing, just as you described the issue in your first post.