Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Does the Vagabond Mini have a built-in ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) like the Vagabond II?

Good question. I sometimes get caught outside in the rain, although I try to protect everything at a moments notice, I take care of my cameras and than the lights. The power comes last.

If this thing gets wet, will it ruin my day?

A complete study of codes and safety considerations has shown there is no need for a GFIC. No other inverter based battery supply, nor Quadra Rangers, etc., to our knowledge, use a GFIC. There are provisions on the Vag Mini to attach an earth ground if desired, but there seems to be no real world need for it.

So what changed between the Vagabond II that has a GFIC and the Vagabond Mini that doesn't? Was it actually not needed on the VII and just there from an abundance of caution?

It's not going to affect my purchase either way. I'm just curious.

If I really feel I need GFIC I can buy one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-TLM609 ... B000WJB1O8

Abundance of caution.

We have not had good success with off the shelf GFIC units . . . they won't tolerate the lowered voltage during recycle and usually shut down or chatter off and on.

Hmmmmmm....This may explain why my VII will shutdown for no apparent reason, but will restart after I turn the power switch off for 5 seeconds then back on. If I send the VII inverter back, can you disable the GFIC?

Richard K.

No, the circuitry was designed with the GFI inplace. However, the inverter can be sent in and we can correct the issue you are having of the inverter shutting down.

I have two VMLs on the way. As soon as they arrive I'll send the VII inverter in for this mod. Can I send just the iverter (no bettery or case)?

Apologies to the OP......for hijacking the thread.

Richard K.

In this particular instance, yes. Be sure to fully charge the battery before you send teh inverter in, as well as be absolutely sure the battery does not short (i.e. don't let the wires touch) while not attached to the inverter.