Last night I wired up the invertor as per this diagram.
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R = live
S = (not connected)
T = neutral
9 = earth

Note that I did not connect the spindle motor at this stage (UVW) since I wanted to check it would turn on, and then I was going to set up all the parameters.

Anyway, after double and triple checking all connections I stood back and switched in on at the mains. There was a brief pause, followed by a loud bang and a flash. Great.

I emailed 'qiandingzhensatisfaction', and he replied by sending out the connection diagram above (which I already had!), and asked me to make sure I followed it. I've replied that I had definitely followed the connection instructions and await his reply.

Could I damage the invertor in this catastrophic way simply by not connecting the spindle and switching it on at the wall socket?

Luckily as the unit had just arrived I've not left feedback yet, plus I purchased it on my credit card so should have consumer protection if it goes that far.

Saga continues . . .