FIELD TEST PROCEDURE:
SC1
Test equipment required: Digital Multimeter
Conditions: Sunny or bright overcast if possible
This
procedure assumes that the solar panels are installed and operational and
capable of producing at least 17.5 volts open circuit (for a 12 volt system).
Proportionately higher for higher voltage systems. Systems should be equipped
with disconnects or switches to facilitate connecting and disconnecting the
batteries and solar panel as described in this procedure. If performing this procedure
without approved disconnects, care should be taken since arcing may occur. On
bright days it may be advisable to partially cover the solar panel to reduce
the current produced.
Warning: Most batteries produce hydrogen gas when charging, which
is extremely explosive. Avoid making sparks in the vicinity of batteries and
provide adequate battery ventilation.
All
measurements described in this procedure should be made at the controller
terminals.
1) Disconnect Load(+), Array(+), Battery(+), and Battery
Sense(+)(jumper or wire) from the controller. Secure each wire away from any
possible contact with other wires, metal chassis, enclosures etc.
2) Measure the resistance between the Battery(+) and Solar
Panel(+) terminals on the controller. It should be open (more than 10M ohm).
Turn on load circuit breaker and measure the resistance between Load(+) and
Battery(+). It should be less than 1 ohm. Turn off load circuit breaker and
re-measure. It should be open.
3) Reconnect the solar panel to the controller. (On 36 volt
or 48 volt chargers, briefly connect a jumper wire between Solar Panel(+) and
Battery(+). When the charge light comes on, remove the jumper).The charge light
should go on, and after a few moments the load disconnected light should come
on.
4) Measure the voltage between Solar Panel(+) and Solar
Panel(-). It must be at least 17.5 volts for a 12 volt system (proportionately
higher for higher voltage systems).
5) Measure the voltage between Battery(+) and Battery(-). It
should be the same as the voltage measured in step 4.
6) Turn on load circuit breaker and measure the voltage
between Load(+) and Load(-). It should be zero.
7) For 12 volt or 24 volt chargers, go to step 8. For 36
volt or 48 volt chargers, install a jumper wire between Battery(+) and Solar
Panel(+) then go to step 8.
8) Install a jumper between Battery(+) and Battery Sense(+).
The charge mode light should turn off. Move the LVD switch to manual reset and
observe that the load disconnected light turns off. Note: A few seconds after
the jumper is installed, the LVD will automatically reset. If this happens
before you test the manual reset, remove the jumper, wait for the light to come
on, reinstall the jumper and try the switch again.
9) For 12 volt and 24 volt controllers only; Measure the
voltage between Battery(+) and
Battery(-). It should be approximately equal to the float voltage. (Refer to the SPECIFICATIONS for actual
values.)
10) If the controller fails any of these tests, it is
defective. If all tests are passed, the problem is most likely elsewhere in the
system.