Specialty Concepts ASC - Manual (Page 13)

” Q U I C K ” T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G
IF THE CONTROLLER IS NEWLY INSTALLED, CHECK THESE THINGS FIRST:
1) Re-check system wiring to assure proper installation and polarity .
2) Check all system fuses and circuit breakers. Before replacing a blown fuse,
locate and correct the cause.
3) Check to see that modules and batteries are in the correct series-parallel
configuration for proper system voltage and current.
4) Review the controller specifications, operation and set-points, particularly the
charge termination and reconnect voltage set-points. Units with temperature
compensation will have higher set-points in cold weather and lower set-points
in hot weather. If possible, check set-points while the controller is in
operation, monitoring the battery voltage with an accurate volt-meter.
5) If the unit has temperature compensation (Option-A), inspect the temperature
sensor and sensor wire. Check for a broken sensor or a cut or frayed sensor
wire.
6) Review controller specifications, array output, load ratings and system sizing
to ensure that ratings are not exceeded.
IF THE CONTROLLER HAS BEEN INSTALLED AND WAS PREVIOUSLY WORKING
PROPERLY, CHECK THESE THINGS FIRST:
7) Check all system fuses and circuit breakers. Before replacing a blown fuse,
locate and correct the cause.
8) Confirm that all connections are sound. In particular, check crimp
connections that have been crimped but not soldered as these connections
tend to deteriorate over time.
9) With an accurate volt-meter, check for a voltage drop between the controller
and the battery when maximum charging is occurring. Drops often occur
through old fuses, fuse holders or circuit breaker boxes and at loose or
corroded connections.
10) High voltage from nearby lightning strikes or other sources can damage the
controller, in spite of the built-in lightning protection.
11) If the unit has temperature compensation (Option-A), inspect the
temperature sensor and sensor wire. Check for a broken sensor or a cut or
frayed sensor wire.
12) Check output from the array, and that the array is not partially shaded or dirty.