Specialty Concepts ASC - Manual (Page 20)

BATTERY PROBLEMS :
- Refer to this section to help diagnose potential problems based
on battery observations.
CASE BATTERY SEE NOTE(S)
1 → Battery voltage low or does not hold a charge See Battery Note 1
2 → Battery seems to be over-charging See Battery Note 2
Battery Note 1 - BATTERY UNDER-CHARGED: If the batteries are always low and not able to
be charged sufficiently, consider the following:
••
System not sized correctly - Try charging the battery with another charging source (engine
alternator, generator or AC battery charger). If the batteries are OK and hold the charge, an
increase in the number batteries and panels may be needed to support the usage. Look for
small hidden loads that may be draining the battery. (See Help Note #5).
••
A Problem with the Batteries - The batteries could be configured incorrectly or be going
bad. (See Help Note #7)
••
A Cold Battery - Cold temperatures can affect the battery charging. If the battery is cold
much of the time, the battery’s long-term performance and life may suffer. See
TEMPERATURE (Help Note #4).
••
Solar Panels Problem - Panel may be dirty, not aligned or other problem. An panel problem
would not drain the battery of power. (See Help Note #6).
••
ASC Controller Problem - A problem may exist with the charging input from the controller.
This would stop the daily re-charging of the battery. A defective ASC would not drain the
battery of power. See the ASC PROBLEM section.
Battery Note 2 - BATTERY OVER-CHARGING: If there is evidence that the batteries have been
over-charging, consider the following:
• Normal Battery Condition: The batteries may not be over-charging but only be experiencing
normal water loss and normal levels of gassing. (See Help Notes #2 and #3)
••
A Problem with the Batteries - The batteries could be configured incorrectly. (See Help
Note #7)
••
A Hot Battery - See TEMPERATURE (Help Note #4)
• Non-compatible Batteries: The batteries may be a type that are not compatible with this
system and require a lower full-charge voltage. Check battery specifications.
• Other Charging Sources: Another charging source could be the cause. Some 110 volt
battery chargers are not well regulated and could over-charge batteries if left unattended.
• Controller Problem: The ASC could be defective. If the charging light is on and the actual
battery voltage (measured at the battery) is over 14.5 volts*, the controller would appear to
be defective. (For units with Option-F, the ASC could be out of calibration.)
* Voltages above are for 12 volt systems. For 6 volt systems, use half the listed voltage. For 24 volt
systems, multiply by 2. For 36 volts, multiply by 3. For 48 volts, multiply by 4.