Specialty Concepts ASC - Manual (Page 9)

13. OPERATION: - Operation of the ASC is now fully automatic. If the battery voltage
is below the Full Charge Termination set-point (about 14.3 volts on 12 volt units)*
and power is available from the array, the ASC should start up in the
“CHARGING” mode.
TURN ON LOADS IMMEDIATELY AFTER INSTALLATION (LVD, Option-E):
On initial installation, the ASC with LVD (Option-E) will probably start out with
the loads disconnected (relay energized). In a 12 volt system, the battery
voltage has to rise to the reset voltage of about 13.0 volts* to start the loads. If
the array is connected to the controller and is producing at least 17 volts* open
circuit and the battery voltage is above 11.5 volts*, the loads can be turned on
immediately by disconnecting and then reconnecting the battery positive. This
LVD reset is indicated by the "ACTIVATED" light being off.
14. CHECK FOR VOLTAGE DROP (OPTIONAL): - Once the system is installed and
operational, a check on the connections is recommended. A poor connection will
result in a voltage loss that will cause the batteries to be under-charged and/or
result in excessive heat at the connection. A poor connection to the battery will
also distort the battery voltage reading and cause the charging to stop too soon.
To check the connections, a voltage multi-meter is required and the ASC must be
charging with maximum expected charge current (very sunny conditions).
Battery Connection: - First, note the voltage at the battery terminals. Select the
positive and negative terminals that are used for the ASC connection. Then,
immediately check the voltage at the ASC terminals for “BATT (+)” and “BATT (-
)”. The difference in voltage should not be more than ¼ volt*.
Array Connection: - Next, note the voltage at the panel wires. Select the
positive and negative wires that are used for the ASC connection. Then
immediately check the voltage at the ASC terminals for “ARRAY (+)” and
“ARRAY (-)”. The difference should also be no more than ½
volt*.
If the voltage drop is more, suspect crimp connections that have not been
soldered, in-line fuses or fuse holders, or loose terminals. If no location of voltage
drop is found, consider using larger wires (or double up the wires) for your run.
Example: You record these readings:
Battery terminals: 13.65 volts
ASC battery connection: 13.95 volts
→
“.30 volt difference too large. Decrease voltage drop”
ASC panel connection: 14.10 volts
Panel(s): 14.30 volts
→
“Connection OK”
* 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.