Specialty Concepts ASC-Plus - Manual (Page 14)

”QUICK” TROUBLESHOOTING
IF THE CONTROLLER IS NEWLY INSTALLED, CHECK THESE THINGS FIRST:
1) Re-check system wiring to insure 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 (Option A) 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 a multi-meter.
5) If the unit is equipped with 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
insure 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) If you have 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 unregulated charging sources can
damage the controller, in spite of the built-in lightning protection.
11) If the unit is equipped with 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.