Specialty Concepts ASC-Plus - Manual (Page 9)

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 generated at the location of poor connection (wire connection or
terminal block). 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-Plus must be charging with maximum
expected charge current.
Battery Connection: - First, note the voltage at the battery terminals. Select the
positive and negative terminals that are used for the ASC-Plus connection. Then
note the voltage at the ASC-Plus terminals for “BATT (+)” and “BATT (-)”. Ideally,
the difference in voltage should be no 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-Plus connection. Then note the
voltage at the ASC-Plus terminals for “ARRAY (+)” and “ARRAY (-)”. Ideally, the
difference should also be no more than
¼ 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.