Specialty Concepts MARK/22 - Manual (Page 3)

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS: continued
6. SELECT WIRE:
WIRE TYPE: - When possible, use stranded wire instead of solid wire. Stranded wire does not fatigue and cause loose connections over time as easily
as solid wire. If possible, use red wire for BATTERY+, black for BATTERY– and SOLAR PANEL-, and yellow for SOLAR PANEL+ to prevent wiring
errors. Other colors are perfectly acceptable if you do not have these.
WIRE SIZE: - Refer to the “WIRE SIZE” chart below to determine the minimum size wire needed for each connection. Note that the bigger the wire, the
lower the AWG (American Wire Gauge). When using large stranded wire, you may need to divide the ends into two groups and straddle the screw
on the terminal block.
MARK/15: accepts one wire at 8 AWG (stranded) or two wires at 10 AWG per terminal block position.
MARK/20: accepts one wire at 6 AWG (stranded) or two wires at 8 AWG per terminal block position.
Large Wires: To connect large wire to the MARK/(15,20,22), use crimp connectors or connect the larger wire to a short, thinner wire using a
wire nut (solder these connections).
Wire Size: Minimum wire gauge (AWG) - (based on maximum current)
Model
10’/3 20’/6m 30’/9m 40’/12m 10‘/3m 20’/6m 30’/9m 40’/12m
MARK/15 10 8 6* 4* 14 12 10 8
MARK/20, 22 10 8 6 4* 12 10 8 6
* Wire gauge larger than unit can accept directly. See WIRE SIZE / Large Wires above.
7. COMPLETE THE INSTALLATION OF PANELS, BATTERY AND LOAD: - Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mounting and wiring the solar panel, batteries
and the load. Install with the correct series-parallel configuration to insure proper system voltage and current.
8. REMOVE POWER FROM BATTERY / PANELS (if needed): - Before running the wires to the MARK/(15,20,22), be sure that power is disconnected from the
batteries and panels.
9. RUN SYSTEM WIRING: - After disconnecting the power sources, run the wires from the battery and solar panel to the location selected for the controller.
WALL MOUNT: Run the array and battery wires into the box through the knockouts, using a 1/2 inch Romex cable clamp for strain relief.
10. NOTE WIRE POLARITY: - Make sure to correctly mark the polarity of the wires using colored wires or tags. Incorrect polarity may blow a controller fuse or
damage the MARK/(15,20,22).
BE CAREFUL… Some vehicles or solar kits use black and white wires for connection to the battery. These kits will label the white wire as battery
negative and the black wire as battery positive. Black and red wiring systems will label the black wire as negative and the red wire as positive.
When these systems interconnect, the black wire does not connect to the black wire. CAREFULLY NOTE BATTERY POLARITY AND WIRE
COLORS!
11. PREPARE WIRES- Using a wire stripper, carefully remove approximately ½” of insulation from the controller end of each wire, being careful not to nick or
break any wire strands.
12. MARK/(15,20,22) CONNECTION: - Wire the MARK/(15,20,22) according to Figure 1. The wires should be connected directly to the MARK/(15,20,22) screw
terminals (no spade or ring lugs). Tighten securely.
Any wiring variation can affect the performance and operation of the system.
CAUTION: The two negative connections (ARRAY(-) & BATTERY(-)) must be separated. Do not install a jumper across the terminal block.
CAUTION: The battery negative connection should not come from a frame or chassis. This wire needs to originate directly from the battery.
CAUTION: Do not connect any loads to the MARK/(15,20,22) terminals.
13. INSTALL FUSING AS NEEDED: Add circuit protection where needed. A 20 amp fuse (MARK/15) or a 25 amp fuse (MARK/20) and disconnect switch should be
installed on the Battery (+) run of the MARK/(15,20,22).
WARNING: A good system design calls for circuit protection to be added to all wire runs from the battery. This will provide protection from fire and
damage due to over-current from the battery. Also, disconnect switches in-line between the components allows you to isolate power during installation
and maintenance. Recommended: Install properly DC rated, high interrupt, current limiting, over-current protection and disconnect equipment
between the MARK/(15,20,22) and the battery. Refer to the National Electrical Code or your local alternative energy vendor for recommendations.
14. MARK/(15,20,22) MOUNTING: Mount the MARK/(15,20,22) to the wall or box front using the four screws provided or other suitable fasteners. Do not remove the
four rubber spacers, they provide a gap for added cooling.
15. RECONNECT BATTERY AND ARRAY POWER
16. OPERATION: Operation of the charge controller is now fully automatic. If the battery voltage is below the Full Charge Termination set-point (14.4 volts) and
power is available from the array, the MARK/(15,20,22) should start up “CHARGING”.
17. 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 distort the battery voltage reading and cause the charging to stop too soon. To check the connections, an accurate volt-meter
is required, The MARK/(15,20,22) must be charging with maximum expected charge current (very sunny conditions).
Battery Connection: First, note the voltage at the battery. Then, immediately note the voltage at the MARK/(15,20,22) battery terminals. Ideally, the difference in
voltage should be no more than ¼ volt.
Array Connection: Next, note the voltage at the panel. Then, immediately note the voltage at the MARK/(15,20,22) Array terminals. Ideally, the difference
should 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
MARK/(15,20,22) battery connection:13.95 volts → “.30 volt difference too large. Decrease voltage drop, if possible”
MARK/(15,20,22) panel connection: 14.10 volts
Panel(s): 14.30 volts → “Connection OK”
Battery Connection
Distance round trip (feet / meter)
Solar Array Connection
Distance round trip (feet / meter)
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