Specialty Concepts PPC - Manual (Page 15)

T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G : G E N E R A L N O T E S
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 be sure that there is a connection (voltage input) to the "BATTERY SENSE" terminals
from the battery. This would be either a factory installed jumper strip on the controller terminal
block from the "BATTERY SENSE" terminals to the "BATTERY" terminals, or a connection
from the sense terminals directly to the battery itself.
4) Check to see that modules and batteries are in the correct series-parallel configuration for
proper system voltage and current.
5) Review controller specifications relating to array output, load ratings and system sizing to
insure that ratings are not exceeded.
6) Review the controller specifications relating to operation and set-points, particularly the charge
termination and reconnect voltage set-points. If possible, check this with the operation of the
controller, monitoring the battery voltage with a multi-meter.
7) Some types of loads (fluorescent lights, inverters) can generate electronic "noise" that
sometimes interferes with the operation of the controller. Check to see if strange behavior can
be traced to operation of a certain appliance.
8) Inspect the temperature compensation sensor and sensor wire. Check for a broker sensor or a
cut or frayed sensor wire.
9) If possible, perform the "FIELD TEST PROCEDURE" and /or "BENCH TEST PROCEDURE"
that follows.
10) The colored scale volt meters that the PPC is equipped with are 5% accurate (about .5 volt in
a 12 volt system) and are designed to give a general state of charge, not to determine
voltages accurately.
IF THE CONTROLLER HAS BEEN INSTALLED AND WORKING PROPERLY
FOR AWHILE, CHECK THESE THINGS FIRST:
11) Check all system fuses and circuit breakers. Before replacing a blown fuse, locate and
correct the cause.
12) Confirm that all connections are clean and tight. Particularly check crimp connections that
have been crimped but not soldered as these connections tend to deteriorate over time.
13) Some types of loads (fluorescent lights, inverters) can generate electronic "noise" that
sometimes interferes with the operation of the controller. Check to see if strange behavior can
be traced to operation of a certain appliance.
14) If you have an accurate digital volt meter, check for voltage drop between the controller and
the battery by measuring voltage at the battery and at the controller when maximum charging
is occurring. Drops often occur through old fuses, fuse holders or circuit breaker boxes and at
loose or corroded connections.
15) High voltage from nearby lightning strikes or unregulated charging sources can damage the
controller. The built-in lightning protection provides substantial protection, but it is sometimes
overwhelmed.
16) Inspect the temperature compensation sensor and sensor wire. Check for a broker sensor or
a cut or frayed sensor wire.
17) Check output from the array, and that it is not partially shaded or dirty.
18) If possible, perform the "FIELD TEST PROCEDURE" and /or "BENCH TEST PROCEDURE"
that follows.