Specialty Concepts PPC - Manual (Page 19)

F I E L D T E S T P R O C E D U R E : P P C
Test equipment required: Digital Multimeter
Conditions: Sunny or bright overcast if possible
This procedure assumes that the solar panels are installed and operational and capable of
producing at least 17.5 volts open circuit (for a 12 volt system). Proportionately higher for higher
voltage systems. Systems should be equipped with disconnects or switches to facilitate
connecting and disconnecting the batteries and solar panel as described in this procedure. If
performing this procedure without approved disconnects, care should be taken since arcing may
occur. On bright days it ma y be advisable to partially cover the solar panel to reduce the current
produced.
Warning: Most batteries produce hydrogen gas when charging, which is extremely explosive.
Avoid making sparks in the vicinity of batteries and provide adequate battery ventilation.
All measurements described in this procedure should be made at the controller terminals.
1) Disconnect Load(+), Array(+), Battery(+), and Battery Sense(+)(jumper or wire) from the
controller. Secure each wire away from any possible contact with other wires, metal chassis,
enclosures etc.
2) Measure the resistance between the Battery(+) and Solar Panel(+) terminals on the controller.
It should be open (more than 10M ohm). Turn on load circuit breaker and measure the
resistance between Load(+) and Battery(+). It should be less than 1 ohm. Turn off load circuit
breaker and re-measure. It should be open.
3) Reconnect the solar panel to the controller. (On 36 volt or 48 volt chargers, briefly connect a
jumper wire between Solar Panel(+) and Battery(+). When the charge light comes on, remove
the jumper).The charge light should go on, and after a few moments the load disconnected
light should come on.
4) Measure the voltage between Solar Panel(+) and Solar Panel(-). It must be at least 17.5 volts
for a 12 volt system (proportionately higher for higher voltage systems).
5) Measure the voltage between Battery(+) and Battery(-). It should be the same as the voltage
measured in step 4.
6) Turn on load circuit breaker and measure the voltage between Load(+) and Load(-). It should
be zero.
7) For 12 volt or 24 volt chargers, go to step 8. For 36 volt or 48 volt chargers, install a jumper
wire between Battery(+) and Solar Panel(+) then go to step 8.
8) Install a jumper between Battery(+) and Battery Sense(+). The charge mode light should turn
off. Move the LVD switch to manual reset and observe that the load disconnected light turns
off. Note: A few seconds after the jumper is installed, the LVD will automatically reset. If this
happens before you test the manual reset, remove the jumper, wait for the light to come on,
reinstall the jumper and try the switch again.
9) For 12 volt and 24 volt chargers only; Measure the voltage between Battery(+) and Battery(-).
It should be approximately equal to the float voltage. (Refer to the Specifications for actual
values.)
10) If the controller fails any of these tests it is defective. If all tests are passed, the problem is
most likely elsewhere in the system.