Specialty Concepts SC3/15 - Manual (Page 14)

9. BAD CONNECTION: PANEL - The panel connection to the controller may be weak or completely
out. This may include problems with the connections at the SC3/15 (yellow wire and black wire),
both panel connections (“+” or “-”) or fuses and unsoldered crimp connectors in these lines. Also,
wire that is too small for the length of the run may cause a voltage drop. (See INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS, step #17. CHECK FOR VOLTAGE DROP.)
10. BAD CONNECTION: BATTERIES - The SC3/15 needs to read an accurate battery voltage to
regulate the charging correctly. The battery connection to the controller may be weak or completely
out. Connection problems can be with a blown or defective fuse, a bad fuse holder, the
connections at the SC3/15 (red wire and black wire), both battery terminals (“+” or “-”) or fuses and
unsoldered crimp connectors in these lines. Also, wire that is too small for the length of the run may
cause a voltage drop. (See INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, step #17. CHECK FOR VOLTAGE
DROP.)
11. CONTROLLER FUSE BLOWN - The fuse on the front panel of the controller can be blown and
need replacing. Replacement is a 15 amp AGC fuse. Before replacing a blown fuse, locate and
correct the cause. Possible causes for blown fuses:
1) Reverse battery connection
2) Incorrect connection
3) Array current is over 15 amps
12. INCORRECT CALIBRATION - The SC3/15 may be functional but the calibration of the voltage
set-point may be off. Rarely would the factory setting stray much unless there was a manual
adjustment to the backside components. All adjustments should be performed at the factory.
13. SYSTEM NOISE - The SC3/15 can be subjected to electrical noise from a converter or inverter.
This will cause the meter readings to be erratic and the light to turn on and off. If the SC3/15 is
connected to the converter, or to a buss that is connected to a converter, try connecting the
SC3/15 directly to the battery instead.
Fuse Removal Test
This test temporarily removes the battery connection to the SC3/15. By noting the reaction on the
SC3/15’s volt-meter, one can receive additional information about the workings of your system.
Requirements: - Perform this test at mid-day on a day with good sun. The battery voltage must
be over 10 volts.
•
First, observe "BATTERY VOLTAGE" reading.
•
Remove the fuse, observe the "BATTERY VOLTAGE" reading again. ( When the fuse is
removed, it is normal for the “CHARGING” light to go on and to hear a faint buzzing).
•
Note the new reading and any changes and refer to the sections below.
•
Remember to replace the fuse after testing.
VOLT METER MOVES TO EXTREME LEFT (“9” ON METER) - If the meter drops to “9” on meter,
this means that the array panel is bad or disconnected or the SC3/15 is defective.
METER STAYS THE SAME - If the meter stays the same, that means that the controller is not
connected to the battery.
THE METER MOVES TO THE RIGHT - This is the correct reaction and suggests the unit is working
properly. If it appears that the battery is overcharging, check the voltage directly at the battery
with a volt-meter. A battery voltage of over 14.7 volts would indicate the controller was
defective or out of calibration.
HELP NOTES:
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