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shutdown (described below). Note: If the Status Indicator L.E.D.
is not lit, this probably indicates either disconnection from A.C.
power (check A.C. input) or thermal cycling (see Note in item 1,
below).
NORMAL OPERATING MODE
The three indications in the Normal Operating Mode are as
follows: Glowing Yellow, Glowing Green and Blinking Green.
These correspond respectively with the Bulk, Absorption and Float
charger stages, which are fully described in the previous section,
A) Three Stage Charge Regimen.
SHUTDOWN MODE/SELF-RESET ADVISORY MODE
There are three warning/diagnostic indications to alert the user to
a condition in which the charger is currently shut down. In each
case, a flashing red L.E.D. is accompanied by an audible "beep".
Additionally, there are two diagnostic indications to advise that
the charger shut itself down but has since resumed operation. The
warning/diagnostic indications are as follows:
1) One Red Flash-Beep: Cause: The charger's internal module
is too hot and the charger output has shut off. This may be due
to high ambient temperature, insufficient clearance around the
charger resulting in poor ventilation, or debris causing a blockage
of the fan intake vent at the bottom of the charger. Corrective
Action: Turn charger off at the AC source. Verify proper clearance,
remove debris and, if necessary, relocate charger to a cooler
location. Turn charger back on to resume normal operation and
L.E.D. indications. Note: Even if no corrective action is taken, when
thecharger cools sufficiently by itself then it will automatically
return to service and the L.E.D. indicator will begin to display a
series of single yellow flashes (see item 5 below). If this type of
thermal cycling is noted, and continues after all of the above
corrective actions are taken, please contact the factory.
Note: Overheating will normally result in the above indication.
However, there is a second thermal switch mounted to an internal
diode heat sink and, in certain cases of extreme overheating, this
switch may temporarily shut off A.C. input to the charger entirely.
In this case the L.E.D. will be extinguished and there will be no
audible indication, but the charger will probably be warm to the
touch.
2) Two Red Flash-Beeps: Cause: The Over Voltage Protection
(OVP) circuit has been activated and charger output has shut
down. The purpose of this circuit is to protect batteries and load
against damaging high output voltage in the event of an internal
malfunction or component failure. This circuit may also be
activated if the charger is putting out high current into heavily
discharged batteries and the batteries are abruptly switched off of
the output (called a load dump). The abrupt removal can cause
an output voltage spike which triggers this circuit. Corrective
Action: Verify proper connection of charger output terminals to
batteries. Turn charger off for a few seconds, then back on again
to resume normal operation and L.E.D. indications.
3) Three Red Flash-Beeps: Cause: Battery temperature is too hot
and the charger is shut off. (Note: The optional thermal probe must
be installed for this diagnostic function to operate. See section III-
H for complete information.) This may be due to extremely high
ambient temperature in the battery environment, such as when
installed in a hot engine room. It may also be due to a shorted
cell in one of the batteries, causing "thermal runaway". Corrective
Action: Turn charger off. Relocate batteries to a cooler area
or improve ventilation and/or check for a shorted cell in each
battery—refer to BATTERY CARE TIPS section for procedure or refer
12
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to battery manufacturer for recommendations. Turn charger back
on to resume normal operation and L.E.D. indications.
Note: This shutdown/warning will also occur if the temperature
sensor is plugged in or unplugged while the charger is in
operation. If this is the case, make sure the plug is properly inserted
and shut the charger off and then back on; normal operation will
resume.
If the battery cools sufficiently for safe charger operation, the
charger will automatically return to service, however the L.E.D.
indicator will begin to display a series of three yellow flashes (see
item 5 below).
4) One Yellow Flash: Cause: Charger was too hot and shut down
but has cooled sufficiently and has returned to service. Corrective
Action: Refer to Item 1 of this list of indications.
5) Three Yellow Flashes: Cause: Battery was too hot but has cooled
sufficiently and charger has returned to service. Corrective Action:
Refer to Item 3 of this list of indications.
In each of the above cases, if corrective action has been taken and
the charger has been shut off and turned back on, but does not
resume normal operation, refer to the TROUBLESHOOTING section
or contact the factory for assistance.
V) APPLICATION NOTES
A) Constant Versus Occasional Use
In general, it is recommended that the charger be left connected
continuously to A.C. power so that it will be in operation whenever
A.C. is available. This will maintain batteries at peak voltage and
will automatically compensate for the natural self-discharge of the
battery system. When a load is applied to the battery system the
charger's output will automatically increase to supply the current
which would otherwise draw battery voltage down. Repeatedly
allowing batteries to become completely discharged before
recharging will greatly shorten their life. Leaving the charger on
continuously will prevent this.
While the output regulation of the charger will minimize battery
gassing and water loss, monthly checks of the electrolyte level
(for wet lead acid batteries) are still strongly recommended.
Some water loss is an inevitable aspect of the charging process,
and maintaining the correct electrolyte level in your batteries is
the most important thing you can do to assure their maximum
performance and long life.
B) Proper Load Sizing
The Phase Three Charger is rated for continuous duty. While
the charger cannot be damaged by overloads that exceed its
continuous rating, excessive load demands may draw battery
voltage down faster than the charger can resupply it. If battery
voltage continues to drop, check to ensure that your average D.C.
loads are not exceeding the charger's rated output at full (float)
voltage. (Refer to SPECIFICATIONS section for Max Current ratings.)
If loads exceed this rating, you may wish to consider adding
another charger in parallel to provide sufficient power for your
requirements. (See section III-F) Multiple Unit Parallel Wiring.)
C) Operation With Engine
It is perfectly acceptable to allow the charger to remain on
when the engine is started and while it is running. The current
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