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8.7. Batteries are overcharged
WARNING: Overcharging batteries can be extremely dangerous! There is a significant risk of battery
explosion, fire, or acid leakage. To prevent accidents, do not smoke, create sparks, or have open flames
in the same room where the batteries are located.
Overcharging batteries can lead to severe battery damage and may be caused by the following factors:
• Incorrect charge voltage settings. Refer to the
• Battery voltage setting too high. Refer to the
• Applying equalisation while the battery is not suitable for it. Refer to the
subchapter.
• The battery is too small, old, has been mistreated in the past or is faulty. Refer to the
subchapter.
8.7.1. Battery voltage setting too high
If the "battery voltage" setting in the VictronConnect app is configured to a voltage higher than the actual system voltage, it will
result in overcharging the battery.
The solar charger automatically detects the battery voltage on the first install, and afterwards, the self-detection is disabled.
However, if the solar charger is moved from a 24V system to a 12V system, it may not recognise the system change.
Consequently, it will continue charging with 24V battery charge voltages, while the connected battery is a 12V battery, leading to
overcharging of the 12V battery.
To verify the "battery voltage" setting, use the VictronConnect app or a connected display. If the setting is incorrect, make sure to
adjust it to the correct battery voltage.
8.7.2. Battery charge voltage settings too high
Batteries can be overcharged if the battery charge voltages are set too high.
Verify that all the battery charge voltages (absorption and float) are correctly configured to match the recommended voltages
specified in the battery manufacturer's documentation.
8.7.3. Battery unable to deal with equalisation
When equalisation occurs, the battery charge voltage will be considerably high, and if the battery is unsuitable for equalisation, it
may be overcharged.
It's essential to note that not all batteries can handle equalisation voltages. Check with the battery manufacturer to determine if
the battery you are using requires a periodic equalising charge.
In general, sealed batteries and lithium batteries do not require equalisation and should not undergo the equalisation process.
8.7.4. Battery old, faulty or undersized
A battery that has reached the end of its service life or has been damaged due to improper use may be susceptible to
overcharging.
A battery is comprised of multiple cells connected in series. In the case of an old or damaged battery, it's possible that one of
these cells is no longer operational. During charging, the faulty cells will not accept charge, and the remaining cells will receive
the broken cell's charge voltage, resulting in overcharging.
To address this issue, replace the battery. If the system includes multiple batteries, it's recommended to replace the entire battery
bank rather than mixing batteries of different ages in one bank.
Determining the exact history of a battery during its lifetime can be challenging. The solar charger retains 30 days of battery
voltage history. If the system has a battery monitor or is connected to the VRM portal, the battery voltages and cycle history can
be accessed to assess the battery's overall health and whether it is nearing the end of its service life or has been misused.
Similar issues can arise if the battery is too small and charged with a significantly high current. The small battery will not be able
to accept the total charge and will end up being overcharged.
Page 57
MPPT solar charger manual
Battery charge voltage settings too high [57]
Battery voltage setting too high [57]
Battery unable to deal with equalisation [57]
subchapter.
subchapter.
Battery old, faulty or undersized [57]
Troubleshooting
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