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3.
Installation Requirements
3.1.
Pre-Installation
IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ FIRST!
1)
Each battery must be individually charged to exactly a voltage between 14.1V and 14.2V
(choose one and use it for all batteries) before placing it into operation with other batteries.
Otherwise, the batteries will independently hit
full
or
empty
and shut off before others in the
same battery bank.
2)
Equalization charging must be turned off in your solar charge controller or AC charger. If left
on, the equalization charge will raise the voltage too high, damage the batteries, and void the
warranty.
3)
Bulk/Absorption charge voltage should be set to no higher than 14.1V for a 12V system, 28.2V
for 24V system, and 56.4V for a 48V system (and lower for high amp chargers). Anything
higher risks one or more batteries automatically shutting off in a high voltage protection mode.
4)
Low Voltage Cut-Off on the inverter should be set for no lower than 12.0V, 24.0V and 48.0V for
a 12V, 24V and 48V system, respectively. Voltages lower than this risks one or more batteries
automatically shutting off in a low voltage protection mode.
5)
When turning on breakers to inverters, charge controllers, battery monitors, etc. connected to
the batteries wait 45-60 seconds between powering up each device. The KiloVault® battery
management system has special circuitry designed to detect short circuits and protect the
battery. Many brands of inverters, charge controllers and battery monitors will present a very
high but very brief surge that can be interpreted as a short. The BMS can handle one of these
perceived shorts every 45-60 seconds. Alternatively, in most circumstances all devices can be
powered up at once but the batteries will go into auto-protect mode and turn off for 30-60
seconds but then restart normally.
6)
Be sure to tighten the battery terminals before operating. Failure to do so will lead to the
terminals overheating, melting the case, and potentially causing a fire.
Note:
Due to transportation regulations, LiFePO4 batteries cannot be shipped fully charged. As
a result, if you have purchased more than one battery for your system
all
batteries must
be fully charged to
exactly
the same voltage before using.
3.1.1.
All Batteries Must Be Fully Charged to the Same Voltage Prior to Use
It is very important that each battery be individually charged to exactly the same voltage initially and
not less than 14.1 volts before putting the batteries into operation (not applicable if you are using only
one battery). Selecting a voltage at 14.1 to 14.2V is recommended but alternatively a precisely
selected low voltage will work, such as one between 11.5-12.0V.
