EC176 Power Control System
Issue 1
Page 8 of 12
13 July 2018
WARNING
Under heavy loads the power supply unit case may become hot. ALWAYS ensure the ventilation
slots have a clear flow of air. Do not place combustible materials against / adjacent to the EC176.
The PSU will shutdown if overheated and will restart automatically when cool.
4.3 Leisure Battery
4.3.1 Type / Selection
For optimum performance and safety it is essential that only a proprietary brand LEISURE battery is
used and it is suggested to select a battery from the NCC Verified Battery Scheme with a typical
capacity of 75 to 120 Ah (Ampere / hours). Depending on the prospective use of the vehicle the
correct type should be selected (A, B or C). A normal car battery is NOT suitable. This battery should
always be connected when the system is in use.
The PSU is configured to work with standard lead acid leisure batteries, and in most cases is also
compatible with the latest range of Absorbed Glass Matt (AGM) batteries. Before fitting non-standard
batteries please check that the fixed charging profile described in 4.2 is suitable for the type of battery
by referring to the battery documentation or battery manufacturer.
The battery feed is fitted with an inline fuse between the battery and the electrical harness, which is
usually located immediately outside the battery compartment or within 500mm of the battery. The
maximum rating of this fuse is 20A.
4.3.2 Installation & Removal
Always disconnect the 230V mains supply and turn the PSU green charger switch to the off position
(button out) before removing or installing the battery.
When connecting the battery, ensure that the correct polarity is observed (black is negative [-] and red
is positive [+]) and that the terminals are securely fastened. Crocodile clips must not be used.
WARNING
Explosive gases may be present at the battery. Take care to prevent flames and sparks in the vicinity
of the battery and do not smoke.
4.3.3 Operation / Servicing
Under normal circumstances it should not be necessary to remove the battery other than for routine
inspection of the terminals and “topping up” of the battery fluid where applicable. Please see
instructions supplied with the battery.
Note: Do not over discharge the battery. One of the most common causes of battery failure is when
the battery is discharged below the recommended level of approximately 11.5V. Discharging a battery
below this figure can cause permanent damage to one or more of the cells within the battery.
To prevent over discharge, the EC176 system incorporates a battery protect circuit that warns the
users and then disconnects the batteries when they fall below set values. See 3.6 below for details.
4.4 Generator Usage
Caution should be used before connecting a generator to your vehicle.
WARNING
Never start or stop the generator while electrical loads are connected and switched on. Start the
engine, let it stabilise and then connect the electrical load. To stop the engine, disconnect the
electrical load and let engine stabilise before switching off
Whilst some generators use electronic inverter technology, others use a more basic principle to
generate the 230V supply. Preference should be to choose a generator which produces a consistent
sinusoidal wave form with accurate voltage control.
