Xantrex C12 Charge/ Load / Lighting Controller Owner’s Manual
975-0130-01-01
5
charging process and the battery will overflow if it is filled all of the way
up before recharging. Only distilled water should be used, as any
impurities will reduce battery performance and life.
A popular and inexpensive deep cycle battery is the "golf cart" battery.
It is a 6-volt design typically rated at 220 amp hours. RV and Marine
deep cycle batteries are also popular for small systems. They are
usually referred to as Group 24 or group 27 and are rated at 80 to 100
amp hours at 12 volts. Many larger systems use L16 batteries. These
are usually rated at 350 amp hours at 6 volts each. They are 17 inches
in height and weigh around 130 pounds—which may be a problem in
some applications. 8D batteries are available with either cranking or
deep cycle construction. Purchase only the deep cycle version. The
8D is typically rated at 220 amp hours at 12 volts.
Sealed Batteries
Another type of battery construction is the sealed gel cell. They don't
use battery caps. The electrolyte is in the form of a gel rather than a
liquid, which allows the batteries to be mounted in any position. The
advantages are no maintenance, long life (800 cycles claimed) and
low self-discharge. Absorbed electrolyte is also acceptable. Their
electrolyte is contained in mats between the battery plates.
Nickel-Cadmium and Nickel-Iron Batteries
The Xantrex C12 is compatible with Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) and
Nickel-Iron (NiFe) type batteries, which must be charged to a higher
voltage level to achieve a full charge. To enable use of the C12 with
NiCad batteries, cut the resistor labeled as R36 on the lower left
corner of the C12 circuit board. This adds two volts to the printed scale
on the circuit board around the BULK and FLOAT potentiometers.
Adjust the Bulk Charge Voltage to the setting recommended by the
battery manufacturer. Remember to add 2 volts to the scale shown
when making the adjustment.
Float Voltage settings for NiCad/NiFe batteries should also be set to
the battery manufacturer’s recommendations. Remember to add 2
volts to the scale when making the adjustment.
Note
: In some applications the BULK voltage setting should be
adjusted to a level below the maximum operating voltage of the DC
loads. This may be as low as 15 volts for some types of electronic
loads. Check with the manufacturers of the equipment being used.
Battery Sizing
Batteries are the fuel tank of the system. The larger the batteries, the
longer the system can operate before recharging is necessary. An
undersized battery bank results in short battery life and disappointing
system performance.
To determine the proper battery bank size, compute the number of
amp hours that will be used between charging cycles. Once the
required amp hours are known, size the batteries at approximately
twice this amount. Doubling the expected amp hour usage ensures
that the batteries will not be overly discharged and extends battery life.
Battery requirements can also be calculated using the nameplate
rating of appliances. The critical formula is Watts = Volts × Amps.
Divide the wattage of the load by the battery voltage to determine the
amperage the load will draw from the batteries. Multiply the amperage
times the hours of operation and the result is, reasonably enough,
amp-hours.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
This manual contains important safety and operating instructions as
prescribed by ANSI/UL specifications for charge controllers used in
photovoltaic applications. This manual covers Xantrex Technology
model number C12 charge / load controller for use in Residential and
Commercial photovoltaic applications.
The C12 has been certified by ETL to UL specification UL Standard
1741 (draft), Power Conditioning Units for use in Residential
Photovoltaic power Systems. It is also approved to CSA standard
CSA-22.2 No. 14-M91 SEP 91.
General Precautions
1. Before using the charge/load controller, read all instructions and
cautionary markings on (1) the charge/load controller (2) the
batteries and (3) the photovoltaic panels.
2.
CAUTION
—To reduce risk of injury, charge only deep cycle lead
acid, lead antimony, lead calcium, gel cell, absorbed mat, NiCad
or NiFe type rechargeable batteries. Other types of batteries may
burst, causing personal injury and damage.
3. Do not attempt to repair the C12. Take it to a qualified service
center when service or repair is required. Incorrect re-assembly
may result in a risk of electric shock or fire.
4. To reduce risk of electric shock, disconnect all wiring before
attempting any maintenance or cleaning. Turning off controls will
not reduce this risk. Solar modules produce power when exposed
to light—cover them with opaque material before servicing.
5.
WARNING
—WORKING NEAR A LEAD ACID BATTERY IS
DANGEROUS. BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES
DURING NORMAL OPERATION. Provide ventilation to outdoors
from the highest point of the battery compartment.
6. NEVER charge a frozen battery.
7. No terminals or lugs are required for hook-up of the DC wiring.
Wiring should be rated for 75
°
C and should be no less than 14
AWG / 2.1 mm
2
gauge wire. Terminals provided accept up to 10
AWG / 5.2 mm
2
gauge stranded wire.
8. Insulate tool handles with tape etc. to reduce the chance of a short
circuit occurring. Spark or short-circuits can cause an explosion.
9. Tools required to make DC wiring connections: Wire strippers,
Phillips screwdriver #2, Slotted screwdriver 5/32" (4.5 mm).
10. This charge/load controller is intended to be used with a battery
supply of 12 VDC nominal voltage.
11. Instructions for mounting: See mounting instruction section.
12. For battery installation and maintenance: read the instructions
provided with the batteries prior to operating.
13. No DC disconnect switch is provided as an integral part of this
unit. DC disconnects may be required as part of the system
installation. Refer to local electrical codes for requirements.
14. No overcurrent protection for the battery supply is provided as an
integral part of this unit. Over current protection of the battery
cables must be provided as part of the system installation. Refer
to local electrical codes for requirements.
15. Although over current protection for the DC output wiring is
provided as an integral part of this unit, additional over current
protection of the DC output wiring may be required as part of the
system installation. Refer to local electrical codes for
requirements.
16. GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS—This charge/load controller
should be connected to a grounded, metal, permanent wiring
system. Connections to the grounding system should comply with
all local codes and ordinances.
Personal Precautions
1. Someone should be within range of your voice or close enough to
come to your aid when you work near batteries.
2. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid
contacts skin, clothing, or eyes.
3. Wear eye protection and protective clothing. Avoid touching eyes
while working near batteries.
4. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with
soap and water. If acid enters an eye, immediately flood the eye
with running cold water for at least 15 minutes and get medical
attention immediately.
5. Baking soda neutralizes spilled Lead Acid electrolyte. Vinegar
neutralizes spilled NiCad electrolyte. Keep a supply on hand.
