RV Power Products - Solar Boost 3048
9
TEMPERATURE AND OUTPUT POWER
Over temperature protection is provided to protect the unit from damage due to high output power at high
ambient temperatures. When mounted vertically as described in the installation section, Solar Boost 3048 can
deliver full output in an ambient temperature of up to 40
°
C (104
°
F). If cooling is restricted at high power levels or
ambient temperature is higher than 40
°
C, the charge control system will cycle on and off, reducing average power
delivery to within safe limits. During periods of thermal shutdown the Charge Status Indicator will display an “off”
condition.
INSTALLATION
WARNING:
Read, understand and follow the Important Safety Instructions
in the beginning of this manual before proceeding. The system must be
installed in accordance with local codes and standards. Adjustments or
connections other than those shown in Figure 3 void the limited warranty.
OVER VOLTAGE / REVERSE POLARITY PROTECTION
Solar Boost 3048 is fully protected against reverse polarity and high voltage transients for both the PV array and
the battery. If the battery is connected reverse polarity, Solar Boost 3048 will not operate. If the PV array is connected
reverse polarity, Solar Boost 3048 will not provide output current and the Solar Panel Current display will show
negative
current. Should high PV current be available during reverse PV connection the heatsink will become quite warm but no
damage to the unit will result. Note that the unit is not protected against reverse battery connection to the PV terminals.
Damage of this type is not covered under the limited warranty.
ELECTROSTATIC HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
While transient voltage protection is provided for terminal block connections, exposed circuits may be damaged by
electrostatic discharge during installation and handling. Discharge yourself by touching a water faucet or other electrical
ground prior to handling the unit and avoid touching components on the circuit boards. Keep the Digital Display in it’s
electrostatic protective bag until it is installed. All electronic circuits may be damaged by static electricity and these
instructions combined with special packaging are provided to minimize the possibility of damage. The risk of
electrostatic damage is highest when relative humidity drops below 40%.
MAXIMUM PV SHORT CIRCUIT CURRENT AND NEC
To be compliant with National Electrical Code (NEC), solar module controllers should be sized to provide 125%
more rated capacity than the 25
°
C short circuit current rating of the PV modules, and then all components be sized
another 125% greater. However, Solar Boost 3048 can regularly produce more than 24 amps of output current from 24
amps of input current. The NEC does not cover MPPT type controllers with electronic current limit, but bases the rules
on older less sophisticated controllers which are unable to manage conditions of higher than expected current. Our
interpretation of the spirit of the NEC is that Solar Boost 3048 connected to 24 amps of short circuit PV current, and
branch circuit protection of 40 amps is compliant with the spirit of NEC requirements. This is because the system is
rated for and electronically limited to 30 amps of output current. With wiring and branch circuit protection then rated at
40 amps, the 125% margin is always maintained. The final judgement of acceptability is to be made by the local
authority with jurisdiction.
SOLAR BOOST 3048 SETUP
Solar Boost 3048 has several setup options that need to be configured prior to connection and use. These
selections are configured by setting a single 12 position dip switch on the main circuit board. Refer to Figure 3 for setup
adjustment locations.
