EC155 Power Control System
Issue 2
Page 4 of 11
June 2013
3.4 Battery
A) Type / Selection
For optimum performance and safety it is essential that only a proprietary brand LEISURE battery is
used with a typical capacity of 75 to 120 Ah (Ampere / hours). A normal car battery is NOT suitable.
This battery should always be connected when the system is in use.
The EC155PSU is designed to charge standard lead acid leisure batteries, however it may be used
with Gel batteries depending on their composition. Please consult the battery documentation for
further advice.
The battery feed is fitted with an inline fuse between the battery and the electrical harness, and is
usually located immediately outside the battery compartment or within 500mm of the battery. The
maximum rating of this fuse is 20A per battery.
B) Installation & Removal
Always disconnect the 230V mains supply and turn the EC155PSU charger switch to the OFF (0)
position 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.
C) 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 10V. 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 EC155PSU in conjunction with the EC5x series control panel
incorporates a battery protect circuit that warns and then disconnects the batteries when they fall
below the following conditions:
Battery
Voltage
cut off
Action after cut off
Notes
Vehicle
10.9V
Battery selection is
changed from Vehicle
battery to Leisure
battery. If the leisure
battery is below 9v
then a further warning
will occur (see below).
This cut off level is designed to protect the vehicle
battery from over discharge. The 10.9V level
ensures there is sufficient power in the battery to
run the vehicle electronics and start the vehicle.
This cut off only applies to power drawn from the
battery by the leisure equipment; it will not protect
the battery if you leave the vehicle lights on.
Leisure
9V
Power is turned off
This is an emergency cut off level to protect the
battery from severe damage. You should not rely
on this cut off level during normal operation, but
manage your power consumption to a discharge
level of 10V.
This cut off only applies to power drawn from the
battery by the leisure equipment that is controlled
by the control panel power switch; it will not protect
the battery from discharge by the radio or other
permanently connected equipment.
Note: the system also incorporates an over voltage cut-out which turns the system power off if either
battery voltage exceeds 15V (indicated by the level display top LED flashing).
