PowerGuard Owners/Installation manual – Engine start model
READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLATION
PowerGuard ensures your vehicle engine will always start by shutting off the entire electrical system in the
event that the battery voltage falls below a level deemed to be that which will prevent reliable starting. This
level is dependent upon the time during which the voltage is low and the ambient temperature.
The reset switch incorporates an integral green LED. In normal mode (“standby”) this LED will be unlit.
When the LED starts to blink this indicates the unit has entered the “shutdown imminent” mode and the
system will be disconnected 4 minutes later if the battery voltage does not return to normal. Once
PowerGuard has disconnected the system, the LED will be on solid (“shutdown”).
Once shut down, the only way to reconnect the system is by pressing the PowerGuard Reset switch.
PowerGuard incorporates an inhibit input (marked “ALT” on the PCB). This input will prevent the unit
shutting the electrical system down if a 12 volt feed is provided to it. This could be connected to a feed
from the ignition switch that is live when the ignition switch is in the “run” position or it could be
connected to the charge warning light terminal on the alternator. The purpose of this is to prevent the unit
shutting the electrical system down whilst the engine is running.
WARNING
Under no circumstances must this input be provided with a permanent 12 volt feed.
Certain loads require a permanent power feed in order to function and therefore PowerGuard incorporates a
“bypass” output which remains connected to the battery even after shutdown. This output would typically
be used for such items as radio memory backups or tracker equipment. The bypass output is rated to
provide 35 amps but it is not recommended to use such high current for several reasons.
Firstly the whole purpose of PowerGuard is to retain sufficient power in the battery for engine starting. All
equipment connected to the bypass output will continue to drain the battery. For this reason only connect
equipment that MUST have a permanent feed. A list of “MUST” have equipment would typically be the
radio memory backup, clock and alarm/immobiliser.
Secondly (and perhaps more importantly) higher current draw from this terminal would require heavier
gauge wire to be used in the installation of PowerGuard in order to ensure correct and reliable operation.
PowerGuard should be installed by reference to the wiring diagram in conjunction with the following notes.
1.
1.5mm
2
cable should be used for all interconnections between the PowerGuard control unit, the reset
switch and the relay.
2.
The fuse in the power feed to PowerGuard should be a 5 amp fuse fitted as close to the battery as
possible.
WARNING
All connections must be soundly and solidly made using the correct crimping tool for the
spade connectors (or soldered joints). Any form of bad or loose connection could conceivably result in the
engine shutting down whilst driving or other malfunctions
3.
In the UK a legal requirement is that the hazard warning lights must have power available at all times.
For this reason they should be powered directly from the battery side of the disconnect relay via their
own fuse. The fuse should be of the same rating that the vehicle currently uses in the fuse box and the
cable must be of at least the same gauge as that in the wiring harness. For installation in vehicles in
other countries the installer should check the relevant legislation. If in doubt, err on the side of caution
and ensure a permanent feed is available to the hazard warning lights.
4.
The reset switch should be fitted in a prominent position within the vehicle cabin where the LED can
clearly be seen from the driving position.