Hilux 4x4 Forum

I am hoping one of the slim manne can help me here. I am using a 20A Phocos solar regulator at home for some load shed lighting and I notice that with up to 18/19V from the panel my regulator is charging about 14.7V when measured across the battery terminals. That all seems fine to me...

Then I recently bought a 20A ACDC solar regulator for a caravan solar charging setup but I now notice that it seems to be charging at 15.1V to 15.2V when measured at the battery terminals. That seems a bit high for me.

Am I worried about nothing or is that charging voltage too high and will I damage my battery.

Thanks

I wouldn't be too worried, Ronnie. Yes, it's a bit high but it depends on the battery state of charge. If the battery is low then I would ignore it, but if the battery is full and it's still delivering 15V, then I would be concerned about the future life of the battery.

Thanks Andy....battery came with the caravan and looks rather old so that may be a contributing factor. Maybe I should take my newer deep cycle I use for load shedding and hook it up to see what the charging voltage is

Agree with Andy; if that is indeed the case then it is a pretty nice regulator.

The D250S does 14.1 V at the terminals @ 20V input.

Ok thanks...I was worried I will "cook" my battery at such a high charging voltage.

I hope it is fine as it because it was very well priced too at 4x4 Direct

Ronnie do you have a photo of the unit ?

May well be the same as the unit I chucked out a few months back .... Also an ACDC unit.


The charge voltage was simply just too high, and would not drop back to the 13,8V idling voltage.....


Replaced it with a Victron unit. Charge volts gradually increase up to 14,5V, then drops to 13,8V idling voltage.

Hi Ronnie.
That sound to high for my liking.You are welcome to swap it out if you are not happy.
Maybe just test it with another charger. Charge your battery full with a 220v charger. Let the battery stand for a hour or 2. Then connect the ACDC again.If you still get the 15volts than rather come and swap it out for another unit or something else.
I am not always on the forum so if I do not respond here please email me at george at 4x4direct.co.za or pm me

15v is too high - take it back to George.


-F_D

Ok thanks guys for all the input. I think I will rather play it safe and go and get another Phocos from 4x4 Direct in its place. Don't want to risk damaging a battery for a regulator that costs a little bit less. George - I will come around on Saturday.

Just hope I don't leave with a whole lot of other stuff as usual :)

THAT is aftersale service !!!!

Bulletjie-3 wrote:THAT is aftersale service !!!!

You are spot on. I did not even approach 4x4 Direct about this as I wanted to just get some views on whether the charging voltage was too high. George just volunteered that I can bring it back for a swap out.

That is why I keep supporting them; you don't see this very often any more