Sargent Electronics, like the EC325, don't always need a Solar Regulator

[aandncaravan]

We are seeing Motorhomes equipped with Sargent Electronics, such as the EC325/EC328, where the installer didn't understand the Motorhome 12v system.

 

The Solar panel, in most instances, is being wired direct to the batteries with a standalone Solar Regulator when Sargent have already incorporated a very efficient Solar Regulator into the EC325 box.

 

Using this inbuilt connection socket allows the Solar panel to charge both the Habitation and Starter battery simultaneously and automatically where the current/volts are shown on the Sargent Control Display screen. This is achieved without the need for battery Masters, separate Solar regulators, separate display screens or other gizmos.

 

The Sargent Regulator built into the EC ranges is specifically optimised to work with the existing 12v charging systems, not against them.

 

Not only will it be a better, more reliable system wired this way, but it will cost less as there are both fewer parts and a shorter install time. It is virtually plug and go.

 

Some of the Solar Installations have been installed so poorly the Solar Panel is harvesting much lower power than it might.

 

We have created a new 'Sargent' page on the website where we will be adding more information over the coming months, see :

http://www.aandncaravanservices.co.uk/sargent-ec325-ec328.php

 

Can we suggest that if you are considering Solar Power that you highlight the pages to your Installer? Most don't seem to be aware of the power and flexibility already built into the Sargent Systems, judging by the number of installations we see?.

 

The Solar Power page also contain a lot of Hints and Tips on safe installations : http://www.aandncaravanservices.co.uk/solar-power.php

 

 

 

[rupert123]

More good info from a&n, one of the few real experts left on here, many thanks.

[sakofox]

As a newbie I wanted to add a solar panel so I went for a 120w panel, the max my Sargent unit would handle. It was wired into the EC 500 unit and is brilliant. Auto switches between vehicle or leisure and gives the readout on the ec300 unit above the door.

If I wanted more solar then I would have to get another controller but the 120w unit has not let us down yet. We have to be careful in the winter but then we normally go EHU if staying for more than a few days.

 

[whiskers]

Instructions for the EC460 indicate that a separate regulator is required.

Quote "Solar Charge Management EC460 and EC465 PSU’s incorporate a built-in solar charge management feature, which will control the input from a separate solar panel and regulator. Depending on the charge state of the batteries, the solar power will be directed to the required battery, and continuously monitored to ensure optimum operation."

[aandncaravan]

Thank you Whiskers, we are still in the process of building the webpage, but will add that this unit also has the sophistication to give all the benefits mentioned in the first post via a dedicated Solar Socket.

 

The intention is to document for Solar Installers, all in one place, what is available and what is required.

 

[aandncaravan]

One thing we forgot to mention about the Sargent EC325 and EC328 is that they have the ability to super charge the habitation battery at 25amps and up to 18v, if mains is connected and the battery is low.

It does this in a safe way with temperature monitoring of the battery which should only be Wet, not AGM or Gel.

 

No damage is done to the Motorhome electrics because the EC325/328 isolates the habitation battery from the motorhome first then switches in a 12v mains powered supply to pick up the load of the lights, Water Pump, etc.

It will super charge the battery but monitor the batteries temperature to ensure no damage is done.

This allows much faster charging than might otherwise take place on 240v

 

Obviously anything connected directly to the Habitation battery like a Solar regulator or power for a Satellite system, etc will get 18v and maybe cook.

 

If you change the Habitation battery on a EC325/328 equipped Motorhome ensure the temperature sensor is as close to the battery as practical. If you can, tape (Gaffa or similar) the sensor to the battery.

Do not install any battery other than a Wet battery, ideally a Silver technology based battery will cope better with this charger, like the Varta LFD90. Do not use AGM or Gel.

You should not connect any device directly to the battery on Motorhomes equipped with these units, they are designed to handle all charge in from 240v, Alternator and Solar and all 12v power distribution out.

 

 

This 'high voltage' feature is covered in the Handbook with bright Red Warning text, but some technicians are obviously not aware.

 

The Manual states :

WARNING

Higher voltages may be present at the battery (<=18v). Do not connect ANY equipment to the battery

while the charger is operating. Failure to comply with this warning may lead to equipment damage and

will affect the battery charger performance.