victron energy 12-80 Centaur Charger User Manual

victron energy 12-80 Centaur Charger

Product Information

Specifications

• Model: Centaur Charger 12/20, 12/30, 12/40, 12/50, 12/60, 12/80, 12/100, 24/16, 24/30, 24/40, 24/60
• Technology: High-frequency switched battery charger
• Input Voltage: 120V or 240V AC
• Input Current: See table below

Description
The Centaur Charger is a fully high-frequency switched battery charger. The input is electronically power factor corrected by the first power stage. The next stage provides galvanic isolation and a perfect DC voltage at the output terminals. The internal electronic parts are protected against moisture and dirt by means of a special coating, ensuring a long lifetime of your battery charger. This charger can charge up to three high-capacity batteries simultaneously.

Installation

WARNING: Qualified personnel only

Location
The Centaur Charger must be installed in a dry, well-ventilated area. It is suitable for floor and wall mounting, but a vertical position is recommended for optimum cooling. Keep the cables between the Centaur Charger and the battery as short as possible to minimize cable losses.

Required Tools and Cables

Length : 0 – 6m

• 12/20
• 12/30
• 12/40
• 12/50
• 12/60
• 12/80
• 12/100

CAUTION: Replace defective cords or wires immediately.

Connection Sequence
Charge voltage at approximately 10% of the nominal current.

Important note regarding charge voltage settings:
The charge voltages mentioned above are indicative only. Please contact your battery supplier for advice, especially for flooded lead acid batteries (LA in the table) which may require a different charge voltage depending on chemical/mechanical construction.

FAQ

• Q: Can I install the Centaur Charger myself?
• A: The installation of the Centaur Charger should only be done by qualified personnel.
• Q: Where should I install the Centaur Charger?
• A: The Centaur Charger should be installed in a dry, well-ventilated area. It can be mounted on the floor or wall, but a vertical position is recommended for better cooling.
• Q: How many batteries can be charged simultaneously with this charger?
• A: This charger can charge up to three high-capacity batteries simultaneously.
• Q: What should I do if the charger does not function?
• A: If the charger does not function, you should measure the mains, check the battery connection, select the correct battery type, and ensure that the charger capacity matches the battery. If the problem persists, consult your battery supplier or return the product to your dealer.

Safety and regulatory information

General

• Review related documentation of this product to familiarize yourself with safety markings and instructions before you operate the equipment.
• This product has been designed and tested in accordance with international standards. Only use the equipment for the intended purpose of application.
• WARNING: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. The product is used in conjunction with a permanent energy source (battery). Even if the equipment is switched off, dangerous electrical voltages may appear at the in- and/or output terminals. Always disconnect AC power and battery before maintaining or servicing the product. A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) must be installed in the AC supply circuit.
• WARNING: This appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons unless they have been adequately supervised by a responsible person to ensure that they can use the appliance safely. Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
• There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Do not remove the front plate or operate the product without the front plate fitted. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• Never use the product in locations where there is danger of gas- or dust explosions. Consult your supplier to ensure that the product is intended for use in conjunction with the battery. Always apply the battery manufacturer’s safety instructions.
• Caution: never carry heavy loads without assistance.
• Explosive gases can be generated during charging of a lead-acid battery. Prevent open flame and sparks. Take care of sufficient ventilation during charging.
• Never try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries.
• A double-pole switch with a minimum contact distance of 3mm must be incorporated in the fixed mains input wiring of the installation.

Installation

• The installation of this product must be performed by qualified personnel.
• Always refer to the installation section in the operator’s manual before applying power to the equipment.
• This is a Safety Class I product (provided with a protective earthing terminal). An uninterruptible safety earth ground must be provided at the AC in/output terminals. An additional grounding point is located at the outside of the product. Whenever it is likely that the grounding protection has been impaired, the product  must be made inoperative and secured against any unintended operation; refer to qualified service personnel.
• Make sure that fuses and circuit breakers are provided in the connecting wires. Never replace a safety component by a different type. Consult the manual for determining the correct component.
• Make sure that all cables and wiring in the installation are anchored in such a way that the conductors are relieved from strain and twisting.
• Before applying power, verify that the available power source matches the configuration settings of the product as described in the manual.
• Ensure that the environmental conditions are suitable for operation of the equipment. Never operate the product in a wet or in a dusty environment.
• Always allow enough free space around the product for ventilation and make sure that ventilation vents are not blocked.
• Be sure that the demanded power does not exceed the capacity of the product.
• This device is a continuous duty automatic charger for rechargeable open, sealed and gel lead acid batteries
• For supply connection use wires suitable for at least 75°C (167°F).
• CAUTION : Replace defective cords or wires immediately.

Transport and storage

• When storing or transporting the product make certain that mains power and battery leads are disconnected.
• No liability can be accepted for any transport damage when equipment is shipped in non-original packaging.
• Store the product in a dry location; storage temperature must be between –20°C and 60°C.
• Refer to the battery manufacturer manual concerning transport, storage, charging, recharging and disposal of the battery.

Description

Technology

• The Centaur Charger is a fully high-frequency switched battery charger. The input is electronically power factor corrected by the first power stage.
• The next stage gives provision for galvanic isolation and a perfect DC voltage at the output terminals.
• The internal electronic parts are protected against moisture and dirt by means of a special coating, which assures a long lifetime of your battery charger.
• Three high-capacity batteries can be charged simultaneously with this charger.

Operation

• The battery charger charges the battery with 3-stage (Bulk-Absorption-Float) charging characteristic. It can remain connected to the battery continuously, without increased gas formation, caused by overcharging, taking place.
• The charger can be used for different types of batteries but the default settings are for Gel batteries.
• For use with other types of batteries please select Lead acid or AGM by opening front bottom cover and select DIP switch in bottom left hand corner. See Figure 1.
• The full charging current of this Charger is divided in three main outputs but any one output can supply 100% of power if that is the only battery connected

Installation

WARNING : Qualified personnel only

Instructions

1. Mount wall bracket (for top holding) of the battery charger, make sure it is level.
2. Install three screws.
3. Open cover by removing four screws, on front bottom cover.
4. Put charger on mounting bracket and mark the Bottom of the two (M6-D-holes) mounting holes.
5. Install M6 screws.
6. Install AC cord to input terminal strip marked E, N, L, be sure to use the correct size wire (per ABYC regulations) to use for the input current marked on the label of charger.
7. Cut DC inlet plugs to cable size, then connect battery cables to DC lugs marked +DC & -DC. The -DC is used commonly for all three batteries. If there are less than three batteries, pick any +DC; all are capable of full current load. Select appropriate size wire (per ABYC regulations).
8. Select battery type by pushing the appropriate DIP switch at bottom left corner of board. Note: This unit is selected for GEL; if you change battery type DESELECT GEL, (See Figure 1).
9. Replace top cover and reinstall four screws on cover.
10. Apply power and verify Green LED is on (bottom left of PC board, look through bottom left air vents).

Location
The Centaur Charger must be installed in a dry, well-ventilated area. Too high an ambient temperature has the consequence of lower output, shorter life or a complete shutdown of the Centaur Charger. The Centaur Charger is suitable for floor and wall mounting. However, for optimum cooling, a vertical position is recommended. The cables between the Centaur Charger and the battery must be kept as short as possible to minimize cable losses. Input/output connections refer to Figure 1.

Required tools and cables

• M6 Socket driver.
• Crosshead screwdriver no. 2 Phillips.
• Battery cables: minimum cable cross-section

12/30    24/30

12/40    24/40

| 16mm² AWG 5
12/50    24/60

12/60

| 25mm²

AWG 3

12/80

12/100

| 35mm² AWG 2

• Cables longer then 6m are not recommended.
• Cable eyes with M6/8 holes should be used.
• For supply connection use wires suitable for at least 75°C (167°F).

CAUTION : Replace defective cords or wires immediately.

Connection sequence

• Disconnect mains.
• Disconnect battery cables from the battery.
• Open front cover.
• Connect battery cables to the charger. Note that there’s only one ‘minus’- Use a fuse according to the size of the battery charger.
• Connect battery cables to the battery.
• Connect the AC-in by means of a 3-core cable of 2.5 – 4mm² flexible core to the AC-in terminal block. Note that a real PE-connection is strictly necessary.
• Close the front panel.

Charge voltage at appr. 10% of the nominal current

 | Absorption| Float
Lead-acid Battery type| 12V

(6 cells)

| 24V

(12 cells)

| 12V

(6 cells)

| 24V

(12 cells)

GEL| 14.2| 28.4| 13.5| 27.0
AGM| 14.35| 28.7| 13.3| 26.6
LA| 14.5| 29.0| 13.5| 27.0
Other| 14.85| 29.7| 13.7| 27.4

Important note regarding charge voltage settings
The charge voltages as mentioned above for the different types of battery are indicative only. Please contact your battery supplier for advice. Especially flooded lead acid batteries (“LA” in the table) may require a different charge voltage, depending on chemical/mechanical construction.

LA| II|  |
---|---|---|---
 | II| II
AGM|  | II|
---|---|---|---
II|  | II
GEL|  |  | II
---|---|---|---
II| II|
Other| II|  | II
---|---|---|---
 | II|

FIGURE 1 INPUT/ OUTPUT CONNECTIONS

Input Voltage vs. Input Current

Model| Input Voltage (Vac)| Input Current (Aac)| Input Voltage (Vac)| Input Current (Aac)
12/20| 120| 3.35| 240| 1.75
12/30| 120| 4.35| 240| 2.30
12/40| 120| 6.40| 240| 3.20
12/50| 120| 8.00| 240| 4.00
12/60| 120| 9.55| 240| 4.75
12/80| 120| 12.0| 240| 6.00
12/100| 120| 15.0| 240| 8.00
 |  |  |  |
24/16| 120| 5.55| 240| 2.50
24/30| 120| 9.00| 240| 4.55
24/40| 120| 10.0| 240| 6.00
24/60| 120| 15.0| 240| 9.00

Note:
For other input voltages Uin the input current can be calculated as follows: Input current = (current at 120Vac) x (120 / Uin)

Example:

• Input current at 120Vac : 3,35 Amps
• Required : input current at Uin = 110Vac
• Answer : input current = 3,35 x (120 / 110) = 3,65A

Specifications

1. Standard setting
   Optimum charge/float voltages for Flooded Lead-acid, Gel-Cell or AGM batteries selectable by DIP switch.

2. Up to 40 °C (100 °F) ambient
   Output will reduce to approximately 80 % of nominal at 50°C (120°F) and 60% of nominal at 60°C (140°F)

TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshooting

Input or output fuses are defective
The battery does not get fully charged
A bad battery connection
The battery select switch is in the wrong setting
Battery capacity too large
The battery is being overcharged
A single cell in battery is defective
Too small battery| Measure mains
Return product to your dealer
Check battery connection
Select correct battery type (see Fig1)
Make sure charger capacity matches battery
Select correct battery type (see Fig1)
Replace battery
Consult your battery supplier

Serial number:
Distributor:

Victron Energy B.V. The Netherlands

• E – mail : sales@victronenergy.com 
• Internet site : http://www.victronenergy.com
• Article number : ISM001001000
• Version : 13
• Date : 18-09-2023

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