DOMETIC PLB40 Power & Control Portable Battery Pack Instruction Manual

: June 6, 2024
: Dometic

DOMETIC PLB40 Power & Control Portable Battery Pack

Product Features

Please read these instructions carefully and follow all instructions, guidelines, and warnings included in this product manual in order to ensure that you install, use, and maintain the product properly at all times. These instructions MUST stay with this product.
By using the product, you hereby confirm that you have read all instructions, guidelines, and warnings carefully and that you understand and agree to abide by the terms and conditions as set forth herein. You agree to use this product only for the intended purpose and application and in accordance with the instructions, guidelines, and warnings as set forth in this product manual as well as in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. A failure to read and follow the instructions and warnings set forth herein may result in an injury to yourself and others, damage to your product or damage to other property in the vicinity. This product manual, including the instructions, guidelines, and warnings, and related documentation, may be subject to changes and updates. For up-to-date product information, please visit documents.dometic.com,dometic.com.

Explanation of symbols

| WARNING! Safety instruction: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
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| CAUTION! Safety instruction: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
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| NOTICE! Indicates a situation that, if not avoided, can result in property damage.
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General safety instructions

The manufacturer accepts no liability for damage in the following cases:

Damage to the product resulting from mechanical influences and incorrect connection voltage
Alterations to the product without express permission from the manufacturer
Use for purposes other than those described in the operating manual

The declaration of conformity can be requested from the manufacturer (contact information on the back).

Note the following basic safety information when using electrical devices to protect against:

Electric shock
Fire hazards
Injury

General safety

WARNING! INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS.

Only use the device as intended.
Disconnect the device from the mains
- Before cleaning and maintenance
– After use
– Before changing a fuse
To reduce risk of damage to the electric plug and cord, pull the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the device.
Do not use a device that is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified devices may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
Do not operate the device with a damaged cord or plug, or a damaged output cable.
Do not disassemble the device, take it to a qualified service person when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, unplug the device from the outlet before attempting any instructed servicing.
Do not expose to liquid, vapor, rain, sleet, snow or the like.
The device shall be stored indoors and protected from the elements.
Never smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of battery or engine.
When charging the device, work in a well ventilated area and do not restrict ventilation in any way
Do not expose the device to fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or temperature above 130 °C (266 °F) may cause explosion.
Electrical devices are not toys.
Always keep and use the device out of the reach of children.
Children must be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the device.
NOTICE! MATERIAL DAMAGE.
Do not insert foreign objects into the output or input terminals.
Do not put fingers or hands into the device.
Do not attempt to replace the internal battery cells.
Before using for the first time, charge your battery pack using one of the methods described in chapter “Charging the lithium iron phosphate battery pack” on page 12.
Before using the device for the first time, check that the voltage specification on the rating plate matches that of the power supply.
Never pull on the power cord to unplug the device from the power socket.
Store the device in a dry and cool place.

Operating the device safely

WARNING! INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS.

Only use the charger supplied to charge the device. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by the manufacturer may result in a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
The power socket to which the device is connected must be close by and easily accessible.

CAUTION! FIRE AND/OR EXPLOSION HAZARD.

Do not operate the device In the vicinity of corrosive fumes In the vicinity of combustible materials In areas where there is a danger of explosions
Do not place the device next to heat sources such as fires.
Place the device in a shady place. Avoid direct sun exposure in hot and humid surroundings for a proper usage.

NOTICE! MATERIAL DAMAGE.

Do not disconnect any cables when the device is still in use.
Only use the device in upright position.

Scope of delivery

No. in fig. ,	Description

1

| Portable lithium iron phosphate battery pack

2

| DC charge cable

3

| AC power supply unit

4

| 2x DC Fuse

Intended use

The portable lithium iron phosphate battery pack is for use in camping application. It comes with four outlets to power devices like tablet, mobile phone, portable fridge/freezer etc.

The battery pack is suitable for

the connection to 12 V appliances with low power consumption e.g. small inverters up to 150 W,
the connection to a laptop with an additional 150 W inverter connected to the 12 V DC connection socket output.

It is not allowed

to use the battery pack as a starter battery for a vehicle,
to use two battery packs in parallel connection.

This product is only suitable for the intended purpose and application in accordance with these instructions.

This manual provides information that is necessary for proper installation and/or operation of the product. Poor installation and/or improper operating or maintenance will result in unsatisfactory performance and a possible failure.

The manufacturer accepts no liability for any injury or damage to the product resulting from:

Incorrect assembly or connection, including excess voltage
Incorrect maintenance or use of spare parts other than original spare parts provided by the manufacturer
Alterations to the product without express permission from the manufacturer
Use for purposes other than those described in this manual

Dometic reserves the right to change product appearance and product specifications.

Technical description

The portable lithium iron phosphate battery pack (LiFePO4) enables mobile power supply for portable refrigeration, USB devices and small inverters up to 150 W continuous output.

A DC consumer unit (e.g. a portable refrigeration) can be simultaneously supplied with power while the lithium iron phosphate battery is being charged via the power supply unit.

The housing is shock, heat and UV resistant.

The lithium iron phosphate battery can be charged in three ways:

via the supplied AC/DC charger on the AC mains (max. 8 A)
via DC connection through vehicle alternator (max. 8 A)
via DC connection through solar panel

The device has the following protective functions:

Overtemperature, under temperature protection
Overvoltage protection
Under voltage protection
Overcurrent protection
Short circuit protection
Incorrect polarity protection

Connections and display

No. in fig. ,	Description

1

| Power button

2

| Display (LCD)

3

| 2 x USB socket (5 V, max. 4.2 A overall)

4

| 12 Vg 2-pin connection output to portable refrigeration

5

| 12 Vg heavy duty connection socket output for portable refrigeration and 12 V appliances

6

| Adjustable handle

7

| 2x fuse holder

8

| AC/DC adapter input socket

9

| DC/DC Anderson™ SB™ input socket

10

| Reset button (beneath the cap)

Display

No. in fig. 3,	Description

1

| | A failure occurred (chapter “Troubleshooting” on page 14).

2

| | See chapter “Troubleshooting” on page 14.

3

| | See chapter “Troubleshooting” on page 14.

4

| | The battery pack supplies energy to an USB device.

5

| | The battery pack supplies energy to a device connected to the 2-PIN output.

6

| | The battery pack supplies energy to a device connected to the DC output.

7

| | State of charge as a percentage

8

| | Battery is being discharged
| Battery is being charged
| Battery is being charged and discharged at the same time

9

| | See chapter “Troubleshooting” on page 14.

Using the appliance

Before first use

Before first use or storing plug the battery pack into the wall charger until it is fully charged.
Observe the information given in chapter “Charging the lithium iron phosphate battery pack” on page 12.

Starting and switching off

Starting the lithium iron phosphate battery pack

Press the power button (fig. 1, page 3) for at least 3 seconds to start the
device.

✓ The device emits 2 beeps.
✓ The display shows the operational status
: the lithium iron phosphate battery is being charged
: the lithium iron phosphate battery is being discharged
: the lithium iron phosphate battery is on idle mode
✓ The display switches off automatically after 1 minute.

Switching the display on

Press the power button (fig. 1, page 3) briefly to switch on the display.

Switching off the lithium iron phosphate battery pack
The battery pack switches off automatically after 24 hours if no load and no charger are connected.

Press the power button (fig. 1, page 3) for at least 3 seconds to switch the device off.
✓ The device emits 1 beep.
✓ The display switches off.

Charging the lithium iron phosphate battery pack

WARNING! FIRE AND/OR EXPLOSION HAZARD.
Lithium iron phosphate batteries that are charged with too high voltage can ignite. Use 8 to 25 V input voltage to charge the battery pack.

Place the lithium iron phosphate battery on a firm base.

Charging with the power supply unit

Connect the power supply unit to the connection socket (fig. 2 8, page 3).
Connect the power supply unit to the AC mains.
✓ The symbol lights up.
✓ The display shows the charging status.

Charging with the smart alternator, 12 V accessory socket or solar panel

Connect the charge cable to the connection socket (fig. 2 9, page 3).
Connect the DC plug to the DC inlet Anderson socket on battery side.
✓ The symbol lights up the battery state of charge as a percentage.
✓ The display shows the charging status.
If charging the battery pack with a solar panel, observe the following requirements:
– Use without a solar controller:
Ensure that the solar panel outputs between 8 25 V DC and a maximum charging current of 10 A.
– Use with a solar controller:
Ensure the solar charger does not need a counter voltage from the battery side to start charging. Ensure that the maximum charging current is 10 A (check with the solar panel manufacturer).

Checking the charge level

Press the power button (fig. 1, page 3).
✓ The display shows the battery state of charge as a percentage.
✓ The symbol flashes when the battery capacity is below 20 %.

Connecting consumer devices

fig. , page 3

Open the cap for the desired device:
– USB devices (3) 
– 2-pin 12 V DC socket outlet (4)
– 12 V DC socket (5)
Insert your device’s plug into the corresponding socket.
✓ The symbol and the related output symbol light up.

Replacing fuses

Ensure that the battery pack is not connected to AC/DC or DC/DC charger.
Disconnect all loads.
Press the power button for at least 3 s to switch the battery pack off.
Undo the fuse holder.
Replace the fuse with a 20 A 3 AG glass-slow acting fuse.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	Remedy
The battery pack does not start/function when pressing the power button.	The
battery pack has shut down due to overtemperature (> 65 °C/149 °F).	Connect

the AC/DC charger to the battery pack. If the battery pack does not start up, press the reset button and hold it until for a few seconds
The battery is defective.| Contact a service center
The display shows the warning symbol and the low / high temperature symbol flashes. An error sound is continuously beeping during charging.| The ambient temperature for charging the device is too low / high.| Stop charging the device. Turn the device off. Wait until the ambient temperature comes to a permitted value (chapter “Technical data” on page 17).
The display shows the warning symbol and the low / high temperature symbol flashes. The device beeps for 15 seconds and then switches off automatically during discharging.| The ambient temperature for discharging the device is too low / high.| Stop discharging the device. Turn the device off. Wait until the ambient temperature comes to a permitted value (chapter “Technical data” on page 17).
The display shows the warning symbol and the fuse blown symbol flashes. An error sound is continuously beeping for 30 seconds.| The DC output fuse has blown. Additionally the DC symbol flashes in the display| Turn the device off. Change the DC fuse (chapter “Replacing fuses” on page 13).
The 2-PIN fuse has blown. Additionally the 2-PIN symbol flashes in the display| Turn the device off. Change the 2-PIN fuse (chapter “Replacing fuses” on page 13).
An error sound is continuously beeping (above 25 V). until pulling off the charger or fault release.| The input voltage of the charger is wrong| Turn the charger off. Connect a charger with the standard charge voltage (chapter “Technical data” on page 17).

The display shows the warning symbol and the charge arrow symbol flashes with audible alarm and stops after 30 seconds (5 –8 V±1)| The input voltage of the charger is wrong.| Turn the charger off. Connect a charger with the standard charge voltage (chapter “Technical data” on page 17).
No charge arrow is shown (under 5 V).| The input voltage of the charger is wrong.| Turn the charger off. Connect a charger with the standard charge voltage (chapter “Technical data” on page 17).
The display shows the warning symbol. The discharge arrow and either the USB or 2-pin or DC symbol flashes. An error sound is beeping for 60 seconds| Over current protection was triggered.| Turn the device off. Release some of the load before switching the device on again.
Short circuit protection was triggered.| Turn the device off. Clear the short circuit before switching the device on again.
The battery symbol is flashing. An error sound beeps every 3 seconds for 10 times. After the beeps the device switches off automatically| The battery capacity is 0 %.| Charge the device
The battery does not give out current (without active turning on the device).| The battery does not give out current until it is charged up to 10 % (SOC) or activated by user.| Charge the device
The letters and symbols on the display are fading.| The display is overheated| Place the battery pack in a cool environment
The display is defective| Contact a service center

Maintaining and cleaning the product

NOTICE! MATERIAL DAMAGE.

Do not use sharp or hard objects or cleaning agents for cleaning as these may damage the product.
Do not use alcohol based cleaning materials for cleaning the gloss top cover.
Fully charge the lithium iron phosphate battery at least every six months. Overloading the battery or storing it for too long without charging it may cause permanent damage to the battery.

Occasionally clean the product with a damp cloth.

Limited warranty

LIMITED WARRANTY AVAILABLE AT WWW.DOMETIC.COM/WARRANTY.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE LIMITED WARRANTY FREE OF CHARGE, CONTACT THE DOMETIC WARRANTY DEPARTMENT:

DOMETIC CORPORATION CUSTOMER SUPPORT CENTER 5155 VERDANT DRIVE, ELKHART, IN
46516 1-800-544-4881
customersupportcenter@dometic.com

Disposal

Place the packaging material in the appropriate recycling waste bins wherever possible.

If you wish to finally dispose of the product, ask your local recycling centre or specialist dealer for details about how to do this in accordance with the applicable disposal regulations.

Protect the environmen t!
Do not dispose of any batteries with general household waste. Return defective or used batteries to your retailer or dispose of them at collection points.

Technical data

| PLB40
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Battery type:| Lithium iron phosphate/LiFePO4
Battery rated capacity:| 40 Ah
Rated battery voltage:| 12.8 V
Rated output current (derating of 5 % per channel / per °C for temperatures above 40 °C (104 °F)):
DC socket:
2-PIN socket:
USB socket:|

15 A
15 A:
2.4 A per socket, 4.2 A overall

Input voltage range:| 8 – 25 Vg
Maximum DC/DC charging current:| 8 A
Charging time AC/DC Charger: (dependent on several factors)| 10 % ~ 35 min
0 – 20 % ~ 1 h 10 min
0 – 40 % ~ 2 h 20 min
0 – 60 % ~ 3 h 30 min
0 – 80 % ~ 4 h 40 min
0 – 100 % ~ 6 h 0 min
Lifecycle:| Potential lifecycle at 80 % depth of discharge (depending on charge cycle and storage condition)
Up to 2000 charging cycles
Rated input voltage: Power supply unit / battery: PWM solar controller:| 12 V
14.6 V
Cut off voltage:| 11.2 V
Max. self-discharge rate at 25 °C (77 °F):| 5 % per month
Ambient temperature for operation:| 0 °C to +45 °C (+32 °F to +113 °F)
Dimensions (L x W x H):| 197 x 197 x 257 mm (7.76 x 7.76 x 10.12 in)
Weight:| 7.54 kg (16.62 lbs
Inspection/certification:| UN 38.3

Power supply unit

PLB40

AC Input: DC output:| 100 – 240 Vw/ 50/60 Hz, 2.5 A 12 Vg, 10 A

© 2021 Dometic Group. The visual appearance of the contents of this manual is protected by copyright and design law. The underlying technical design and the products contained herein may be protected by design, patent or be patent pending. The trademarks mentioned in this manual belong to Dometic Sweden AB. All rights are reserved.

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