Instruction Manual

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SPECIALTY CONCEPTS TIMER

(

SCT

)

Photovoltaic Load Timer

Installation and Operation Manual

SPECIALTY CONCEPTS, INC.

8954 Mason Ave.

Chatsworth, CA 91311 USA

MODELS COVERED: SCT-8 Copyright 10/1996 Specialty Concepts, Inc.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Specialty Concepts Timer (SCT) is a small, low-cost DC timer for the control of outdoor

lights, pumps or other photovoltaic powered DC loads. This timer is designed to sense

darkness at the PV array or via a photo sensor accessory, and then to automatically turn on

lights or other loads. The loads are then allowed to run for an adjustable period of time for up

to 15 hours, or until sunrise, whichever occurs first. The SCT operates in 12 or 24 volt DC

systems and is rated for 8 amps. It is housed in an anodized aluminum chassis and

encapsulated in a hard epoxy resin. The terminal block accepts up to 12 gauge wire or a

spade connector. The SCT is designed to work with the photo sensor accessory or in

conjunction with a photovoltaic system that has a blocking diode located between the battery

and the array. In many systems, a blocking diode is already included within the charge

controller.

APPLICATIONS

The SCT is designed as a system component for small to intermediate lighting applications

that require more light than provided by a walkway light. The 8 amp capacity allows one SCT

to control several small (16-30 watt) lights from a centrally located array and battery, or larger

lights can be individually controlled. This allows each lighting system to be custom designed

using a main battery bank or several distributed batteries. The SCT can be used to control an

external relay for higher capacity, or to turn an inverter on for AC systems.

FEATURES

LIGHT TIMER

• 8 amp capacity, 12 and 24 volt

• Turns light on at sundown

• Adjustable run time, up to 15 hours

• Can be used as a day/night switch

• Uses PV array for sundown detection

• Photocell sensor assembly available

(accessory)

DESIGN FEATURES

• Encapsulated for protection

• 100% solid state

• Input noise suppression

• Reverse polarity protection

• Lightning protection

Summary of content (12 pages)

PAGE 1
SPECIALTY CONCEPTS TIMER (SCT) Photovoltaic Load Timer Installation and Operation Manual SPECIALTY CONCEPTS, INC. 8954 Mason Ave. Chatsworth, CA 91311 USA MODELS COVERED: SCT-8 Copyright 10/1996 Specialty Concepts, Inc. GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Specialty Concepts Timer (SCT) is a small, low-cost DC timer for the control of outdoor lights, pumps or other photovoltaic powered DC loads.
PAGE 2
SPECIFICATIONS PARAMETERS Nominal Voltage Load Current, Continuous, (1) Load Current, Max (60 seconds) (2) Array Voltage, Max Voc Operating Voltage @ Battery, Maximum Operating Voltage @ Battery, Minimum Array Voltage to Reset, Minimum Quiescent Current Consumption, Day, Typ. Quiescent Current Consumption, Night, Load Disconnected Quiescent Current Consumption, Night, Load Connected Voltage Drop, Battery to Load, @ 8 amps Adjustable Run Time, Loads, Range Time Delay, Typ. (3) Operating Temp.
PAGE 3
RELATED SYSTEM EQUIPMENT The SCT can be an integral part of a solar electric power system that usually includes a solar panel (or other charging source), a charge controller, a battery and a light or other load. These items should be installed according to the instructions provided by the equipment supplier, and this manual assumes that the rest of the equipment installation has been properly completed.
PAGE 4
INSTALLATION WARNINGS / CAUTIONS WARNING: Electricity, even low voltage electricity, can be dangerous. Installation should be performed by a licensed electrical contractor or other qualified personnel only. It is recommended that the requirements of all applicable local electrical codes (or U.S. National Electrical Code in the absence of local codes) be followed. WARNING: Follow all safety precautions of the battery manufacturer and the National Electrical Code.
PAGE 5
MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS: 1. A suitable location must be found for mounting the SCT. Select a location away from heat sources if possible, and close to the battery. 2. Follow the instructions for the system installation, including the array, battery and controller installation and wiring. Determine a proper location for the SCT and run the battery and load wires up to the timer, leaving sufficient wire for easy connection. Insure that the polarity of the wires is marked. 3.
PAGE 6
WIRING DIAGRAM NOTES FUSE RECOMMENDATIONS Location A: Should be rated for the lesser of the array, load and wire. Location B: 5 - 10 amp fuse. Location C: 1 amp fuse ============================================================================= FIGURE 1 - Timer with ASC Controller TIMER TERMINAL CONNECTIONS Batt / Array (-): To ASC BATT (-). (...or to Array (-) or Battery (-) ) Load (-): To load (-).
PAGE 7
FIGURE 1 SPECIALTY CONCEPTS TIMER WITH ASC CONTROLLER SOLAR PANEL ARRAY BATT (-) + ARRAY (-) ARRAY (+) BATT (+) A + B TIMER BATTERY + BATT/ARRAY (-) LOAD (-) ARRAY (+) ADDITIONAL LOAD BATT / LOAD (+) + LOAD
PAGE 8
FIGURE 2 TIMER and ASC CONTROLLER with LVD OPTION SOLAR PANEL ARRAY BATT (-) + ARRAY (-) ARRAY (+) BATT (+) COM A B N/C + N/O BATTERY C TIMER + BATT/ARRAY (-) LOAD (-) ARRAY (+) ADDITIONAL LOAD BATT / LOAD (+) + LOAD
PAGE 9
FIGURE 3 TIMER and CHARGE CONTROLLER with LVD* * Non-ASC controller with negative ground Low-Voltage Disconnect.
PAGE 10
FIGURE 4 TIMER with PHOTO-SENSOR CHARGE CONTROLLER SOLAR PANEL ARRAY (OPTIONAL) BATT (-) + ARRAY (-) ARRAY (+) BATT (+) A + B TIMER BATTERY + BATT/ARRAY (-) LOAD (-) ARRAY (+) ADDITIONAL LOAD BATT / LOAD (+) PHOTOSENSOR + LOAD
PAGE 11
OPERATION The SCT (without the PHOTO SENSOR) detects sundown by sensing the voltage drop on the array and turns the light on, then lets it run for the pre-selected period When the output voltage from the solar array falls to .5 volts, the SCT will turn on the load and begin its timing period. When the time period is complete, the load will turn OFF and the TIME BASED LED will remain on to indicate that the timing cycle has been completed.
PAGE 12
LIMITED FIVE YEAR WARRANTY SPECIALTY CONCEPTS, INC. 1. Specialty Concepts, Inc. warrants all its products for a period of five (5) years from the date of shipment from its factory. This warranty is valid against defects in materials and workmanship for the five (5) year warranty period. It is not valid against defects resulting from, but not limited to: A. Misuse and/or abuse, neglect or accident. B. Exceeding the unit's design limits. C.