Operating instructions

MAINTENANCE

Maintenance should be performed every three to six months. If the power module fails to

perform a specific function, refer to the troubleshooting chart. By establishing a routine

maintenance program and following the guidelines contained in this manual, the XP Series

power supply will continue to provide years of trouble-free operation.

Care of the batteries should be the first step in any power supply maintenance program.

In addition to voltage checks, visually inspect the batteries for signs of cracks, leaks or

swelling. To aid in quick identification and tracing of voltages in the maintenance log, number

the batteries inside the enclosure using labels or masking tape, etc. Because of a battery’s

chemical composition, it is temperature sensitive and susceptible to over and under-charging.

Since batteries behave differently in the winter than they do in the summer, Alpha logic cards

automatically compensate for changes in temperature by adjusting float and equalize charge

voltages.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

THE POWER SUPPLY SHOULD BE SERVICED ONLY BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

USE A BUCKET TRUCK, OR SUITABLE SAFETY EQUIPMENT (SAFETY HARNESS AND

CLIMBING SPIKES), WHEN SERVICING POLE-MOUNT INSTALLATIONS.

USE HEAVY GLOVES WHEN HANDLING A POWER MODULE THAT HAS JUST BEEN

TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE. THE FERRORESONANT TRANSFORMER GENERATES HEAT

AND MAY CAUSE BURNS IF HANDLED WITH BARE HANDS.

NEVER ATTEMPT TO RECALIBRATE A LOGIC CARD IN THE FIELD, OTHER THAN

SETTING BATTERY CHARGER VOLTAGE JUMPERS (SECTION 6.9) OR APM AUTO-

MATIC PROGRAM JUMPERS (SECTION 6.10).

ALPHA TECHNOLOGIES IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR BATTERY DAMAGE DUE TO

IMPROPER CHARGER VOLTAGE SETTINGS. REFER TO THE CHARGE VOLTAGE

CHART (SECTION 6.9) AND CONSULT THE BATTERY MANUFACTURER FOR CORRECT

CHARGE VOLTAGE REQUIREMENTS.

WHEN REMOVING BATTERIES, ALWAYS SWITCH THE MODULE'S BATTERY BREAKER

OFF BEFORE UNPLUGGING THE BATTERY CONNECTOR.

WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHENEVER WORKING WITH BATTERIES.

Procedure:

8.1 Check Battery Terminals and Connecting Wires

Check each battery terminal and connection. Make sure the posts are clean and the

crimped connectors are tight. One major battery manufacturer suggests that terminal

connectors be torqued to 75 inch/pounds at installation and then re-torqued to 60 inch/pounds

during routine maintenance. If there is an "in-line" fuse in the battery cable, check the fuse

holder and fuse. Make sure the terminals are properly greased with an approved battery

terminal corrosion inhibitor such as NCP-2.

8.2 Check Battery Open Circuit Voltage

Switch the battery breaker on the side panel of the power module to OFF. Disconnect the

battery connector from the module and measure the individual voltage across each battery.

The difference between any battery in the string should not be greater than 0.3 VDC. Defective

or marginal batteries should be replaced with an identical type of battery.

8. MAINTENANCE