Instruction Manual

Battery Equalization
975-0400-01-01 Revision H 4–15
This manual is for use by qualified personnel only.
Follow the battery manufacturer’s recommendations for equalizing your batteries.
As a guide, a heavily used flooded battery may need to be equalized once a
month, and a battery in light service may only need to be equalized every two to
four months.
You can set an equalization reminder on the Battery Menu. See page 3–6.
The equalization process lasts for one hour. When the equalization period had
finished, the Charge Controller will return to either the float or no float charge
stage.
To manually begin battery equalization:
1. From the Battery Menu screen, press Enter.
2. On the Equalize screen, select Activate.
If the battery is in the float or no float stage, the solar charge controller goes back
to the bulk stage and goes through a full charge cycle before entering the
Equalization stage. The LCD displays “Equalization Pending” while the solar
charge controller performs this full charge cycle. The full charge cycle ensures
that the batteries are fully charged before an equalization is attempted.
WARNING
EXPLOSION HAZARD
Ensure there is adequate ventilation because equalization generates exploive
gases.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
DAMAGE TO BATTERY AND DC LOAD EQUIPMENT
Never equalize a battery more than what is necessary. Equalization can
damage your batteries if performed too frequently or done improperly. Always
check electrolyte level before
and after equalization. Fill with distilled water
according to the battery manufacturer’s recommendation.
The solar charge controller enables equalization only when the battery type is
set to “Flooded.” Equalize mode is disabled if you have selected “GEL” and
“AGM” as the battery type. As a general rule, do not equalize a battery unless
there are provisions to add water to it and the manufacturer recommends
equalization.
The equalization voltage significantly exceeds the nominal voltage of the
battery. Disconnect sensitive loads from the battery before equalizing.
Failure to follow these instructions can damage the battery and
equipment.