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Bob K avatar image
Bob K asked

BlueSmart Charger IP65 12/15a Case Temperature 160°F. Normal?

My BlueSmart IP65 12/15a charger is set to the lithium setting to charge my LiFePO4 battery bank and it was in Bulk charge mode for a couple hours but dropped into Storage mode long before the batteries were fully charged (87% SOC and only 13.4v on the SmartShunt). I picked up the charger and it is hot! IR thermometer shows 134°F on the front and 160°F on the back. Additionally, I can't connect to it via Bluetooth with either of my two devices. When I unplugged it and plugged it back in, it entered Absorption mode again and started charging at 12a.

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I see that the manual says it'll reduce output up to 140°F; however, I'm over that, and I'm suspicious about heat damage since I can no longer connect via Bluetooth (and could just a few days ago).

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First time that's ever happened and I don't recall it ever getting this hot before. Is this normal or should I be talking to Victron for a warranty replacement?

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Alexandra avatar image Alexandra ♦ commented ·
@Bob K

Ran mine hard today, hottest it gets is 45°C on the top. Pretty warm. Not seen it much above that on other charges that have been done.

Ambients temps are about 20°C here though currently.

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Bob K answered ·

Follow up: I purchased this from Battleborn Batteries, so, in keeping with Victron's "call the people you bought it from" customer service policy, I gave Battleborn a call.

The rep indicated that it's uncommon but not unheard of for the charger to reach those operating temps during hard use. He recommended that I keep an eye on it. He also reminded me that I have several years of warranty left on the charger, so I can get it replaced if it seems to worsen.

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