question

alexv avatar image
alexv asked

Phoenix IP43 Charger Startup spike tripping circuit breaker

Hello,

Sometimes when I power on the IP43 Charger (3/50A), it blows the fuse in the shore power pole. When the fuse is reset by someone of the marina, all works properly again. The unit a powering multiple lead/acid batteries.

I have read that someone else noticed a high startup consumption, but not sure he means this.

Do I have a faulty unit? Any suggestions?

Regards,

Alex


chargerPhoenix Inverter
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6 Answers
mvader (Victron Energy) avatar image
mvader (Victron Energy) answered ·

Hello all, what you're seeing (the start-up spike causing trips for MCBs) is indeed something from the design.

Not good!

The good news is that it works ok for the vast majority of installs. It depends on the MCB, its type, how often the MCB has already tripped / how easy it is to trip it, and so forth. But that doesn't really help you.

We've been working real hard on an improved design; and the good news is that production is now starting for it. It fixes above issue, as well as has a series of other improvements.

Once we have stock of the new units, we're keen to replace any products with this issue under warranty.

Tomorrow, I'll check when we have the first new units. To get yours replaced, two options:

  1. go through your dealer, normal RMA process (except that you/your dealer/our repairs department must together make sure there is not just a same one shipped as a replacement - since that won't fix it)
  2. participate in a small field trial. In case you're interested, pls put a small comment and I'll make sure you're contacted by e-mail.


All the best, and my apologies for this.


Matthijs / Victron Energy

Ps. another Phoenix IP43 charger related issue, its visualisation in Venus OS; is quite high up on the list to be solved as well. Its still months away I'm afraid - but not as far down the list as it was .



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frankcilo avatar image
frankcilo answered ·

I am also interested in participating in the field test. I bought my phoenix ip43 in december 2019 and I


had noticed this problem, Ididn't think it was his fault. I hope you will contact me as soon as possible to have the replacement. thank you

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pepe1395 avatar image
pepe1395 answered ·

I am interested too, IP43 12/30 (1+1). Thank you Victron. Ciao!b5ab8fb0-4f4c-444c-94f4-56c753c927e4.jpeg


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frangar avatar image
frangar answered ·

Hi Matthijs

If its not too late id like to take part in a trial...Im UK based with a 50/3 IP43 Phoenix installed on a narrowboat. Im a marine electrician but the unit is installed on my own boat. So far I must admit it hasn't tripped any MCB either on the boat or shore bollard but happy to take part in a trial and able to measure current draw etc if required. Hope that helps.


Gareth

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mistyb avatar image
mistyb answered ·

I have just bought an IP43 12/50 (1+1) May 2023. Serial Number HQ22372C6ET. I have the same problem, the MCB is C6, the IP43 manual has no details of AC current draw or suggested breaker trip which is a significant omission. This breaker never tripped with previous charger. I understand that C rated MCB instantaneously trips at 5 to 10 times steady current. I hope the charger I have been supplied is the latest model and not old stock.

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mistyb avatar image
mistyb answered ·

Can anyone tell me what the AC current draw should be? DC output is 600W so a 95% efficiency this 2.75A , 230v AC. Clearly there is a big inrush current if it is tripping a 6A breaker

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Related Resources

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