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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
Hi
I would like an answer to this also. I recently replaces my existing charger for for the IP-43 in my Camper. Every time I connect to a power source it trips the AC MCB once you re set it it works fine. Is this a fault with the design?
RE
I have already signaled this problem on 2019/05/19
https://community.victronenergy.com/questions/18525/phoenix-smart-ip43-charger.html
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:
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 .
Hi
That is good news the unit was new January 2021 and installed in the camper. So would be very happy to take part in a field test as it will likely be put through its paces this year.
Rgds
R
Hi both, will do! Its at least a few more weeks; I'll keep you posted and welcome to ping me here in May if you haven't heard anything.
Hi,
Thank you for your answer. I will await your message. Since we have to wait a few more weeks, I was wondering if you have any tips/hints so not to trip the MCB when turning it on? If not, I may have to decide to reinstall the old charger.
Regards,
Alex
Hi,
Things to try could be a much longer shore cable; or try a different socket with higher rating MCB or newer MCB.
thats the best I can give at the moment I'm afraid.
Just wondering if there any news yet on the new IP42 charger units?
Alex
No news yet, everyone is working really hard but this is not yet finished.
I’m sorry.
We are now another month later and wondering if there is any news yet. My relation with our harbor master is not at its best at the moment. I was hoping that you can help us out,.
Thanks,
Alex.
Is there any news you can give us on the availability of new units?
Regards,
Alex
My apologies for the issues and the long delay. The "fix" is part of a major redesign of the Phoenix Smart Charger, and such redesigns take there time.
Hi Is there any more news on the likely availability of these units?
Kind regarads
What model do you have?
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
I am interested too, IP43 12/30 (1+1). Thank you Victron. Ciao!
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
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.
@MistyB your charger was manufactured 2022, week 37 (first 4 digits of the serial #)), so not one of the affected units.
You should try the charger on another power circuit.
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
