Computronic Controls Sentinel 300P User Manual

ci0039

issue 9, 2015-09-04

Sentinel 300P series

Automatic switch mode battery chargers
Installation, Operation & Maintenance

This manual refers to the following models

All models are UL recognised or listed

Open frame

models

SNTL300P

SNTL300PC

Base open-frame (protective cover) model.
As above, plus CAN J1939 communication.

Enclosed

models

ESNTL300PM

ESNTL300PCL

ESNTL300PCLM

Enclosed model, analogue meters.
Enclosed model, CAN J1939 communications
and LCD display
Enclosed model, CAN J1939 communications,
LCD display and analogue meters.

For safe and correct use of these chargers, read and save the safety
information that precedes the installation and operation instructions.

This guide contains 12 pages (including this one). If any pages are
missing, contact the battery charger supplier or manufacturer for
replacement documentation.

Sentinel 300P (open-frame, with protective cover)

SNTL300P model shown

Enclosed Sentinel 300P

ESNTL300PCLM model shown

For sales & support, contact:

ENOVATION CONTROLS LTD.

Church Road, Laverstock,
Salisbury, SP1 1QZ, United Kingdom
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: www.computroniccontrols.com
www.fwmurphy.eu/computronic

ENOVATION CONTROLS

5311 S 122nd East Avenue,
Tulsa, OK 74146, USA

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

[e-mail]

Web: www.fwmurphy.com

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Important Safety Information – Read and Save These Instructions

This manual contains important safety and operating instructions for all SNTL300P and ESNTL300P models.

 Do not expose the battery charger to rain, snow or wet environments.
 The use of any attachment not recommended or sold by the battery charger manufacturer may result in risk of fire,

electric shock, injury to persons or damage to property.

 Do not operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way: return to

supplier.

 Do not disassemble the charger: return to supplier when service or repair is required. Incorrect re-assembly may result

in a risk of electric shock, fire or faulty operation.

WARNING – RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES

WORKING IN THE VICINITY OF A HIGH POWER BATTERY IS DANGEROUS. BATTERIES MAY GENERATE
EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING NORMAL OPERATION AND CHARGING.

To reduce the risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by battery manufacturers and the
manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in the vicinity of the battery. Review cautionary marking on these
products and any attached equipment.

PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS.

 (i) Someone should be within range of your voice or close enough to come to your aid when you work near a lead acid

or high power battery.

 (ii) Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, eyes or clothing.
 (iii) Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes whilst working near batteries.
 (iv) If battery acid or chemicals contact skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid or chemicals

enter the eyes, immediately flood eyes with running cold water for at least 10 minutes and get immediate medical
attention.

 (v) NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of battery.
 (vi) Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping a metal tool on to the battery. It may spark or short-circuit the battery or

other electrical part that may cause explosion.

 (vii) Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces and watches when working with batteries.

High power batteries can produce a short-circuit current high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal, causing severe
burns.

 (viii) Use the charger only for charging battery types as stated on the charger. Do not use the charger for charging dry-

cell batteries that are commonly used with home appliances. These batteries may burst and cause injury to persons and
damage to property.

 (ix) NEVER CHARGE A FROZEN BATTERY

PRIOR TO INSTALLATION /COMMISSIONING

 Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming into contact with eyes.
 For lead acid batteries, add distilled water in each cell until the battery acid reaches a level specified by the battery

manufacturer. This helps purge excessive gas from the cell. Do not overfill. For a battery without cell caps, carefully
follow manufacturer’s recharging instructions.

 Study all battery manufacturer’s specific precautions, such as removing or not removing cell caps while charging and

recommended rates of charge.

 Determine the battery voltage by referring to the engine manual and ensure this matches the charger’s output voltage.

CHARGER LOCATION AND CONNECTION

 Never place the charger directly above the battery being charged: battery gases will corrode and damage the charger.
 When reading specific gravity or filling batteries, never allow battery acid or chemicals to drip on to the charger.
 Do not operate the charger in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any way.
 The battery charger should be connected to a grounded, metal, permanent wiring system; or an equipment–grounding

conductor should be run with circuit conductors not connected to equipment-grounding terminal on the battery charger.

 Connections to the battery charger should comply with all local codes and ordinances.
 Open frame SNTL models – these chargers should be installed so that they are not likely to be contacted by people.

 Wiring for the AC supply input, DC charge output and DC control (e.g. alarm output) circuits must be physically

separate, e.g. using separate wire harnesses and cable gland access. For AC supply and ground connections, use
1mm²/17 AWG or larger wire conductors rated to 90°C/194°F. For DC (charger to battery) leads, use 4mm²/11 AWG or
larger wire.

For safe and correct use of the charger, follow steps below. Should you have any problems or the unit does not function as
expected, consult our troubleshooting guide at the end of these instructions.

 Visually inspect unit for any signs of damage, caused by transport or storage.
 Mount the charger as outlined above, paying attention to ventilation and ambient temperature.
 Ensure the mains AC supply is isolated, and ensure the correct rated input voltage before connection.
 Ensure the charger is earthed at the marked earth terminal/stud.
 Check batteries in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
 Check that the charger is correct for battery type, number of cells and voltage.
 Connect the charger to the batteries, observing correct polarity and ensuring a secure and tight connection.
 Switch on the charger at the mains AC power supply.

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BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION OF THIS PRODUCT

Disconnect all electrical power to the charger
Make sure the charger cannot operate during installation
Follow all safety warnings of the battery manufacturer
Read and follow all installation instructions

W A R NING

Specifications

Power supply

Operating voltage: 95 – 250 V AC
Operating frequency: 47 – 63 Hz.

DC Charge Output

Nominal voltage: programmable 12 or 24 V DC
Float/boost voltage: programmable, see ‘DC output calibration’ table
Maximum current limit: 10 A
Voltage ripple: <1%
Line regulation: <2%
Load regulation: <2%

Outputs x3 (optional x4 on non-CAN models):

All models:

1 x SPDT (RL1), 1 x SPNC (RL2), 1 x SPNO (RL3),
dry/volt-free contacts (common feed for RL1, RL2 & RL3)
Standard models (non-CAN configurations):
1 x SPNC (RL4), dry/volt-free contacts
standard model output functions are compliant with NFPA 110

Rating (all relays): 1A max @ 30 VDC (resistive load), UL class 2

Inputs x2

Closed to negative DC to activate

Physical

Operating temperature: –40 to +60°C / –40 to +140°F

Display viewability (LCD models only): 0 to 50°C / 32 to 122°F

Humidity: 20% to 90% RH
Dimensions: see Dimensions and Assembly section
Weights: see Dimensions and Assembly section
Electrical safety: 2006/95/EC
Electromagnetic compatibility:

2004/108/EC, EN 55022 class B
(EN 61000-6-1, EN 61000-6-3)

UL approvals

All (E)SNTL300P models:

BBGQ: UL1236, CSA 22.2 no. 107.2
BBHH: UL1236 SE

DC output calibration

Battery type:

float volts

(V DC)

boost volts

(V DC)

12V

Wet (vented) lead acid, 6 cells

13.5

14.1

Calcium-Calcium, 6 cells

13.8

15.6

Lead acid hybrid Sb-Ca, 6 cells

13.5

14.7

VRLA, AGM, 6 cells

13.5

14.4

VRLA, Gel, 6 cells

13.5

13.8

NiCd, 10 cells

14.1

14.5

24V

Wet (vented) Lead acid, 12 cells

27.0

28.2

Calcium-Calcium, 12 cells

27.6

31.2

Lead acid hybrid Sb-Ca, 12 cells

27.0

29.4

VRLA, AGM, 12 cells

27.0

28.8

VRLA, Gel, 12 cells

27.0

27.6

NiCd, 18 cells

25.6

26.1

NiCd, 20 cells

28.2

29.0

Note: Calibration figures at 20 deg C. Output voltage will vary if
temperature compensation is enabled – see Electrical Connection &
Configuration section.

General Information

Please read the following before installing. A visual inspection of this product for damage during shipping is
recommended before installation. It is your responsibility to ensure that qualified mechanical and electrical
technicians install this product. If in doubt, please contact your local Computronic representative.

Sentinel 300P battery chargers provide new levels of DC
power control, monitoring and protection for standby battery
and engine starting applications.

Computronic advanced charger features included as
standard:

Switch mode charging technology: high power efficiency
and low heat dissipation, plus wide supply voltage
tolerance, in a compact and lightweight package.

Multistage charging: float, bulk, absorption and AutoBoost
stages ensure no compromise between rapid charge
recovery and long term battery capacity and life.

Low output ripple: <1% ripple, beneficial for vented lead
acid & NiCd cells, essential for VRLA, and configurable for
use as a stand-alone DC power supply.

AutoBoost: triggered automatically on low charge levels,
or manually by remote switch, AutoBoost temporarily
increases the charge voltage before returning to float mode.
AutoBoost equalises battery cell charge, maximising battery
capacity and life, without overcharge and gassing.

Temperature compensation: ensures batteries are
charged at the optimal voltage, which varies significantly
with ambient temperature. Sentinel can measure
temperature with a battery mounted sensor and adjust
output voltage to prevent under or over charging.

In addition, the Sentinel 300P also provides:
Flexible configuration: microprocessor programmability

for automatic or manual configuration of output voltages
(12 or 24V nominal), cell types/numbers and charging
applications – all in one standard model. Programming is
by circuit board links and/or PC software configuration and
monitoring tool.

Inputs & outputs: for remote charger control, and
signalling of charge fail, high/low battery volts and
mains fail faults. Standard model outputs comply with
the NFPA 110 standard. Non-standard input/output
functions available to special order.

Display, instrumentation and communication: options
are available for LCD readout, analogue amp/volt metering
and CAN SAE J1939 communication. All models include
RS485 communication for configuration and control.

The Sentinel 300P is available either as an open-frame
(UL-recognized) module for mounting in existing control
panels, or as a wall-mounted (UL-listed) stainless steel
enclosure with LCD and analogue metering options.

Electrical connection is by circuit board mounted screw
terminal blocks. On enclosed models, wiring harness
access is by knock-out cable gland holes in the case side.

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Dimensions and Assembly

CAUTION: Sentinel 300P chargers should be handled by the circuit board cover (SNTL models) or steel

enclosure (ESNTL models). Care should be taken not to handle static sensitive components through exposed
circuit boards and terminals.

SNTL300P models

Overall:

W

158 mm / 6.22 in.

H

208 mm / 8.19 in.

D

84 mm / 3.31 in.

Fixing holes:

X

150 mm / 5.91 in.

Y

150 mm / 5.91 in.

Weight:

1.1 kg / 2.5 lb

 These chargers are designed for mounting in a

vertical plane inside an enclosed control panel
or housing. Mounting orientation should be as
shown above, with electrical connection
terminals lowermost.

 For safe heat dissipation, mount Sentinel in

the orientation shown, with a minimum air-gap
clearance of 40mm/1.5 in. above/below and
25mm/1 in. at the sides. Consideration must be
given to ventilation for proper heat dissipation.

 For surface mounting, use the 2 centre slots (Ø

6mm/0.24in.) or 4 corner slots (Ø 6mm/0.24in.).
Ensure that the mounting studs/bolts/nuts/
screws adequately support the charger, and are
tightened sufficiently to not to become loose
during normal use, e.g. due to engine/equipment
vibration.

 Optional clip for DIN rail mounting (2 required for

each charger), part number 045-0001.

ESNTL300P models

Overall:

W

165mm / 6.50 in.

H1

300 mm / 11.81 in.

H2

80 mm / 3.15 in.

D1

125 mm / 4.92 in.

D2

130 mm / 5.12 in.

Fixing holes:

X

63.5 mm / 2.50 in.

Y

285.5 mm / 11.25 in.

Weight:

2.0 – 2.1 kg / 4.4 – 4.6 lb

 These chargers are designed for wall or frame mounting in the

orientation shown above, with enclosure air vents uppermost.
For safe heat dissipation, allow a minimum air-gap clearance
of 40mm/ 1.5 in. above/below and 25mm/1 in. at the sides.
Consideration must be given to ventilation for proper heat
dissipation.

 Mounting is via the enclosure back-plate, using 4 holes/slots

(Ø 6mm/0.24in.) on the upper and lower edges. Ensure that the
mounting studs/bolts/nuts/ screws adequately support the charger
weight, and are tightened sufficiently to not to become loose during
normal use, e.g. due to engine/equipment vibration.

 Access to the electrical connection terminals is via a hinged lower

front plate. Remove the 2 x securing screws (marked S above),
and then rotate the hinged section through 90 degrees.

 Electrical cable harness entry is via knock-out ports on either side of

the enclosure, which must be carefully removed from the enclosure
sides. A suitable cable-gland (20mm/0.8in. diam.) must be used to
prevent damage to cables and stop unwanted entry into the inner
part of charger. Wiring for DC charge output (connector CN1),
DC control (CN2) and AC supply input (CN3) must be physically
separate, e.g. using separate wire harnesses and case access ports:
see page 5 section Wire Harness Separation.

 Connect the charger wiring as detailed in the following Electrical

Connection section. When wiring is complete, and before using the
charger, re-secure the hinged front section using the 2 fixing screws.