Xantrex Technology Inc. is a world-leading supplier of advanced power electronics and controls with
products from 50 watt mobile units to 1 MW utility-scale systems for wind, solar, batteries, fuel cells,
microturbines, and backup power applications in both grid-conn ected and standalone systems. Xantrex
products include inverters, battery chargers, programmable power supplies, and variable speed drives that
convert, supply, control, clean, and distribute electrical power.
Trademarks
Truecharge is a trademark of Xantrex International. Xantrex is a registered trademark of Xantrex
International.
Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and product names are the property of their respective owners and
are used herein for identification purposes only.
UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, XANTREX TECHNOLOGY INC.
(“XANTREX”)
(a) MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY, SUFFICIENCY OR SUITABILITY OF ANY
TECHNICAL OR OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED IN ITS MANUALS OR OTHER DOCUMENTATION.
(b) ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE, WHETHER DIRECT,
INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL, WHICH MIGHT ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF SUCH
INFORMATION. THE USE OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION WILL BE ENTIRELY AT THE USER’S RISK.
Date and Revision
June 2005, Revision A
Part number
445-0050-01-01
Contact information
Phone: 1-800-670-0707 (toll free in North America)
Phone: 1-360-925-5097 (outside of North America)
Fax:1-360-925-5143
Email:CustomerService@xantrex.com
Web: www.xantrex.com
About This Guide
Purpose and scope
This guide introduces the Truecharge+ battery chargers, describes their
features, explains how they charge batteries, and provides procedures for their
installation and operation. The guide does not provide details for particular
brands of batteries. Please consult the battery manufacturer for this
information.
This guide provides information for two products, Truecharge 20+ and
Truecharge 40+. Where information is specific to one product, that product is
referred to by name. Where information applies to both products, they are referred
to collectively as Truecharge+.
Audience
The guide is written for anyone intending to install and operate a Truecharge+
battery charger. Xantrex recommends, however, that the product be installed
by a certified technician or electrician.
Organization
This guide contains four chapters and four appendixes.
Chapter 1, “Introduction” introduces and describes features of the Truecharge+
multistage battery chargers.
Chapter 2, “Installing Truechar ge+” lists the materials you receive, provides site
recommendations for installing Truecharge+, and provides the materials and
procedures for its installation.
About This Guide
Chapter 3, “Operation” provides background information for charging
batteries with Truecharge+ and procedures for charging and for
equalizing batteries. Chapter 3 also expla i ns how to calculate charging
times, how generators affect Truecharge+ and explains how the front
panel indicator lights are interpreted.
Chapter 4, “Maintenance and Troubleshooting” provides information for
maintaining and troubleshooting Truecharge+.
Appendix A “Specifications” contains the Truecharge+ physical,
electrical, AC input, and protection feature specifications.
Appendix B “Battery Charging” describes the Truecharge+ multistage
charging algorithm.
Appendix C “Battery Maintenance” contains procedures for maintaining
the battery enclosure, battery terminals and lugs, and battery cables. It
also provides a list of the clothing, tools, equipment, and supplies you
should have before you begin battery maintenance.
Appendix D “Product and System Information” contains the Xantrex
warranty for your product and return instructions. It also contains a place
for you to record the serial number and date of purchase and other details
of your battery charger.
This chapter contains important safety and operating
instructions as prescribed by UL and CSA standards for
chargers used in residential, RV, and marine applications.
Read and keep this Owner’s Guide for future reference.
1. Before using the charger, read all instructions and cautionary
markings on the charger, the batteries, and all appropriate sections
of this guide.
2. Do not expose the charger to rain, snow, spray, or bilge water. To
reduce risk of fire hazard, do not cover or obstruct the ventilation
openings. Do not install the charger in a zero-clearance
compartment. Overheating may result.
3. Use only attachments recommended or sold by the manufacturer.
Doing otherwise may result in a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury
to persons.
4. The charger is designed to be permanently connected to your AC
and DC electrical systems. Xantrex recommends that all wiring be
done by a certified technician or electrician to ensure adherence to
the local and national electrical codes applicable in your
application.
5. To avoid a risk of fire and electric shock, make sure that existing
wiring is in good condition and that wire is not undersized. Do not
operate the charger with damaged or substandard wiring.
6. Do not operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been
dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way. If the unit is damaged,
see the Warranty section in Appendix D, “Product and System
Information”.
ix
Important Safety Information
7. Do not disassemble the charger. See Appendix D, “Product and
System Information” for instructions on obtaining service.
Attempting to service the unit yourself may result in a risk of
electrical shock or fire. Internal capacitors remain charged after all
power is disconnected.
8. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, disconnect both AC and DC
power from the charger before attempting any maintenance or
cleaning or working on any circuits connected to the charger.
Turning off controls will not reduce this risk.
9. The charger must be provided with an equipment-grounding
conductor connected to the AC input ground.
10. For marine applications in the United States, external connections to
the charger shall comply with the United States Coast Guard
Electrical Regulations (33CFR183, Sub part 1).
Explosive gas precautions
1. W orking in the vicinity of lead-acid batteries is dangerous. Batteries
generate explosive gases during normal operation. Therefore you
must read this guide and follow the instructions exactly before
installing or using your charger.
2. TrueCharge 20+ and TrueCharge 40+ have been approved as
Ignition Protected. They may be installed in areas containing
gasoline tanks and fittings which require Ignition Protected
equipment. Xantrex recommends, nevertheless, that it is safest not
to install electrical equipment in these areas.
3. To reduce the risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions
and those published by the battery manufacturer and the
manufacturer of the equipment in which the battery is installed.
Precautions When Working With Batteries
1. Have someone within range of your voice or close enough to come
to your aid when you work near a lead-acid battery.
2. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid
contacts skin, clothing, or eyes.
x
Important Safety Information
3. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid
touching your eyes while working near batteries.
4. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with
soap and water. If acid enters your eye, immediately flood it with
running cold water for at least twenty minutes and get medical
attention immediately.
xi
1
Introduction
Chapter 1, “Introduction” introduces and
describes features of the Truecharge+ multistage
battery chargers.
Introduction
Truecharge+ Features
Truecharge+ is an advanced battery charger designed specifically for high
performance, deep-cycle lead-acid batteries. It is smaller and lighter than
many other chargers and can be installed or stored in small compartments.
It has AC to DC isolation, a surge protector, and many other safety
features which reduce potential shock and fire hazards.
20/40 Amp Continuous Rating
Truecharge 20+ delivers a 20 amp charging current and the
Truecharge 40+ delivers 40 amps for approximately 75% of the charging
cycle. The chargers only reduce the charging current below these rated
levels when the battery is approaching full charge or when there may be
overheating in high ambient temperatures. Because it delivers rated
current over most of the charge cycle, Truecharge+ charges your batteries
faster than many other chargers with a higher rating.
Many other chargers only deliver their rated charging current for a short
initial part of the charge cycle.
Simultaneous Three-Battery Bank Charging
Truecharge+ has three separate DC positive terminals to allow charging
of three separate batteries (or battery banks). The total current into the
batteries is a maximum of either 20 amperes or 40 amperes, depending on
the model, which is divided amongst the batteries according to their state
of discharge.
Note: The three outputs are not independently voltage regulated so it
is important to avoid systems with mixed types of batteries.
Wide Voltage Range Operation
Truecharge+ maintains the correct charging voltage for your battery when
the AC line voltage drops as low as 90 VAC, or rises as high as 135 VAC.
A surge protector in T ruecharge+ protects it from surges and spikes on the
AC power line.
1–2
Truecharge+ Features
Selector Switches
Truecharge+ has selector switches for charge mode, battery type, and
battery temperature setting.
Charge modeThe charge-mode switch allows you to select three-step charge, two-step
charge or 13.5 volt fixed output modes. Refer to Appendix B, “Battery
Charging” for an explanation of the charging algorithms.
Battery typeThe battery-type switch allows you to set the Truecharge+ for the
charging characteristics of flooded, AGM, and gel batteries.
TemperatureThe battery temperature switch allows you to set charging characteristics
based on the battery temperature. By setting the switches correctly before
you begin charging your battery, you will be ensuring that it receives the
best possible charge.
Extensive Protection Features
Truecharge+ provides the following protection features:
•Opening of the internal output fuse if a battery is accidentally
connected with reversed polarity
•Fuse opening or electronic shutdown if there is a short circuit on the
output of the Truecharge +
•Built-in protection against accidental connection to a higher battery
voltage, up to 24 VDC
•Unit shutdown if it becomes overheated because of inadequate
ventilation or a high ambient temperature
•Unit shutdown if the battery gets too hot (with battery temperature
sensor only)
Isolated Design
The DC battery charging circuits of T ruecharge+ are galvanically isolated
by a transformer from the AC power circuits. This feature reduces the risk
of electric shock and helps to prevent corrosion problems in marine
applications.
1–3
Introduction
Fixed Voltage Mode
The fixed voltage mode setting is meant to be used as a power supply or
battery eliminator. It is not meant for charging batteries. The battery type,
battery temperature, and equalize switches are all ignored in fixed voltage
mode. The remote battery temperature sensor does not compensate the
voltage, but the battery over-temperature shutdown is still active.
Optional Accessories
Battery
Temperature
Sensor
Remote panelThe remote panel allows you to monitor the charging progress of two
The remote Battery Temperature Sensor (BTS) automatically adjusts the
charge according to the temperature of one of the batteries. With a BTS
installed, the unit provides a more accurate temperature-compensated
charge for the battery to which the sensor is attached.
batteries or battery banks, the total charge current, and charger status from
a convenient location.
Indicator Lights and Settings on the Front Panel
This section describes the parts of the front panel of the Truecharge 20+.
Figure 1-1 shows the front panel. Descriptions are provided in Table 1-1
1
3
4
2
1–4
6
5
Figure 1-1 Front panel of Truecharge 20+ battery charger
Indicator Lights and Settings on the Front Panel
Table 1-1 Truecharge+ front panel
Panel
Item Description
1Status indicator lights which indicate that batteries are charged and
ready for use or that the batteries are being charged or equalized.
2
3The recessed Equalize button is triggered manually to enter or leave
4The Charger Mode switch from which you can select a three-stage or
5The battery selection switch for choosing flooded, gel or AGM
6The battery-temperature switch for choosing the battery temperature
Indicator lights which show the total charging current, in amps, into
the three battery banks.
The indicator lights show:
1, 3, 5, 10, 20 A (Truecharge20+)
2, 5, 10, 20, 40 A (Truecharge 40+)
the equalization mode.
two-stage charge or a 13.5 volt power su pp ly mode to power 12 volt
loads when you don’t have a battery.
batteries.
for the charge. Temperature settings compensate the output voltage
for the battery temperature.
Note that a battery temperature sensor overrides the temperature
settings on the front panel.
The indicator lights are also used to indicate error codes. See Chapter 4,
“Maintenance and Troubleshooting”
1–5
Introduction
How Truecharge+ Works
Truecharge+ changes the alternating current (AC) supply from the utility
to the controlled low-voltage, direct current (DC) required to charge the
battery by using high-frequency, switched-mode power conversion
circuits. The high-frequency power conversion method is similar to that
used in power supplies for computers and other electronic equipment. It
results in a significantly smaller and lighter charger than other power
conversion methods allow.
The controlled DC output is fed to three isolations diodes, one for each
battery bank. These diodes isolate the batteries from each other and
prevent current flow from one battery to the others.
1–6
2
Installing
Truecharge+
Chapter 2, “Installing Truecharge+” lists the
materials you receive, provides site
recommendations for installing Truechar ge+, and
provides the materials and procedures for its
installation.
The chapter also makes reference to the
installation codes that may be applicable in your
application, for example, the US National
Electrical Code (NEC, NFPA 70), the Canadian
Electrical Code (CEC, CSA C22.1), and the
American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC)
Recommended Practices.
Installing Truecharge+
Materials List
Figure 2-1 Truecharge 20+ (left) and Truecharge 40+ (right)
ContentsThe unit is packed with the following materials:
•Owner’s Guide
•Wiring cover with 2 blunt-tip screws and two lock washers
•AC cable clamp
•Three twist-on wire nuts
•Three crimp-on butt-splices
Recording
information
After unpacking the unit, record the serial number and other purchase
information on page D–7 of this guide.
Preparing for Installation
MountingTruecharge+ is designed to be permanently mounted. It is virtually
maintenance free when properly installed.
ConditionsBefore mounting and connecting Truecharge+, be sure you meet the
requirements for
•location
•circuits
•wiring
•tools and materials
2–2
Location
Preparing for Installation
Install Truecharge+ in a location that meets the requirements set out in
Table 2-1.
Table 2-1 Physical requirements for a Truecharge+ installation
ConditionDescription
Dry The unit is intended for use in a dry location. Do not allow water
or other fluids to drip or splash on Truecharge+. Do not mount
the charger in an area subject to rain, spray or splashing bilge
water.
Clean Do not expose Truecharge+ to metal filings or any other form of
conductive contamination. The presence of conductive
contamination can cause damage and void your warranty.
CoolFor best performance, the ambient air temperature should be
between 32 °F (0 °C) and 95 °F (30 °C)– the cooler the better. At
higher ambient temperatures, the output current will be
automatically reduced to protect the charger from high internal
temperatures.
Ventilated Allow at least 4 inches (10 cm) of clearance around all sides of
the Truecharge+ for air flow. Ensure that the ventilation
openings on the unit are not obstructed. If mounting in a
compartment, ventilate the compartment with louvres or cut-outs
to prevent overheating.
SafeThis battery charger is Ignition Protected, so it can be installed in
areas containing gasoline tanks or fittings wh i c h usually require
Ignition Protected equipment. Xantrex recommends, however,
that it is safest not to install electrical equipment in these areas.
Close to AC
junction box
Close to
batteries
Avoid the use of extended wire lengths if possible.
Avoid excessive cable lengths and use the recommended wire
lengths and sizes. Undersized or overly long cables may affect
charging accuracy.
Circuits
Truecharge+ is designed to operate from a 15 amp, 120 VAC (nominal)
branch circuit. The circuit must be protected by a 15 amp circuit breaker.
Any switch in the circuit should be rated for a minimum of 10 amps for
Truecharge20+ installations and 15 amps for Truecharge40+
installations. Refer to Appendix A “Specifications” for the actual current
draw.
2–3
Installing Truecharge+
2
StatusCharging Current (A)
Ready
Charging
1 3 5 10 20
Equalize
Charger Mode
Bulk/Absorption
Bulk /A bsorptio n/Float 13.5 V (fixed)
Batte ry T emperature
Battery Type
Flooded
ColdWarmHot
Gel
14.4/13.514.0/1 3.1
14.8/1 3.9
AGM
14.2/13.8
14.6/1 4.2
14.6/1 3.7
Outp ut Volts
Absorption / Float
1
L
N
G
8
5
6
9
13.8 /1 3.4
14.0 /1 3.114.3/13.4
TM
4
7
3
Figure 2-2 Truecharge+ system
1120 VAC source with 15 amp breaker
2AC input wiring compartment
3DC negative cable
4DC positive cables
5DC circuit breaker or DC fuse and disconnect rated at 25 amps
maximum for TC 20+ or 50 amps maximum for the TC 40+
6Battery or battery bank
7Engine negative bus or DC ground bus
8Remote panel (optional)
9Battery temperature sensor (optional)
2–4
Wiring Requirements
Figure 2-2 depicts a typical configuration system for the Truecharge+
showing the AC and DC wiring and protection devices required for a
successful installation.
DC Wiring
The DC wiring must meet the following requirements:
•Length and size
Preparing for Installation
Wire Length
(
maximum length
one way
)
Wire Size AWG
a
feetmetersTC 20+TC 40+
51.5No. 10No. 8
7.52.25No. 8No. 6
203No. 6No. 6
a.Based on ABYC Recommended Practice
E-9, 75 °C wire, 3% voltage drop
Use the largest recommended size rather than the minimum for best
performance and safety.
•DC Disconnect
The DC circuit from the battery to the cha r ge r mus t be equi pped with
a disconnect and over-current protection device. The device usually
consists of a DC-rated circuit breaker, a “fused disconnect”, or a
separate fuse and disconnect. These devices must be rated for DC
voltage and current. Do not substitute devices rated only for AC
voltage: they may not operate properly.
•Over-current protection
The current rating must be matched to the size of th e DC wiring u sed
and to the charger output, in accordance with the applicable codes.
The following recommended current ratings for the DC fuse or
breaker meet the requirements in ABYC, NEC, and CEC codes.
Truecharge 20+: 25 A
Truecharge 40+: 50 A
2–5
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