Solar Charge Controller CML05-2, CML08-2, CML10-2, CML15-2, CML20
User Manual English, Page 2
Low Voltage Disconnect Function (LVD)
The controller has 2 different modes to protect the battery from being deeply
discharged:
1. State of charge controlled: Disconnect at 11.4 V (at nominal load current) up to
11.9 V (at no load current). Normal operation mode for good battery protection.
2. Voltage controlled: Disconnect at 11.0 V fixed setting. Appropriate if bypass loads
draw current directly from the battery.
The controller is preset to Mode 1 from the factory. Changing the mode setting is
described below.
In case of doubts which mode to choose, consult your dealer because this has to be
evaluated depending on the battery used.
Settings
The controller can be configured for special operation. For this purpose, open the
cover of the controller by removing the screws on the back side.
WARNING: The controller should not be opened while connected and in opera-
tion!
When the controller is opened, there are 3 jumpers on the electronic board:
For changing, put the jumper either on
both contact pins or only on one
contact pin:
Closed jumper
1
3
2
Open
jumper
With these jumpers, the following settings can be configured:
Jumper
GEL (1)
LVD (2)
BUZ (3)
Function
Battery type
Function of low voltage
disconnect
Acoustic alarm signal
Setting jumper
open
Liquid
electrolyte
State of charge con-
trolled
Alarm off
Setting jumper
closed
GEL (VRLA
battery)
Voltage controlled
Alarm on
Factory setting
Jumper open
(liquid electro-
lyte)
Jumper open state-of-
charge controlled
Jumper closed
Alarm on
After completing the setting, replace the cover and tighten it with the screws.
Safety Features
The controller is protected against wrong installation or use:
At the solar termi-
nal
At the battery
terminal
At the load terminal
Battery connected
with correct polarity
Unrestricted Normal
operation
Unrestricted
Battery connected
with wrong polarity Unrestricted
Unrestricted. Acous-
tic Warning
Unrestricted
Reverse polarity
Yes, not at 24V
system voltage.
Yes, if only the
battery is connected.
Acoustic Warning
Load output is
protected. Loads
might be damaged.
Short circuit
Unrestricted
Unrestricted.
CAUTION
: Battery
must be protected
by fuse.
Unrestricted
Overcurrent No
protection
-----------------------
Controller switches
off load terminal.
Thermal overload No protection
----------------------- Controller switches
off load terminal.
No connection
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Reverse Current
Unrestricted
-----------------------
-----------------------
Overvoltage
Varistor 56 V, 2,3 J Max. 40 V
Controller switches
off load terminal.
Undervoltage Normal
operation
Controller switches
off load terminal.
Controller switches
off load terminal.
WARNING: The combination of different error conditions may cause damage to
the controller. Always remove the error before you continue connecting the
controller!
Error Description
Error Display
Reason
Remedy
Battery is low
Load will reconnect as
soon as battery is
recharged.
Overcurrent/ Short
circuit of loads
Switch off all loads.
Remove short circuit.
Controller will switch
on load automatically
after max 1 minute.
Battery voltage too
high (>15.5 / 31.0 V)
Check if other sources
overcharge the battery.
If not, controller is
damaged.
Loads are not
supplied
Battery wires or
battery fuse damaged,
battery has high
resistance
Check battery wires,
fuses and battery.
Battery is empty
after a short
time
Battery has low
capacity
Change battery
Battery is not
being charged
during the day
Solar array faulty or
wrong polarity
Remove faulty connec-
tion/reverse polarity
Battery wrong
polarity
Permanent
sound
Battery is connected
with reverse polarity
Remove reverse
polarity
General Safety and Usage Recommendations
Intended Use
The charge controller is intended exclusively for use in photovoltaic systems with 12 V
or 24 V nominal voltage and in conjunction with vented or sealed (VRLA) lead acid
batteries only.
Safety Recommendations
Batteries store a large amount of energy. Never short circuit a battery under all
circumstances. We recommend connecting a fuse (slow acting type, according to
the nominal controller current) directly to the battery terminal.
Batteries can produce flammable gases. Avoid making sparks, using fire or any naked
flame. Make sure that the battery room is ventilated.
Avoid touching or short circuiting wires or terminals. Be aware that the voltages on
specific terminals or wires can be up to double the battery voltage. Use isolated
tools, stand on dry ground and keep your hands dry.
Keep children away from batteries and the charge controller.
Please observe the safety recommendations of the battery manufacturer. If in
doubt, consult your dealer or installer.
Liability Exclusion
The manufacturer shall not be liable for damages, especially on the battery, caused by
use other than as intended or as mentioned in this manual or if the recommendations
of the battery manufacturer are neglected. The manufacturer shall not be liable if
there has been service or repair carried out by any unauthorized person, unusual use,
wrong installation, or bad system design.
Technical Data
Nominal voltage
12 / 24 V, automatic recognition
Boost voltage
14.5 / 29.0 V (25°C), 2 h
Equalization voltage
14.8 / 29.6 V (25°C), 2 h
Float voltage
13.7 / 27.4 V (25°C)
Low Voltage Disconnect
Function
11.4-11.9 / 22.8-23.8 V controlled by state of charge
11.0 / 22.0 V controlled by voltage
Load reconnect voltage
12.8 / 25.6 V
Temperature compensa-
tion
-4 mV/cell*K
Max. solar panel current
5 / 8 / 10 / 15 / 20 A according to model number @
50°C
Max. load current
5 / 8 / 10 / 15 / 20 A according to model number @
50°C
Dimensions
80 x 100 x 32 mm (w x h x d)
Weight 180
gr
Max. wire size
16 mm² (AWG #6)
Self consumption
4 mA
Ambient temperature
range
-25 to + 50 °C
Case protection
IP 20
Subject to change without notice. Version: CML041214
Made in one of the following countries: Germany – China – Bolivia - India
Phocos AG – Germany www.phocos.com
