Austin Industries - Solar Heaters - Solar Air Conditioners

C12 Series

12 Amp 3-stage Solar Charge, DC Load and Auto Lighting Controller

The C12 charge, lighting, or load controller is uniquely sophisticated. As a charge controller, it features three-stage charging, user definable voltage parameters, and automatic equalization. Standard in the C12’s load control circuitry are field adjustable low voltage disconnect and reconnect points, along with a five minute low battery disconnect warning. The C12 also functions as a lighting controller. Lighting run time is adjustable from 2 to 8 hours or can be set from dusk to dawn operation. It is used worldwide in a variety of applications, including remote village lighting systems and automatic outdoor lighting in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. An optional battery temperature sensor ensures precise battery charging regardless of battery temperature fluctuations.

Product Features

Ensures your batteries are always charged
Silent, pulse width modulated microprocessor control (maximizing battery life)
Field adjustable voltage and battery set points
Electronic protection against short-circuit, overload, over temperature and reverse polarity conditions.

Photovoltaic Charge Controller

Silent, solid state, series pulse width modulated (PWM) charge control with 3-stage (bulk, absorb, & float).
Field adjustable setpoints with removable knobs to reduce tampering (bulk range: 13.0 to 17.0 VDC).
Electronic short circuit, overload, overtemperature and reverse polarity protection improves reliability.
Automatic reset of overload protection system--eliminates problems of tripped breakers and blown fuses.
High efficiency, "No diode" design without electronics in the negative conductors (as per NEC code).
Optional plug-in/replaceable temperature compensation sensor -- ideal for sealed batteries.
Continous rating of 12 amps @ 113°F /45°C and 8 amps @ 150°F/65°C for severe environments.
Designed for 15 amps of short-circuit PV array current (typically about four 50 watt modules).
Two stage lightning and surge suppression through both active and passive protection components.
Equalize mode (@ bulk+1DC for 2 hours) with automatic activation every 30 days or if LVD is reached (defeatable).

DC Load Controller

Automatic low voltage disconnect (LVD) with adjustable setpoint (LVD range 10.5 to 12.5 VDC).
Automatic low voltage reconnect (LVR) with adjustable setpoint (LVR range 12.0 to 14.0 VDC)
Selectable automatic or manuals reconnection of loads after low voltage disconnect occurs.
Electronic short-circuit, overload, overtemperature and reverse polarity protection improves reliability.
Continous rating of 12 amps @ 113°F /45°C and 8 amps @ 150°F/65°C for severe environments.
Low voltage disconnect warning system--blinks loads on-off-on when the battery voltage is below the low voltage disconnect setting after a two minute delay. Loads are then disconnected after a 5 minute additional time delay unless loads have been reduced and voltage has risen above the low voltage disconnect setpoint.
Manual reset switch on bottom of enclosure allows one-time 10 minute grace period for operation of DC loads after reset has accurred. Additional pushes have no effect until voltage reaches the low voltage reconnect setting.

Automatic Lighting Controller

Automatic control of lighting systems with nighttime detection by using the PV array as a photocell.
Adjustable run duration from 2 to 8 hours or "dusk to dawn" all night operation of lights, unless LVD is reached.
Electronic short-circuit, overload, overtemperature and reverse polarity protection improves reliability.
Continous rating of 12 amps @ 113°F /45°C and 8 amps @ 150°F/65°C for severe environments.
Manual reset switch on bottom of enclosure allows testing of lights during daytime or after LVD has accured.

Applications

Village Power
Cabin/Vacation Homes
Outdoor Area Lighting
Sign Lighting
Bus Shelters
Telecommunication

Documents

Owners Manual

Specifications

	Electrical Specifications
	PV Amps (Max.)	12 A at 12 VDC only
	DC Load (Max.)	12 A with auto reset
	Operating Voltage (Min.)	6 V
	Voltage Drop - PV to Battery (Max.)	0.3 V
	Voltage Drop - Battery to DC Load (Max.)	0.15 V
	Regulation Setting	13 to 15 VDC
	Equalize Setting	Bulk plus 1 V for two hours
	Consumption while charging (typical)	0.007 A
	Consumption at night (typical)	0.003 A
	Consumption with load disconnected (typical)	0.003 A
	Stranded wire size (Max.)	#10 AWG stranded (5.4 mm2)
	General Specifications
	Allowed Temperature Range	32° F to 104° F (0° C to 40° C)
	Enclosure Type	Powder coated steel with strain relief for wiring and knockouts for up to three 1/2" conduits
	Unit Weight	2 lb (0.9 kg)
	Shipping Weight	2.5 lb (1.13 kg)
	Dimensions (H x W x D)	6.25 x 4.3 x 1.5" (16.5 x 11 x 4 cm)
	Shipping Dimensions (H x W X D)	8 x 4.6 x 1.6" (20.3 x 11.7 x 4 cm)
	Mounting	Vertical wall mount - indoor
	Warranty	Two years
	Part Numbers	C12 - charge controller
		BTS - optional battery temperature sensor
	Features & Options
	Regulation Method	Standard - three stage (bulk, absorption and float), solid state, pulse width modulation
	Field Adjustable Control Setpoints	Standard - removable knobs and calibrated scales
	Setting Protection	Standard - knobs can be removed to prevent tampering
	Testpoints	Standard - provided for each setting
	Automatic Equalization	Standard - every 30 days or after voltage reaches low voltage disconnect - can be disabled
	External Battery Temperature Compensation	Optional - battery temperature sensor (BTS)
	Short Circuit Protection	Standard - fully electronically protected with auto reset and manual reset switch, protects both the loads and PV array from damage from short circuits - a fuse for the battery is still advised to protect the battery wires if located separately
	Reverse Polarity Protection	Standard - fully protected
	Low Voltage Disconnect	Standard - adjustable automatic or manual operation, manual reconnection includes warning flash of loads five minutes before and ten minutes grace period



Note: Specifications subject to change without notice.