Sargent EC155 not working / Durite relay.

[DWatson79]

Hi, looking for some advice / opinion on my assumptions.
The campervan specialist we have consulted in Glasgow is no longer trading and it is difficult to get any immediate advice - so here goes:

T6 Transporter 2017 - Euro 6 compliant
We bought the van newly converted in 2018, it has a Sargent EC155 power unit & Sargent Ec50 Control panel.

I finally got around to investigating why the leisure battery was not being recharged during driving. Which has never been an issue, so not sure whether it has ever operated properly.

I measured voltage across leisure battery (with and without the engine running) = voltage remained the same.

I located the Durite relay and identified that the fuse on right was blown - so I replaced this.


It had a period of clicking in an clicking out

The system worked briefly, before the power unit has appeared to have tripped. Including not working off hookup. Nothing showing at the control panel.

Looking to see how to progress

My first query is that my research suggests that the Durite relay fitted is not compatible with Euro engine (stop start battery). It should be replaced with a DC to DC charger. Assuming I need to do this - if so any recommendations for a suitable product?
My first query is that my research suggests that the Durite relay fitted is not compatible with Euro engine (stop start battery). It should be replaced with a DC to DC charger. Assuming I need to do this - if so any recommendations for a suitable product?

Further to this I did read on a forum (I cannot find it again) that potentially the above relay unit and Sargent EC155 are not compatible and it's use may have caused with the EC155 - is this correct
I am now a bit confused about what to look at next, before I commit and spend more money to fix it with the correct compatible components…….

Thanks
Dougal

 

[kipperman]

Our previous van was a Bilbo's T6 Euro 6 with the Sargent EC155 but had a Sterling DC-DC charger
Pro Batt Ultra Battery to Battery Chargers, Green Label, 2 Year Warran (or similar, but looks the same) so I think you are right that the set up is not compatible with the alternator. It's not anything to do with the start stop battery - it's the alternator. To increase fuel efficiency, the alternator will dump some energy back into the battery when you brake. Point being that the battery will only ever be charged to 80% to give sufficient room for this to happen. You need a charger that will deal with this situation where the alternator PD might be less than the value needed by the leisure battery to charge.

I wouldn't use the above charger ( the instructions for setting up appear to require a PhD in physics) - but would use a Victron smart DC-DC. Expensive, but good reliable quality and you can configure using bluetooth/app.

Googling DC-DC charger for smart alternator gives a reasonable range of chargers - Renogy I believe are also good, but I have had no experience with them.

When you say it has never been an issue and you are not sure it has ever operated properly - what do you mean by that exactly?

 

[HarveyH]

Hello. Only just joined after seeing this thread. Not sure if it will be visible or need to start again. I have a similar issue driving me mad. Caledonian Campers(no longer trading) conversion, 6.1 DSG Highline. The leisure battery does not charge via the DC/DC charger, when the engine is running. I think it maybe never has, I only found out when replacing the leisure battery. It has a Sargent EC155 Power Unit(which does charge on EHU) and a Sterling Power DC/DC charger. There is no 12V feed to the Sterling DC charger. I do not believe there is a break in any cable or any fuse has gone, so starting to think it may be related to a relay somewhere, or engine feed that isnt compatible. I am semi electrical literate, but not in detail and I am not sure where to go next. Sterling can only say that without a 12V feed the DC charger wont work(so I need to find it) and Sargent say they are not familiar with the wiring so cant really help and expect the DC charger is separate to their unit anyway. Appreciate any advice.

 

[Jarvie.I]

My fix with using the Sargent Ec155 with the smart alternator and using a Sterling dc dc charger and Agm battery type is as follows:
I disconnected the ec155 charging fuse.
The Sterling unit is fed by 12v from vehicle battery, ignition wire fed to Sterling unit.
Set the Sterling unit to correct battery type.
Connect Sterling charging 12v connection to leisure battery.
Connect solar input to Sterling unit, i am using a portable stow away panel.
For electric hook up charging- i use a standard mains charger with Agm profile, simply connect it into the mains outlet from the Ec155 unit- hook the 12v cables with crock clips onto a couple of flying leads connected to the leisure battery.
All works like a treat.