phoenix multi control help needed

[lesrollins]

Hi

There is a phoenix multi control unit on the boat which we have lived on for 4 years.

When we are on shore power the lights work for the mains on, bulk, absorption and float they also work when we have disconnected the shore power and the boat is running. But as soon as the boat is switched off and shore power disconnected the lights go out. They used to stay on but not anymore so as anyone got any ideas or thoughts as why they are not working now.

Thanks

[Tiggs]

Have you checked all your fuses?

[Rick-n-Jo]

Don't quite understand the question you're asking.

The left column of lights will only be on when shore power is disconnected AND the little three position switch is in the left ON position. Top blue light shows inverter on producing 230 volts from batteries. Three red lights below only come on to show various faults.

The right column only come on when an AC source is connected, "Mains on" and the three below show what stage the battery charger has got to.

If the three way switch is in the centre position the inverter and charger are switched off. The right "charger only" position allows you to leave the boat charging on shoreline, and if that goes off the inverter won't come on and drain the battery.

I assume that by boat switched on you mean engine running. This should have no effect on the lights at all UNLESS you have an AC generator e.g. Travelpower fitted to it.

More info needed to diagnose your problem, if indeed you actually have one.

[nicknorman]

Hi

There is a phoenix multi control unit on the boat which we have lived on for 4 years.

When we are on shore power the lights work for the mains on, bulk, absorption and float they also work when we have disconnected the shore power and the boat is running. But as soon as the boat is switched off and shore power disconnected the lights go out. They used to stay on but not anymore so as anyone got any ideas or thoughts as why they are not working now.

Thanks

With the toggle switch in "charger only" position as shown in your photo, there will be no AC power in the boat without shore power or generate power, everything will go dead. If you move the switch to "On" then when you disconnect shore power the device will switch to inverting, the "inverter on" light will come on.

 

It is best to have the switch in "charger only" position when on shore power, and "on" when not and with no generated AC power, so that the boat's AC services remain powered. Or switch to "Off" to save battery power when away from shore/generated power if you don't need the AC services.

 

As RnJ says, it sounds like you must either have a Travelpower or be a bit confused about which lights were on when.

[lesrollins]

There is a travel power fitted to the boat. When I used to be ccr and the boat engine was off the lights on the right used to remain on but they do not come on now unless the engine is running or the boat is connected to the shore power. There are also 2 X 140 w solar panels which provide power to the batteries whilst stationery these have been on the boat for about 3 years.

Edited April 10, 2016 by lesrollins

[Robbo]

There is a travel power fitted to the boat. When I used to be ccr and the boat engine was off the lights on the right used to remain on but they do not come on now unless the engine is running or the boat is connected to the shore power. There are also 2 X 140 w solar panels which provide power to the batteries whilst stationery these have been on the boat for about 3 years.

That is the correct operation. They will only be on if the multi has mains power to it.

[nicknorman]

There is a travel power fitted to the boat. When I used to be ccr and the boat engine was off the lights on the right used to remain on but they do not come on now unless the engine is running or the boat is connected to the shore power. There are also 2 X 140 w solar panels which provide power to the batteries whilst stationery these have been on the boat for about 3 years.

It's difficult to understand how the lights on the right could possibly be on without shore power or the engine/Travelpower running. The behaviour you describe now seems correct.

[WotEver]

There is a travel power fitted to the boat. When I used to be ccr and the boat engine was off the lights on the right used to remain on...

You must be mis-remembering this. The very top light indicates mains present. With no shore power and no Travel Power operation there is no mains. Ergo there can be no lights.

 

Tony

[lesrollins]

Thanks for all the replies and the help, obviously I had it wrong it's called being in a marina far to long, time to get out and about again ?

Edited April 11, 2016 by lesrollins