Ground Fault popping on Charger

[Charles Erwin]

This is guess because I had this happen once before and could not figure out why GFI tripped only when the charger DC leads were connected to the batteries.

These symptoms suggest AC is passing into the DC charging circuit and returning via ships ground through the water (as well as via safety green also if it is bonded to ships ground as it should be.)

Measure for AC voltage between charger DC + leads and ships ground.

By the way - do not tie AC safety green to AC neutral anywhere on the boat. That means no such connection is allowed inside the charger or inside the microwave either.

Charles

 

[kloudie1]

PGI- have you talked to the Xantrex folks about this one? They may have experience with that problem..

 

[PGIJon]

I initially spoke with their support people, however the person I spoke with wasn't that helpful. After Benny mentioned to see if Xantex would offer a discount, I called them this afternoon and the person I spoke with Sean, was very knowledgeable. As to the discount they offer a 30% discount off their MSRP + shipping. At first Sean suggested that it has to do with a dirty sine wave. Since the unit is electronic based and not transformer based, the need for a clean sine wave is imperative. As the unit cleanses the current, it passes the current through the chassis ground. The dirtier the wave the more current is passed through the chassis ground. Since most GFI’s are 5ma’s he suggested getting a bigger 15ma GFI. However, when I explained my set up and how I was testing, he pretty much agreed that after all the testing I did based on the suggestions here, is that the unit is probably about to fail.

After all that, I decided to bite the bullet and by a new charger. I’ve read where among others, Maine recommended ProMariner ProNauticP (“P” line) so I purchased their 40Amp unit. I like the 5 year warranty vs the 2 year warranty from the others…. I just hope this doesn’t pop the GFI circuit too.

Again, thank you for all your guidance! It is very much appreciated!

 

[PGIJon]

Update... Replaced batteries, charger (ProNauticaP 40A), upgraded all wiring per MS. Replaced 1 and added a second Off/1/2 per Allan's setup, untangled the PO's wiring, installed bus bars fuses as appropriate. Hooked it all up and was mentally ready for the GFI to pop when I threw the switch.... But it didn't!!!!! Everything is now working. I'm fairly certain it was the faulty Xantex charger the kept popping the GFI. I have one more question, but I'll start a separate thread for it! Thanks Everyone!

 

[Globe Pilot]

I've had the same problems with a Xantrex TrueCharge 20A charger except it also trips when the batteries are not connected. Only does this on GFCI outlets which covers every outlet at my marina. The charger works fine on a regular output. Time to call Xantrex support and see if there's anything I can do other than chucking it in the garbage.