EC325 fault (1 Viewer)

[SnJ]

We have an EC325 in a 2009 Autotrail.
When we bought the MH I noticed that the cooling fan would spin constantly. (I put this down to the location of the unit tucked away in a cupboard with stuff around it and it getting warm quickly)
2 weeks ago, during a w/e away, we noticed a warm smell (my daughter thought it smelt like fresh popcorn ?) but it went away.
Yesterday, after plugging the 240v & the EC325 started working, we noticed the same smell. OH had fired up the heating, put the kettle on & Truma water boiler was on too.
None of the trips went off (using site with 16a feed)
On investigation the EC325 case was very hot (bottom right corner where the mains supply feeds in) the input mains cable pre rcd was very hot and the wires post trip were warm also.
Immediately powered everything off and let it all cool down.
Tested it but by bit. All trips off, EC325 off
240v attached - no issues
Each trip was tested independantly
(T1 kettle on, T2 fridge on, T3 Truma Boiler then Heating then everything together)
When I switched the EC325 on it then heated up again.
Can only assume I now have a charging fault.... ?

Will be contacting Sargents Technical on Monday morning to get some adivice

1. Anyone else had any similar issues?
2. Anyone replaced a EC325? (I understand that the EC328 is the newer version and should it need replacing I may have to replace the control unit too.)

Thanks
Rusty

 

[Pete5996]

I have the same in my 2009 Cheyenne. It does get fairly warm when heavy charging is taking place but I've never had any concerns about the temperature. I make sure there's plenty of ventilation around it. The fan on mine doesn't run constantly, as far as I am aware, though it might just tick over quietly. The user manual states:

Under heavy loads the EC325PSU case may become hot. ALWAYS ensure the ventilation slots and
the cooling fan have a clear flow of air. Do not place combustible materials against / adjacent to the
EC325PSU. The PSU will shutdown if overheated and will restart automatically when cool.

The question is whether the shutdown device on yours is working, I suppose?

Your point 2 - I believe that is correct.

 

[kevntrace]

I think if you look at the menu on the control panel, you can select different types of PSU. My cherokee 2010, has the EC328 which replaced the original EC325.

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[SnJ]

I have the same in my 2009 Cheyenne. It does get fairly warm when heavy charging is taking place but I've never had any concerns about the temperature. I make sure there's plenty of ventilation around it. The fan on mine doesn't run constantly, as far as I am aware, though it might just tick over quietly. The user manual states:

Under heavy loads the EC325PSU case may become hot. ALWAYS ensure the ventilation slots and
the cooling fan have a clear flow of air. Do not place combustible materials against / adjacent to the
EC325PSU. The PSU will shutdown if overheated and will restart automatically when cool.

The question is whether the shutdown device on yours is working, I suppose?

Your point 2 - I believe that is correct.

The fan has stopped working and the temp was so hot the case was too hot to touch

 

[SnJ]

QUOTE="kevntrace, post: 3748165, member: 63854"]
I think if you look at the menu on the control panel, you can select different types of PSU. My cherokee 2010, has the EC328 which replaced the original EC325.
[/QUOTE]
I'll have to look at that. I don't think I can change it

 

[Familymarmite]

When you say you switched the unit on, do you mean the rocker switch on the casing?
That switch doesn't control the 240v. It turns on the transformer in the unit to take the incoming 240v to 12v to supply 12v equipment and charge the battery.
If you use 240v in the van with the rocker switch to off does it still get hot?
If so it is likely a poor connection on the 240 side.
If when switched off and you use 240 and it remains cool, I would say it points towards the transformer in there.
I had a problem with ours and sent it to Sargent for their fixed price repair, about £80 I think it was. Mine was the transformer, but mine was just dead.

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[SnJ]

When you say you switched the unit on, do you mean the rocker switch on the casing?
That switch doesn't control the 240v. It turns on the transformer in the unit to take the incoming 240v to 12v to supply 12v equipment and charge the battery.
If you use 240v in the van with the rocker switch to off does it still get hot?
If so it is likely a poor connection on the 240 side.
If when switched off and you use 240 and it remains cool, I would say it points towards the transformer in there.
I had a problem with ours and sent it to Sargent for their fixed price repair, about £80 I think it was. Mine was the transformer, but mine was just dead.

If you use 240v in the van with the rocker switch to off does it still get hot?
No it doesn't. It only starts to to get hot when the rocker switch is on.

 

[SnJ]

If you use 240v in the van with the rocker switch to off does it still get hot?
No it doesn't. It only starts to to get hot when the rocker switch is on.

So by the sounds of it and your diagnosis the transformer may be the issue... ?

 

[Newfie]

Here is the user manual if you don’t have it

https://sargentltd.co.uk/shop/product/143/tech-spec/54

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[Familymarmite]

Give Sargent a call, I have always found them helpfull.
Book the repair, you can also book a collection of the unit.
There's no wiring involved to remove it, it's all plug in and you can't get them mixed up.
You may have to unscrew it from the wall first to lift up to reveal the connectors.

 

[Newfie]

Sorry that was the ec328 here is the ec325

http://www.wirraway.com.au/10_Download_pdf_Docs/Technology_Downloads/EC325PSU_EC200_ControlPanelBrochure.pdf

 

[SnJ]

Give Sargent a call, I have always found them helpfull.
Book the repair, you can also book a collection of the unit.
There's no wiring involved to remove it, it's all plug in and you can't get them mixed up.
You may have to unscrew it from the wall first to lift up to reveal the connectors.

Cheers for that.
I thought it may be plug and play.
I changed the EC50 unit about a month ago due to water ingress....
(Previous owner used the top of it to stand a brolly on!!!)

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[SnJ]

Sorry that was the ec328 here is the ec325

http://www.wirraway.com.au/10_Download_pdf_Docs/Technology_Downloads/EC325PSU_EC200_ControlPanelBrochure.pdf

For some reason that pdf was corrupt and wouldn't open. Ive got it and had a look at it....
Thanks

 

[SnJ]

Familymarmite Newfie Pete5996
Removed the EC325 unit this morning.....
What a mess. The input 240v plug had melted onto the underside of the unit. The internal part was also melted. Am stunned that it didn't catch fire.
Spoke with Sargents and discussed what the options were. I'd need to replace it for an EC328 plus a new control panel. They recommended I spoke with Apuljack Engineering
Had a good conversation with Paul at Apuljack about what they can do about repairing it.
(am off down to Brent tomorrow to drop it off)
Have attached the photos I took
Thanks for your input with this...
Rusty

 

[Familymarmite]

You were lucky with that not catching fire.
Did you have to drill the rivets out to open up the case?
If it was screwed together it would suggest someone had already been inside it.
Thanks for the update. I did wonder how you got on.

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[SnJ]

You were lucky with that not catching fire.
Did you have to drill the rivets out to open up the case?
If it was screwed together it would suggest someone had already been inside it.
Thanks for the update. I did wonder how you got on.

There were 3 anti tamper torx screws (with a pin in the middle of them) and 1 rivet. (apparently that's how they are put together)
I have the tools for the torx and I drilled the rivet out.
I'll be glad to get it all sorted out.

 

[Newfie]

Wow looks like the socket/connector has been aching & getting hot causing it to melt.
& not easy to get to by the look of it.
Lucky you found it before causing more damage.
I would upgrade to the EC328 there are some upgrade kits showing if you do a search
Apuljack come out well just over £300

 

[SnJ]

Wow looks like the socket/connector has been aching & getting hot causing it to melt.
& not easy to get to by the look of it.
Lucky you found it before causing more damage.
I would upgrade to the EC328 there are some upgrade kits showing if you do a search
Apuljack come out well just over £300

Am going to Apuljack tomorrow.
Discussed what I want doing and what they can offer me.

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