Centaur Charger - Battery charger VICTRON ENERGY - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	Automatic high-frequency battery charger (switching)
Brand	Victron Energy
Model	Centaur Charger (several variants: 12/20, 12/30, 12/40, 12/50, 12/60, 12/80, 12/100, 24/16, 24/30, 24/40, 24/60)
Dimensions (H × W × D)	From 355 × 215 × 110 mm (models 12/20, 12/30, 24/16) to 505 × 255 × 130 mm (models 12/80, 12/100)
Weight	From 3.8 kg to 12 kg depending on model
Power supply	90 – 265 Vac, 45 – 65 Hz; power factor unity (PFC correction)
Number of outputs	3 independent outputs (each output can supply 100% of nominal current)
Nominal charge current	From 16 A to 100 A depending on model (e.g. 12/20: 20 A, 24/60: 60 A)
Compatible battery types	Open lead-acid, sealed (AGM) and gel (GEL) batteries; selection via DIP switch
Charge curve	IUoU (3 stages: absorption, float, maintenance)
Protections	Output short-circuit, overheating, forced ventilation controlled by temperature and current
Operating temperature	-20 °C to +60 °C; power derating above 40 °C
Maximum humidity	95% (non-condensing)
Protection rating	IP 20
Housing material	Aluminum, blue RAL 5012
Minimum battery cable cross-section	From 10 mm² to 35 mm² depending on model and distance (up to 6 m)
Battery connection	M6 or M8 bolts depending on model
Mains connection	4 mm² screw terminal (L, N, earth)
Maintenance and cleaning	Disconnect power before any intervention. Clean the exterior with a dry cloth. Check connections and fuses periodically. No user-serviceable parts.
Safety	Safety class I (mandatory grounding). Use conductors rated for min. 75 °C. Do not use in explosive atmosphere. Disconnect mains and battery before intervention. Residual current device recommended.
Spare parts and repairability	No user-serviceable parts. Have any repairs carried out by qualified personnel.
Compliance standards	Safety: EN 60335-2-29, UL 1236; Emission: EN 55014, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3; Immunity: EN 55014-2

Frequently Asked Questions - Centaur Charger VICTRON ENERGY

What types of batteries can I charge with the Centaur Charger?

The charger is designed for rechargeable lead-acid batteries: open, sealed (AGM), and gel (GEL). Use the internal DIP switch to select the appropriate type. Never charge non-rechargeable batteries.

How to select the battery type with the DIP switch?

Remove the lower part of the front panel. The DIP switch is located in the lower left corner. Set it according to the type: GEL, AGM, LA (liquid acid), or Others. Refer to figure 1 in the manual for exact positions.

Can I charge three batteries at the same time?

Yes, the charger has three independent outputs that can charge three batteries simultaneously. Each output can supply 100% of the nominal current. For a single battery, it is recommended to connect all three outputs together.

What should I do if the charger does not start?

First check the mains power (voltage and fuses). Ensure the battery connections are correct. If the green LED does not light up, contact a qualified repairer.

What is the charge voltage for a 12 V GEL battery?

For a 12 V GEL battery, the absorption voltage is 14.2 V and the float voltage is 13.5 V. For a 24 V battery, double these values (28.4 V and 27.0 V). Refer to the voltage table in the manual for other types.

How to install the charger?

Installation must be carried out by qualified personnel. Attach the mounting bracket, connect the battery cables (common negative, positives to the +DC terminals), then the mains power (L, N, earth). Select the battery type, replace the front panel, and power on.

What is the recommended cable cross-section for a distance of 6 m?

The minimum cross-section depends on the model. For example, for 12/20 and 24/16: 10 mm² (AWG 7); for 12/40 and 24/40: 25 mm² (AWG 3); for 12/100: 35 mm² (AWG 2). Minimize the length to avoid voltage drop.

Can the charger stay connected permanently?

Yes, the Centaur Charger can remain connected to the battery permanently. The 3-stage charging avoids overcharging and gas production. It automatically switches to float mode (maintenance).

How to maintain the charger?

Always disconnect the mains power and battery before cleaning or intervention. Clean the exterior with a dry cloth. Check connections and fuses periodically. Do not disassemble the unit: it contains no user-serviceable parts.

What to do in case of overheating?

The charger is protected against overheating: its forced ventilation activates automatically. If the ambient temperature exceeds 40 °C, power derating occurs (20% at 50 °C, 40% at 60 °C). Ensure the ventilation openings are unobstructed and the unit is installed in a dry, ventilated location.

USER MANUAL Centaur Charger VICTRON ENERGY

1. Safety and regulatory information

General

• Review related documentation of this product to familiarize yourself with safety markings and instructions before you operate the equipment.
• This product has been designed and tested in accordance with international standards. Only use the equipment for the intended purpose of application.
• WARNING: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. The product is used in conjunction with a permanent energy source (battery). Even if the equipment is switched off, dangerous electrical voltages may appear at the in- and/or output terminals. Always disconnect AC power and battery before maintaining or servicing the product.
  A Ground Fault Circuit Interrueter (GFCI) must be installed in the AC supply circuit.
• WARNING: This appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons unless they have been adequately supervised by a responsible person to ensure that they can use the appliance safely. Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
• There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Do not remove the front plate or operate the product without the front plate fitted. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• Never use the product in locations where there is danger of gas- or dust explosions. Consult your supplier to ensure that the product is intended for use in conjunction with the battery. Always apply the battery manufacturer's safety instructions.
• Caution: never carry heavy loads without assistance.
• Explosive gases can be generated during charging of a lead-acid battery. Prevent open flame and sparks. Take care of sufficient ventilation during charging.
• Never try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries.
• A double-pole switch with a minimum contact distance of 3mm must be incorporated in the fixed mains input wiring of the installation.

Installation

• The installation of this product must be performed by qualified personnel.
• Always refer to the installation section in the operator's manual before applying power to the equipment.
• This is a Safety Class I product (provided with a protective earthing terminal). An uninterruptible safety earth ground must be provided at the AC in/output terminals. An additional grounding point is located at the outside of the product. Whenever it is likely that the grounding protection has been impaired, the product must be made inoperative and secured against any unintended operation; refer to qualified service personnel.
• Make sure that fuses and circuit breakers are provided in the connecting wires. Never replace a safety component by a different type. Consult the manual for determining the correct component.
• Make sure that all cables and wiring in the installation are anchored in such a way that the conductors are relieved from strain and twisting.
• Before applying power, verify that the available power source matches the configuration settings of the product as described in the manual.
• Ensure that the environmental conditions are suitable for operation of the equipment. Never operate the product in a wet or in a dusty environment.
• Always allow enough free space around the product for ventilation and make sure that ventilation vents are not blocked.
• Be sure that the demanded power does not exceed the capacity of the product.
• This device is a continuous duty automatic charger for rechargeable open, sealed and gel lead acid batteries
• For supply connection use wires suitable for at least 75°C (167°F) .
• CAUTION: Replace defective cords or wires immediately.

Transport and storage

• When storing or transporting the product make certain that mains power and battery leads are disconnected.
• No liability can be accepted for any transport damage when equipment is shipped in non-original packaging.
• Store the product in a dry location; storage temperature must be between -20°C and 60°C .
• Refer to the battery manufacturer manual concerning transport, storage, charging, recharging and disposal of the battery.

2. Description

Technology

The Centaur Charger is a fully high-frequency switched battery charger. The input is electronically power factor corrected by the first power stage.

The next stage gives provision for galvanic isolation and a perfect DC voltage at the output terminals.

The internal electronic parts are protected against moisture and dirt by means of a special coating, which assures a long lifetime of your battery charger.

Three high-capacity batteries can be charged simultaneously with this charger.

Operation

The battery charger charges the battery with 3-stage (Bulk-Absorption-Float) charging characteristic. It can remain connected to the battery continuously, without increased gas formation, caused by overcharging, taking place.

The charger can be used for different types of batteries but the default settings are for Gel batteries.

For use with other types of batteries please select Lead acid or AGM by opening front bottom cover and select DIP switch in bottom left hand corner. See Figure 1.

The full charging current of this Charger is divided in three main outputs but any one output can supply 100% of power if that is the only battery connected.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem

Charger does not function

Possible cause

The mains is not ok.

Solution

Measure mains

defective your dealer

Input or output fuses are

Return product to

The battery does not get fully charged connection

A bad battery connection

Check battery

The battery select switch is in the wrong setting

Select correct battery type (see Fig1)

Battery capacity to large Make sure charger capacity matches battery

The battery is being overcharged

The battery select switch is in the wrong setting

Select correct battery type (see Fig1)

defective

A single cell in battery is

Replace battery

supplier

Too small battery

Consult your battery

3. Installation

WARNING: Qualified personnel only

Instructions

1. Mount wall bracket (for top holding) of the battery charger, make sure it is level.
2. Install three screws.
3. Open cover by removing four screws, on front bottom cover.
4. Put charger on mounting bracket and mark the Bottom of the two (M6-D-holes) mounting holes.
5. Install M6 screws.
6. Install AC cord to input terminal strip marked E, N, L, be sure to use the correct size wire (per ABYC regulations) to use for the input current marked on the label of charger.
7. Cut DC inlet plugs to cable size, then connect battery cables to DC lugs marked +DC & -DC. The -DC is used commonly for all three batteries. If there are less than three batteries, pick any +DC; all are capable of full current load. Select appropriate size wire (per ABYC regulations).
8. Select battery type by pushing the appropriate DIP switch at bottom left corner of board. Note: This unit is selected for GEL; if you change battery type DESELECT GEL, (See Figure 1).
9. Replace top cover and reinstall four screws on cover.
10. Apply power and verify Green LED is on (bottom left of PC board, look through bottom left air vents).

Location

The Centaur Charger must be installed in a dry, well-ventilated area.

Too high an ambient temperature has the consequence of lower output, shorter life or a complete shutdown of the Centaur

Charger.

The Centaur Charger is suitable for floor and wall mounting. However, for optimum cooling, a vertical position is recommended. The cables between the Centaur Charger and the battery must be kept as short as possible to minimize cable losses. Input/output connections refer to Figure 1.

Required tools and cables

M6 Socket driver.
Crosshead screwdriver no. 2 Phillips.
- Battery cables: minimum cable cross-section

Model		Length 0 - 6m
12/20	24/16	10mm² AWG 7
12/30	24/30	16mm² AWG 5
12/40	24/40
12/50	24/60	25mm² AWG 3
12/60
12/80		35mm² AWG 2
12/100

Cables longer then 6m are not recommended.

Cable eyes with M6/8 holes should be used.

For supply connection use wires suitable for at least 75°C (167°F)

CAUTION: Replace defective cords or wires immediately.

Connection sequence

• Disconnect mains.
• Disconnect battery cables from the battery.
• Open front cover.
• Connect battery cables to the charger. Note that there's only one 'minus'- Use a fuse according to the size of the battery charger.
• Connect battery cables to the battery.
• Connect the AC-in by means of a 3-core cable of 2.5 - 4mm² flexible core to the AC-in terminal block. Note that a real PE-connection is strictly necessary.
• Close the front panel.

Charge voltage at appr. 10% of the nominal current
	Absorption		Float
Lead-acid Battery type	12V (6 cells)	24V (12 cells)	12V (6 cells)	24V (12 cells)
GEL	14.2	28.4	13.5	27.0
AGM	14.35	28.7	13.3	26.6
LA	14.5	29.0	13.5	27.0
Other	14.85	29.7	13.7	27.4

Important note regarding charge voltage settings

The charge voltages as mentioned above for the different types of battery are indicative only. Please contact your battery supplier for advice.

Especially flooded lead acid batteries ("LA" in the table) may require a different charge voltage, depending on chemical/mechanical construction.

FIGURE 1 INPUT/ OUTPUT CONNECTIONS

Battery Select

LED 'ON' Indicator

AC INPUT

LA	II
		II	II

AGM		II
	II		II

GEL			II
	II	II

Other	II		II
		II

Input Voltage vs. Input Current
Model	Input Voltage (Vac)	Input Current (Aac)	Input Voltage (Vac)	Input Current (Aac)
12/20	120	3.35	240	1.75
12/30	120	4.35	240	2.30
12/40	120	6.40	240	3.20
12/50	120	8.00	240	4.00
12/60	120	9.55	240	4.75
12/80	120	12.0	240	6.00
12/100	120	15.0	240	8.00
24/16	120	5.55	240	2.50
24/30	120	9.00	240	4.55
24/40	120	10.0	240	6.00
24/60	120	15.0	240	9.00

Note:

For other input voltages U in the input current can be calculated as follows:

Input current = (current at 120Vac) x (120 / Uin)

Example:

Input current at 120Vac: 3,35 Amps

Required: input current at Uin = 110Vac

Answer: input current = 3,35 × (120 / 110) = 3,65A

4. Specifications

Centaur Charger	12/20	12/30	12/40	12/50	12/60	12/80	12/100
		24/16			24/30	24/40	24/60
Common characteristics	Input voltage: 90 - 265V			Input frequency: 45 - 65Hz		Power factor: 1
Charge voltage ‘absorption' (V DC)				14,3 / 28,5 (1)
Charge voltage ‘float' (V DC)				13,5 / 27,0 (1)
Output banks				3
Charge current (A) (2)	20	30/16	40	50	60/30	80/40	100/60
Total output ammeter				Yes
Charge characteristic				IUoU (Three stage charging)
Recommended battery capacity (Ah)	80-200	120-300	160-400	200-500	240-600	320-800	400-1000
		45-150			120-300	160-400	240-600
Temperature sensor				Internal, - 2mV / °C (- 1mV / °F) per cell
Forced cooling				Yes, temperature and current controlled fan
Protection				Output short circuit, over temperature
Operating				- 20 to 60°C (0 - 140°F)
Ignition protected Yes
Humidity (non-condensing)				max 95%
ENCLOSURE
Material & Colour aluminium (blue RAL 5012)
Battery-connection	M6 studs	M6 studs	M8 studs	M8 studs	M8 studs	M8 studs	M8 studs
AC-connection				screw-clamp 4mm² (AWG 6)
Protection category IP 20
Weight kg (lbs)	3,8 (8.4)	3,8 (8.4)	5 (11)	5 (11)	5 (11)	12 (26)	12 (26)
Dimensions hwxwd in mm (hxwxd in inches)	355x215x110 (14.0x8.5x4.3)	355x215x110 (14.0x8.5x4.3)	426x239x135 (16.8x9.4x5.3)	426x239x135 (16.8x9.4x5.3)	426x239x135 (16.8x9.4x5.3)	505x255x130 (19.9x10.0x5.2)	505x255x130 (19.9x10.0x5.2)
STANDARDS
Safety				EN 60335-2-29, UL 1236
Emission				EN 55014, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3
Immunity				EN 55014-2

1) Standard setting.
Optimum charge/float voltages for Flooded Lead-acid, Gel-Cell or AGM batteries selectable by DIP switch.
2) Up to 40°C (100°F) ambient.
Output will reduce to approximately 80% of nominal at 50°C (120°F) and 60% of nominal at 60°C (140°F)

Installation et raccordements

AGM (absorbed glass mat)		II
	II		II