Sargent b2b

[Dave and Jen]

My pvc is fitted with a sergeant B2B but it doesn't seem to be working properly if at all!
There are no lights on the unit and although the leisure batts are kept at 13'5v nothing seems to be going to the engine batt.
If I buy a Battery master can I fit it and just leave the sergeant unit in or would it be better to take it out? for ease I think I would just leave it as-is.
Your expert knowledge is appreciated.
TIA Dave

 

[Tigger-Tim]

Most B2Bs are one way - from the starter battery to the leisure battery. I don't know about the sargeant one.

You could fit a battery master to put 1A or so the other way when the leisure batteries are charging (solar or mains).

 

[Kannon Fodda]

Deleted as incorrect given op's clarification below.

 

[Dave and Jen]

I made a mistake, though I don't think it will make any difference-
The B2B is a STERLING not Sargent. I want the batterymaster to charge the engine battery from the leisures powered by the solar panel.
Thanks for the replies
Dave

 

[Tombola]

Yes you can leave the b2b in and add the battery master

in fact you can wire the battery master to the wires you add in for the b2b

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[Tigger-Tim]

I made a mistake, though I don't think it will make any difference-
The B2B is a STERLING not Sargent. I want the batterymaster to charge the engine battery from the leisures powered by the solar panel.
Thanks for the replies
Dave

Check which model. Some Sterlings can do reverse charging.

 

[Dave and Jen]

Check which model. Some Sterlings can do reverse charging.

Not sure of the model but it is the 50 amp one if that helps
Dave's van is an 07 Timberland

 

[DBK]

My pvc is fitted with a sergeant B2B but it doesn't seem to be working properly if at all!
There are no lights on the unit and although the leisure batts are kept at 13'5v nothing seems to be going to the engine batt.
If I buy a Battery master can I fit it and just leave the sergeant unit in or would it be better to take it out? for ease I think I would just leave it as-is.
Your expert knowledge is appreciated.
TIA Dave

I think you mis-understand what a B2B does. It has nothing to do with charging the cab battery. The purpose of a B2B is to put a hefty charge into the leisure batteries when the engine is running. When the engine stops so does the B2B. My Sterling B2B flashes a blue light every few seconds but otherwise it is asleep.

If you want to keep the cab battery charged just fit a Battery Master according to the instructions. You can ignore the presence of the B2B although you might find, as I did, the connections into the B2B are a very convenient way to connect to the cab and leisure batteries as that's what the other end of the cables are connected to.

 

[eddie]

I agree with DBK

 

[Dave and Jen]

I agree with DBK

Aah I see you found it
Thanks, Dave

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[Dave and Jen]

I think you mis-understand what a B2B does. It has nothing to do with charging the cab battery. The purpose of a B2B is to put a hefty charge into the leisure batteries when the engine is running. When the engine stops so does the B2B. My Sterling B2B flashes a blue light every few seconds but otherwise it is asleep.

If you want to keep the cab battery charged just fit a Battery Master according to the instructions. You can ignore the presence of the B2B although you might find, as I did, the connections into the B2B are a very convenient way to connect to the cab and leisure batteries as that's what the other end of the cables are connected to.

Yes that is what I want to do.
Will order a BM off Jim
Thanks, Dave

 

[Dave and Jen]

Order in.
Dave

 

[Dave and Jen]

Went down to van today to check all OK with the batteries, Engine batt 12.6, Leisure batts 13.4 all ok I thought.
Switched the 12v on the panel, switched the pump on and all hell was let loose!!!
The panel numbers stated jumping up and down and warning noises were sounding. I switched the panel off again and both the voltages had plummeted to between 10 and 11v.
Every thing was ok before fitting the BM and I connected the 3wires as per instructions- red to leisure pos, black to earth- used the neg terminal on l batt, and the brown to engine batt pos.
Anybody have any idea what might be happening?
TIA Dave

 

[DBK]

Went down to van today to check all OK with the batteries, Engine batt 12.6, Leisure batts 13.4 all ok I thought.
Switched the 12v on the panel, switched the pump on and all hell was let loose!!!
The panel numbers stated jumping up and down and warning noises were sounding. I switched the panel off again and both the voltages had plummeted to between 10 and 11v.
Every thing was ok before fitting the BM and I connected the 3wires as per instructions- red to leisure pos, black to earth- used the neg terminal on l batt, and the brown to engine batt pos.
Anybody have any idea what might be happening?
TIA Dave

That makes no sense at first glance. If the voltages you quoted 12.6/13.4 were what you saw when you first arrived then they are more or less what I would expect. Although if you have solar and the sun was shining I would have expected the cab battery to be a bit higher.

Switching on a load should only affect the leisure battery which if it is goosed might show a sudden voltage drop. What should not be affected is the cab battery.

One possibility is both batteries are shot and the cab battery was only showing 12.6 volts because the BM was keeping it alive using the leisure battery voltage supported by solar. As soon as the pump was turned on the leisure battery voltage collapsed and support for the cab battery was withdrawn so it's voltage collapsed too.

You could try starting the engine and see if it turns over.

You may have to remove the batteries and have them rested.

That's all I can think of at the moment.

 

[Dave and Jen]

That makes no sense at first glance. If the voltages you quoted 12.6/13.4 were what you saw when you first arrived then they are more or less what I would expect. Although if you have solar and the sun was shining I would have expected the cab battery to be a bit higher.

Switching on a load should only affect the leisure battery which if it is goosed might show a sudden voltage drop. What should not be affected is the cab battery.

One possibility is both batteries are shot and the cab battery was only showing 12.6 volts because the BM was keeping it alive using the leisure battery voltage supported by solar. As soon as the pump was turned on the leisure battery voltage collapsed and support for the cab battery was withdrawn so it's voltage collapsed too.

You could try starting the engine and see if it turns over.

You may have to remove the batteries and have them rested.

That's all I can think of at the moment.

Thanks DBK I will be down again tomorrow an start the van. The leisure batts are relatively new not sure about the engine one. I got the BM because the engine batt was slowly dropping voltage on storage. Previous to fitting the BM the leis batts were always at 13.5v
I will see tomorrow and take batts for testing as you advise.
Thanks again, Dave

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[Dave and Jen]

Hi DBK went to van this morning- started fine, but still getting alarm sound from the Sterling B2B unit
So I removed the battery master but still it is buzzing away.
I have a feeling that the sterling is goosed.
Can it be removed? then I could reconnect the BM .
I think the sterling is for charging the leisure batts via the alternator, but with solar they are being charged anyway.
I have rung a local auto-electrician who specialises ni m/homes but no answer- I suppose he may be on hols.
Thanks again for your input.
Dave

 

[Dave and Jen]

Just to add- the buzzing stopped when I retracted the step! previously [before fitting the BM]
it didn't sound unless I started the engine and retracted automatically.
Dave

 

[DBK]

Just to add- the buzzing stopped when I retracted the step! previously [before fitting the BM]
it didn't sound unless I started the engine and retracted automatically.
Dave

I must confess to being completely confused. The step has nothing to do with the B2B. Our step has an alarm which sounds if you start the engine before retracting it. Other systems are automatic but if the buzzer has stopped then I suggest ignoring it for now.

The B2B is for charging the leisure batteries and is additional to solar. It comes into it's own when for example in winter with reduced daylight hours and poor weather solar doesn't do much.

 

[Dave and Jen]

I'm confused too, I have rung a couple of mobile auto electricians who deal with M/Homes
Hopefully they can sort it out whoever comes first.
The step was ok before all this happened, the buzzer started when I started the engine and retracted
and didn't buzz without the engine running.
Will keep you posted
Dave

 

[Dave and Jen]

Hi, all had the auto electrician look at the van today and his findings are that the Sargent EC200 is faulty. Has anyone had dealings with Sargent regarding repairs? He suggested I contact Applejack ,
so has anyone had dealings with them also regarding repairs.
How long to get a repair done etc.
.Thanks, Dave

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[Dave and Jen]

Ordered a replacement for the ec200 today direct from Sargent- the original unit is no longer available and they have not got the parts to repair, So the replacement needs a new panel too
£600+ For the lot.
Tought, well it will be all new, so hopefully no more problems- fingers crossed!
Should be here tomorrow.
Cheers, Dave

 

[Dave and Jen]

Finally got the electrics working properly today fitted the new Sargent unit , All went well apart from replacing an 7 way connector- we had to snip the wires from the existing loom and attach them to a new connector as the unit has been updated (EC200) nowEC380) . It was really awkward as there was very little "give" in the loom. Luckily Jenny was able to hold the connector while I crimped it x7.
Because the unit had been updated we had to fit an updated panel on the wall. When I took this off I checked with the new one and realised it WAS an updated panel but wasn't showing the right readings, so plugged the new one in and eureka! it worked.So the panel had been replaced at some time (dated2022 van is an 07) but not the EC200 and this had been giving all the problems.
Thanks for all your help and advice, specially @D B K and others.
Cheers, Dave & Jen

 

[Dave and Jen]

bump
DBK

 

[DBK]

Glad you've got it sorted. Electrical issues can be frustrating!