Votronic 1212-30 B2B - *warning*

[Jez1966]

That would not work. It would constantly blow if lower. You can't use a fuse as a current limiter (well, you could, but single use!)

But it that not what a fuse is for?
13a plug can be fitted with 2 - 13amp fuse to limit current to relevant appliance.
Provided your not pulling more than 30amp through inverter it will not blow.

 

[StillGoing]

They shipped a newer model to me yesterday, express, from Germany. Just arrived. I've installed and tested and the old unit is being collected in an hour.

Votronic have told me they don’t want my old one back.

I‘ve been impressed with the service from Votronic.

I think the Votronic VCC 1212-30 is a great bit of kit. It was easy to install by wiring it in to the back of my Schaudt EBL using the existing cabling. I also like the way it will provide a trickle charge to the starter battery when the leisure battery is being charged - no need for a battery master or equivalent.

 

[StillGoing]

The new version of the VCC 1212-30 has an additional LiFePO4 setting.

There is now a setting for batteries with an internal heater.

If you are replacing an older unit with a new one, do check the battery switch settings! The previous LiFePO4 setting is now the LiFePO4 with heating.

 

[StillGoing]

I opened up the old VCC 1212-30 and there is no evidence of overheating after 3 years of use.

 

[activecampers]

But it that not what a fuse is for?
13a plug can be fitted with 2 - 13amp fuse to limit current to relevant appliance.
Provided your not pulling more than 30amp through inverter it will not blow.

No it does not limit current. It stops current above that amount (not quite true but keeping it simple) by blowing

Eg if your had an appliance like a kettle that took 10a. If you had a 13a fuse great. If you put a 5a fuse in your would not limit the kettle to 5a (eg it works work but take 2x as long) it would blow instantly and the kettle would not work. Eg you cannot use a fuse as a current limiting device. Try it. Put a 3 or 5a fuse in a10a device like decent kettle or hair dryer and it will blow.

(Assuming the inverter is not getting involved either!)

Terminology maybe?

I will hasten to add I'm taking about blade fuses and UK mains fuses, not any other device or fuse which may or may not be different

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[activecampers]

The new version of the VCC 1212-30 has an additional LiFePO4 setting.

There is now a setting for batteries with an internal heater.

If you are replacing an older unit with a new one, do check the battery switch settings! The previous LiFePO4 setting is now the LiFePO4 with heating.

View attachment 815379

Hmm. Downloaded the web version in case different and didn't see that. Sent the manual back in the box with the old unit. (German web version had what your posted above)
Thanks for making me aware. I will check my settings.

Fortunately the BMS will stop cold charging

 

[StillGoing]

Hmm. Downloaded the web version in case different and didn't see that. Sent the manual back in the box with the old unit. (German web version had what your posted above)
Thanks for making me aware. I will check my settings.

Fortunately the BMS will stop cold charging

On mine, there was a warning on the box it came in

 

[StillGoing]

Here are the latest manuals in German and an English Google translate version! There doesn’t appear to be a proper English version available yet.

The Votronic web site has undergone a big revamp.

 

[activecampers]

There was a warning on the box it came in

View attachment 816809

Oooooh

 

[Jez1966]

No it does not limit current. It stops current above that amount (not quite true but keeping it simple) by blowing

Eg if your had an appliance like a kettle that took 10a. If you had a 13a fuse great. If you put a 5a fuse in your would not limit the kettle to 5a (eg it works work but take 2x as long) it would blow instantly and the kettle would not work. Eg you cannot use a fuse as a current limiting device. Try it. Put a 3 or 5a fuse in a10a device like decent kettle or hair dryer and it will blow.

(Assuming the inverter is not getting involved either!)

Terminology maybe?

I will hasten to add I'm taking about blade fuses and UK mains fuses, not any other device or fuse which may or may not be different

I'm saying it "limits current" by blowing if fuse capacity exceeded.
To reduce the danger of inverter overheating the use of a lower value fuse to limit the max current drawn would work.
We're not talking about the "control" of the current, as that would require a Rheostat.
We're simply looking at stopping an over current and a fuse does that.

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[activecampers]

I'm saying it "limits current" by blowing if fuse capacity exceeded.
To reduce the danger of inverter overheating the use of a lower value fuse to limit the max current drawn would work.
We're not talking about the "control" of the current, as that would require a Rheostat.
We're simply looking at stopping an over current and a fuse does that.

Sounds like we are saying the same thing. But back to thread topic, using a lower fuse (which was suggested above to limit current) will not help with this issue with this device as the b2b well always pull max current when the battery needs a charge. So a lower fuse will blow on virtually every use and ok may stop the issue but also renders the device useless as it would never work and may as well be removed.

 

[Antique]

Many thanx for raising this issue activecampers

Three weeks ago I sent an email to Votronic with the serial number of my 30amp B2B. Today I have just received the new modified unit FOC.
No fuss, no messing around.
.
Excellent customer service from them !

All the best

Antique