BalmarARS-5 voltage regulator

[Pa La O La]

I have a voltage regulator problem. I got an over voltage warning on my ARC Link that separates my house and starting battery when I am not charging the system. The digital display on my ARS-5 regulator said it was putting out 13.3 V at the battery being charged and the target voltage was 13.4V. Problem is my Xantrex battery monitor and my Xantrex control head for my inverter/charger and my digital multi meter ( reading at the out put to the DC bus all read 14.2V to as high as 14.5 V. I have a Balmar 80 amp alternator. I would think I have a regulator problem and not an alternator problem as it is the job of the regulator to control the out put of said alternator. The system has worked faithfully for 8 years or so. It stopped working in the middle of a night crossing on a three day passage. Then it started working again for the next day. But again it did the same thing crossing the Banks to Provo yesterday. I need to resolve this before heading out of here because getting parts will become a real issue and cooking my house battery bank doesn't appeal. If ya know what I mean.
Thanks for any words of wisdom.
Gary


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[sailorboy1]

where are you sensing the regulator for voltage control (where's the red wire connected), at the alternator or at the battery

but either location the voltage shouldn't be overshooting the setpoint and probalby means is failing

did you go though the troubleshooting section on the regulator instructions?

[Stu Jackson]

I agree that the voltage sense wire should be at the house bank.

Have you re-programmed the regulator? That would be my first step. For some reason my MC-612 switched programs on me a few months ago all by itself! Now back to normal, although I didn't have voltage issues.

If you're leaving and unsure or not feeling secure with it, buy a new one. I'd get the newer MC-614. You're talking maybe less than $200. Small change in the big scheme of things.

Good luck.

[Pa La O La]

It is sensing at the bus. I went through the program settings and they are set at what they have been from its installation.

Thank you for the reply

Gary


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[Vasco]

Check the connections on the alternator, especially the black one.


Toronto in summer, Bahamas in winter.

[wingssail]

I know this thread is old and probably original reporter's problem is already solved, however my information may help someone else with a similar problem.

The described problem: System voltage when charging is too high, The ARS-5 says Bv is lower than what is measured at the buss, or house bank.

Possible cause: A resistance in the sense wire (red wire) from the buss to the regulator is causing a voltage drop. The regulator sees a lower voltage and kicks up the alternator , causing too high system voltage.

Verification: Measure the sense wire voltage at various points from the buss to the red lug on the ARS-5. If you see any significant drop in the measured voltage than this confirms a resistance. Perform this test while charging because current flow through the wires usually magnifies the voltage drop.

Cure: Replace the sense wire. Do not install a new sense wire without a fuse in it. The fuse is needed to protect the ARS-5, however, be careful you don't reuse the fuse holder if that is the source of the voltage drop.

Note: I have seen the resistance occur at the fuse or fuse holder in the sense wire, sometimes a voltage drop of .8 - 1.2 volts. which is enough to throw off the whole regulation system