Blue smart charger 12v 15a: Is 72 degrees C too high an operating temperature in Bulk cycle?

DIY
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1

Hi, I have a blue smart charger 12v 15a (IP65), it’s currently running a bulk charge for over 4 hours. When I checked, the unit had a surface temperature of 52 degrees C, and when placing the temperature probe between the charger and the rubber casing that it’s housed in, that shot up to 72 degrees C.
Is this normal and/or safe?
The battery it’s charging (non-lithium, standard camper van leisure battery) lives inside a compartment, I’m concerned that when my van is on electric hook up at a campsite, I’ve got a fire risk. The readings I’ve posted above were taken with the charger moved outside of the battery compartment, but still inside the van where the outside temperature is sunny and 22 degrees C (UK)

First thing I will look into is cutting a ventilation hole in the battery compartment, I just wondered if I need to replace the actual charger

thanks in advance for your time and help

2

Yes, that’s a bit too warm. It needs ventilation and maybe a small fan to force air through the compartment.

Most of the Victron charger data sheets say something along the lines of “-20 to +50 °C (full rated output up to 40 °C)” so it will charge less efficiently as it has exceeded 40C. Most electronics have an absolute limit somewhere around 70-85C depending on the components.

So the charger is probably ok, but things that’s hot. Also, since the batteries are Lead Acid, there should be a vent for them off-board to get any noxious fumes and hydrogen out of the battery compartment.