I am getting an “Error #18 Controller over-current” when my charger is in STORAGE mode. One of the messages suggests that this might be a faulty charger.
@Victron support, I’m not able to get anywhere with the place I purchased the unit from as they have not seen this error before. When NOT in Storage mode, the charger will switch back to BULK mode, and the battery will feed to MP II inverters.
Well, as it turns out, I am getting the Error #18 when in bulk charge mode as well. Not sure what to make of this error. This is happening when I put a demand of the battery system to provide AC power through the inverters. The batteries are suppling the amps beyond the capability of the Smart IP43 charger, so not sure why the charger is complaining and trying to provide more current than the 24.6 amps it is providing.
I would appreciate any thoughts, as I’m not sure how to track this issue down. I don’t know if there is a firmware upgrade that I need to do…
Can you try to reduce the current in the settings of the charger?
If you can reproduce the issue than it should be clear for the seller that the unit should be replaced.
Ok, good idea. I will reduce the charging current from 25 down to 20 amps and see what happens. Thanks!
What I really need is a modern 100A Smart IP43 charger. Currently there is no higher amperage charger available that I am aware of that can talk to the Cerbo GX…
I’ve reduced the current from 25 to 24 amps. I have NOT had the #18 Excessive current error reoccur.
I am seeing the same error at 24 and 23 amps. It happens randomly and does not appear to be tied to excessive demand from the system.
I’ve contacted dealer for next steps. Any other thoughts or tests that I should be across are appreciated.
I’ve enclosed more screen shots.
Had one 24/25 (85-260V wide input range 1+1 version) completely die after only 11 days, #18 error started to show up intermittently some days before it refused to start charging at all (because of #18).
Device was replaced on warranty.
How long has your replacement charger been running now? Any more issues? My dealer is watching this thread and is trying to determine if this is a mfg issue or a design of class issue.
We ran the Phoenix IP43 Smart Charger on the bench in my boat for nearly a week until the installer could get to it. His comment to me was that he felt that the unit was running hotter than he was used to experiencing.
So, my #18 Excessive Current error is happening randomly when the max charging current is set to >18amps. However, when the unit generates the fault the actual current output is sometimes less, because the batteries are fully charged.
I have two main issues:
The unit runs too hot. I’ve added a Ruuvi temp tag to monitor the temp. I should have data in a few days.
This charger is marketed and sold as a “25amp charger”. It should be able to output 25 continuously.
I don’t know what is causing the #18 Excessive Current error. If the system asks for more than the rated 25amps, shouldn’t the charger just limit it’s output to the 25 amps, while the inverters in which I have 3 x MultiPlus-II 230v 24/5000/120-50 units in parallel which will certainly step up to the task of providing the required power.
I’m considering the Phoenix 24v/25a to charge (2 ) 24V AGM banks that power engine start and bow and stern thrusters. They are large banks but only see brief loads and are also supported by a 24V alternator when cruising. I make the assumption that by reducing output to 20A the charger could handle contiuous charging if needed, your experience suggests that may not be true. I’m interested if you find a resolution.
Replacement IP43 24/25 is running ~5 Months now (practically 24/7, as it is the input side of a UPS to foil the attempts of the local energy company to destroy the contents of my freezer), no Error#18 - seen so far.
I agree with you that a (~500€) 25A charger should be able to work as advertised, in case of reduced ability because of higher ambient temperature (which would be something I can understand) it should gracefully throttle down to prevent overheating… and not throw errors.
I guess seeing #18 hints of the device having internal problems, maybe you could go through the “pre RMA bench test” to see if you find something off spec: 5. Pre-RMA test form - Smart charger
Or ask your distributor for a loaner to test if that behaves identical, if not it would hint that your device is broken.
Thanks for the replay. I will run the pre-RMA bench check when I get back to the boat this weekend.
I have a replacement IP43 Charger installed and charging. I will report back results in a few days. Wish me luck!
Good Luck!
Apart from these best wishes: on my replacement I noticed that it is cutting out on a somewhat regular basis, when set for 15+A. Voltage starts to go up till the device shuts off for a moment (reporting 0A charge current in Victron Connect), then continuing. No error messages.
I don’t know where this comes from. Here we have summer, so 30+°C ambient with the charger case seen in FLIR going toward 50°C. Possibly it thinks that the battery also has such temperature (or an even higher one, in case it doesn’t measure the heat-sink but something internal) and cuts off… will need to get a temperature probe tied into the system (can’t use the SmartShunt for temperature sense, as I use it for battery midpoint).
VE Level 3 engineering has been providing great support. I upgraded the new IP43 charger to firmware 3.61 from 3.50. So far this has stopped the overcurrent #18 error from occurring. I am working with them to also upgrade my older IP43 charger and run a series of tests.
Stand by for results when I return to the boat next week.
Out of curiosity: Did the replacement have the same issue as the old one while still being on 3.50 (and the upgrade fixed them) or haven’t you seen #18 with the new one at all ?
Good to hear that support is good and your device is working well now.
In case you still have direct contact with the support, could you ask them to please update the firmware section on Victron Energy - Victron Professional ?
For the IP 43 the last entry in the change log is v3.38 – 25 May 2021…
And (maybe, while at it) enable the VRM to account the power supplied by the IP43 as “from Grid”, to make these chargers feel a little less forgotten?
Well, I spoke too soon. My IP43 Charger running firmware 3.6.1 generated an overcurrent error #18 message today.
Not sure what to make of this.
When using my Phoenix Smart Charger 12v | 50a | 1 + 1 outputs, I am receiving error code #18 Controller over-charge. If I put the unit in Power Supply mode sometimes I can get it to work – but not as a charger. I am trying to charge two Battle Born GC2 100ah Lithium batteries. Also, it is in a network with a Victron Blue Solar Charge Controller with bluetooth dongle and a IP67 Smart Shunt. It’s running on the current firmware.
