Battery charger dead

[Grahamh]

Went out to winterise the van this morning to find the battery flat and the charger dead. Charger is a PS276-1-bcsm and has been fitted for less than 2 years. The charger before that was discovered dead at the first annual service and replaced under warranty. I read the thread on here (now 6 yrs old ) and followed the advice there- opened up the case and checked the internal fuse which had blown. Replaced the fuse but no change and the new fuse immediately blew. Have contacted Electronic serv to see what a repair is likely to cost but...considering the cost of a replacement at between £100 and £140 ( for an uprated 3 stage replacement) I would have thought they would last a bit longer than 2 years no? Any advice on a better alternative - I read the recommendation for a Amperor smart charger but it has different connector and is different size.
Any advice welcome.

 

[Damian]

The BCA units , which is what you have, are very well known for failing, mainly due to overheating because of where they are fitted, inside a plastic box with not enough ventilation.

I suggest you contact Paul at Apuljack Engineering, he has vast knowledge of the problems associated with caravan power supplies and offers a very good repair facility.

Whilst it is on the expensive side, if you want to keep the same configuration for the position of your charger I note that he has an uprated modified unit which is a straight swap over see here: http://shop.apuljackengineering.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=53

Alternatively the Amperor unit is well known and well thought of, but as you identify it is bigger and needs to be mounted outside the PSU box with the necessary change to connections.

 

[Raywood]

The unit sounds to be faulty and even if it was a replacement under guarantee you should still be entitled to another. I would go back to the supplier and be firm with them.

 

[Grahamh]

I agree with you but.....
firstly I opened the case and tried changing the internal fuse - new fuse blew straight away.
I contacted Electronic services for advice and likely cost of repair - they have been on a similar thread here 6 years ago. Their reply below...
Hello Graham,
Yes I know the unit very well, the main cause is the main capacitor going open circuit and taking out the bridge rectifiers and other components....poor quality parts replaced for full spec ...but to buy this new is around £100 ...and repair/upgrade £95 so not economical for repair...so go for a reliable Amperor MV3/180 18amp 3 stage charger around £80,you can deal direct with Amperor sales on the net...and far superior to the 276.
I know that I should create and try but experience tells me that it will be a waste of time and energy ( even this old dog learns in the end) and it is likely to fail again in a year or so.
Have the battery out now and on trickle charge and shall buy the Amperor before refitting the battery in Feb. Cost at present is £87.
Thanks for your thoughts.