Nordelettronica Charger Unit

[KevinD]

I've been having problems with the charger unit on my 2009 Sterling Europa since new. I've reported faults with it 7 times. It's been replaced 5/6 times now. I know from researching on various forums that there were issues with an incorrectly spec'ed component (Transformer - If I remember correctly), but I am still getting recurring problems almost every time I use the van. - Which is rare as the van spends so long in the dealers.
I know Swift have since swapped to a different manufacturer but I've come to the conclusion that there's a design fault with these Nordelettronica NE143 units.
Referring to the latest problem; I lose all 12v output from the charger. First indication of a problem is when I notice the lights are running dim as the battery discharges. (I've had this problem before but have also had intermittant problems on previous units where the 12v output has failed but then recovered days later. I've also monitored unregulated output from the unit resulting in overcharging of the battery)
Can anyone tell me what is the maximum current of the 12v supply of this unit is? The reason I ask is because I've seen a label on the outside of the unit mentioning 17A maximum, but I've discovered there's a fuse on the back of the case at 30A. This fuse is only accessable once the unit is removed from it's housing so is obviously not intended as a "user-replaceable" item. If, as is stated on the case it's a 17A max, then that leaves several questions:
Why is there a 30A fuse?
Why is there no mention of this fuse in any circuit diagrams or other owner documentation?
What is there to protect the Charger unit from an overload?

Kevin

 

[paulthomas]

Hi Kevin,
Quite simply I don't think the NE unit is up to the job.Due to recurring problems mine was either replaced or reconditioned under warranty last year.I'm now getting the occasional "overvoltage" message on the control unit accompanied by all electrics shutting down with bleeper and flashing red light etc.Also,and I don't know if this is linked,our electric heater,set to 3000,sometimes just goes off,as does the green indicator light on the control knob.
I posted a query re the overvoltage message on the Swift website.Their view is that,as the charger is a three stage unit which SHOULD reduce the charge in line with the increased charge of the battery,it may be continuing the highest level charge even when the battery is fully charged.The problem is spoadic,rather than constant-which probably means that when it goes back to the dealer under warranty they will report "no problem found."
Hey ho.

 

[KevinD]

Paul,
I've also posted this query on the Swift website. It's been picked up by Swift and they are looking into things....

I think I've read your overcharging post (probably yours, but to be honest, there's SO MANY posts regarding the poor reliability of this unit I've lost track). Interesting what you say about the charger continuing to charge at the higher rate instead of dropping down. It's my suspicion that this has happened to me. I've taken photos as proof of the charger/battery voltage up at 15.4v. I now think my battery is effectively cooked and will no longer retain a charge. - This does not alter the fact that the charger system should be able to be used without failing.

Angry - You bet!

 

[DavidArmstrong]

Hi Kevin,
I have a Swift Charisma 650 2008 model and I have had problems with this battery charger in the past also. The unit has been replaced by Swift earlier this year with what looks like a reconditioned unit. The original fault was a failed transformer which is attached to a printed circuit board on the inside of the unit. The unit failed again only weeks after getting it back from Swift, what seems to be the problem this time is a faulty switch on the front of the unit (marked battery charger) If you put the switch on and off a few times it eventually makes a connection and the 12v works again. I use the van very regular so had no intention of putting it off the road to get this minor fault repaired until the winter.
The connections on the back of the unit are not the best either and I have had some slack connections in the past which I have resolved myself by making sure the spade connectors are tight and by putting a spot of araldite onto them to stop them getting slack with all the movement (not too much in case they need to come back off again!) From memory the 3 pin white connector is the 12v connector that causes the problems on the back.
Swift group now use Sargent Electrical who are a Hull based firm instead of the Italian NE143 units. What would have been good (although costly for Swift) would be to replace all of the NE143 units with the new Sargent model that is used in the new models. I think they will continue to change these under warranty until the parts are no longer available and then we will need to purchase an alternative unless of course you get so fed up you trade the van in!
David