The FA11 fault on the Manager30 appears on the display when the system detects input voltage outside its operating range, preventing charging from any source. Common causes include solar panels with an open-circuit voltage above 32V or unstable 240V AC power.
Troubleshooting involves checking solar panel voltage, confirming AC supply stability, and performing a reset by disconnecting all charging sources, the green connector, and the battery sensor before reconnecting.
REDARC recommends seeking the support of a qualified auto electrician or technician.
Important
For your safety, REDARC recommends installation by a qualified auto electrician or technician. Our trusted REDNetwork is made up of professional auto electrical businesses certified by REDARC to install the complete of REDARC solutions. Find Your Local Installer
This information is applicable to the following products:
- The Manager30 S2 (BMS1230S2)
- The Manager30 S3 (BMS1230S3, BMS1230S3-NA)
- The Manager30 S3 with RedVision Pro Display (BMS1230S3R, BMS1230S3R-NA)
How does this fault appear?
The Manager30 display will show ‘FA11 Fault’.
How does this fault occur?
The Manager 30 has detected an input voltage spike, typically from mains AC outside the normal operating range.
Will the battery management system still charge my battery in this condition?
Once the FA11 fault has been triggered, the battery management system will stop charging to prevent any further exposure and possible unit damage. In this condition, the Manager 30 will not charge the batteries.
Diagnostic flow chart
What can cause this condition?
The FA11 fault is triggered when excessive voltage or voltage spikes are detected on the AC input. This condition can sometimes be triggered when charging from solar and AC mains at the same time and the solar input voltage exceeds 32V.
The main contributing factors are as follows:
- AC mains voltage spike
- Stormy Weather (Lightning strikes)
- Excessive solar input voltage
- Unstable/fluctuating AC mains
How to determine the cause of the FA11?
Important
In this article we explain the need for testing to determine the cause of the issue. Testing may involve changes to the installation or wiring. For your safety and accuracy, REDARC recommends engaging a REDNetwork member or a suitably qualified auto electrician - Find Your Local Installer
AC mains voltage spike
When using a generator to supply 240V mains power at powered campsites or other shared environments, there can be times when heavy usage across the site leads to unstable power. This can result in voltage fluctuations or spikes, which may affect the performance of your electrical devices and systems.
Things you can try:
- Carry out the reset procedure and recheck operation
- If the problem occurs again, disconnect the 240V, carry out reset and seek alternate 240V mains supply or rely on other input sources (Solar and Vehicle)
Stormy Weather
During severe storms subjected to direct or nearby lightning strikes, it can expose the electrical system to extreme voltage spikes. In the unfortunate event of a direct Lightning strike, it is likely further electrical damage has occurred and it is recommended to have reviewed by a specialist.
Things you can try:
- Carry out the reset procedure and recheck operation.
Excessive solar input voltage
When the Manager 30 is utilizing two sources from solar and 240V mains at the same time, it's possible for the system to trigger the FA11 fault when the Solar input voltage goes outside the product specification (greater than 32Volts).
Things you can try:
- Disconnect the Solar input.
- Carry out reset procedure
- Check the Solar Open Circuit Voltage and ensure is below 32V
- Reconnect solar and recheck operation
- If problem persists, contact REDARC technical support
How to troubleshoot
- Check if the Manager30 display shows ‘FA11 Fault’. If the display does not show this message, no further action is needed.
- Check the solar panel input voltage. To do this, measure the open-circuit voltage of your solar array. If it is below 32V, proceed to the next step, if it is above 32V replace the solar panels with appropriately rated panels.
The maximum allowable input voltage from solar panels to the Manager30 is 32V.
If your solar panels have an open-circuit voltage higher than this, the panels need to be replaced with ones within specification. - Assess the 240V AC input source. If the 240V source is suspected to be unstable either find a suitable, stable 240V AC source and retry. Confirm 240V is working by plugging in another 240V appliance to the output the Manager30 is connected to.
If you are using 240V AC power, the fault might be caused by the supply itself. Some power supplies may experience over-voltage spikes or noise which can trip the FA11 fault.
How to clear the fault
To clear the FA11 fault condition, it can be reset by confirming the fault on the Display or a system power cycle.
Ensure all charging sources are disconnected
Unplug the Green connector on the BMS charger assembly
Disconnect the Battery Sensor Red connection on the Auxiliary battery
Leave disconnected for minimum of 60 seconds (recommended leave for 5 minutes to ensure complete power cycle)
Reconnect the Battery Sensor Red connection on the Auxiliary battery
Reconnect the Green connector to the BMS charger assembly
Reset date/time and battery setting on the BMS Monitor
Recheck operation
If the issue persists the Manager unit may have an internal issue, we recommend contacting REDARC’s Technical Support Team.