Strongway 49684 User manual

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
12 Amp Solar Charge Controller
Owner’s Manual
WARNING: Read carefully and understand all ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION
INSTRUCTIONS before operating. Failure to follow the safety rules and other basic safety
precautions may result in serious personal injury.
Item # 49684

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Thank you very much for choosing a Strongway product!
For future reference, please complete the owner’s record below:
Model: __________________________________________________
Serial Number/Lot Date Code: ________________________________
Purchase Date: ____________________________________________
Save the receipt, warranty, and this manual. It is important that you read
the entire manual to become familiar with this product before you begin
using it.
This Charge Controller is designed for certain applications only. Northern
Tool and Equipment cannot be responsible for issues arising from
modification or use of this product in an application for which it was not
designed. We strongly recommend that this product not be modified
and/or used for any application other than that for which it was designed.
For technical questions, please call 1-800-222-5381.

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents..................................................................................................................................3
Intended Use..........................................................................................................................................4
Technical Specifications......................................................................................................................4
Important Safety Information...............................................................................................................4
Specific Operation Warnings...............................................................................................................5
Assembly ...............................................................................................................................................6
Before Each Use....................................................................................................................................6
Operating Instructions..........................................................................................................................6
After Each Use.......................................................................................................................................7
Maintenance ..........................................................................................................................................7
Parts List................................................................................................................................................8
Troubleshooting....................................................................................................................................8
Replacement Parts................................................................................................................................8
Limited Warranty...................................................................................................................................9

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Intended Use
This charge controller is used to regulate power from a solar panel, to a 12V battery. The controller
handles up to 12 amps and also prevents overcharging, high-voltage surges, and reverse current.
Technical Specifications
Important Safety Information
•Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions may result in serious injury
or property damage.
•The warnings, cautions, and instructions in this manual cannot cover all possible conditions or
situations that could occur. Exercise common sense and caution when using this charge
controller. Always be aware of the environment and ensure that the tool is used in a safe and
responsible manner.
•Do not allow persons to operate or assemble the controller until they have read this manual and
have developed a thorough understanding of how it works.
•Do not modify this controller in any way. Unauthorized modification may impair the function and/or
safety and could affect its life. There are specific applications for which the controller was
designed.
•Use the right tool for the job. DO NOT attempt to force small equipment to do the work of larger
industrial equipment. There are certain applications for which this equipment was designed. It will
do the job better and more safely at the capacity for which it was intended. DO NOT use this
equipment for a purpose for which it was not intended.
•Industrial or commercial applications must follow OSHA requirements.
•Do not wear dangling objects or jewelry when working with electrical equipment.
•Wear the proper personal protective equipment when necessary. Use ANSI Z87.1 compliant
safety glasses with side shields.
•Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
•Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators.
There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
Property Specification
Max. Amps 12
Max. Power 180W
Cut-in Voltage 13
Cut-out voltage 14.2

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•This controller may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
•Handling power cords on corded products may expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash your hands after
handling.
WORK AREA SAFETY
•Inspect the area before each use. Keep it area clean, dry, free of clutter, and well lit. Cluttered,
wet, or dark work areas can result in injury.
•Do not use the charge controller and solar panels where there is a risk of causing a fire or an
explosion; e.g., in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. The charging system can
create sparks, which may ignite the flammable liquids, gases, or dust.
•Do not allow children to handle the controller, solar panels, or batteries.
PERSONAL SAFETY
•Do not wear dangling objects or jewelry when working with electrical equipment.
•Wear the proper personal protective equipment when necessary. Use ANSI Z87.1 compliant
safety glasses with side shields.
•Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
•Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators.
There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
Specific Operation Warnings
•To prevent serious injury or property damage read owner’s manual before operating.
•Ensure that the leads match positive to positive and negative to negative. Wrong connections
may cause property damage.
•DO NOT exceed rated current of 12 amps.
•Securely mount charge controller in a well-protected dry place free from moisture and weather.
•Product should be placed in a well ventilated area, free from flammable gases.
•No altercations shall be made to this product.
•DO NOT use if product is damaged. Replace damaged parts before using.
•DO NOT wear metallic jewelry when working on electrical equipment.
•DO NOT drop tools or other large objects on the glass of the solar module.
•DO NOT use soap, solvents, or similar chemicals to clean solar panel.
•Not for use by or around children.

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Assembly
No assembly required except the connections for operation. See Operating Instructions
Before Each Use
Check for damaged connectors or lights on the controller before each use. Replace the controller if
damaged.
Check that the controller as well as the solar panel, battery clamps and other parts are clean to
ensure proper function. If necessary, wipe the components with a damp cloth – DO NOT use soap or
solvents when cleaning and DO NOT pour chemicals on the panel.
Operating Instructions
•Check the ratings of the solar panel, and battery before connecting the charge controller. The
controller’s rated voltage is 12 volts and the input current must be less than 12 amps.
•Do not expose the charge controller to rain or wet conditions. The controller is NOT weather-
proof.
•Keep the controller away from direct sunlight, electric heaters, or high temperature electrical
appliances.
•When connecting the system for use, ensure that the connections are positive-to-positive (red-to-
red) and negative-to-negative (black-to-black). Wrong connections will cause damage to the
controller, solar panel and/or the battery.
1. Arrange the controller, solar panel, battery, and any load within the range of the connecting cables
(only the controller is provided in this package).
Note: The controller is designed to be flush mounted or wall mounted
2. Cover the solar panel to prevent arcing while making system connections.
WARNING: Failure to follow the connection sequence below may damage the controller.
3. First, connect the controller to the battery first, using the “Battery” cable attached to the controller
and a battery clamp cable (not included), noting the CAUTION above. (The connection is shown
below.)
4. Then, connect the controller to the solar panel using the “Solar Panel” plug & cable on the
controller. Plug the J-plug on the cable to the J-plug on the solar panel. (The connection is
shown below.)

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Note that both the Charged and Charging lights on the controller may flicker during connection;
this is normal.
Note: Do not connect the battery cables directly to the solar panels.
Do not connect any power supply directly to the solar panels.
5. As the system charges, observe the indicators on the controller:
The Charging indicator light illuminates in yellow when the battery charge is below 13 volts.
The controller cuts-in and charging begins.
The Charged indicator illuminates in green when the battery charge is at 14.2 volts meaning
the battery is fully charged. The controller cuts-out and charging stops.
6. When disconnecting the system, cover the solar panel to prevent arcing during disconnection,
then disconnect the solar panel first, then the battery.
After Each Use
•Clean the controller, solar panel, battery clamps and other parts of dirt and debris to prepare it for
the next use. Wipe the components with a damp cloth but DO NOT use soap or solvents.
•Dry the components so that no moisture remains to possibly corrode the electrical connections.
Store the controller and other system components when it is not in use. Store them in a dry, secure
place out of the reach of children. Inspect the components for good working condition prior to storage
and again before use.
Maintenance
The controller requires no maintenance except occasional cleaning and replacement if damaged or
worn.

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Parts List
The Charge Controller
Troubleshooting
•If the Charging indicator does not illuminate soon after connected to the uncovered solar panel
(and the Charged indicator is also not illuminated), check that the connections are secure. If the
Charging indicator still does not illuminate, a cable may be bad, make corrections to the system
as needed.
Replacement Parts
•For replacement parts and technical questions, please call Customer Service at 1-800-222-5381.
•Not all product components are available for replacement. The illustrations provided are a
convenient reference to the location and position of parts in the assembly sequence.
•When ordering parts, the following will be required: model number, serial number/lot date code,
and description.
•The distributor reserves the rights to make design changes and or improvements to product lines
and manuals without notice.

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Limited Warranty
Northern Tool and Equipment Company, Inc. ("We'' or '"Us'') warrants to the original purchaser only
("You'' or “Your”) that the Strongway product purchased will be free from material defects in both
materials and workmanship, normal wear and tear excepted, for a period of two years from date of
purchase. The foregoing warranty is valid only if the installation and use of the product is strictly in
accordance with product instructions. There are no other warranties, express or implied, including the
warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. If the product does not comply with this
limited warranty, Your sole and exclusive remedy is that We will, at our sole option and within a
commercially reasonable time, either replace the product or product component without charge to You
or refund the purchase price (less shipping). This limited warranty is not transferable.
Limitations on the Warranty
This limited warranty does not cover: (a) normal wear and tear; (b) damage through abuse, neglect,
misuse, or as a result of any accident or in any other manner; (c) damage from misapplication,
overloading, or improper installation; (d) improper maintenance and repair; and (e) product alteration
in any manner by anyone other than Us, with the sole exception of alterations made pursuant to
product instructions and in a workmanlike manner.
Obligations of Purchaser
You must retain Your product purchase receipt to verify date of purchase and that You are the original
purchaser. To make a warranty claim, contact Us at 1-800-222-5381, identify the product by make
and model number, and follow the claim instructions that will be provided. The product and the
purchase receipt must be provided to Us in order to process Your warranty claim. Any returned
product that is replaced or refunded by Us becomes our property. You will be responsible for return
shipping costs or costs related to Your return visit to a retail store.
Remedy Limits
Product replacement or a refund of the purchase price is Your sole remedy under this limited warranty
or any other warranty related to the product. We shall not be liable for: service or labor charges or
damage to Your property incurred in removing or replacing the product; any damages, including,
without limitation, damages to tangible personal property or personal injury, related to Your improper
use, installation, or maintenance of the product or product component; or any indirect, incidental or
consequential damages of any kind for any reason.
Assumption of Risk
You acknowledge and agree that any use of the product for any purpose other than the specified
use(s) stated in the product instructions is at Your own risk.
Governing Law
This limited warranty gives You specific legal rights, and You also may have other rights which vary
from state to state. Some states do not allow limitations or exclusions on implied warranties or
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to You. This limited
warranty is governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to rules pertaining to
conflicts of law. The state courts located in Dakota County, Minnesota shall have exclusive jurisdiction
for any disputes relating to this warranty.

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Distributed by
Northern Tool and Equipment Company, Inc.
Burnsville, Minnesota 55306
NorthernTool.com
Made in China