Pl6 safety code 96 at low current charge rates
#1
New Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1

Charger: powerlab 6, ordered at Lhs and purchased about 3 months ago
Power supply: 2xhp server supplies in series, 24.8v, 1100 watts total
Can charge combinations of 3s to 6s without issue, charge rates vary from 5a to 35a.
When charging small batteries, specifically 2s300 x 3 lipo parallel at 2c, or 600ma per pack, 1.8a total, or a 6s1700 NiMH at 2a or less, I get safety code 96 a few minutes into charge. When charging the NiMH, it will sometimes false peak and go to trickle in just a few minutes.
Any ideas?
Power supply: 2xhp server supplies in series, 24.8v, 1100 watts total
Can charge combinations of 3s to 6s without issue, charge rates vary from 5a to 35a.
When charging small batteries, specifically 2s300 x 3 lipo parallel at 2c, or 600ma per pack, 1.8a total, or a 6s1700 NiMH at 2a or less, I get safety code 96 a few minutes into charge. When charging the NiMH, it will sometimes false peak and go to trickle in just a few minutes.
Any ideas?
#2
Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 65

From the manual for safety code 96
"PWM ratio too high. Check the power supply and output wiring"
I would look closely at all wiring between the charger and the supplies. Ideally the supply uses good quality 10 AWG to an EC5 connector. No adapters and no 4mm bananas.
With server supplies, DC (not AC) ground should removed from only the second supply in series (supply delivering 24v positive). The connections should be solid.
If another supply is available for testing that would be helpful. Alternatively a 12v car battery can be used to for testing.
For the NiMh packs, they may need several slow forming charges. Slow charge and discharges using a low rate. The charge cycle should take about 10 to 15 hours.
"PWM ratio too high. Check the power supply and output wiring"
I would look closely at all wiring between the charger and the supplies. Ideally the supply uses good quality 10 AWG to an EC5 connector. No adapters and no 4mm bananas.
With server supplies, DC (not AC) ground should removed from only the second supply in series (supply delivering 24v positive). The connections should be solid.
If another supply is available for testing that would be helpful. Alternatively a 12v car battery can be used to for testing.
For the NiMh packs, they may need several slow forming charges. Slow charge and discharges using a low rate. The charge cycle should take about 10 to 15 hours.