How to Reset Victron MPPT PV Short Relay

Key Takeaways

• The PV Short Relay engages to protect your Victron MPPT charger, often due to an internal short or a "mistrigger" from incorrect voltage application.
• The first step is to check for error codes 80-87 and verify PV input voltage or resistance with a multimeter.
• Always disconnect both PV and battery power before making any physical connections or disconnections to the charger to prevent a short circuit or electric shock hazard.
• If your charger's serial number is between HQ2150 and HQ2250, or if the reset procedure repeatedly fails, contact a qualified technician or Victron dealer.

Why is my Victron MPPT not charging and showing an error 80-87?

Your Victron SmartSolar MPPT charger is likely not charging because its internal PV Short Relay has engaged. This protection mechanism shorts the PV input, preventing power flow and often displaying error codes from 80 to 87. The relay engages when the firmware detects a short between PV inputs and battery outputs, or it can "mistrigger" if a higher battery voltage than configured is applied to the charger before connecting the PV array.

Diagnosis

Follow these steps to confirm if the PV Short Relay is engaged on your Victron SmartSolar MPPT charger:

1. Check for Error Codes: Connect to your Victron SmartSolar MPPT charger using the VictronConnect app. Look for any active or historical error codes ranging from 80 to 87. These codes indicate an internal fault and that the charger is no longer charging. For more details on specific error codes, refer to our guide on Victron MPPT Error Codes.
2. Observe Charging Status: Note if the charger is not measuring any PV voltage when it should be, or if it has stopped charging the battery entirely.
3. Measure PV Input Resistance: With all power disconnected (PV and battery), use a multimeter in resistance mode to measure across the PV input terminals. If the PV Short Relay is engaged, you may measure a few Ohms or lower, indicating a short.

Cause/fix table section

Resetting the Victron MPPT PV Short Relay

The PV Short Relay reset feature is available on SmartSolar VE.Can MPPT 250/100 models with serial numbers HQ2150 and newer. This procedure requires specific software versions and a temporary power source.

Requirements:

• VictronConnect app version v.580 or later.
• Charger firmware version v3.12 or later.

Procedure:

1. Disconnect PV: Ensure the PV array is completely disconnected from the MPPT charger.
2. Power the Charger: Power the solar charger through its battery terminals with a 12V battery or a bench power supply set to 12V.

• • Safety Note: When connecting or disconnecting battery terminals, always ensure the battery is disconnected from other loads and sources. Use insulated tools to prevent accidental short circuits, as a spanner across a battery bank can short hundreds of amps.

3. Connect with VictronConnect: Open the VictronConnect app on your device and connect to your MPPT charger.
4. Access Reset Feature: Navigate to the Product settings menu within VictronConnect. The "PV Short reset feature" will be shown there.
5. Verify Voltage: The reset button in VictronConnect requires the battery voltage to be between 10V and 15V to be active. Ensure your 12V power source provides a voltage within this range.
6. Perform Reset: Activate the "PV Short reset feature" in the app.
7. Reconnect PV: Once the reset is complete, you can reconnect your PV array.

Safety: PV Short Relay Protection

The PV Short Relay is a critical safety feature. It consists of a latching relay, which is mounted across the PV Input. When the firmware detects a short between PV inputs and Battery outputs, by monitoring the battery voltage for an over voltage, it engages the relay and as such shorts the PV Input. This action protects the charger from potential damage. Always treat electrical systems with caution. Before performing any physical work on your Victron MPPT charger, ensure all power sources, including the PV array and battery, are disconnected.

When to call a technician instead

While the PV Short Relay reset is a user-performable procedure, there are situations where professional assistance is necessary:

• Repeated Engagement: If the PV Short Relay engages repeatedly after successful resets, it may indicate an underlying issue with your PV array, wiring, or the charger itself that requires further diagnosis.
• Serial Number Range: For SmartSolar VE.Can MPPT 250/100 models with serial numbers between HQ2150 and HQ2250, the reset procedure often does not work. If you have a charger in this range and the reset fails, contact a Victron Energy dealer for warranty replacement.
• Unresolved Errors: If the charger continues to display error codes 80 to 87, or if it fails to charge after following the reset procedure, a qualified solar technician can perform a more in-depth inspection.
• Uncertainty: If you are unsure about any step in the troubleshooting or reset process, or if you lack the necessary tools or electrical experience, it is always safer to consult a professional.