Cummins Onan. Energy Command 30. Manual - part 3

 

  Index      Engines     Cummins Onan. Energy Command 30 - service manual 2007 year

 

Search            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Content   ..  1  2  3  4   ..

 

 

Cummins Onan. Energy Command 30. Manual - part 3

 

 

 

 

Page 9 

 

•  Brake: Brake light for all trailer, 5

th

 wheel, and 

pickup camper installations, or air brake on 
diesel motor homes.  

•  Park: The park signal/neutral (transmission) 

from motorized motor homes or van 
conversions. 

 
Press ENTER to store in permanent memory.   This 
will not have to be changed unless the type of safety 
input is changed or the EC-30 is installed in a different 
application. 
 

Setting START/STOP @ Values - General 

When AUTO< is selected Quiet Time prefill (charging 
the battery two hours prior to the beginning of Quiet 
Time) occurs if the battery level is less than FULL (all 
three bars of the level gauge are on).   
 
Care should be taken changing the settings.  It is 
recommended that these setting only be changed by 
qualified personnel that understand the charging 
system and have checked its operating voltages. 
 
If STOP @ V has been changed to a user defined 
value, then pre-fill occurs whenever the battery voltage 
is less than the STOP @ V voltage setting.    When the 
battery is full or reaches the user set STOP @ V the 
genset will be stopped.   
 

START @ V   

The START @ V is the voltage to which the house 
battery must fall to cause the genset to automatically 
start due to a low battery.  The default value is Auto 
which starts the genset when one bar is displayed in 
the battery level indicator. See the Operation section of 
this manual.  The START @ V voltage range is 10.5- 
12.5 volts.  A lower voltage will decrease the number of 
starts due to a low battery.  A higher voltage will 
increase the number of start due to a low battery. 
Setting the START @ V too high may result in frequent 
“false” starts due to a “low battery” start. 
 

Time @ START V   

The Time @ START V is the length of time that the 
house battery voltage must be below the START @ V 
voltage before the genset will automatically start.  The 
default value is 15 seconds.  The range is 5-60 
seconds.  Setting a shorter time will increase the 
number of generator starts due to temporary voltage 
dips, (increase the “sensitivity” to voltage dips). Setting 
a longer time will decrease the “sensitivity” to 
temporary voltage dips.   
 

STOP @ V   

The STOP @ V is the voltage to which the house 
battery must rise to cause the genset to automatically 

stop due to a full battery.  The default value is Auto 
which stops the genset when three bars are displayed 
in the battery level indicator. See the Operation section 
of this manual.  The STOP @ V voltage range is 13.2-
14.5 volts.  A lower voltage will not fill the battery as full 
but it will reduce the amount of time the genset will run.  
A higher voltage will fill the battery to a higher state of 
charge, but increase the amount of genset run time.  If 
the charge system is unable to reach the STOP @ V 
voltage, the result will be excessive genset running.  
This setting does not change the battery charging 
voltage.
  Do not set STOP @ V above the voltage of 
the battery charger.
 
 

Time @ STOP V   

The Time @ STOP V is the length of time that the 
house battery voltage must be above the Stop @ V 
voltage to cause the genset to automatically stop due 
to a full battery. The default value is one minute.  The 
range is 1-60 minutes.  Setting a shorter time will 
decrease the genset run time.  Setting a longer time 
will increase the length of time the genset runs to 
charge the battery.    
 

Selecting Appropriate Values 

The selection of the start and stop voltages and the 
time required to be at those voltages requires trade-
offs.  It is a balance between the number of genset 
starts, the length of genset run time, and the desired 
battery charge level.  The default values have been 
selected to ensure that the battery stays charged and 
the genset does not run excessively or needlessly start 
for temporary voltage excursions. We recommend the 
default values be used until the performance of the 
system can be assessed. 
 
Setting the START @ V higher will result in more 
genset starts and a quicker response to voltage dips. 
Setting the Time @ START V shorter will also increase 
the response to voltage dips.  Both will cause more 
genset starts.   
 
Setting the STOP @ Voltage higher will result in more 
genset starts and shorter genset runtimes for battery 
charging.  Setting the Time @ STOP V longer will 
increase the genset runtime for battery charging. 

 

 

Remember charging current falls to very low levels at 
the end of charge.  Typically it is preferred to use shore 
power and not the genset to “top off” or fully charge the 
battery.   Avoid running lightly loaded gensets.   Run 
the system through a complete automatic start/stop 
cycle after changing setting to confirm proper 
performance. 
 

 

 

Page 10 

 

Effect of Increasing START @ V OR Time @ START V 

Effect of Increasing 

# Starts 

Runtime 

Battery Level 

START @ V 

More 

Less 

Higher 

Time @ START V 

Less 

More 

Higher 

STOP @ V 

More 

Less 

Higher 

Time @ STOP V 

Less 

More 

Higher 

 

TEST SYSTEM Displays

 

The TEST SYSTEM displays (see Figure #3 TEST 
SYSTEM Displays) are used by the installer to verify all 
input are connected and operate, and to test run the 
genset.  After installation the TEST SYSTEM displays 
can be used to verify correct operation or to assist in 
troubleshooting the system.   The various test displays 
request a specific action from the operator and 
acknowledges that the action has been correctly 
observed.   
  
To ensure an orderly process be sure the GENSET 
MODE is MANUAL and all inputs are in the off state 
before beginning the test.
   Meaning there are no 
HVAC run requests, the ignition is off, the park brake 
(or brake lights for a trailer) is off, and there is no shore 
power connected. 
 

SAFETY TEST Display 

The SAFETY TEST display is used to verify the safety 
input is operating correctly.  The safety input may be 
connected to the: 

•  Ignition: Input is connected to the vehicle 

ignition system (motor homes or van 
conversions). 

•  Brake: Brake light for all trailer, 5

th

 wheel, and 

pickup camper installations, or air brake on 
diesel motor homes.  

•  Park: The park signal/neutral (transmission) 

from motorized motor homes or van 
conversions. 

The safety type that is set is displayed.  
 
To check proper operation, navigate to the SETUP & 
INFO and press ENTER. Now go to the TEST 
SYSTEM display and press ENTER again.  SAFETY 
TEST will be the first display, press ENTER.  The 
display will either say IGNITION, or BRAKE, or PARK, 
ON & OFF.  After the EC-30 sees the change of state 
of the safety input it will display the safety type and ok 
ENTER.  Pressing ENTER will acknowledge its correct 
operation and exit back to the SAFETY TEST display.  
  

HVAC (RUN REQUEST) Display 

The HVAC RUN REQUEST system is tested by 
sequentially turning on and off each input.  There may 
be up to three inputs.  From the TEST SYSTEM 
display, press ENTER and then navigate to HVAC 
RUN REQUEST.  Press ENTER.  The first display will 

say TURN ON HVAC1.  It makes no difference which 
HVAC system is connected to which terminal.  Simply 
turn on one, and leave all others off.  If the EC-30 
detects the input, the display will change to say HVAC1 
OK Turn Off.  Now turn off the HVAC.  The displays will 
now ask that HVAC2 be turned on. Turn on the next 
HVAC unit and follow the displayed instructions.  This 
process allows a quick test of all HVAC RUN 
REQUEST inputs.  If there is only one or two HVAC 
inputs, use the UP/DOWN key to go to the last display 
which is ENTER to Exit. 
 

Run Gen Display 

Before testing the genset be sure that the location 
is safe for running the genset and that its 
installation is completed.
 This test verifies that the 
start, stop, and switched B+ signals between the EC-
30 and the genset are ok. Navigate to the display that 
says ENTER to Run Gen.  Pressing ENTER will begin 
a start and stop sequence which can only be 
interrupted by manually stopping the genset using the 
STOP switch.  The EC-30 will go through a complete 
start and stop sequence and it will display its results as 
the test is happening.  When the test is complete the 
display will say Gen Ok ENTER.  Pressing ENTER will 
exit back to the display that says ENTER to Run Gen.  
To continue testing other system components use the 
UP/DOWN key for the next display.    
 

Testing Shore AC Present 

This test verifies that the EC-30 can sense when AC 
power is available from the utility grid.  Before starting 
this test be sure that the Shore AC is disconnected.  
Turn off the AC breaker at its supply or unplug the 
vehicle or trailer from the AC grid system. Do not do 
this test with the genset running.  Navigate to the 
Shore AC Present display and press ENTER.  The 
display will say Turn On Shore AC.   Now plug the 
shore AC back in or turn the breaker on.  The display 
will change to read AC Ok ENTER.  Press ENTER to 
exit the test. 
 

Exiting TEST SYSTEM 

To exit TEST SYSTEM use the UP/DOWN key until 
ENTER to EXIT is displayed.  Press ENTER and press 
DOWN once and ENTER to Exit will be displayed.  
Pressing ENTER will exit to the Main Display.
 

 

 

Page 11 

 

 

Installing the Energy Command 30

 

 

Overview 

This section describes how to install the Energy 
Command 30 (EC-30). 
 

General 

This system is only for use with Onan Recreational 
Vehicle genset (Quiet Diesel gensets, and 
Gasoline/LP gensets).  
 
The control circuitry is a 3-wire ground to start/stop 
type.  Before installing, refer to the System Diagram, 
Figure 4, and select the appropriate wiring diagram, 
Figures 5-7, for connection to your genset. Consult 
an Onan distributor with any questions.  
 
Appendix A shows the Onan gensets that are 
compatible with the EC-30 and the correct wiring 
figures and harnesses to use for each genset. 
 
!CAUTION!  For personal safety and prevention of 
equipment damage, only experienced personnel 
should install this system.  The installer must wear 
safety glasses and protective clothing necessary 
for personal safety.   
 

Installation Precautions 

 
CAUTION!  Always disconnect a battery charger 
from its AC source before disconnecting the 
battery cables.  Otherwise, disconnecting the 
cables can result in voltage spikes high enough 
to damage the DC control circuits of the genset. 
 
! WARNING!  Unexpected starting of the genset 
set while working on it can cause severe 
personal injury or death.  Prevent unexpected or 
accidental starting by disconnecting the genset 
battery cables {negative (-) first}, or by 
disconnecting the remote harness at the genset. 
 
!WARNING!  Arcing can ignite explosive 
hydrogen gas given off by batteries, causing 
severe personal injury.  Arcing can occur if the 
negative (-) battery cable is connected and a tool 
being used to connect or disconnect the positive 
(+) battery cable accidentally touches the frame 
or other grounded metal part of the genset set or 
vehicle frame.  To prevent arcing always remove 
the negative (-) cable first, and reconnect it last. 
 
 
 

 

Specifications 

Operating 
Temperature:  

-20 to 70 degrees C 
(-4F to 158F) 

Storage  
Temperature: 

-40 to 70 degrees C 
(-40F to 158F) 

Battery System: 

12 Volt DC 

Voltage Range:  

8 – 35VDC 

Typical Current 
Draw: 

47mA @ 12V 

L x W x D:  

80.98 x 130.12 x 30.48 mm 
(3.188 x 5.125 x 1.20 inches) 

 

INSTALLATION CODES AND 
STANDARDS FOR SAFETY

 

The vehicle builder or EC-30 installer bears sole 
responsibility for the appropriate selection of 
components, for proper installation and for obtaining 
approvals from any authorities having jurisdiction for 
the installation.  EC-30 is suitable for installation in 
accordance with: 

•  ANSI A 1192 (NFPA No. 1192)-Standard on 

Recreational Vehicles 

• NFPA No.70, Article 551-Recreational 

Vehicles and RV Parks 

•  CAN/CSA-Z240.6.2 Recreational Vehicles 

Federal, State and local codes, such as the California 
Administrative Code - Title 25 (RV installation), might 
also be applicable. Installation codes and 
recommendations may change over time and vary 
between countries, states and municipalities. It is 
recommended that the standards in Table 2 be 
obtained for reference. 

 

TABLE 2 REFERENCE CODES AND STANDARDS 

<NA for control systems> 

 

NFPA 70 

 National Electric Code 

National Fire Protection 

Association 

470 Atlantic Avenue 

Boston, MA 02210 

ANSI A119.2 (NFPA 1192) 

Standard on Recreational 

Vehicles 

Recreational Vehicle 
 Industry Association  

14650 Lee Road 

Chantilly, VA 22021 

California Administrative Code 

Title25, Chapter 3 

State of California  

Documents Section  

P.O. Box 1015  

North Highlands, CA 95660 

CAN/CSA-Z240.6.2 

Recreational Vehicles 

Canadian Standards 

Association Housing and 

Construction Materials Section 

I178 Rexdale Blvd 

Rexdale, Ontario, Canada  

M9W 1 R3 

 

 

Page 12 

 

 

OEM Supplied Equipment 

 
Required for Installation 

Manufacturer & PN 

Mating Connector Housing 

Tyco/AMP  770583-1 

Pins (Up 16 required) 

Tyco/AMP  171637-1 

2 or 3 5A DC Inline Fuses 

Installers choice 

Tools 

 

Pro-Crimper II W/Die 16-20 

Tyco/AMP 189727-1 

Contact Extraction Tool 

Tyco/AMP 90760-1 

 

 

Removing Magnetic Overlay 

Insert fingernail beside the Stop/Start Switch and lift 
gently to remove magnetic overlay. 

 

 

Installation Procedure 

This procedure describes the physical installation of 
the unit. 
 

Preparing to Mount the EC-30 

1)  Select a location: 

a.  Use the Mounting Template and the 

EC-30 itself to determine an 
appropriate location.  It should be 
located in a visible location where it 
can be easily operated. 

b.  CAUTION!  Check the backside 

(inside) of the chosen location to 
verify that nothing will interfere with 
drilling and cutting the opening for 
the remote, or with the fasteners, 
harness plug, or enclosure on the 
back of the EC-30. 

c.  Determine the feasibility of routing 

the control wires from the genset to 
the remote.  Verify that the route of 
the control wires meets all 
applicable national and local codes.  

Wires must be protected from all 
hot, sharp, and abrasive surfaces. 

2)  Prepare the chosen location for the genset 

controller. 

a.  Use scissors to cut out the template.  
b.  Tape the template to the mounting 

surface to be cut out, make sure 
that the template is “square or level” 
with the mounting surface. 

c. Using a center punch and a 

hammer, punch a mark through the 
template for each fastener and at 
the perimeters of the cutout area. 

d.  Remove the template. 

3)  Drill the cutout starter holes at the four 

corners of the cutout area.  Cut between 
them and remove the cutout. 

 

NOTE:  Because the location of the genset 
controller will vary by installation, the tools 
to be used and the cutout material (wood, 
metal, plastic, etc.) will differ.  Therefore, the 
size of the cutout starter holes and the 
procedure for cutting between the starter 
holes must be determined by the installer. 
 
4)  Drill 1/8-inch diameter holes for the control 

panel fastening screws.   

5)  This completes the preparation of the 

mounting hole for the control panel.  Do not 
mount until wiring is complete.   

 

Wiring Guidelines 

The wiring for the EC-30 may be single conductors 
of 16-20 AWG wire formed into a wiring harness.   
The wire must be rated for the environment, 
temperature, and applicable standards.  
 
Separation from sources of Electro-magnetic 
Interference (EMI): 
All cabling should be installed in 
such a way as to comply with the minimum 
separation of 5 inches (127 mm) from AC power 
sources. 
 
Tension: All wires should be free from tension at 
both ends, as well as over the length of each run. 
 
UTP cable bends:  UTP cable bends or radii should 
be no less than eight times the cable diameter. 
 
!CAUTION! Incorrect connections can damage 
genset controls, remote devices, and interconnect 
wiring.  Make sure that the leads between the 
connections are properly connected. 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Content   ..  1  2  3  4   ..