PowerDrive 3 charging temp high

[JimboBonita]

Just received a certified dealer used 2012 Precedent.

The Power Drive 3 charger is VERY HOT while charging...measured with meat thermometer laying on charger at over 165 degrees. This seems excessive and charger may be WELL DONE! Previous 2008 Club Car charger was never this hot.

What is the NORMAL operating temperature UL tested for these chargers?

[TahoeDawgZ71]

Here ya go......

[lowvolts]

Tahoe yes you are correct according to the info they are tested in a lab and certified. but real world 100+ heat with 90% humidity in the Texas sun with a shitty extension cord is most likely untested.

Now lots of people use extension cords! I just used one and it got real hot, surprised me! I have never used one prior to this and nothing ever got hot. With the extension cord the charge receptacle was hot, the charger was hot, and the 120 volt plug was hot along with the extension cord. Now this charge cycle also lasted hours longer than what was normal for this cart so plug directly into the outlet or use a very large gauge cord.

you could always install a small fan like the ones in a computer and blow or suck air into the charger if worried.

[sunoco]

Originally Posted by JimboBonita

measured with meat thermometer

[sportcoupe]

Originally Posted by lowvolts

Tahoe yes you are correct according to the info they are tested in a lab and certified. but real world 100+ heat with 90% humidity in the Texas sun with a shitty extension cord is most likely untested.

UL testing does in fact replicate and exceed "real world" environmental conditions. They do not replicate faulty wiring though. If you're going to use an extension cord make sure it's high quality and of appropriate size for the length required.

[TahoeDawgZ71]

Originally Posted by sportcoupe

UL testing does in fact replicate and exceed "real world" environmental conditions. They do not replicate faulty wiring though. If you're going to use an extension cord make sure it's high quality and of appropriate size for the length required.

[mattneedsmiles]

I guess mine might get hot too if the charge ever lasted more than 30 seconds. Does a melted coating on the side of the transformer mean anything to anyone? It's a PowerDrive 3 I'm dealing with. Some have told me the heat sink(s) might be the issue. Is that an easy enough fix? I've looked, but can't seem to find any details on this repair. The owner manual also doesn't talk about it.

Thanks

[TahoeDawgZ71]

Originally Posted by mattneedsmiles

I guess mine might get hot too if the charge ever lasted more than 30 seconds. Does a melted coating on the side of the transformer mean anything to anyone? It's a PowerDrive 3 I'm dealing with. Some have told me the heat sink(s) might be the issue. Is that an easy enough fix? I've looked, but can't seem to find any details on this repair. The owner manual also doesn't talk about it.

Thanks

Need a little more information. What happens after 30 seconds? Does the circuit breaker trip?

[mattneedsmiles]

Indeed it does. It seems as though the charger is only successful when the batteries have not been run down much. Is that possible?

[TahoeDawgZ71]

Is it consistent? 30 seconds every time? Can you try it on another charger?