How to troubleshoot a Salus Controller that is not working?
- MMegan PerezAug 10, 2025
If the Salus Controller is not working, start by keeping its knob depressed for at least 2 seconds. Also, check the power supply and the fuse in the controller.
How to troubleshoot a Salus Controller that is not working?
If the Salus Controller is not working, start by keeping its knob depressed for at least 2 seconds. Also, check the power supply and the fuse in the controller.
Why does my Salus PCSol 150 alarm on collector overheating?
The Salus Controller may alarm due to collector overheating because the collector pump runs at too low speed, its capacity is too low to transfer heat to the reservoir exchanger, or the temperature preset for the reservoir has been reached, disabling the pump. In the last case, the collector pump is switched on by the collector’s critical temperature, and a relevant alarm may be set off in options.
The SALUS PCSol 150 is an advanced electronic temperature controller designed for efficient heat distribution from solar collectors to a hot utility water reservoir. It manages solar circuit systems based on temperature sensor readings to maximize energy recovery from the collector.
The controller operates using a TOUCH&PLAY system, facilitating ease of use with a knob and button. To switch the unit on, the knob must be depressed for three seconds. Upon startup, the controller automatically begins controlling the collector pump. The pump's operation is indicated by an illuminated icon under the pump symbol; when lit, the pump is working, and when unlit, it is not.
The core algorithm of the PCSol 150 involves monitoring temperatures from two sensors: T1 for the solar collector and T2 for the DHW reservoir. When the T1 sensor reaches the minimal collector operation value (TCOLmin), the collector pump is enabled, indicated by an illuminated sun symbol. If the collector temperature drops two degrees below TCOLmin, the sun symbol turns off, and the collector pump is disabled.
The controller initiates heat loading to the reservoir when the temperature difference between the collector (T1) and reservoir (T2) exceeds a user-defined delta value (d4÷14) and TCOLmin is reached. Heat loading continues until the temperature difference falls below dT-2 (current dT is lower than preset by two degrees) or the collector temperature (T1 sensor) drops below TCOLmin-2. The collector pump then turns off. The controller cycles the collector pump on and off based on sunlight intensity and reservoir conditions until the DHW reservoir preset temperature (TsDHW) is reached.
Once TsDHW is reached, the collector pump stops until the reservoir temperature (T2 sensor) drops one degree below TsDHW-1. If conditions allow, the pump will then restart. If the collector pump stops due to TsDHW being reached, the controller continues to monitor T1. If T1 exceeds the critical collector temperature (TCOLcr), the pump will restart to discharge excessive heat from the collector. This forced operation stops when T1 drops 2°C below TCOLcr.
Measurement Inputs:
High-voltage Output:
Controller Supply:
Operating Conditions:
Physical Specifications:
Temperature Measurement Accuracy:
Connectors:
Temperature Display: Measured temperatures from both sensors (T1 for collector, T2 for reservoir) are shown on linear display indicators. The number of lit segments increases with temperature. T1 is displayed in 10°C steps, and T2 in 5°C steps.
Screen Navigation: Turning the knob selects the screen position for editing, indicated by a slow blinking cursor. Pressing the knob initiates editing, causing the indicator to blink fast. To exit editing or selection mode, depress the knob for 3 seconds or leave untouched for 10 seconds.
Temperature Presets:
Controller Settings (Options): Options are accessed by moving the cursor to the option indicator and pressing the knob. Turning the knob browses options, and pressing it again modifies the selected option. Active options blink fast, inactive ones blink slowly. Values are shown on the left side of the indicator.
Alarms: The controller signals alarms with an acoustic signal and a blinking alarm indicator. Five alarm situations are recognized:
Switching Off: To switch off, depress the knob for about 3 seconds in displaying mode. If in another mode, exit that mode first.
Test of Unit: Upon startup, the unit performs a test, alternately displaying a testing screen and the software version. The testing screen should illuminate all segments evenly. Unlit segments indicate controller damage.
Installation: The controller is designed for vertical wall-mounted installation in dry environments with minimal conductive contamination (2nd degree of contamination according to PN-EN 60730-1). It must not be used in water condensation conditions or exposed to water. Installation must be performed by a qualified and authorized technician in accordance with EN 60335-1 standard, with power supply disconnected.
External Circuits Connection: The manual provides detailed diagrams for connecting power supply and temperature sensors. The electrical installation must include a device for disconnecting both supply poles.
Temperature Sensors: Sensors (CT6w for collector, CT6 for reservoir) are Pt1000 type with brass coats. They should be installed close to the measurement point and thermally insulated. The collector sensor (CT6w) requires special high-temperature silica cables and must not be replaced with a standard CT6 sensor due to potential insulation damage at high collector temperatures.
Fuse Replacement: Before replacing the fuse, disconnect the unit from the power supply. The fuse cannot be visually checked but can be tested with an ohmmeter (infinite resistance indicates a burnt fuse). Use a sub-miniature slow blow fuse 1.25A compliant to IEC 60127, with a maximum switching current not lower than 100A (e.g., MXT-250 from Schurter). Open the casing and replace the fuse.
Troubleshooting: The manual includes a troubleshooting table for common issues like the controller not working or collector overheating, providing remedies such as checking power supply, fuse, pump speed, and temperature presets.
Document Keeping: The installation and operating manual, along with other relevant documents, should be kept for future reference and transferred to a new user if the unit is moved or sold.
| Brand | Salus |
|---|---|
| Model | PCSol 150 |
| Category | Controller |
| Language | English |