CBE PC180 Control Panel image 1 CBE PC180 Control Panel image 2 CBE PC180 Control Panel image 3
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CBE PC180 Control Panel

£106.90(inc VAT) £114.99
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  Product Description
The CBE PC180 Control Panel serves as the command centre for electrical systems in caravans and motorhomes. This microprocessor-controlled unit monitors both vehicle and leisure batteries, tracks fresh and waste water levels, and manages key systems including three-way refrigerators. The LED display provides real-time information at a glance, whilst the intuitive interface means you don't need to be an electrician to understand what's happening with your on-board systems. At 190 x 130 mm, it fits neatly into most control panel locations without eating up valuable wall space.

What sets this panel apart is the electronic battery separator and battery saver function working together to protect your leisure battery from over-discharge. The separator automatically disconnects the leisure battery from the vehicle battery when the engine stops, preventing you from draining the starter battery whilst wild camping. The waste water tank alarm gives advance warning before your grey tank overflows, which is particularly handy on longer stays. The twilight sensor adjusts display brightness automatically, so it won't blind you at night but remains readable in bright sunlight.

Installation requires basic electrical knowledge and the panel comes with connection wiring to integrate with CBE electrical systems. You'll need to purchase tank sensors, battery shunts and other accessories separately as these aren't included. The control panel works with CBE's modular system, so you can add components as your needs grow. This unit replaced older CBE panels and offers significantly more functionality than basic voltmeter setups, giving you proper battery state information rather than just voltage readings.

CBE PC180 Control Panel Features


  • LED display shows battery status and water tank levels
  • Electronic separator protects vehicle starter battery
  • Waste water tank alarm prevents overflow situations
  • Twilight sensor adjusts display brightness automatically

Specifications
  • Panel Dimensions : 190 mm width x 130 mm height?
  • Weight : 0.25 kg (250 grams)?
  • Operating Voltage : 12V DC system?
  • Current Consumption : 0.18 to 0.23 amps when panel switched on?
  • Mounting Depth : Approximately 30 mm (panel thickness)?
  • Display Type : LED display with microprocessor control?
  • Voltage Range : Designed for 12V nominal (operates typically 10.5V to 14.5V)?
  • Fuse Protection : Integrated protection fuses included?
  • Connection Wiring : 6 metre cable kit included (CP973-6)?
  • Brightness Control : Automatic twilight sensor adjustment?
  • Operating Temperature : Standard automotive range (-20°C to +70°C typical for CBE products)


Key Features


Battery Monitoring System
The dual battery monitoring tracks both the vehicle starter battery (B1) and leisure battery (B2) using the CBE battery management system. The LED display shows battery condition through a multi-stage indicator rather than just voltage, giving accurate state of charge information. The electronic battery separator automatically disconnects the leisure battery from the vehicle charging system when the engine stops, preventing discharge of the starter battery during camping.

Water Tank Monitoring
Fresh water tank monitoring requires compatible CBE tank sensors (sold separately) that connect to the control panel wiring harness. The waste water tank includes a reserve alarm that activates before the tank reaches capacity, typically at 80-90% full depending on sensor calibration. Tank level displays use LED indicators showing empty, half, three-quarters and full positions.

Battery Saver Function
The battery saver monitors leisure battery voltage and automatically disconnects non-essential loads when voltage drops below preset thresholds. This prevents deep discharge damage that reduces battery lifespan. The system reconnects loads automatically when battery voltage recovers through charging from solar panels, mains hook-up or the vehicle alternator.

3-Way Fridge Control
The fridge control function manages automatic switching between 12V, 230V and gas operation on compatible three-way absorption refrigerators. The panel monitors which power source is available and switches the fridge accordingly, though this requires a CBE fridge control module (DS304 or similar) to interface between the panel and refrigerator.

Twilight Sensor
The integrated light sensor detects ambient light levels and dims the LED display at night to prevent glare in the living area. During daylight hours, the display automatically increases brightness for visibility. The sensor responds to gradual changes in light levels rather than sudden shadows, preventing unnecessary brightness cycling.

Associated Products
Quick View     CBE PC180KIT Camper Conversion Power Management System

Frequently Asked Questions

What accessories do I need to make the CBE PC180 panel fully functional?
The PC180 control panel requires CBE tank level sensors for water monitoring, battery shunts for accurate battery state readings, and a CBE power distribution unit to connect loads and charging sources. For three-way fridge control, you need a compatible CBE fridge interface module like the DS304. The panel comes with connection wiring but all sensors and modules are sold separately as part of CBE's modular electrical system approach.
Can the PC180 control panel work with non-CBE electrical components?
The PC180 is designed specifically for CBE electrical systems and uses proprietary communication protocols to interface with CBE sensors, distribution units and battery management components. Whilst the basic battery voltage monitoring might work with standard 12V batteries, advanced features like the electronic separator, tank monitoring and fridge control require genuine CBE accessories. Mixing brands typically results in compatibility problems and lost functionality.
How does the electronic battery separator protect my vehicle battery?
The electronic separator monitors engine status and automatically disconnects the leisure battery from the vehicle alternator when the engine stops. This prevents the leisure battery from draining the starter battery overnight or during extended camping periods. When you start the engine, the separator reconnects both batteries so the alternator charges the leisure battery alongside the vehicle battery. This happens automatically without manual switching and maintains enough charge in the starter battery for reliable engine starting.
What's the difference between the PC180 and older CBE control panels?
The PC180 features microprocessor control and more detailed battery state monitoring compared to older analogue CBE panels that only showed basic voltage. The integrated twilight sensor, battery saver function and waste water reserve alarm were not available on earlier models. The PC180 also uses a more compact design at 190 x 130 mm compared to some older panels, whilst offering expanded functionality through CBE's modular system architecture.
Does the PC180 control panel need programming or configuration after installation?
The PC180 requires calibration for tank sensors to display accurate water levels. Battery monitoring works automatically once connected, though optimal performance depends on correct battery shunt installation. The fridge control needs setting to match your refrigerator type and fuel preferences. Configuration happens through the panel's button interface following the installation manual. Most users complete basic setup within 30 minutes, though tank sensor calibration requires filling tanks to known levels for accurate readings.
Will the PC180 work with lithium leisure batteries?
The PC180 monitors lithium batteries but the battery state readings are calibrated for lead-acid battery voltage curves. Lithium batteries maintain higher voltage levels through their discharge cycle, which means the LED indicators may not accurately reflect lithium battery state of charge. The electronic separator and battery saver functions work with lithium batteries, though you may need to adjust voltage thresholds if your lithium battery management system allows this configuration.
Can I retrofit the PC180 panel into an older caravan with basic electrics?
Retrofitting the PC180 requires installing a complete CBE electrical system including the power distribution unit, battery management components and wiring harness. The panel cannot simply replace basic switches and fuses in older caravans without the supporting CBE infrastructure. For upgrading vintage electrical systems, you need to budget for a full CBE system installation rather than just the control panel. Professional installation is recommended as the system involves 12V and 230V circuits that must meet current safety standards.
EAN-13 : 8033123268523
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If you’ve changed your mind about keeping your purchase, please return it in its original condition with proof of purchase and we’ll exchange or refund it. Unless faulty, this should be within 100 days of receiving your order. By original condition, we’d expect this to mean that you’ve kept packaging and labels, and that the item is undamaged and unused.

For further information of how to return your item, please visit the "Returning an Unwanted/Faulty/Damaged Item" section on our Help Page.
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