1. Product Overview
The NOCO GEN5X3 is a fully-sealed, waterproof onboard battery charger designed for 12-volt lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. It features three independent banks, each providing 5 amps of charging power, for a total of 15 amps. This advanced charger is engineered for peak performance in harsh marine environments and offers multiple charging modes to optimize battery health and longevity.
Image: The NOCO Genius GEN5X3 3-Bank Onboard Battery Charger, showcasing its compact design and three independent charging banks with LED indicators.
Key Features:
- Multi-Bank Charging: Independently charges and maintains up to three 12V batteries simultaneously.
- Advanced Chemistries: Compatible with flooded, AGM, gel, and LiFePO₄ (lithium) battery types.
- Waterproof Design: IP68 rated, fully sealed to withstand extreme marine conditions.
- Thermal Compensation: Integrated sensor adjusts charging based on ambient temperature to prevent overcharging or undercharging.
- Force Mode: Allows manual initiation of charging for severely discharged batteries (down to zero volts).
- Automatic Operation: Provides year-round, worry-free charging with zero overcharge and auto-memory for selected modes.
- Compact Design: 37% smaller than previous models, offering enhanced power density.
2. Setup and Installation
What's in the Box:
- GEN5X3 15A 3-Bank Smart Waterproof Onboard Marine Battery Charger and Battery Maintainer (120-240VAC)
- Onboard Marine Battery Charger User Guide
- (2) Black Truss-Head Screws for mounting
Image: Diagram showing the NOCO GEN5X3 charger, DC cables with eyelets, AC cable, mounting screws, and user guide included in the package.
Installation Steps:
- Choose Mounting Location: Select a secure, dry location for the charger. The redesigned mounting system allows for fast and secure installation in any orientation, even upside down, with an integrated anti-vibration backing.
- Secure the Charger: Use the provided mounting screws to firmly attach the GEN5X3 to the chosen surface.
- Connect DC Cables: For each battery bank, connect the positive (+) eyelet connector to the positive battery terminal and the negative (-) eyelet connector to the negative battery terminal. Ensure connections are tight and secure.
- Connect AC Power: Plug the 72-inch AC cable (Type-B) into a suitable power outlet.
- Verify Connections: Before powering on, double-check all connections to ensure correct polarity and secure attachment.
3. Operating Instructions
The GEN5X3 operates automatically, but understanding its modes and indicators will help optimize battery charging and maintenance.
Charging Multiple Batteries:
The GEN5X3 is a multi-bank charger, allowing you to charge and maintain three 12V batteries simultaneously. Each bank operates independently, meaning you can charge different battery types or conditions at the same time.
Image: The NOCO GEN5X3 connected to multiple 12V batteries, illustrating its multi-bank charging capability for various battery chemistries like flooded, gel, maintenance-free, AGM, and lithium.
Selectable Charging Modes:
Each bank features a 'MODE' button to cycle through different charging profiles:
- 12V Mode: For 12V wet cell, gel, enhanced flooded, maintenance-free, and calcium batteries.
- 12V AGM Mode: Specifically for 12V AGM batteries.
- 12V Lithium Mode: For 12V lithium-ion batteries (including lithium iron phosphate - LiFePO₄) with Battery Management Systems (BMS).
- 12V Repair Mode: Used to repair old, idle, damaged, stratified, or sulfated batteries.
Image: Visual representation of the different charging modes available on the GEN5X3: 12V, 12V AGM, 12V Lithium, and 12V Repair Mode, with descriptions of their applications.
Thermal Compensation:
The integrated thermal sensor automatically adjusts the charging cycle based on ambient temperature. This prevents overcharging in hot climates and undercharging in cold climates, ensuring optimal battery performance and longevity.
Image: Diagram illustrating how the NOCO GEN5X3 adjusts charging based on temperature, preventing overcharging in hot conditions (104°F/40°C) and undercharging in cold conditions (-4°F/-20°C).
Charging Dead Batteries (Force Mode):
The GEN5X3 can charge batteries from as low as 1 volt. For severely discharged or neglected batteries down to zero volts, use Force Mode. To activate, press and hold the 'MODE' button for approximately five (5) seconds until the charge mode LEDs flash. This allows the charger to manually begin charging the battery.
Image: A multimeter showing a low voltage battery connected to the NOCO GEN5X3, demonstrating the charger's ability to detect batteries down to 1-volt and the use of Force Mode for zero-volt batteries.
Completely Automatic Operation:
The GEN5X3 provides worry-free, year-round charging. It can be left plugged in 24/7 without concerns of overcharging. The charger automatically returns to its last selected mode after a power interruption.
Image: The NOCO GEN5X3 installed in a boat compartment, highlighting its year-round, worry-free, zero overcharge, and auto-memory features for battery charging.
Charge Level Indicators:
The charger features intuitive LED indicators to show the battery's charge status:
- Pulsing Red: Battery is less than 50% charged.
- Pulsing Orange: Battery is less than 75% charged.
- Pulsing Green: Bulk charge complete, optimizing battery for extended life.
- Solid Green: Battery is 100% charged. The charger will continue to provide ongoing maintenance.
Image: Visual guide to the NOCO GEN5X3's charge level indicators, showing the progression from 25% charged (pulsing red) to 100% charged (solid green) and maintenance mode.
4. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your NOCO GEN5X3 charger, follow these simple maintenance guidelines:
- Keep Clean: Periodically wipe down the charger with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
- Inspect Cables and Connections: Regularly check the AC and DC cables for any signs of damage, fraying, or corrosion. Ensure all eyelet connections to the battery terminals are clean and secure.
- Storage: When not in use for extended periods, store the charger in a cool, dry place. Although waterproof, proper storage helps preserve its condition.
- Waterproof Integrity: The GEN5X3 is rated IP68, meaning it is fully sealed and designed to withstand water immersion. This robust construction minimizes the need for specific water-related maintenance, but always ensure the AC input port is free of debris before plugging in.
Image: The NOCO GEN5X3 submerged in water, demonstrating its IP68 waterproof rating and fully-sealed charging capability, highlighting its durability in marine environments.
5. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your GEN5X3 charger, refer to the following common problems and their solutions. The charger also provides advanced diagnostics through its LED indicators.
Diagnostic Indicators:
Image: Visual guide to the NOCO GEN5X3's advanced diagnostic indicators, including High Voltage, Bad Battery, Reverse Polarity, and Standby Mode, with explanations for each.
- High Voltage: If the voltage is too high for the selected charge mode, the corresponding indicator will illuminate. Check the battery and ensure the correct charge mode is selected.
- Bad Battery: A bad battery indicator suggests a potential short circuit or that the battery will not hold a charge. Have the battery checked by a professional.
- Reverse Polarity: This indicator illuminates if the charger is connected to the battery in reverse. Immediately disconnect and correct the connections.
- Standby Mode: The charger enters standby mode if the battery voltage is too low for the charger to detect. Use Force Mode to initiate charging for deeply discharged batteries.
Common Issues:
- Charger Not Turning On: Ensure the AC power cable is securely plugged into both the charger and a live power outlet. Check the circuit breaker.
- Battery Not Charging: Verify that the DC cables are correctly and securely connected to the battery terminals. Ensure the correct charging mode is selected for your battery type. If the battery is severely discharged, try using Force Mode.
- Charger Gets Hot: It is normal for the charger to warm up during operation, especially during bulk charging. Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit. If it becomes excessively hot or emits smoke, disconnect immediately and contact support.
6. Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | GEN5X3 |
| Output Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Total Output Current | 15 Amps (5A per bank) |
| Number of Banks | 3 |
| Product Dimensions | 10.08"D x 8.86"W x 5.63"H (25.6cm x 22.5cm x 14.3cm) |
| Item Weight | 6.09 pounds (2.76 kg) |
| Waterproof Rating | IP68 |
| Compatible Battery Types | 12V Lead-Acid (Flooded, AGM, Gel), 12V Lithium-Ion (LiFePO₄) |
| AC Input | 120-240VAC, 50-60Hz |
| Certifications | UL1236, ISO 8846, 33 CFR 183.410 |
Image: Technical diagram showing the precise measurements of the NOCO GEN5X3 charger in both inches and millimeters.
7. Warranty and Support
Warranty Information:
The NOCO GEN5X3 Onboard Battery Charger is backed by a 3-year warranty. This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. Please refer to the included user guide for full warranty terms and conditions.
Customer Support:
For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty claims, please visit the official NOCO support website or contact their customer service department. Detailed contact information can be found in your product's user guide or on the NOCO website.
For more information and support, visit www.no.co/support
