Redarc BCDC1240D Battery Charger Instruction Manual
Redarc BCDC1240D Battery Charger
Redarc BCDC1240D Instructions
Here we offer the Redarc BCDC1240D Battery Charger manual completely free and in English. We have cataloged this manual in the Battery Chargers section on Manualverse, and it has been rated by 1 users with an average rating of 5. If you have any specific questions about Redarc BCDC1240D Battery Charger, we suggest checking the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of this manual.
Product Images
Redarc BCDC1240D Battery Charger Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Part Number | BCDC1240D |
| Product Type | Dual Input Multi-stage 12V In-vehicle DC-DC Battery Charger with MPPT Solar Regulator |
| Continuous Current Rating | 40A |
| Peak Current (Heavy Gauge Wires) | Up to 50A |
| Output Power | 600W |
| Vehicle Input Fuse Rating | 60A (not supplied) |
| Output Fuse Rating | REDARC FK60 recommended |
| Vehicle Input Voltage Range | 9-32V (12V or 24V alternator systems) |
| Solar Input Voltage Range | 9-32V (unregulated solar panel only, 12V nominal) |
| Output Battery Type | Standard Lead Acid, Calcium Content, Gel, AGM or LiFePO4 |
| Charging Stages | 3-stage: Boost, Absorption, Float |
| Profile A Maximum Voltage | 14.6V |
| Profile B Maximum Voltage | 15.0V |
| Profile C Maximum Voltage | 15.3V |
| Profile Li Maximum Voltage | 14.5V |
| Float Voltage (Profiles A, B, C) | 13.3V |
| Float Voltage (Profile Li) | 13.6V |
| Voltage Tolerance | ±100mV |
| No Load Current | <100mA |
| Standby Current | <8mA |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to 80°C / 14°F to 175°F |
| Optimal Operating Temperature | Below 55°C / 130°F with good airflow |
| Minimum Output Battery Voltage | 4.2V |
| Cable Size, 1-5 m (3-16 ft) Run | 13.56 mm² (6 B&S / AWG) |
| Cable Size, 5-9 m (16-30 ft) Run | 20.28 mm² (4 B&S / AWG) |
| Display | 7 front-panel LEDs (charge profile and charge status) |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 165 x 120 x 37 mm |
| Standards | CISPR11, ECE Reg. 10 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Redarc BCDC1240D Battery Charger Details
The Redarc BCDC1240D is a DC-DC charger that works as both a step-down and a step-up converter. Its input voltage can be higher than, lower than or equal to its output, so it can still fully charge an auxiliary battery mounted far from the start battery, where long cables cause a big voltage drop. A microprocessor runs Redarc's own charging algorithm whatever the input voltage. The unit also isolates the main battery from the auxiliary battery, so the start battery cannot be over-discharged and you don't need a separate isolator.
The built-in MPPT regulator uses Green Power Priority technology. The charger always draws as much power as it can from the unregulated solar input first. It then tops up from the vehicle input until it reaches the unit's maximum output or what the battery currently needs. The Solar and Vehicle LEDs light up when each source is available and in use. If you connect only one source, the unit works as a stand-alone solar regulator or as a plain DC charger.
Charging begins with Boost, a constant-current stage. The current may drop during Boost to keep the unit at a safe temperature or to limit the gap between input and output voltage. Absorption then holds a constant voltage for a set time, or until the battery draws less than 4A for 30 seconds. Float keeps the battery topped up against self-discharge and connected loads. When the battery loses charge, the cycle returns to Boost. A solid profile LED means the unit is charging. A flashing profile LED means standby.
You set up the charger with its wires. The ORANGE wire picks the profile: leave it disconnected for A, connect it to ground for B, to the RED input positive for C, or to the GREEN LED output for Lithium. The BLUE wire sets the input trigger. Leave it disconnected for Standard mode, which suits fixed-voltage or temperature-compensating alternators. Connect it to ignition for Low Voltage mode, which suits variable-voltage (smart) alternators. You can also wire in an optional basic 3V LED as a remote status light. A 12V LED with a built-in resistor will not work.
Every 100 seconds the unit runs a battery test. It confirms the input conditions are still met and checks that a battery is connected to the output. In low-current conditions such as Float, this test can take up to 60 seconds. There is also a delay of up to 20 seconds whenever a new source is connected, which lets the unit share inputs properly. If a fault occurs, all LEDs flash a code from 1 to 6, followed by 3.5 seconds off. The codes cover hardware faults, under- or over-temperature, output battery overvoltage, and input under- or overvoltage.
You can mount the unit in the cabin, on a chassis rail or in the engine bay. In the engine bay, keep it away from hot spots and mud build-up. Fit it as close as possible to the auxiliary battery, using the four mounting tabs on the heatsink. Above about 55°C the output current is gradually reduced. Do not use the engine bay with LiFePO4 batteries. For wiring, Redarc recommends crimped and soldered butt splices covered with heatshrink, plus MIDI bolt-down fuses. Avoid blade fuses and self-resetting circuit breakers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can't find the answer you need? Here are some frequently asked questions about the Redarc BCDC1240D Battery Charger, and we answer them below.
