Installation Tips of Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger # 331-BCDC1240D  

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The 40 amp Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger, # 331-BCDC1240D is the perfect addition to camper van build. It is ideal for battery banks rated about 200 amp-hours or higher. Becuase There really isn't a single correct or absolute answer as to where this should be mounted. There are however some objectives for selecting a mounting location.

The best performance will be realized when the BCDC # 331-BCDC1240D is installed as close as possible to the battery bank or at least within three feet. This is to minimize the voltage drop between the charger and battery bank. However, to a certain point, if the charger needs to be mounted further away, this can be somewhat compensated for by using a larger gauge wire. Redarc has stated that the BCDC’s heatsink has been engineered to dissipate its own heat but added cooling of the unit can be achieved by mounting it to a metal surface. As with most any electronic item good air circulation is preferred.

If your house battery/battery bank is but a single battery instead of a multi-battery bank, and you are considering it being in the engine compartment, I realize few would probably choose to do so but using this as an example of heat concerns, mount the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger, # 331-BCDC1240D as far away from direct heat as possible. Or, this would be an occasion to locate further away than 3 feet and compensate with a larger gauge wire. This has been tested and shown to work at full or near full capacity in temps up to almost 180 degrees F. However, its efficiency will begin to drop above those temps. So please keep in mind that location should not only be based on where the battery(s) are located but what level heat and amount of air circulation will occur as well.

When laying out your schematic, I suggest you add the 60-Amp MIDI Fuse Kit for Redarc In-Vehicle 40-Amp BCDC Battery Charger # 331-FK60. This will protect your vehicle and battery from potentially damaging overcurrent from short circuits or overloads. Run the Red Wire from your RedArc unit to the fuse, and then from the fuse to the positive battery terminal on the Ford Transit's crank battery, note the attached image of a wiring diagram. The solar connection will be on the yellow wire. The brown wire will then connect to the positive terminal on your camper's house battery. I recommend using a minimum of 6 AWG wire and the Bulldog Winch Quick-Connect Set for Powersports w/Dust Cover - 6 AWG # BDW20047.

expert reply by: Michael R

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bcdclithiumwiringdiagram_001
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