Redarc In-Vehicle DC DC Battery Charger Installation To Select When The Charger Is Activated

Published 09/21/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Trailer Battery Charger - Single Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 12 Amp

(23)

$345.00

Universal-Design Rocker Switch - SPST - On-Off - 12 Volt - 20 Amp - 3-Blade - Red Pilot Light

(12)

$11.26

Question:

I have read many of your tips and they are great! The blue wire on the Redarc charger is to go to the vehicle ignition. My question is whether this is simply a power wire or is this specific to the ignition. I will only be using my charger to charge my RV battery bank when I am stationary, replacing a traditional generator. If this blue wire is just a power wire, I will use an alligator clip to connect it to the + side of the battery. I hope my question makes sense!

asked by: Leonard D

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since you are going to use the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger # RED96FR only when you are stationary you would need to connect the red wire to a alligator clip as you suggested or I recommend a Rocker Switch # PK34360 to the 12 volt circuit in your motorhome to allow you more conveniently be able to switch it on and off from your dash when you run your motorhome and want to charge its batteries.

The blue wire of the Redarc charger controls the charging profile of the charger. With the blue wire disconnected it will only begin to charge if the voltage goes over 13.2 volts and will turn off when it reaches 12.7 or less volts on the vehicle battery. If the blue wire is connected (variable voltage alternator) it will charge when voltage is able 12.0 volts and turn off when it drops below 11.9 volts.

expert reply by: Bud M