This information is applicable to the following products:
- BCDC Alpha 25A DC Battery Charger (BCDC12025B)
- BCDC Alpha 50A DC Battery Charger (BCDC12050B)
- BCDC Alpha 50R DC Battery Charger (BCC12050R)
- BCDC Alpha 100R DC Battery Charger (BCDC12100R)
Important
For your safety, REDARC recommends installation by a qualified auto electrician or technician. Our trusted REDNetwork is made up of professional auto electrical businesses certified by REDARC to install the complete of REDARC solutions. Find Your Local Installer
What does this look like?
The BCDC Alpha solar status LED will flash.
It can present as a soft fault initially and therefore the control button LED will be off. If the condition worsens, it will become a hard fault and the control button will turn on while the solar status LED flashes.
What does the flashing solar LED mean?
This fault indicates that the BCDC Alpha has detected that the charger unit is exposed to solar input voltage levels outside the specification of the charger (greater than 48 V).
What is the BCDC Alpha solar input voltage range?
The BCDC Alpha chargers have a solar input voltage range of 9-48 V.
Will the BCDC Alpha still charge my battery in this condition?
If the control status LED is off (soft fault), the BCDC Alpha will continue to charge the auxiliary battery. If the excessive voltage on the solar input to the BCDC Alpha increases, the control status LED will illuminate (hard fault) and the BCDC Alpha will cease charging.
What can cause this fault mode?
High Voltage Solar
Caused by connecting a solar panel that has an open crcuit voltage specification greater than 48 V or a solar array input voltage that exceeds 48 V.
Note: Solar panels with an open circuit voltage specification higher than 48 V are not compatible with the BCDC Alpha.
How to determine the cause of the flashing solar LED?
Important
In this article we explain the need for testing to determine the cause of the issue. Testing may involve changes to the installation or wiring. For your safety and accuracy, REDARC recommends engaging a REDNetwork member or a suitably qualified auto electrician - Find Your Local Installer
Excessive Solar Input Voltage
- Review the specifications of the solar panel.
- Refer to the open circuit voltage specification (VOC).
- If solar panel has an open circuit voltage is higher than 48 V, disconnect solar panel immediately.
- With solar panel disconnected, recheck operation of the BCDC Alpha.
What happens if I connected a solar input higher than 48 V?
Exposing the BCDC Alpha to voltages outside the specifications of the unit (greater than 48 V) on the solar input circuit can result in accelerated product life and, worst-case scenario, it could result in irreparable internal damage to the BCDC Alpha.
Greater than 48 V |
Less than 48 V |
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Where can I find the solar panel specifications?
You can find the solar specifications on a sticker on the back of a solar panel.