This information is applicable to the following products:
- Smart Start SBI 12V 100A (SBI12)
- Smart Start SBI 12V 200A (SBI212)
- Dual Sensing Smart Start Battery Isolator 12V 100A (SBI12D)
- Smart Start SBI 24V 100A (SBI24)
- Smart Start SBI 24V 200A (SBI224)
- Dual Sensing Smart Start Battery Isolator 12V 200A (SBI212D)
- Dual Sensing Smart Start Battery Isolator 24V 100A (SBI24D)
- Dual Sensing Smart Start Battery Isolator 24V 200A (SBI224D)
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
Can an SBI be used to charge a lithium battery?
No, a Smart Start SBI allows the start battery to charge the auxiliary battery when the vehicle is running. This device is not a battery charger. A lithium battery requires a dedicated charge cycle including multiple stages of charge to safely charge and maintain the battery’s health, the SBI is not designed to provide this.
What should be used to charge and maintain a lithium battery?
For a lithium battery it is important to use a battery charger that includes a dedicated lithium charging profile. This ensures the lithium battery is charged with the correct charge sequence.
REDARC have a range of Lithium compatible battery chargers such as our BCDC Core range, BCDC Classic range, BCDC Alpha range, Manager30 (BMS1230S3) and Manager Alpha range.
Why do some battery manufacturers say a lithium battery is a drop-in replacement for an AGM battery?
While some battery manufacturers say a lithium battery can be a drop-in replacement from an AGM battery this is not always true as many 12 V systems which are running an AGM battery may not have a lithium compatible battery charger installed. Often a SBI will be found in these systems. Before changing to a Lithium battery, a lithium compatible battery charger should be installed.
Why can't a non-lithium charger be used?
Most battery chargers have built-in profiles for different types of batteries. Many of these profiles include multiple stages that lithium batteries don’t generally need.
These chargers also use certain voltage set-points to decide when to start or stop charging. Usually, they’ll charge a battery all the way to full, but they won’t recommence charging again until the battery’s voltage drops quite low.
Lithium batteries stay at a high voltage for most of their discharge cycle, so by the time the charger notices the voltage is low enough to start charging again, the lithium battery might already be quite flat.
Lithium batteries have a limited number of charge cycles that depends on how deeply they’re discharged each time (cycle life). Using a charger that’s not meant for lithium batteries can sometimes let the battery drain lower than it should, which can shorten its lifespan overall.
If a lithium battery has a built in battery management system, does this still mean I need a lithium battery charger?
Yes, All lithium batteries will have a built-in battery management system (BMS) to control the charge to each internal battery cell whilst maintaining safe voltages. This also protects the battery from excessive charge or discharge and monitors temperatures to ensure safe charging. It’s not a substitute for a battery charger.