This information is applicable to the following products:
- BCDC Core25 In-Cabin Battery Charger (BCDCN1225)
- BCDC Core40 In-Cabin Battery Charger (BCDCN1240)
- BCDC Classic25 Battery Charger (BCDC1225D)
- BCDC Classic40 Battery Charger (BCDC1240D)
- BCDC Classic50 Battery Charger (BCDC1250D)
- BCDC Alpha25 Battery Charger (BCDC12025B)
- BCDC Alpha50 Battery Charger (BCDC12050B)
- BCDC Alpha50 R Battery Manager (BCDC12050R)
- BCDC Alpha100 R Battery Manager (BCDC12100R)
- Manager30 S2 Battery Management System (BMS1230S2)
- Manager30 S3 Battery Management System (BMS1230S3-XX)
- Manager50 Battery Management System (BMS12050-XX)
- Manager75 Battery Management System (BMS12075-XX)
- Manager100 Battery Management System (BMS12100-XX)
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
How will this appear?
BCDC Core (BCDCN12XX) & BCDC Classic (BCDC12XXD): The fault can be shown in several ways including a combination of 5 flashes on all 7 LEDs, 5 flashes on the solar light or no solar light illuminated even though solar is connected and the solar light is solid. It may vary every 100 seconds as the BCDC checks for input sources.
BCDC Alpha (BCDC120XXB) & BCDC Alpha R (BCDC120XXR): The solar light will turn off if the voltage drops below 9V and will come on again above 9V.
Manager30 (BMS1230Sx): The solar voltage will fluctuate on the Input Status Screen from below 9V to as high as the solar panel volts open circuit (VOC) when connected to the charger.
Manager Alpha (BMS120xx-xx & BMS12100-xx): The solar voltage will fluctuate on the Manager Inputs Screen from below 9V to as high as the solar panel volts open circuit (VOC) when connected to the charger.
What does this issue mean?
This issue will cause the unit to not charge from solar. This is due to the solar voltage being too low to turn on the charger.
What is causing this issue?
This issue can be caused by damage (internal or external), faulty solar panels or poor wiring, termination or corrosion of the wiring/connection from the charger to the solar panel.
What tools are required to solve this issue?
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
You will require a multimeter with a Volts DC setting (VDC) and a DC Amps setting.
How to rectify this issue?
Firstly, to test this fault three tests are required. A Voltage Open Circuit (VOC) test, A Short Circuit Current (ISC) Test and a Load Test, see our testing procedure here - Testing Solar Panels and Blankets
Tips for testing solar panels
When testing the solar and solar wiring test in two places:
- Connect the solar to the charger and conduct the tests closest to the charger.
- Disconnect the solar from its connection point at the solar panel and retest directly at the panel.
When conducting current tests compare the current measurement with the solar panels short circuit current listed on the solar panel's specifications.
If the current is low or the globes are dull at the charger end, then you could have a wiring or solar panel issue.
If the current is low or the globes are dull when measuring at the solar panel directly then you will have a faulty or damaged panel. Remember the damage can be internal as well as visible.
Testing & Diagnostic FAQs
But the solar is working when it is disconnected as the panel voltage is high?
Having a high voltage doesn’t mean the solar panel is producing current (amps).
Solar, when it is disconnected or open circuit (VOC), can produce a high voltage according to the panel specifications when it is unloaded. When introducing a charger (or loading up the system) the solar panel can fail to provide current.
This can also be the same result in low light conditions. Such as heavy cloud cover or during the night with garage/street lighting.
Could it be the Charger?
In rare cases it could be the charger, however this is a highly unlikely scenario. If you believe your charger is having issues, further testing will be required. We recommend contacting REDARC’s Technical Support Team or a local installer for assistance.