The name of REDARC’s dual battery charger is an acronym for “Battery Charger from Direct Current” input (BCDC). The BCDC chargers keep the battery charged using DC power while the vehicle runs or through solar, fully charging the second battery.
Essentially, a BCDC charger is a DCDC charger - with a few differences that help your vehicle’s power system run as smoothly as possible.
Why dual battery systems need a direct current charger
Power from the vehicle alternator is direct current (DC) which can vary in supply voltages. This is fine for lead-acid batteries such as the primary vehicle battery, but for an auxiliary or second battery which may be AGM, Lithium or Calcium, controlling the amount of power from the alternator to charge the battery is key to battery health and recharging capability.
A DCDC charger is a key component of a 12V power system to get you off-grid on weekends or longer trips.
Smart alternators make simple battery setups a thing of the past
Vehicles newer than 2015 are more likely to have a smart alternator, and some models or makes of pre-2015 cars may also have smart alternators. You can simply do a visual test to see if your vehicle has a smart alternator.
A smart alternator varies the voltage output, reducing the voltage supplied to the vehicle’s start battery while driving. Reducing the load on the engine helps to reduce emissions and ensures vehicles are compliant with emissions standards. Vehicles with variable voltage from smart alternators must use a DC-to-DC charger to provide improved charging for the secondary battery.
If you have a traditional alternator, you could use a Smart Battery Isolator (SBI), or you can choose to use a DC-to-DC charger to benefit from the added features that may be available.
When to choose a DC-DC charger
Whether you have a fixed or variable alternating voltage available, there are benefits to adding a DCDC charger to your 12V power system.
Protect your auxiliary battery
Charging an auxiliary battery directly from the alternator or using a battery isolator alleviates the risk that the battery could be damaged if the current exceeds the manufacturer’s recommendation for that battery.
A BCDC battery charger limits the charging current, protecting the battery from charging current that exceeds the recommended maximum. There are different specifications for DCDC or BCDC chargers, so selecting one that matches the vehicle and batteries is the key.
Ensure an appropriate ‘float’ current
A fixed voltage alternator will charge the auxiliary battery at a fixed voltage, usually anywhere from mid 13V to low 14V. Most battery manufacturers recommend a lower ‘float’ voltage once the battery is 100% charged.
A BCDC charger drops to a lower float voltage once the battery is fully charged, ensuring the battery stays topped up and follows the manufacturer’s recommendations for prolonging battery life.
Why choose REDARC’s BCDC for your DCDC charger?
The BCDC charger was developed to overcome the challenges of modern vehicle alternators, starting with the temperature-compensating alternators introduced in the early 2000s and evolving to meet the changing requirements of smart alternators as vehicle manufacturers evolved systems to lower fuel consumption and reduce emissions.
Charge a battery with different chemistry to the start battery
A BCDC charger can provide a unique charging profile to suit different battery chemistries, allowing you to charge various auxiliary batteries while driving. The BCDC provides flexibility within your power system when upgrading or adding capacity.
Resilience in tough conditions
Be prepared for extreme conditions, water crossings, dust and dirt with the BCDC Classic battery charger which is fully sealed against the elements.
A DCDC battery charger brings better control to your vehicle’s power system
Adding a DCDC charger to your vehicle helps to improve the lifespan of your secondary batteries, and get more usable power out of each charge. Choosing the right charger to suit how you intend to use it, you can charge using solar or the alternator, or even both.
Frequently asked questions
Is BCDC the same as DCDC?
A DCDC charger is simply a charger that takes variable voltage from a vehicle’s alternator and turns it into a smooth current to charge a recreational or auxiliary battery. The BCDC is REDARC’s DCDC charger, and depending on the model you select, it comes with features like optimal charging for specific batteries, charging from solar in parallel to vehicle power and can be installed in the engine bay or under the canopy.
Can I charge a lithium battery with a DCDC charger?
If you are charging a lithium battery from an alternator, a DCDC charger designed to optimise charging for lithium batteries will prolong the battery life and allow you to get the total capacity from the battery.
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