Why is my BCDC Alpha flashing one of the Battery Profile LEDs?

This information is applicable to the following BCDC Alpha Chargers:

• BCDC Alpha 25A DC Battery Charger (BCDC12024B)
• BCDC Alpha 50A DC Battery Charger (BCDC12050B)
• BCDC Alpha50 R DC Battery Charger (BCDC12050R)

WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE? 

The BCDC Alpha flashes one of the Battery profile (Boost, Absorption or Float) status LEDs.

This fault condition is a soft fault and therefore only one of the Boost, Absorption or Float status LEDs will flash corresponding to the current charging stage the BCDC Alpha is in. 

Note: Only one of the LED’s will flash depending on what stage the charger is in. 

WHAT DOES ONE OF THE FLASHING BOOST, ABSORPTION OR FLOAT LEDS MEAN?

This fault indicates that the BCDC Alpha has detected that the battery temperature sensor has been disconnected. 

WILL THE BCDC ALPHA STILL CHARGE MY BATTERY IN THIS CONDITION?

In this fault condition, being a soft fault, the BCDC Alpha will continue to charge the auxiliary battery. 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR?

The battery temperature sensor cable allows the BCDC Alpha to monitor the temperature of the auxiliary battery during the charging process. The BCDC Alpha will then adjust the charging rate automatically to protect against overheating for faster and safer charging. 

WHAT ARE THE TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR BOLTS?

Torque to 1 N∙m (0.74 ft∙lbf). 

Note: Ensure accurate torquing of the terminal screws. Over-torquing can cause damage to the terminal threads. Under-torquing leads to loose screws which can create a high-resistance connection that could overheat, damaging the main unit and wiring. 

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS FAULT MODE?

• Disconnected battery temperature sensor 
• Damaged battery temperature sensor cable 
• Faulty battery temperature sensor

HOW TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FLASHING BATTERY PROFILE LEDS?

To determine the cause of this condition, it will require diagnostic testing. REDARC recommends seeking the support of an installer where possible, however please see below a list of the common causes and repairs.  

A) POOR CONNECTION AT THE BCDC ALPHA OR AUXILIARY BATTERY

Things to check: 

1. Check the connection points of the battery temperature sensor. 
2. If loose, remove, clean surface and re-connect.
3. Re-check operation.
4. If fault persists, refer to step B.

B) DAMAGED CABLE

Things to check: 

1. Review battery temperature sensor installation.
2. Look for over tightened cable ties, squashed cable or any visible damage.
3. If damage is found, refer to step C.

OVERTIGHTENED CABLE TIES

SQUASHED CABLE

VISIBLE DAMAGE

C) FAULTY BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR

If all the steps in A and B have been completed the outcome is due to a damaged battery temperature sensor. 

Things to check: 

1. Remove damaged battery temperature sensor.
2. Replace with a new battery temperature sensor.
3. Re-check operation.