Why is my BCDC flashing all LEDs 3 times?
This information is applicable to the following BCDC chargers:
- BCDC Classic Under Bonnet 25A DC Battery Charger (BCDC1225D)
- BCDC Classic Under Bonnet 40A DC Battery Charger (BCDC1240D)
- BCDC Classic Under Bonnet 50A DC Battery Charger (BCDC1250D)
- BCDC Core In-Cabin 25A DC Battery Charger (BCDCN1225)
- BCDC Core In-Cabin 40A DC Battery Charger (BCDCN1240)
- BCDC Trailer – 12A DC Trailer Battery Charger (BCDC1212T)
- BCDC Trailer S – 12A Vehicle to Trailer Charger with Solar (BCDC1212S)
WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE?
The BCDC will exhibit a sequence where all seven LEDs located on the display panel flash simultaneously three times, followed by a 3.5 second pause before the cycle repeats.
WHAT DOES ALL LEDS FLASHING 3 TIMES MEAN?
This fault indicates that the BCDC has detected that the charger unit is exposed to high temperature and is above the maximum operating temperature.
WHAT IS THE OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE FOR BCDC CLASSIC, CORE AND TRAILER MODELS?
This temperature fault condition identifies that the BCDC unit is exceeding 80 degrees Celsius.
WILL THE BCDC STILL CHARGE MY BATTERY IN THIS CONDITION?
The BCDC will not provide charge when it is exposed to temperatures above the maximum operating range. The BCDC will resume charging once it is within normal operating temperature.
WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS FAULT MODE?
EXCESSIVE UNIT TEMPERATURE
The BCDC range have inbuilt temperature protection and are designed to derate when exceeding 55 degrees Celsius. The BCDC will continue to derate output performance between 55 and 80 degrees Celsius and stop will stop charging once the until temperature exceeds 80 degrees Celsius. This is a safety feature built into the BCDC to protect the charger.
WHAT CAN CAUSE THE BCDC OVER TEMPERATURE?
POWER CONVERSION
High powered electronics create heat and the best way of dissipating high levels of heat is airflow. While some electronics create airflow using a cooling fan, the BCDC does not have an internal fan and cannot create its own airflow, instead the BCDC uses a heatsink for cooling. A heatsink will work its best when airflow is provided from another source or in a large compartment. The less space or airflow the less affective a heatsink will be.
WHY DOESN'T THE BCDC HAVE A COOLING FAN?
The BCDC doesn't have cooling fans several reasons;
- Increased reliability
- Ruggedness design
- Suitability for under bonnet installations (BCDC CLASSIC & BCDC1212T ONLY)
POOR VENTILATION
Stagnant air is one of the worst thermal conductors. An example of a place exposed to stagnant air is an enclosed space with limited or restricted airflow. For example, under a bed in the caravan or in a closed unventilated enclosure or cabinet.
HOW TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF ALL LEDS FLASHING THREE TIMES?
To determine the cause of this short circuit, it will require diagnostic testing. REDARC recommends seeking the support of an installer.
Below is a list of the common causes and repairs.
WHEN THE THREE FLASH FAULT IS PRESENT, WHAT DO I CHECK AND HOW CAN I FIX IT?
A) CHECK UNIT TEMPERATURE
Using a temperature measuring tool like an infrared temperature gun, measure the BCDC unit temperature on the top heatsink of the BCDC to confirm high unit temperature.
B) CHECK MOUNTING LOCATION
Review mounting location and ensure the following:
- Ensure adequate ventilation around the BCDC (recommend 100-150mm clearance around the unit).
- Ensure the BCDC isn’t mounted within an enclosure.
WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE AND ADDRESS THE OVER TEMPERATURE FAULT?
In instances where you need to maximise the BCDC performance, there are opportunities which may contribute to improving performance by considering the following:
- Mount the unit to metal (this increases the thermal dissipation).
- If the BCDC is mounted in a confined space, ensure adequate ventilation. The recommendation is 100-150mm clearance around the heatsink of the charger.
- If mounted within an enclosure, ensure the enclosure is well ventilated by adding intake and exhaust ports.
- Enclosures with poor ventilation or airflow may require installing ventilation fans to help the circulation of air, regulating unit and ambient temperature.
