
THE BCDC1220 & BCDC1220-IGN
The BCDC1220(-IGN) In-vehicle Battery Charger features technology designed to charge your
batteries to 100%, regardless of their type or size. By providing a unique charging profile to
each specific battery type, the BCDC1220(-IGN) In-Vehicle Battery Charger is able to achieve and
maintain an optimal charge in your auxiliary battery, at all times. The BCDC1220 is designed to
work with either fixed voltage or temperature compensating alternators while the BCDC1220-IGN
is designed to operate with variable voltage alternators.
WARNING & SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS - This manual contains IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS for the
BCDC1220 & BCDC1220-IGN battery chargers.
DO NOT OPERATE THE BATTERY CHARGER UNLESS YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THIS MANUAL
AND THE CHARGER IS INSTALLED AS PER THESE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. REDARC RECOMMENDS
THAT THE CHARGER BE INSTALLED BY A SUITABLY QUALIFIED PERSON.
RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES:
WORKING IN VICINITY OF A LEAD-ACID BATTERY IS DANGEROUS. BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE
GASES DURING NORMAL OPERATION. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT YOU
FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS WHEN INSTALLING AND USING THE CHARGER.
1. The Battery Charger should not be used by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or
mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they are supervised or have been instructed
on how to use the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure
that they do not play with the Battery Charger.
2. Do NOT alter or disassemble the Battery Charger under any circumstances. All faulty units must be returned to
REDARC for repair. Incorrect handling or reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire and may void
the unit warranty.
3. Only use the Battery Charger for charging Standard Automotive Lead Acid, Calcium Content, Gel, AGM or Deep
Cycle type 12V batteries. Check the manufacturers data for your battery and ensure that the ‘Maximum’ voltage
of the profile you select does not exceed the manufacturers recommended maximum charging voltage. If the
‘Maximum’ voltage for your battery type is too high, please select another charging profile. The Battery Charger
is not intended to supply power to a low voltage electrical system other than to charge a battery.
4. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of battery or engine. This may cause the battery to explode.
5. PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
To assist with the safe operation and use of the Battery Charger:
a) Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes while working near a battery.
b) If battery acid contacts your skin or clothing, remove the affected clothing and wash the affected area of your
skin immediately with soap and water. If battery acid enters your eye, immediately flood the eye with running
cold water for at least 10 minutes and seek medical assistance immediately.
SAL.FOR.Instruction Manual.BCDC1220 - DOC480 – Version 6
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134 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q The BCDC1220(-IGN) turns ON at 13.2V(12V) and OFF at 12.7V(11.9V), but you say it operates
down to 9V, explain?
A The BCDC1220(-IGN) will turn OFF for a split second every 100 seconds to measure the unloaded
voltage at the battery. When the BCDC1220(-IGN) turns off it is not drawing any load from the
start battery, no load means that there is no voltage drop over the cable run. This allows the
BCDC1220(-IGN) to measure the actual battery voltage, or the voltage at the battery. If this actual
battery voltage is below 12.7V(11.9V), the BCDC1220(-IGN) will turn OFF. At any other time during
the charging process, if the voltage at the BCDC1220(-IGN) drops below 9V the BCDC1220(-IGN) will
turn OFF.
Q How does the BCDC charge an Auxiliary battery at 14V when it only gets 9V in?
A The BCDC can act as both a reducer and a booster, so it can operate from a voltage of above, equal
to or below the desired output voltage. The unit is also microprocessor controlled allowing it to
output a Redarc proprietary charging algorithm independent of the input. This allows the unit to
charge specific to the battery type even if the input voltage is low due to voltage drop.
Q Where should I mount the BCDC Unit?
A The BCDC should be mounted as close as possible to the battery being charged (generally called the
Auxiliary or House battery). If the Auxiliary battery is located under the bonnet, pick a location for the
BCDC that is close to the battery and away from any direct engine heat. If the BCDC is to be mounted
into a Caravan or Camper, near or in the battery compartment is generally the best position. It is also
a good idea to mount the BCDC to a metal surface if possible to ensure optimal heat dissipation,
though this is not crucial.
Q What does the charger do if the temperature around it rises above its operating temperature?
A As the temperature of the BCDC rises above a certain level the current capacity of the output is
decreased gradually in order protect both the battery and the BCDC unit.
Q If I use the BCDC to charge my auxiliary battery do I still need to install a battery isolator?
A The BCDC incorporates the functionality of a battery isolator, it will turn ON and start charging when
it senses that the vehicle has started and similarly it will turn OFF when the vehicle is turned OFF.
Q I’ve heard that you shouldn’t charge 2 batteries of different chemistries from the same source,
will I have any problems charging my AGM or Gel auxiliary battery from my Lead Acid start
battery?
A The BCDC does not ‘link’ the batteries together like a battery isolator does, it is a DC-DC battery
charger. The output from the unit is tailored specifically to the selected output battery type, and
therefore allows the optimal charging of the auxiliary battery, no matter what chemistry your start
battery is.

5 TWO YEAR PRODUCT WARRANTY
Over the last three decades our company has established a reputation as the power conversion specialist.
A 100% Australian-owned company, we have met the needs of customers in transport and other industries through exciting, innovative thinking.
We believe in total customer satisfaction and practice this by offering our customers:
• Technical advice free of jargon and free of charge
• Prompt turnaround of orders throughout Australia and globally
• Friendly, personalised, professional service and product support
In the unlikely event that a technical issue arises with a Redarc product, customers are encouraged to initially contact the Redarc Technical Support Team on (08) 8322 4848
or power@redarc.com.au for prompt and efficient diagnosis and product support.
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for
any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not
amount to a major failure.
The benefits of this Warranty are in addition to other rights and remedies available at law in respect of the Products and shall not derogate from any applicable mandatory statutory
provisions or rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
Redarc Electronics Pty Ltd atf the Redarc Trust trading as Redarc Electronics (“Redarc”) offers a warranty in respect of its Products where the Products are purchased from an
authorised distributor or reseller of Redarc by a person (“Purchaser”), on the terms and conditions, and for the duration, outlined below in this document (“Warranty”).
1. In this Warranty, the term Products means:
1.1 all products manufactured or supplied by Redarc (excluding its solar products
which are covered by Redarc’s Solar Product Warranty); and
1.2 any component of or accessory for any product in clause 1.1 manufactured or
supplied by Redarc.
Offer and duration of product warranties
2. Redarc warrants that its Products will be free, under normal application, installation,
use and service conditions, from defects in materials and workmanship affecting
normal use, for 2 years from the date of purchase (Warranty Period).
3. Where a Product malfunctions or becomes inoperative during the Warranty Period,
due to a defect in materials or workmanship, as determined by Redarc, then subject
to further rights conferred by the Australian Consumer Law on the Purchaser,
Redarc will, in exercise of its sole discretion, either:
3.1 repair the defective Product;
3.2 replace the defective Product; or
3.3 provide a refund to the Purchaser for the purchase price paid for the defective
Product,
without charge to the Purchaser.
4. The warranty given by Redarc in clause 3 covers the reasonable costs of delivery
and installation of any repaired or replaced Products or components of Products
to the Purchaser’s usual residential address notified to Redarc, together with the
reasonable costs of removal and return of any Products determined by Redarc to be
defective.
5. If the Purchaser incurs expenses of the nature referred to in clause 4 in the
context of making a claim pursuant to this Warranty that is accepted by Redarc,
the Purchaser will be entitled to claim for reimbursement of those expenses which
Redarc determines, in exercise of its sole discretion, to be reasonably incurred,
provided that the claim is notified to Redarc in writing at the postal address or email
address specified in clause 21 and includes:
5.1 details of the relevant expenses incurred by the Purchaser; and
5.2 proof of the relevant expenses having been incurred by the Purchaser.
Exclusions and limitations
6. This Warranty will not apply to, or include any defect, damage, fault, failure
or malfunction of a Product, which Redarc determines, in exercise of its sole
discretion, to be due to:
6.1 normal wear and tear or exposure to weather conditions over time;
6.2 accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, vandalism, alteration or modification;
6.3 non-observance of any of the instructions supplied by Redarc, including
instructions concerning installation, configuring, connecting, commissioning,
use or application of the Product, including without limitation choice of location;
6.4 failure to ensure proper maintenance of the Product strictly in accordance with
Redarc’s instructions or failure to ensure proper maintenance of any associated
equipment or machinery;
6.5 repairs to the Product that are not strictly in accordance with Redarc’s
instructions;
6.6 installation, repairs or maintenance of the Product by, or under the supervision
of, a person who is not a qualified auto electrician or technician, or if nongenuine or non-approved parts have been fitted;
6.7 faulty power supply, power failure, electrical spikes or surges, lightning, flood,
storm, hail, extreme heat, fire or other occurrence outside the control of
Redarc;
6.8 use other than for any reasonable purpose for which the Product was
manufactured;
6.9 any indirect or incidental damage of whatever nature outside the control of
Redarc.
7. Warranty claims in respect of a Product must be made in writing to Redarc at the
postal address or email address specified in clause 21 within the Warranty Period.
Such claims must include the following:
7.1 details of the alleged defect or fault and the circumstances surrounding the
defect or fault;
7.2 evidence of the claim, including photographs of the Product (where the subject
of the claim is capable of being photographed);
7.3 the serial number of the Product, specified on the label affixed to the Product;
and
7.4 proof of purchase documentation for the Product from an authorised distributor
or reseller of Redarc, which clearly shows the date and place of purchase.
The return of any Products without the prior written instructions of Redarc will not
be accepted by Redarc.
8. Without limiting any other clause in this Warranty, Redarc has the right to reject any
Warranty claim made by a Purchaser pursuant to this Warranty where:
8.1 the Purchaser does not notify Redarc in writing of a Warranty claim within the
Warranty Period;
8.2 the Purchaser does not notify Redarc in writing of a Warranty claim within 1
month of becoming aware of the relevant circumstances giving rise to the
claim, so that any further problems with the Product are minimised;
8.3 the serial number of the Product has been altered, removed or made illegible
without the written authority of Redarc;
8.4 the Purchaser is unable to provide proof of purchase documentation in
accordance with clause 7.4 or evidence that the Product was properly installed
and removed (if relevant), and that proper maintenance has been performed
on the Product, by, or under the supervision of, a qualified auto electrician or
technician, in accordance with the instructions of Redarc.
9. If the Product is found to be working satisfactorily on return to Redarc or upon
investigation by Redarc, the Purchaser must pay Redarc’s reasonable costs of
testing and investigating the Product in addition to shipping and transportation
charges. Where Redarc is in possession of the Product, the Product will be
returned to the Purchaser on receipt of the amount charged.
10. Any replaced Products or components of Products shall become the property of
Redarc.
11. Redarc may, in exercise of its sole discretion, deliver another type of Product or
component of a Product (different in size, colour, shape, weight, brand and/or
other specifications) in fulfilling its obligations under this Warranty, in the event
that Redarc has discontinued manufacturing or supplying the relevant Product or
component at the time of the Warranty claim, or where such Product or component
is superior to that originally purchased by the Purchaser.
Other conditions of Warranty
12. If the Purchaser acquired a Product for the purpose of resupply, then this Warranty
shall not apply to that Product.
13. In particular, the sale of a Product via an online auction, online store or other
internet website by a party that is not an authorised distributor or reseller of the
Product will be deemed to be a resupply within the meaning of the Australian
Consumer Law and will render this Warranty void, as Redarc has no control over the
storage, handling, quality or safety of Products sold by such persons.
14. A Purchaser shall only be entitled to the benefit of this Warranty after all amounts
owing in respect of the Product have been paid.
15. While Redarc warrants that the Products will be free from defects in materials and
workmanship in the circumstances set out in this Warranty, to the maximum extent
permitted by law Redarc does not warrant that the operation of the Products will be
uninterrupted or error-free.
16. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Redarc’s determination of the existence of
any defect and the cause of any defect will be conclusive.
17. Spare parts or materials for the Products are guaranteed to be available for a period
of at least 2 years after purchase of the Products.
18. The agents, officers and employees of any distributor or reseller of the Products and
of Redarc are not authorised to vary or extend the terms of this Warranty.
19. Redarc shall not be responsible or liable to the Customer or any third party in
connection with any non-performance or delay in performance of any terms and
conditions of this Warranty, due to acts of God, war, riots, strikes, warlike conditions,
plague or other epidemic, fire, flood, blizzard, hurricane, changes of public policies,
terrorism and other events which are beyond the control of Redarc. In such
circumstances, Redarc may suspend performance of this Warranty without liability
for the period of the delay reasonably attributable to such causes.
20. If a clause or part of a clause in this Warranty can be read in a way that makes it
illegal, unenforceable or invalid, but can also be read in a way that makes it legal,
enforceable and valid, it must be read in the latter way. If any clause or part of
a clause in this Warranty is illegal, unenforceable or invalid, that clause or part is
to be treated as removed from this Warranty, but the rest of this Warranty is not
affected.
Redarc’s contact details
21. Redarc’s contact details for the sending of Warranty claims under this Warranty are:
Redarc Electronics Pty Ltd
23 Brodie Road (North), Lonsdale SA 5160
Email: power@redarc.com.au
Telephone: +61 8 8322 4848
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