This article explains what it means when the 'A' status LED flashes on a BCDC Alpha charger (25A, 50A, or 50R models).
The flashing LED indicates the unit has overheated and stopped charging to protect itself and the battery. Once cooled, it will resume charging.
Common causes include direct engine heat or poor airflow from mounting in confined spaces. This article covers likely causes, checks, and fixes to restore normal operation.
REDARC recommends seeking the support of a qualified auto electrician or technician.
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
This information is applicable to the following BCDC Alpha chargers:
- BCDC Alpha 25A DC Battery Charger (BCDC12025B)
- BCDC Alpha 50A DC Battery Charger (BCDC12050B)
- BCDC Alpha50 R DC Battery Charger (BCDC12050R)
What does this look like?
The BCDC Alpha A status LED will flash. This fault condition is a hard fault and therefore the control button LED will be on while the A status LED flashes.
What does the flashing 'A' status LED mean?
This fault indicates that the BCDC Alpha has detected that the charger unit temperature has exceeded the operating temperature range.
What is the operating temperature range?
Please note, As the temperature of the unit rises above a certain level the current capacity of the output is decreased gradually in order protect both the battery and the unit.
Will the BCDC Alpha still charge my battery in this condition?
Once the BCDC Alpha detects that the unit is outside operating temperature range (greater than 85°C), the BCDC will cease charging. Once the charger unit has cooled and is within normal operating temperature, the charger will resume charging.
What can cause this fault mode?
The two biggest factors that cause a BCDC Alpha to increase in temperature are direct heat and lack of airflow.
DIRECT HEAT: This refers to the heat generated by other factors outside of the BCDC and can include engine components such as turbos and exhaust manifolds.
LACK OF AIRFLOW: This refers to the presence of stagnant air around the BCDC Alpha, slowing the dissipation of heat generated from the charging process, this is mainly caused by mounting the BCDC Alpha in a sealed environment such as a caravan cupboard.
How to determine the cause of the flashing 'A' status LED?
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.
A) BCDC ALPHA MOUNTING LOCATION
Mounting location can contribute to increased unit temperature due to poor air flow especially in an enclosed environment next to other electronics like fridges and inverters which also create heat in a confined space and/or enclosure.
Things to check:
- Check and review BCDC Alpha mounting location.
- Ensure adequate airflow.
- Ensure all wiring and connections are clean and tight.
B) POOR VENTILATION/AIRFLOW
Important
Note: Failure to adequately ventilate can cause overheating, leading to degraded charging performance.
Stagnant air is one of the worst thermal conductors and is the biggest contributor when electrical components are installed within enclosures or confined spaces.
Things to check:
- Has the BCDC Alpha got adequate clearance around the unit?
- Is the unit mounted to metal? (Please note, mounting to metal can increase the thermal dissipation).
- If mounted in an enclosure or confined space, review if there is adequate ventilation.
- If you determine poor airflow, consider porting the enclosure and/or add ventilation fans.
