If a BCDC charger shows all seven LEDs flashing once followed by a 3.5-second pause, it indicates a fault caused by either a poor/cycling power supply or, rarely, an internal hardware failure.
The unit will not charge until the issue is resolved. Common causes include faulty fuse protection (circuit breakers, blade fuses) or loose/poor connections at the start battery, fuse holder, or ground.
To fix, inspect and replace fuse protection with high-quality MIDI fuses if needed, and ensure all wiring and crimp connections are clean, secure, and properly grounded.
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 Chargers:
- BCDC Classic 25A DC Battery Charger (BCDC1225D)
- BCDC Classic 40A DC Battery Charger (BCDC1240D)
- BCDC Classic50A DC Battery Charger (BCDC1250D)
- BCDC Core 25A DC Battery Charger (BCDCN1225)
- BCDC Core 25A 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 fault look like?
The BCDC will exhibit a sequence where all seven LEDs located on the display panel flash simultaneously once, followed by a 3.5 second pause before the cycle repeats.
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.
What does this fault mean?
This fault indicates that the BCDC has detected an issue which could be related to either poor/cycling power supply or an internal hardware fault.
How do I know if it's a power supply issue or internal hardware fault?
It is quite rare to come across internal hardware faults, so the most likely cause of this fault condition is from a poor power supply to the BCDC.
Will the BCDC still charge my battery in this condition?
The BCDC will not provide charge when it is experiencing an issue with the power supply until the fault is rectified.
What can cause this fault mode?
POOR POWER SUPPLY:
A cycling power supply from faulty fuse protection such as circuit breakers or loose/poor ground connections.
INTERNAL HARDWARE FAULT:
Internal component failure.
How to determine the cause of the fault?
A) CHECK WHAT FUSE PROTECTION IS INSTALLED
Circuit breakers are a common cause of breakdowns in the field. As they age, it’s not uncommon to see circuit breakers trip prematurely or trip under their rated current value. This is even more common in higher temperature environments, for example engine bays.
If the installation uses a circuit breaker, replacing them with new high-quality fuse protection is worth doing. REDARC recommend using MIDI fuses.
- Locate and identify the fuse protection between the starting battery and BCDC.
- Visual/physical checks:
Circuit breaker: Check to see if the circuit breaker is hotter than other components in
the same area, this represents a bad internal connection causing the issue.
Blade fuse: Remove the fuse from the holder and check fuse and holder for signs of
heat and/or bad connection.
If you suspect the fuse protection is faulty or it's using a circuit breaker or blade fuse, replace with MIDI fuses and recheck operation.
B) CHECK POWER SUPPLY WIRING AND WIRING CONNECTIONS
Inspect the wiring to the BCDC and look for any loose connections at the start battery terminal, fuse holder & ground connections.
Check and confirm the following steps:
- Ensure connection points are clean, not damaged or loose.
- Remove the terminal and ensure a clean surface area is provided for the terminal.
- Inspect the ground wire (-) to ensure it has a suitable ground connection, such as a terminal attached to bare metal (unpainted surface).
- Ensure each crimp connection is strong, a small tug on each wire will confirm this.
