All REDARC BCDC in-vehicle chargers use their LEDs to indicate charging status, standby, or faults.
If all LEDs flash together, the unit has detected a fault, with flash counts identifying issues such as hardware faults, under/over temperature, over-voltage, under-voltage, or poor connections.
Common fault causes include incorrect fuses, loose or corroded wiring, poor ventilation, or solar wiring issues. Troubleshooting involves checking voltages with a multimeter, inspecting connections, using proper MIDI fuses, ensuring ventilation, and correcting solar wiring. If faults persist, REDARC support is required.
REDARC recommends seeking the support of a qualified auto electrician or technician.
Important
For your safety, REDARC recommends installation by a qualified auto electrician or technician. Our trusted REDNetwork is made up of professional auto electrical businesses certified by REDARC to install the complete of REDARC solutions. Find Your Local Installer
This information is applicable to the following products:
- BCDC Classic range (BCDC1225D, BCDC1240D, BCDC1250D)
How will this appear?
The Charge Profile LED and Charge Status LEDs on your BCDC will either flash or remain solid to indicate charging stages, standby mode, or faults.
Charge Profile LED solid + stage LED flashing: BCDC is charging normally.
Only Charge Profile LED flashing: BCDC is in standby and not charging.
All LEDs flashing together: BCDC has detected a fault. The number of flashes every 3.5 seconds indicates the fault type.
What do the different flash sequences mean?
1 flash every 3.5 seconds: Internal hardware fault or unit repeatedly restarting.
2 flashes every 3.5 seconds: Unit under temperature (below minimum operating range).
3 flashes every 3.5 seconds: BCDC has overheated and stopped charging.
4 flashes every 3.5 seconds: Output over-voltage or solar reverse polarity.
5 flashes every 3.5 seconds: Input under voltage or poor connection between charger and battery.
6 flashes every 3.5 seconds: Input over-voltage (battery or solar panel voltage above maximum).
What causes these faults?
These faults can be caused by a number of factors including;
Incorrect fuse type or poor fuse installation
Loose, corroded, or poor wiring connections
Insufficient ventilation or overheating due to load/ambient temperature
Solar panel wired incorrectly or delivering excessive voltage
Input voltage outside operating range
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
What tools are required?
Digital multimeter (to measure input/output voltages)
Correct-rated fuses (MIDI fuses recommended)
Basic hand tools for inspecting wiring and connections
How to troubleshoot these faults?
Check voltages directly at the BCDC input and output.
Inspect all connections for corrosion, looseness, or high resistance points.
Confirm correct fuses are installed — use MIDI fuses, not resettable circuit breakers.
Allow cooling time if the unit has overheated. Ensure adequate ventilation.
Check solar polarity and wiring if solar panels are connected.
Once corrected, retest the system.
If the fault persists after checks, contact REDARC Technical Support.