The REDARC BCDC1240D is the 40A dual-input DC-DC battery charger from REDARC's BCDC Classic range. Built for 4WDs, caravans, campers and work vehicles, it charges your auxiliary battery from the alternator and from solar at the same time - and it works with modern smart alternators, which a simple isolator does not.
Unlike the in-cabin Core range, the Classic is potted and rated for engine bay installation, as well as cabin, canopy and trailer.
You will also need - your charger does not come with fuses
- REDARC specify a 60A fuse on both the input and the output for this model, and they are not supplied. Our REDARC FK60 Fuse Kit is the matched kit.
- Fuses must sit within 150mm of the battery positive terminal - the REDARC KIT19 battery to fuse cable is made for that run.
A failed fuse holder is one of the most common faults REDARC's support team see on dual battery systems. A holder that does not grip the fuse properly builds heat and melts, and it almost always gets blamed on the fuse.
Key features
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Separate DC and solar inputs - charges from both at once
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40A output, 600W nominal output power
- Built-in MPPT solar regulator with Green Power Priority - takes solar first, less load on the alternator, less fuel
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Engine bay rated, and equally suited to cabin, canopy or trailer
- Suits 12V and 24V standard and variable-voltage smart alternators
- Patented charging profiles for AGM, Gel, standard lead acid, calcium and lithium (LiFePO4)
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Designed, tested and manufactured in Australia, 2 year warranty
Is this the right size?
REDARC's own guide: the BCDC1240D suits lead acid banks over 200Ah, or lithium over 100Ah. For smaller banks of 75-200Ah they recommend the BCDC1225D 25A. Always check your battery manufacturer's maximum recommended charge current before sizing up.
Full specifications
- Continuous rating: 40A
- Max rated output current: 40A
- Nominal output power: 600W
- Output voltage: 12V DC, max charging voltage 15.3V
- Input voltage: 9 - 32V
- Solar input voltage: 9 - 32V, solar switch-on 9V
- Input fuse: 60A, not supplied - REDARC FK60 recommended
- Output fuse: 60A, not supplied - REDARC FK60 recommended
- No-load current: under 100mA, standby current under 8mA
- Operating temperature: -20C to 80C
- Suitable for 12V and 24V systems: Yes
- Engine bay, cabin, canopy and trailer install: Yes
- Connector type: bare wire
- Dimensions: 165 x 120 x 37 mm
- Weight: 1 kg
- SKU: BCDC1240D
- Warranty: 2 years
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the BCDC1240D come with fuses?
No. REDARC specify a 60A fuse on both the input and the output and state that they are not supplied. The matched kit is the REDARC FK60. Fuses must be mounted within 150mm of the battery positive terminal.
Can it be mounted in the engine bay?
Yes. The BCDC Classic range is potted and rated for engine bay installation, as well as cabin, canopy and trailer. That is the main difference between the Classic and the BCDC Core range, which REDARC state must not be mounted in an engine bay.
What size battery bank does it suit?
REDARC suggest lead acid banks over 200Ah or lithium over 100Ah. For 75-200Ah they recommend the 25A BCDC1225D. Check your battery manufacturer's maximum recommended charge current before choosing a larger charger.
Will it work with a smart alternator?
Yes. It suits 12V and 24V systems with either standard or variable-voltage smart alternators. A basic voltage-sensing isolator often will not charge properly on a smart alternator, which is the main reason to fit a DC-DC charger.
How much solar can I run into it?
The solar input accepts 9 to 32V and switches on at 9V. The built-in MPPT regulator charges from solar and the alternator simultaneously, and Green Power Priority takes the solar first to reduce load on your alternator.
What is the difference between the Classic and the Core?
The Classic is rated for engine bay installation. The Core is not - REDARC state it must be installed in the cabin, a ute canopy, a caravan or a battery box, where dust and weatherproofing are not required. If the charger is going under the bonnet, it has to be a Classic or an Alpha.
Need a smaller unit? See the BCDC1225D 25A. Need more output? The BCDC1250D 50A. Browse the full REDARC range.
