The REDARC BCDC Core is the in-cabin DC-DC charger - same proven BCDC charging technology, built for installations that live inside the vehicle. Under the rear floor, behind a side panel, under a seat, in a ute canopy or a battery box.
Read this first - the Core is not an engine bay charger
REDARC state plainly that the BCDC Core is not suitable for engine bay installation. It is designed for in-cabin, canopy and battery box setups where dust and weatherproofing are not required.
If your charger is going under the bonnet, you need the potted, engine-bay-rated BCDC Classic range instead - the BCDC1225D 25A, BCDC1240D 40A or BCDC1250D 50A. Fitting a Core under the bonnet is the fastest way to void the warranty on it.
Which one - Core25 or Core40?
REDARC's own sizing guide:
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Core25 (BCDCN1225) - AGM and lead acid banks of 60 to 200Ah, or lithium up to 100Ah
-
Core40 (BCDCN1240) - lead acid banks over 200Ah, or lithium over 100Ah
Check your battery manufacturer's data and make sure the charger's continuous current rating does not exceed their maximum recommended charging current. Going bigger than the battery is rated for shortens its life, it does not usefully speed anything up.
You will also need - your charger does not come with fuses
REDARC do not supply fuses with the Core, and the two models do not take the same ones. Both models need a fuse at each end.
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Core25: input fuse 40A (REDARC FK40) and output fuse 60A (REDARC FK60) - so the 25A needs one of each
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Core40: input fuse 60A and output fuse 60A - so the 40A needs two FK60
Both sizes are on our REDARC FK40 / FK60 Fuse Kit listing. Fuses must sit within 150mm of the battery positive terminal - the REDARC KIT19 battery to fuse cable is made for exactly that run.
Key features
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Simultaneous DC and solar charging with a built-in MPPT solar regulator
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Green Power Priority - takes solar first, less load on the alternator, less fuel
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No fans and no relays - it runs silent, which is the point of putting it in the cabin
- Compact BCDC form factor - 165 x 120 x 37 mm, 900g
- Suits 12V and 24V standard and variable-voltage smart alternators
- Chemistry-specific profiles for AGM, Gel, standard lead acid, calcium and lithium (LiFePO4)
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Designed, tested and manufactured in Australia, 2 year warranty
Full specifications
| |
Core25 |
Core40 |
| SKU |
BCDCN1225 |
BCDCN1240 |
| Continuous / max rated output |
25A |
40A |
| Nominal output power |
375W |
600W |
| Input fuse (not supplied) |
40A - FK40 |
60A - FK60 |
| Output fuse (not supplied) |
60A - FK60 |
60A - FK60 |
Shared across both models:
- Input voltage: 9 - 32V
- Output voltage: 12V DC, max charging voltage 15.3V
- Solar input voltage: 9 - 32V, solar switch-on voltage 9V
- No-load current: under 100mA, standby current under 8mA
- Operating temperature: -15C to 80C
- Dimensions: 165 x 120 x 37 mm
- Weight: 900g
- Connector type: bare wire
- Engine bay install: No
- Cabin, canopy or battery box: Yes
- Warranty: 2 years
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mount the BCDC Core in the engine bay?
No. REDARC state the BCDC Core is not suitable for engine bay installation. It is built for in-cabin, canopy and battery box installs where dust and weatherproofing are not required. For an under-bonnet install use the BCDC Classic range, which is potted and rated for it.
What is the difference between the BCDC Core and the BCDC Classic?
The charging technology is the same family - dual input, MPPT solar, Green Power Priority, lithium ready. The difference is where they can live. The Classic is potted and rated for the engine bay, cabin, canopy or trailer. The Core is for protected locations only, and costs less as a result. If your install is inside the vehicle, the Core does the same charging job for less money.
Does the BCDC Core come with fuses?
No, and this catches people out. The Core25 needs a 40A input fuse and a 60A output fuse, so it takes one FK40 and one FK60. The Core40 needs 60A at both ends, so it takes two FK60. Fuses must be mounted within 150mm of the battery positive terminal.
Should I get the 25A or the 40A?
REDARC put the Core25 on AGM and lead acid banks of 60 to 200Ah, or lithium up to 100Ah. The Core40 suits lead acid over 200Ah or lithium over 100Ah. Always check your battery manufacturer's maximum recommended charging current first.
Is it noisy inside the cabin?
The Core has no fans and no relays, which is the reason it suits an in-cabin install. It can be hidden under the rear floor, behind a side panel or under a seat without you hearing it work.
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.
What comes in the box?
The charger and its instruction manual. REDARC list the connector type as bare wire, and fuses are not supplied - you will need the fuse kits above and cable sized to your run. REDARC recommend installation by a qualified auto electrician.
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