The REDARC BCDC1225D is the 25A dual-input DC-DC charger for 4WDs, canopies, vans and campers. It charges your auxiliary battery from the alternator and from solar at the same time, using a built-in MPPT regulator - and it works with modern smart alternators, which a simple isolator will not.
Like the rest of the BCDC Classic range it 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 40A fuse on both the input and the output for this model, and they are not supplied. Our REDARC FK40 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, and it usually gets blamed on the fuse rather than the holder.
Key features
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Separate DC and solar inputs - charges from both at once
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25A output, 375W 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 BCDC1225D suits battery banks of 75 to 200Ah. For anything over 200Ah they recommend the BCDC1240D 40A. Always check your battery manufacturer's maximum recommended charge current - a charger that exceeds it will shorten the battery's life rather than help it.
Full specifications
- Max rated output current: 25A
- Nominal output power: 375W
- Output voltage: 12V DC, max charging voltage 15.3V
- Input voltage: 9 - 32V
- Solar input voltage: 9 - 32V, solar switch-on 9V
- Input fuse: 40A, not supplied - REDARC FK40 recommended
- Output fuse: 40A, not supplied - REDARC FK40 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: BCDC1225D
- Warranty: 2 years
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the BCDC1225D come with fuses?
No. REDARC specify a 40A fuse on both the input and the output and state that they are not supplied. The matched kit is the REDARC FK40. Fuses must be mounted within 150mm of the battery positive terminal.
What size battery bank does the 25A suit?
REDARC suggest 75 to 200Ah. Above 200Ah they recommend the 40A BCDC1240D. Sizing up beyond your battery manufacturer's maximum recommended charge current does not charge faster in any useful sense - it shortens battery life.
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.
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 at all.
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 FK40 fuse kit and cable sized to your run. If you are unsure, a qualified auto electrician should size the cable.
Classic or Core - which one do I need?
The Classic is rated for engine bay installation. The Core is not - REDARC state it must go in the cabin, a ute canopy, a caravan or a battery box, where dust and weatherproofing are not required. If it is going under the bonnet, it has to be a Classic or an Alpha.
Need more output? See the BCDC1240D 40A or the BCDC1250D 50A. Browse the full REDARC range.
