The REDARC charge equalizer operates in a two battery 24 volt DC negative earth system. The Output Voltage of the Charge Equalizer is regulated to half the Input Voltage.
12 volt power is available from the lower battery in a 24 volt system via the centre tap. The Charge Equalizer ensures that the voltage in the lower 12V battery is equalised to the voltage of the upper 12V battery in the 24V bank. ALTERNATIVELY it can be used to maintain charge in a separate 12 volt auxiliary battery.

APPLICATION

Because of their high peak current capability and fast transient response, REDARC Charge Equalizers are ideally suited to loads requiring a safe, clean and stable 12 volt supply (Electronics and communication equipment). They are ideal for variable current loads such as winches, motors, lamps, fridges etc. because the 12V supply is taken direct from the lower 12V battery.

PROTECTION

The Charge Equalizer will not be overloaded because of inbuilt fast responding current limiting.
The Charge Equalizers' electronic components are protected internally against the large positive and negative transient voltages usually present in mobile electrical systems. There is NO POSSIBILITY of 24 volts being applied to the load (equipment), because the output is supplied by the 12v battery.

IN-VEHICLE TESTING

Equipment needed:

Multimeter or voltmeter.

5W/24V test lamp with connection leads/clips.

Test Procedure:

Leave input (VIOLET) wire and earth (GREEN) wire connected.

Disconnect output (BROWN) wire from battery. (Do not allow BROWN wire to contact chassis/earth).

Connect 5W test lamp between BROWN wire and vehicle chassis/earth. This is to provide a load on the output of the charge equaliser.

Using a voltmeter, measure voltage on the BROWN wire. (Voltmeter positive to BROWN wire, negative wire to chassis/earth)

Measure voltage on the input (VIOLET) wire 24V connection. (Voltmeter positive to VIOLET wire connection, negative to chassis/earth):

Voltage on BROWN wire should be half the voltage on the VIOLET wire (within 0.25V).

Example 1.

With Motor running, if VIOLET wire measures 28V, BROWN wire should be 14V (+/- 0.25V), i.e. BROWN wire voltage should be in range 13.75V to 14.25V.

Example 2.

With Motor not running, if VIOLET wire measures 24V, BROWN wire should be 12V (+/- 0.25V), i.e. BROWN wire voltage should be in range 11.75V to 12.25V.

If these voltages are OK, it indicates the Charge Equaliser is operating correctly.

If 12V battery does not maintain the correct voltage, check that all connections are sound and check battery condition. If this is OK, measure the 12V current draws and check that the Charge Equaliser is suitably rated.

For further assistance please call REDARC Electronics in Adelaide on 08 8322 4848 or email power@redarc.com.au.

PRECAUTIONS

• During installation of the Charge Equalizer ensure that the 12v terminal is connected last and disconnected first. A small spark is normal whilst connecting.
• A sound earth connection is essential (See wiring diagrams for fitting the Charge Equalizer).
• If jump starting the vehicle, the CE must be isolated by removal of the fuses to prevent damage.
• Avoid direct steam cleaning of the unit as the chemicals used in the fluids can be corrosive.
• A FUSE MUST BE FITTED BETWEEN THE 12 Volt BATTERY TERMINAL AND ANY 12 Volt EQUIPMENT.
• If fitted to a vehicle with an isolator switch on the negative earth side the 30, 40 and 60 amp Charge Equalizers' case must then be insulated from earth and the earth wire of the CE returned to the negative pole of the 12 volt battery.

The Charge taken from the lower battery must be fully replaced by the alternator / equalizer combination during the normal daily operating cycle of the vehicle PEAK LOAD CURRENTS AVAILABLE ARE ONLY LIMITED BY THE BATTERY CAPACITY (e.g. 200+Amps).

MODEL Number	Continuous Power Output	Continuous Current Rating	Fuse rating to be fitted INPUT	Fuse rating to be fitted OUTPUT
CE3	45 Watts	3.5 Amp	5A	5A
CE10	120 Watts	10 Amp	10A	15A
CE20	240 Watts	20 Amp	20A	25A
CE30	360 Watts	30 Amp	25A	50A
CE40	480 Watts	40 Amp	50A	50A
CE60	720 Watts	60 Amp	60A	80A

For maximum efficiency the Charge Equalizer must be fitted as close as practical to the lower battery. Fuses (not provided on CE30,40 & 60) or circuit breakers MUST be fitted to the input and output wires as per the above instructions. The fuses are essential to ensure the safety of the vehicle's wiring in the event of a short circuit.

Connection of the violet wire to 24 volt can be made in two ways;

1. If a permanent connection is required, the VIOLET wire can be connected to the 24V battery terminal. In this case there is a small standby current and as with any permanent electrical load the fuse should be removed if the vehicle is to stand idle for extended periods.
2. If the Charge Equaliser is to be turned off when the vehicle is not in use or if there is an isolator switch on the positive 24v side, then the 24V feed to the violet wire must be via a relay operated by the ignition switch. Failure to use a relay will allow the 12V battery to discharge back via the Charge Equalizer to any other equipment connected to the ignition switch.

SCHEMATICS
Large schematic diagrams are available by clicking on the images below...

     

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