Is Dedicated Isolator Needed When Adding Redarc BCDC Charger to Charger Battery Bank on Truck

Question:

I am installing A LiFe PO 300Ah battery bank and and inverter in the bed of my pickup. which is a 2002 Silverrado 1500. I am also going to add a BcDc 1240 to charge the battery bank through the altenator. I was wondering do I need to add an isolator as well? And would 60Amp fuse for the batteries be sufficient and what size cable is needed with th BcDc being in the bed of the truck next to the inverter and battery bank. the inverter will be used to power tools. thank you for the information.

asked by: Greg B

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger # 331-BCDC1240D you plan on adding to your setup (along with all of Redarc's BCDC chargers) feature built-in isolation technology that will prevent you from draining the Silverado's starting battery. Because of this an additional dedicated isolator is not needed.

You will want to add 60 amp MIDI fuses for the input and output of the BCDC Charger (red and brown wires). These should be placed as close to each battery positive terminal as possible. For the fuses you can use the MIDI Fuse Kit # 331-FK60.

The cable/wire size is dependent on how far you need to run them. For 3 to 16 feet Redarc recommends 6 gauge wire and for 16 to 30 feet you will want to use 4 gauge wire.

expert reply by: Chris R