REDARC BCDC Alpha 100R: Complete Wiring & Install Guide

Here is the wiring sequence I follow on every install. First, mount the unit on a flat surface with at least 50mm clearance on all sides for ventilation — this thing generates heat at full charge. Second, run the positive cable from the starter battery through a 60A ANL fuse, then to the "IN" terminal. Third, run the positive cable from the "OUT" terminal through another 60A ANL fuse to the house battery positive bus bar. Fourth, connect the ground cable from the "GND" terminal to the chassis or a common ground bus — same gauge as the positive. Fifth, if you are running solar, connect the panels to the "SOLAR+" and "SOLAR-" terminals. The built-in MPPT handles up to 32V open circuit and 20A solar input. I typically wire two 180W panels in parallel (36V Voc — careful, that is at the limit; check your actual panel Voc at temperature). The LED indicator is your best friend: solid green means bulk charging, flashing green is absorption at 14.6V, solid orange means the alternator voltage is too low (engine off or smart alternator throttling). Flashing red means over-temperature — check your ventilation. Compared to the Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30, the REDARC gives you 50A vs 30A and includes the solar MPPT. But the Victron has Bluetooth and VE.Smart networking, which is a real advantage if you already run Victron components. Price-wise, the REDARC is about $550 AUD vs $350 USD for the Orion — the REDARC does more but costs more.