Smart Start

Battery Isolator
SBI12, SBI24
SBI212, SBI224
& dual sensing models
THE SMART START

SBI
The Smart Start

SBI is a microprocessor controlled Smart Battery Isolator. The Smart Start

SBI is designed specically for use in multi battery applications as a solenoid priority system to
protect the start battery from being excessively discharged by auxiliary loads, whilst still allowing
the auxiliary battery to supply non essential loads. Put simply, once the start battery is charged
by the alternator, the Smart Start

SBI will connect an auxiliary battery to the charge circuit.

Similarly, if the start battery voltage drops too low, the Smart Start

SBI will disconnect any

auxiliary batteries or loads to conserve charge in the start battery.
WARNING & SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Do NOT use the Smart Start

SBI to charge non-rechargeable batteries. Doing so may result

in harm to the user and/or damage to the Smart Start

SBI. Only use the Smart Start

SBI for
charging Standard Lead Acid, Calcium content, Gel & AGM type 12V/24V automotive batteries.
It is recommended that start and auxiliary batteries be of similar chemical characteristics when
charging via the Smart Start

SBI.
All lead acid batteries produce harmful, explosive gases. The Battery should be mounted in a well
ventilated area, as far as possible from any ignition sources. Do NOT smoke when in the vicinity
of the battery under charge.
Battery acid is a harmful substance. Care should be taken when working with lead acid batteries,
if the acid comes into contact with your eyes or skin, immediately wash the affected area with
cold running water and seek medical assistance. Eye protection and gloves should be worn when
handling lead acid batteries.
The Smart Start

SBI will achieve best results when proper battery maintenance is regularly
performed. This includes but is not limited to checking water and specic gravity levels of the
battery. Refer to the battery manufacturers manual for more details.
Fuses or Circuit breakers of appropriate rating must be installed to protect the vehicle system.
Please refer to the installation instructions on Page 3 for specic instructions on where to install
Fuses or Circuit breakers and the table on Page 2 for appropriate Fuse or Circuit Breaker ratings.
IMPORTANT! Do NOT make any connections to the control terminals
found on the front of the unit.
Connecting to the control terminals on the front of the
SBI may cause damage to the unit and/or equipment
connected to it.
Connecting to the control terminals will void the
warranty of the unit.
1
Do NOT
connect
to the control
terminals!
SAL.FOR.Instruction Manual.SBI DOC424 Version 7
CONTENTS
Table of Contents Page
Warnings and Safety Instructions 01
Contents 02
Specications 02
Cable Size, Circuit Breaker (CB)/Fuse Size and Stud Torque Chart 02
Installation Instructions 03
Fault Indication 04
Frequently Asked Questions 04
Dual Sensing Smart Start

SBI 05
Specications
Part Number SBI12 (D)* SBI24 (D)* SBI212 (D)* SBI224 (D)*
System Voltage 12V 24V 12V 24V
ON Volts 13.2V 26.4V 13.2V 26.4V
OFF Volts 12.7V 25.4V 12.7V 25.4V
Turn ON Delay 5 sec 5 sec 5 sec 5 sec
Turn OFF Delay 10 sec 10 sec 10 sec 10 sec
Max. Cont. Current 100 Amps 100 Amps 200 Amps 200 Amps
Max. Inrush Current 400 Amps 400 Amps 600 Amps 600 Amps
Standby Current < 5mA < 5mA < 5mA < 5mA
Dimensions 75x70x80mm 90x95x100mm
Weight 200g 600g
Warranty 2 years
Standards CE, C-Tick, AS/NZS CISPR11:2004
*D indicates Dual Sensing which is described on page 5.
Cable Size, Circuit Breaker(CB)/Fuse Size and Stud Torque Chart
Model Wire
Length
Start Feature with
Pushbutton Override
No Override Main Stud
Torque
CB or Fuse Wire CB or Fuse Wire
SBI12/
SBI24
Up to 3m 100 Amps 19mm (4B&S) 60 Amps 8mm (8B&S) 5 - 6.2 Nm
3m to 6m 100 Amps 32mm (2B&S) 60 Amps 13mm (6B&S) 5 - 6.2 Nm
SBI212/
SBI224
Up to 3m 200 Amps 32mm (2B&S) 120 Amps 19mm (4B&S) 6.5Nm max
3m to 6m 200 Amps 40mm (1B&S) 120 Amps 25mm (3B&S) 6.5Nm max
2
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mount the Smart Start

SBI in a convenient location near the start battery bank. Do not mount in
direct engine heat.
2. Install in the order described below:
Select correct Circuit Breaker/Fuse sizes and install at battery end of both positive cables (1)
Connect the cables in the order shown below (2,3,4,5)
Make sure the auxiliary battery is properly grounded to the vehicle chassis (6)
Ground Connection. Connect the Smart Start

SBI ground terminal to chassis ground. Remove

any paint to ensure a good ground connection. Note: A good ground will ensure correct switching
voltage. (7)
LED Connections (optional). Connect a wire from the Blue wire of the Smart Start

SBI to the
positive end of an indicator LED (15mA limited current draw) or LED/resistor combination mounted
on the dash as specied in the below diagram
Start Assist Feature (optional). Connect a wire from the Blue wire of the Smart Start

SBI to one
terminal of a momentary push button switch. Connect the other terminal of the momentary push
button switch to the auxiliary battery supply. To manually operate the Smart Start

SBI, hold the

momentary push button switch and the Smart Start

SBI will manually operate until the switch is

released. After about 10 seconds start the vehicle with the button still held on.
Checking the Operation: The Smart Start

SBI should now be operational. Start the vehicle or

apply a charge to the start battery. Once the start battery voltage rises the Smart Start

SBI will
activate, you will hear the solenoid click and see the LED illuminate. Now turn off the vehicle or
remove the charge to the start battery. The Smart Start

SBI will disconnect the auxiliary battery

once the voltage on the start battery drops, you will hear the solenoid click and the LED will go
out. Note: The amount of time it takes for the battery voltage to drop low enough for the solenoid
to turn off will vary due to battery condition, age and state of charge. (For a new, fully charged
battery, it may take days). Note: See table on page 2 for specic voltage levels.
3
Loads
Load
Circuit
Breaker*
Circuit
Breaker*
Auxiliary
Battery
Start
Battery
Circuit
Breaker*
* Redarc recommend Manual Reset Circuit Breakers
however fuses are acceptable.
When using fuses make sure that the fuse makes
a good low resistance connection.
Circuit Breaker/Fuse ratings are dependent on the
type of installation and the size of the loads.
SBI
STANDARD SBI SETUP
1
1
2 3
4
5
6
7
SBI with External LED SBI with Push Button
for Start Assist
Momentary
Pushbutton
Momentary
Pushbutton
LED
Resistor values:
12V = 1k or 24V = 2.2k
SBI with Push Button
and LED
LED
NO RESISTOR REQUIRED.
Loads
Override
Wire
Override
Wire
Override
Wire
Override
Wire
OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3
4
FAULT INDICATION
Should a fault occur, the Smart Start

SBI is set to notify the operator of the fault. The LED will ash
repeatedly with the following sequences:
CODE 1 2 Flashes Over-Voltage
CODE 2 3 Flashes Voltage Drop or Excessive Current Draw Fault
FAULT CODE 1: 2 Flashes (Over-Voltage Detection)
If the batteries connected to either terminal of the Smart Start

SBI should rise above 15.5 Volts (31

Volts on a 24 volt system), the Smart Start

will:
Disconnect, if connected, to prevent the source of over-voltage reaching the other battery
Flash the LED 2 times for 20 seconds, then reassess the fault condition, continuing until the fault
is cleared.
FAULT CODE 2: 3 Flashes (Voltage Drop / Excessive Current Draw)
If the Smart Start

SBI detects a voltage drop across its contacts of greater than 1 Volt for more than
second then the unit will:
Immediately protect itself by disconnecting the auxiliary battery; and
Flash the LED 3 times for 20 seconds, then reassess the presence of a fault, continuing until the
fault is cleared.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Question: Is the unit protected against voltage spikes?
Answer: Yes, the Smart Start

SBI incorporates a number of spike protection components specically

designed to reduce the risk of damaging the unit. The Smart Start

SBI is also designed to prevent any

spikes generated by the solenoid coil from affecting any vehicle equipment.
Question: What does the red LED indicate?
Answer: The red LED indicates the solenoid is activated and both batteries are connected together
and therefore are both being charged simultaneously. A ashing red LED during operation indicates a
fault. See Fault Indication Above.
Question: Can the voltage limits and time delay settings be changed?
Answer: Yes! Both upper and lower voltage limits & on and off times can be changed. However, this
needs to be done at the time of manufacture and will incur a relatively minor cost.
Question: We are experiencing repetitive switching of our Smart Start

SBI. What could be causing

this?
Answer: This can occur for one of two reasons. Firstly, switching a poorly charged second battery
into the system loads the voltage at the Smart Start

SBI to below its lower voltage limit, which will

cause the Smart Start

SBI to switch back off.

Secondly, voltage drop due to cable length (Smart Start

SBI mounted too far from start battery) can

cause the voltage at the start terminal on the Smart Start

SBI to be lower than at the start battery,

which can also cause the unit to switch off. Voltage seen by the Smart Start

SBI will now rise again

until the Smart Start

SBI switches back on. This switching will continue until the cause of voltage drop
is removed. On and Off Time delays are built into the product to avoid the solenoid contacts chattering
in this scenario.
5
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Question: Can I use the Smart Start

SBI to control a load (e.g. fridge) without using an auxiliary battery?

Answer: Yes. The voltage monitoring is done on the start battery side of the unit. If a load is
connected on the auxiliary side instead of a battery, the unit will still operate when the start battery is
charged, providing power to your load.
Question: Does the internal LED illuminate when I use the external override switch?
Answer: Yes.
Question: Can I use my Smart Start

SBI to winch off both batteries?

Answer: Yes. We recommend that the Smart Start

SBI be wired so it automatically connects both

batteries when the winch is turned on, through use of the Start Assist feature on the override wire. We
also recommend the use of our 200Amp Smart Start

SBI for this application.

Question: Can I use the Smart Start

SBI on a positive chassis vehicle?

Answer: Yes. Please contact REDARC for further information.
Question: Why does the LED stay on after the vehicle is turned off?
Answer: The LED stays on (indicating the Smart Start

is on & the batteries are linked) until the voltage

drops to 12.7V (25.4V for SBI24). This can take a few minutes to many hours, depending on size &
state of charge of the batteries as well as load on the batteries. To test the operation of the Smart
Start

, with the engine turned off, turn the headlights on and the Smart Start

LED should go out, this

may take a couple of minutes.
DUAL SENSING SMART START

SBI
Dual Sensing Smart Start

SBIs or D Series SBIs monitor both the start battery and the auxiliary. If
the unit detects that either battery has exceeded 13.2V the isolator will be connected. The benet of the
dual control enables the user to charge the main battery from a solar panel or battery charger on the
auxiliary battery. The SBI12D has the added feature of allowing charge both ways.
Circuit
Breaker*
Circuit
Breaker*
* Redarc recommend Manual Reset Circuit Breakers
however fuses are acceptable.
When using fuses make sure that the fuse makes
a good low resistance connection.
Circuit Breaker/Fuse ratings are dependent on the
type of installation and the size of the loads.
Auxiliary
Battery
Start
Battery
SBI12
+ + + - - -
Circuit
Breaker*
6
1. In this Warranty, the term Products means:
1.1 all products manufactured or supplied by Redarc (excluding its solar products
which are covered by Redarcs Solar Product Warranty); and
1.2 any component of or accessory for any product in clause 1.1 manufactured or
supplied by Redarc.
Offer and duration of product warranties
2. Redarc warrants that its Products will be free, under normal application, installation,
use and service conditions, from defects in materials and workmanship affecting
normal use, for 2 years from the date of purchase (Warranty Period).
3. Where a Product malfunctions or becomes inoperative during the Warranty Period,
due to a defect in materials or workmanship, as determined by Redarc, then subject
to further rights conferred by the Australian Consumer Law on the Purchaser,
Redarc will, in exercise of its sole discretion, either:
3.1 repair the defective Product;
3.2 replace the defective Product; or
3.3 provide a refund to the Purchaser for the purchase price paid for the defective
Product,
without charge to the Purchaser.
4. The warranty given by Redarc in clause 3 covers the reasonable costs of delivery
and installation of any repaired or replaced Products or components of Products
to the Purchasers usual residential address notied to Redarc, together with the
reasonable costs of removal and return of any Products determined by Redarc to be
defective.
5. If the Purchaser incurs expenses of the nature referred to in clause 4 in the
context of making a claim pursuant to this Warranty that is accepted by Redarc,
the Purchaser will be entitled to claim for reimbursement of those expenses which
Redarc determines, in exercise of its sole discretion, to be reasonably incurred,
provided that the claim is notied to Redarc in writing at the postal address or email
address specied in clause 21 and includes:
5.1 details of the relevant expenses incurred by the Purchaser; and
5.2 proof of the relevant expenses having been incurred by the Purchaser.
Exclusions and limitations
6. This Warranty will not apply to, or include any defect, damage, fault, failure
or malfunction of a Product, which Redarc determines, in exercise of its sole
discretion, to be due to:
6.1 normal wear and tear or exposure to weather conditions over time;
6.2 accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, vandalism, alteration or modication;
6.3 non-observance of any of the instructions supplied by Redarc, including
instructions concerning installation, conguring, connecting, commissioning,
use or application of the Product, including without limitation choice of location;
6.4 failure to ensure proper maintenance of the Product strictly in accordance with
Redarcs instructions or failure to ensure proper maintenance of any associated
equipment or machinery;
6.5 repairs to the Product that are not strictly in accordance with Redarcs
instructions;
6.6 installation, repairs or maintenance of the Product by, or under the supervision
of, a person who is not a qualied auto electrician or technician, or if non-
genuine or non-approved parts have been tted;
6.7 faulty power supply, power failure, electrical spikes or surges, lightning, ood,
storm, hail, extreme heat, re or other occurrence outside the control of
Redarc;
6.8 use other than for any reasonable purpose for which the Product was
manufactured;
6.9 any indirect or incidental damage of whatever nature outside the control of
Redarc.
7. Warranty claims in respect of a Product must be made in writing to Redarc at the
postal address or email address specied in clause 21 within the Warranty Period.
Such claims must include the following:
7.1 details of the alleged defect or fault and the circumstances surrounding the
defect or fault;
7.2 evidence of the claim, including photographs of the Product (where the subject
of the claim is capable of being photographed);
7.3 the serial number of the Product, specied on the label afxed to the Product;
and
7.4 proof of purchase documentation for the Product from an authorised distributor
or reseller of Redarc, which clearly shows the date and place of purchase.
The return of any Products without the prior written instructions of Redarc will not
be accepted by Redarc.
8. Without limiting any other clause in this Warranty, Redarc has the right to reject any
Warranty claim made by a Purchaser pursuant to this Warranty where:
8.1 the Purchaser does not notify Redarc in writing of a Warranty claim within the
Warranty Period;
8.2 the Purchaser does not notify Redarc in writing of a Warranty claim within 1
month of becoming aware of the relevant circumstances giving rise to the
claim, so that any further problems with the Product are minimised;
8.3 the serial number of the Product has been altered, removed or made illegible
without the written authority of Redarc;
8.4 the Purchaser is unable to provide proof of purchase documentation in
accordance with clause 7.4 or evidence that the Product was properly installed
and removed (if relevant), and that proper maintenance has been performed
on the Product, by, or under the supervision of, a qualied auto electrician or
technician, in accordance with the instructions of Redarc.
9. If the Product is found to be working satisfactorily on return to Redarc or upon
investigation by Redarc, the Purchaser must pay Redarcs reasonable costs of
testing and investigating the Product in addition to shipping and transportation
charges. Where Redarc is in possession of the Product, the Product will be
returned to the Purchaser on receipt of the amount charged.
10. Any replaced Products or components of Products shall become the property of
Redarc.
11. Redarc may, in exercise of its sole discretion, deliver another type of Product or
component of a Product (different in size, colour, shape, weight, brand and/or
other specications) in fullling its obligations under this Warranty, in the event
that Redarc has discontinued manufacturing or supplying the relevant Product or
component at the time of the Warranty claim, or where such Product or component
is superior to that originally purchased by the Purchaser.
Other conditions of Warranty
12. If the Purchaser acquired a Product for the purpose of resupply, then this Warranty
shall not apply to that Product.
13. In particular, the sale of a Product via an online auction, online store or other
internet website by a party that is not an authorised distributor or reseller of the
Product will be deemed to be a resupply within the meaning of the Australian
Consumer Law and will render this Warranty void, as Redarc has no control over the
storage, handling, quality or safety of Products sold by such persons.
14. A Purchaser shall only be entitled to the benet of this Warranty after all amounts
owing in respect of the Product have been paid.
15. While Redarc warrants that the Products will be free from defects in materials and
workmanship in the circumstances set out in this Warranty, to the maximum extent
permitted by law Redarc does not warrant that the operation of the Products will be
uninterrupted or error-free.
16. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Redarcs determination of the existence of
any defect and the cause of any defect will be conclusive.
17. Spare parts or materials for the Products are guaranteed to be available for a period
of at least 2 years after purchase of the Products.
18. The agents, ofcers and employees of any distributor or reseller of the Products and
of Redarc are not authorised to vary or extend the terms of this Warranty.
19. Redarc shall not be responsible or liable to the Customer or any third party in
connection with any non-performance or delay in performance of any terms and
conditions of this Warranty, due to acts of God, war, riots, strikes, warlike conditions,
plague or other epidemic, re, ood, blizzard, hurricane, changes of public policies,
terrorism and other events which are beyond the control of Redarc. In such
circumstances, Redarc may suspend performance of this Warranty without liability
for the period of the delay reasonably attributable to such causes.
20. If a clause or part of a clause in this Warranty can be read in a way that makes it
illegal, unenforceable or invalid, but can also be read in a way that makes it legal,
enforceable and valid, it must be read in the latter way. If any clause or part of
a clause in this Warranty is illegal, unenforceable or invalid, that clause or part is
to be treated as removed from this Warranty, but the rest of this Warranty is not
affected.
Redarcs contact details
21. Redarcs contact details for the sending of Warranty claims under this Warranty are:
Redarc Electronics Pty Ltd
23 Brodie Road (North), Lonsdale SA 5160
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +61 8 8322 4848
TWO YEAR PRODUCT WARRANTY
Over the last three decades our company has established a reputation as the power conversion specialist.
A 100% Australian-owned company, we have met the needs of customers in transport and other industries through exciting, innovative thinking.
We believe in total customer satisfaction and practice this by offering our customers:
Technical advice free of jargon and free of charge
Prompt turnaround of orders throughout Australia and globally
Friendly, personalised, professional service and product support
In the unlikely event that a technical issue arises with a Redarc product, customers are encouraged to initially contact the Redarc Technical Support Team on (08) 8322 4848
or [email protected] for prompt and efcient diagnosis and product support.
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for
any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not
amount to a major failure.
The benets of this Warranty are in addition to other rights and remedies available at law in respect of the Products and shall not derogate from any applicable mandatory statutory
provisions or rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
Redarc Electronics Pty Ltd atf the Redarc Trust trading as Redarc Electronics (Redarc) offers a warranty in respect of its Products where the Products are purchased from an
authorised distributor or reseller of Redarc by a person (Purchaser), on the terms and conditions, and for the duration, outlined below in this document (Warranty).
Free technical assistance!
please contact
Redarc Electronics
23 Brodie Road North, Lonsdale SA
(08) 8322 4848
[email protected]
www.redarc.com.au
Copyright 2012 Redarc Electronics Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
www.redarc.com.au
WARSBI - REV7