Redarc Smart Start SBI12 User manual

SmartStart®SBI
Smart Battery Isolator
MODELS:
SBI12
SBI24
SBI212
SBI224
Dual-Sensing

WARNINGS & SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Save these instructions — this manual contains important safety
instructions. Do not operate the system unless you have read and
understood this manual. REDARC recommends that the SmartStart®SBI
referenced in this manual be installed by a suitably qualified person.
Disclaimer: REDARC accepts no liability for any injury, loss or property
damage which may occur from the improper or unsafe installation or use of
its products.
SAFETY MESSAGE CONVENTIONS
Safety messages in this manual contain a signal word that indicates the level
of the hazard, as follows:
WARNING Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which
could result in death or serious injury to the
operator or to bystanders.
CAUTION Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which may
result in moderate or minor injury to the operator
or to bystanders.
NOTICE Indicates a situation that may cause equipment
damage.
WARNING
RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES — Working in vicinity of a lead-acid
battery is dangerous. Batteries generate explosive gases during
normal operation. For this reason, it is of utmost importance that you
follow the instructions each time you use the charger.
CAUTION
1. Only use the Battery Isolator for charging Standard Automotive Lead Acid,
Calcium Content, Gel, AGM, SLI or Deep Cycle type batteries.
2. Do NOT use the Battery Isolator to charge:
• Dry-cell batteries that are commonly used with home appliances.
• Batteries with voltage ratings other than 12 V (or 24 V for 24 V unit)
• Non-rechargeable batteries
• A frozen Battery. Thaw completely before attempting to charge.
Charging batteries under these circumstances may cause the battery to
explode or rupture during charging and cause injury to persons, damage
to the Battery Isolator and/or property.
3. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of battery or engine. This may
cause the battery to explode.
4. Be extra cautious so as to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto a
vehicle battery. Doing so might cause the battery to spark or might short-circuit
the battery or other electrical parts that may cause an explosion.
5. Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches
when working with a lead-acid battery. A lead-acid battery can produce a
short-circuit current high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal, causing a
severe burn.
6. A SPARK NEAR A BATTERY MAY CAUSE THE BATTERY TO EXPLODE.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR A BATTERY WHEN
CONNECTING THE BATTERY INSTALLED IN A VEHICLE TO THE
ISOLATOR, ALWAYS DO THE FOLLOWING:
a. Position DC cords to reduce the risk of damage by the vehicle hood, door, or
moving engine part.
b. Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys and other parts that can cause injury to
persons.
c. Check polarity of battery posts. The POSITIVE (POS / P / +) battery post usually
has a larger diameter than the NEGATIVE (NEG / N / –) battery post however
you should always check the label on the battery.
d. Determine which post of the battery is grounded (connected) to the chassis. If
the negative post is grounded to the chassis (as in most vehicles), see (e). If the
positive the post is grounded to the chassis see (f).
e. For a negative-grounded vehicle, connect the POSITIVE (Red) terminals from the
Battery Isolator to the POSITIVE (POS, P, +) ungrounded post of each battery.
Connect the NEGATIVE (Black) lead to a metal part of the frame or the vehicle
chassis, away from the battery. Do not connect the connect to the carburettor
or fuel lines.
f. For positive-grounded vehicles, connect the NEGATIVE (Black) lead from the
Battery Isolator to the NEGATIVE (NEG / N / –) ungrounded post of the battery.
Connect the POSITIVE (RED) terminals to the POSITIVE (POS / P / +) post of
each battery. Do not connect the connect to the carburettor, fuel lines, or sheet-
metal body parts. Only the start battery should be connected to the chassis.
PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
To assist with the safe working with batteries:
1. Consider having someone close by to come to your aid when you are working
with the Battery.
2. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin,
clothing, or eyes.
3. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes
while working near a battery.
4. If battery acid contacts your skin or clothing, remove the affected clothing and
wash the affected area of your skin immediately with soap and water. If battery
acid enters your eye, immediately flood the eye with running cold water for at
least 10 minutes and seek medical assistance immediately.
NOTICE
1. It is recommended that Start and Auxiliary Batteries be of similar chemical
characteristics when charging via the SmartStart®SBI.
2. 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
specific gravity levels of the battery. Refer to the battery manufacturers manual
for more details.
3. Fuses or Circuit breakers of appropriate rating must be installed to protect the
vehicle system. Refer to the installation instructions for specific instructions on
where to install Fuses or Circuit breakers. Refer to the cable sizing table found
in this manual for appropriate Fuse or Circuit Breaker ratings.
4. Fuses must be installed as close as possible to the battery.
5. IMPORTANT! Do NOT make any connections to the control terminals on the
front of the unit (100 A models) or the top of the unit (200 A models). 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.
Do NOT connect
to the control
terminals.
IMPORTANT! Ensure that connections are not accidentally bridged
between terminals whilst tightening.
LIMITED WARRANTY
For full warranty terms and conditions, visit the Warranty page of the
REDARC website at www.redarcelectronics.com/warranty.
Refer to the contact details applicable to your region:
Australia, New Zealand & Europe
REDARC Electronics Pty Ltd, 23 Brodie Road (North),
Lonsdale SA 5160, Australia.
Australia [phone]
New Zealand [phone]
UK & Europe [phone]
North America
REDARC Corporation c/o Shallco, Inc.,
308 Component Dr.
Smithfield, NC 27577, USA.
USA [phone]
Canada [phone]
Mexico [phone]
REDARC®, Smart Start® and THE POWER OF REDARC® are trademarks of Redarc
Electronics Pty Ltd. Any use of such marks by REDARC is under license.
Copyright © 2022 Redarc Electronics Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

CABLE SIZING
Model Wire
Length
Start Feature with
Pushbutton Override No Override Main Stud
Torque
Circuit
Breaker / Fuse Wire Circuit
Breaker / Fuse Wire
SBI12 /
SBI24
Up to 3 m 100 A 19 mm² (4 B&S) 60 A 8 mm² (8B&S) 5 – 6.2 Nm
3 m to 6 m 100 A 32 mm² (2 B&S) 60 A 13 mm² (6B&S) 5 – 6.2 Nm
SBI212 /
SBI224
Up to 3 m 200 A 32 mm² (2 B&S) 120 A 19 mm² (4B&S) 6.5 Nm max.
3 m to 6 m 200 A 40 mm² (1 B&S) 120 A 25 mm² (3B&S) 6.5 Nm max.
MOUNTING
Mount the SmartStart®SBI securely in a convenient
location near the start battery bank.
Do not mount in direct engine heat.
RECOMMENDED FUSES
REDARC Fuse Kits are recommended as they contain high
quality, reliable fuses and fuse holders.
SBI12 /SBI24:
FK60
MIDI 60 A Fuse Kit
SBI212 / SBI224:
FK100
MEGA 100 A Fuse Kit
MIDI Fuse with Holder MEGA Fuse with Holder
Fuse Assembly
PRODUCT FUNCTION
The SmartStart®SBI is a microprocessor controlled Smart Battery Isolator and is designed specifically for use
in multi battery applications as a solenoid priority system. It protects 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 has had some charge from 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 from the start battery to conserve charge.

5Fuse*
(with holder)
Start Battery
Override Wire
Override
Wire
LED
No resistor is required
Momentary
Push Button
Momentary
Push Button
5A Fuse
Resistor Values:
12V = 1kΩ OR
24V = 2.2kΩ
SBI with external LED SBI with Push
Button and LED
SBI with Push Button
for Start Assist
SBI
Circuit Breaker*
Loads
Auxiliary
Battery
SBI12D
Override
Wire
SBI12D
5A Fuse
Override
Wire
SBI12D
Fuse*
(with holder)
2 1
3
36
4
7
5Fuse*
(with holder)
Start Battery
Override Wire
Override
Wire
LED
No resistor is required
Momentary
Push Button
Momentary
Push Button
5A Fuse
Resistor Values:
12V = 1kΩ OR
24V = 2.2kΩ
SBI with external LED SBI with Push
Button and LED
SBI with Push Button
for Start Assist
SBI
Circuit Breaker*
Loads
Auxiliary
Battery
SBI12D
Override
Wire
SBI12D
5A Fuse
Override
Wire
SBI12D
Fuse*
(with holder)
2 1
3
36
4
7
STANDARD WIRING DIAGRAM
Ensure adequately sized cable is used.
Ensure the auxiliary battery is properly grounded to a
common chassis earth point.
Ensure the SBI ground wire is making good contact
with the chassis ground point.
When using fuses make sure that the fuse makes a
good low resistance connection.
Fuse/Circuit Breaker ratings are dependent on the type
of installation and the size of the loads.
WIRING
1. Make sure the auxiliary battery negative is properly
grounded to the vehicle chassis. (1)
2. 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. (2)
3. Select correct Circuit Breaker/Fuse sizes and install at
battery end of both positive cables. (3)
4. Connect the cables in the order shown as shown
below. (4,5,6,7)
*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.
LED CONNECTIONS (OPTIONAL)
Connect a wire from the Blue wire of the SmartStart®SBI to the
positive end of an indicator LED (15 mA limited current draw) or LED/
resistor combination mounted on the vehicle dash.
START ASSIST FEATURE (OPTIONAL)
1. Connect a wire from the Blue wire of the SmartStart®SBI to one
terminal of a momentary push button switch.
2. 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. The SmartStart®SBI should now be operational.
Override
Wire
(BLUE)
Override
Wire
(BLUE)
Ground
Wire
(BLACK)
Ground
Wire
(BLACK)
Start
Terminal
Auxiliary
Terminal
Auxiliary
Terminal
Start
Terminal

Fuse* Fuse*
Start
Battery SBI12D
Solar
Panel
Solar Regulator
Circuit
Breaker*
Auxiliary
Battery
FAULT INDICATION
NOTE: The LED may stay ON for a period after the vehicle is turned OFF.
This is NOT a fault.
Should a fault occur, the Smart Start®SBI is set to notify the operator of
the fault. The LED will flash 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:
If the batteries connected to either terminal of the Smart Start®SBI
should rise above 15.5 V (31V on a 24 V system), the Smart Start®SBI
will do the following:
Disconnect, if connected. This is 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:
If the Smart Start®SBI detects a voltage drop across its contacts of
greater than 1 V for more than 30 seconds 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.
CHECKING THE OPERATION
Once the Smart Start®SBI is installed follow the steps below to check
your operation:
1. Start the vehicle or apply a charge to the start battery.
2. Once the start battery voltage rises to the ‘ON Volts’ level the
SmartStart®SBI will activate, you will hear the solenoid click and see
the LED illuminate.
3. Now turn off the vehicle or remove the charger from the start battery.
The SmartStart®SBI will disconnect the auxiliary battery once the
voltage on the start battery drops to the OFF Volts level, you will hear
the solenoid click and the LED will turn off.
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 the battery condition,
age and state of charge (for a new, fully charged battery, it may take
days).
NOTE: Check the specification table of your Smart Start®SBI to see the
specific voltage levels.
NOTE: As per above, the LED may stay ON for a period of time after the
vehicle is turned OFF.
DUAL SENSING MODELS WIRING
DIAGRAM
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 13.2V the isolator will be connected. Dual control provides
the benefit of being able 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.
*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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why does the LED stay on after the vehicle is turned off?
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 this feature 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.
Is the unit protected against voltage spikes?
Yes, the Smart Start®SBI incorporates a number of spike protection components specifically
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.
What does the red LED indicate?
The red LED indicates the solenoid is activated and both batteries are connected together and
therefore are both being charged simultaneously. A flashing red LED during operation indicates a
fault. See “Fault indication”.
Does the internal LED illuminate when I use the external override switch?
Yes.
Can the voltage limits and time delay settings be changed?
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.
We are experiencing repetitive switching of our Smart Start®SBI. What could be
causing this?
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.
Can I use the Smart Start®SBI to control a load (e.g. fridge) without using an auxiliary
battery?
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.
Can I use my Smart Start®SBI to winch off both batteries?
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.
Can I use the Smart Start®SBI on a positive chassis vehicle?
Yes. Please contact REDARC for further information.

SPECIFICATIONS
Part Number SBI12 (*D) SBI24 (*D) SBI212 (*D) SBI224 (*D)
System Voltage 12 V 24 V 12 V 24 V
ON Volts 13.2 V 26.4 V 13.2 V 26.4 V
OFF Volts 12.6 V 25.4 V 12.6 V 25.4 V
Turn ON Delay 5 sec
Turn OFF Delay 10 sec
Max. Cont. Current 100 Amps 200 Amps
Max. Inrush Current 400 Amps 600 Amps
Standby Current <5 mA
Dimensions 75 × 70 × 80 mm
(3" × 2.8" × 3.2")
90 × 95 × 100 mm
(3.5" × 3.7" × 3.9")
Weight 200 g (0.4 lb) 600 g (1.3 lb)
Warranty 2 years
Standards CE, C-Tick, AS/NZS CISPR11:2004
*D indicates Dual Sensing Models.
Voltage tolerance of ±0.1 V
CONTACT
Tech Support
1300 REDARC (1300-733-272)
Australia
[phone]
New Zealand
[phone]
UK & Europe
[phone]
USA
[phone]
Canada
[phone]
Mexico
[phone]
redarcelectronics.com
WARSBI-4F−13