Why use a DC2DC instead of a Voltage Sensitve Relay?

The ENERDRIVE | DOMETIC DC2DC provides several advantages over the use of a voltage sensitive relay (VSR) when charging an auxiliary battery from a primary/start battery:

Charging at the correct specifications for your auxiliary battery.

Batteries have different charging requirements based on their chemistry and capacity. For example, the charging algorithm for a lithium battery is very different from the algorithm used for a flooded battery or an AGM battery. An ENERDRIVE | DOMETIC DC2DC is fully programmable and comes loaded with adjustable profiles to ensure that your auxiliary battery is always being charged according to its specifications. This allows you to safely and efficiently charge a lithium battery, which cannot be done with a VSR.

Soft startup charging

Another benefit of the DC2DC is its soft startup feature, which starts the rate of charge at low level of current and then proceeds to slowly ramp up until it reaches its maximum charge rate. This is good for both the auxiliary battery and the alternator.

Included temperature sensor for lead acid batteries

Included in the box with your DC2DC is a temperature sensor that can be attached to the negative terminal of a lead acid battery. This allows your DC2DC adjust its charging algorithm in response to the temperature of your battery and ensure that your battery is being optimally charged.

Built in VSR

The ENERDRIVE | DOMETIC DC2DC includes a built in VSR. This monitors the voltage of your vehicle's start battery and prevents the DC2DC from charging until the start battery has reached a high enough voltage. Similarly, the VSR allows your DC2DC to detect the drop in voltage when your vehicle turns off and stop charging from the vehicle. This feature means that your DC2DC is only charging while the vehicle is running and allows the unit to stay connected to vehicle at all times without the risk of flattening the start battery.

Built in MPPT Solar Regulator

Included in the DC2DC is a MPPT solar controller, which allows you to plug in solar panels and continue to charge your auxiliary battery even after you have switched off the engine.

For more information on the benefits of an ENERDRIVE | DOMETIC DC2DC, check out our video series here.