The Sterling Power BB1225 is a 12V to 12V 25A Bidirectional Battery to Battery Charger, designed to efficiently charge a 12V domestic, service, or auxiliary battery from the power generated by an alternator while the engine is running. This device is suitable for both older and newer vehicles and boats, and it can charge both lead-acid and lithium-style batteries. The product is rated at 26A on the input, making it suitable for use with any alternator.
Function Description:
The BB1225 acts as an intelligent DC-DC charger, managing the power flow between a starter battery (input) and a house/domestic battery (output). Its bidirectional capability allows for "reverse charging," where the output battery can charge the input battery if there is a surplus of power (e.g., from solar or another charger connected to the output battery) and the engine is off. This feature ensures the starter battery is maintained at an optimal voltage (13.4V for lead-acid, 13.5V for lithium) without depleting the output battery.
The charger offers multiple activation modes:
- Automatic Mode (Default): The BB1225 activates when the input terminal voltage reaches 13.5V or higher (typically from an alternator charging the starter battery) and deactivates when the input voltage drops below 12.8V (engine off).
- Ignition Feed Mode: Recommended for modern vehicles with regenerative braking (Euro 6 engines). In this mode, the BB1225 is controlled by an ignition signal (approximately 12V when the engine is running, 0V when off). This overrides the input voltage dependency, ensuring operation even with fluctuating alternator voltages. A minimum input battery voltage of 11.0V is still required. To reset to Automatic Mode, the ignition cable must be removed, and the SETUP button held for 15 seconds until the 3 LED battery types flash.
- Vibration Sense Mode: This mode allows the BB1225 to activate upon detecting two vibration events, effectively mimicking an ignition signal without needing a direct ignition feed. This is useful for smart alternators/Euro 6 engines. The charger will begin charging when vibration is detected and requires an input voltage of 11V-16V. If the input voltage does not climb after 2 minutes, the charger will turn off to prevent flattening the starter battery.
The device features a "Jump Start Assistance Mode," activated by pressing the Select button four times. This allows the BB to back-feed power, requiring at least 22V on the output battery and 5.5V on the input battery.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Part No: BB1225
- Input Voltage Range: 9V-16V
- Max Rated Output Power: 24A at 14.41V (approximately 345W)
- Max Rated Input Current: 26A at 13.68V (approximately 355W)
- Quiescent Current: 5mA
- Efficiency Rating: 98%
- Operational Temperature: -20°C to 60°C
- Dimensions: 123mm x 130mm x 56mm
- Weight: 0.6Kg
- Cooling Method: Thermostatically Controlled Variable low-speed fan
- Approvals: CE, UKCA, E-Marking
Usage Features:
- Battery Type Selection: The BB1225 supports various battery types with specific charging profiles. Users can select between Lead-Acid (Lead I, Lead II), AGM (AGM I, AGM II), and Lithium (Lithium I*, Lithium II*) profiles. This is done by pressing and holding the Select button for 5 seconds until the LEDs flash, then toggling through the options. The flashing orange LED indicates the selected type, and a solid LED confirms the setting.
- Lead I: 14.4V Absorption, 13.3V Float
- Lead II: 14.6V Absorption, 13.5V Float
- AGM I: 14.2V Absorption, 13.1V Float
- AGM II: 14.7V Absorption, 13.6V Float
- Lithium I:* 14.4V Absorption, 13.8V Float (live output voltage, ideal for waking up BMSs)
- Lithium II:* 14.2V Absorption, 13.6V Float (live output voltage, ideal for waking up BMSs)
- Note: Lithium profiles do not have voltage compensation if a temperature sensor is connected. Charging stops if the sensor detects 0°C or lower.
- Charging Status Indicators: LEDs on the front panel display the charging status (fast flashing for Bulk/Fast Charge, slow flashing for Absorption, solid for Float), reverse charging, and fault conditions.
- Temperature Sensor: An included temperature sensor (TEMP1) can be connected to the negative terminal of the output battery. For lead-acid and AGM batteries, it compensates the charging voltage based on temperature. For lithium batteries, it prevents charging below 0°C.
- Alarm Output: A 12V/100mA alarm output activates if the BB1225 detects a fault, allowing for connection to an audible alarm or LED.
- Remote Control Connection: A dedicated terminal is available for remote control (BBR).
- Self-Recovering Protections: Includes under-voltage, input over-voltage, output over-voltage, over-current, and charge over-temperature protections.
Maintenance Features:
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting section to diagnose common issues related to installation, input/output voltages, and fault conditions.
- Fault LED: A red LED illuminates solid when a fault is detected. The manual details six types of faults and their possible causes, suggested solutions, and recovery conditions.
- General Maintenance Guidelines: Emphasizes disconnecting mains supply and battery leads before transport or maintenance, storing in a dry environment, and protecting against humidity and water ingress. It also stresses that only original parts should be used for repairs and that unauthorized attempts to service the unit will void the warranty.
- Safety Precautions: Highlights the importance of correct installation by qualified personnel, proper ventilation, avoiding exposure to water (unless waterproof rated), ensuring good and clean connections, appropriate fusing for DC cabling, and secure mounting. It also warns against short-circuiting, reverse polarity, and modifying the device without Sterling's approval.
- Warranty: Comes with a 2-year limited factory warranty covering defects in material or workmanship.
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