From power tools, big and small, to lights, laptops and fridges, reliable power at your fingertips is a must-have when on site. A simple way to power your devices whether you’re working on or off-road is a dual battery system. There are a few different options when it comes to having a mobile power system running from your vehicle, we’re going to run you through them.
Forget the generator
Whilst historically petrol generators have been the go-to solution, modern-day tradies are increasingly investing in capable dual battery systems for onsite power requirements.
With the same power capabilities of the trusted generator, which lives a shorter life and is dramatically louder, installing a dual battery system provides set-and-forget capabilities, working hard for you so you can focus on nailing the job at hand. The days of lugging a large generator and jerry can site-to-site are over with maintenance free power using a dual battery system.
Self-maintained charging solution
The first step to maintaining power on the worksite is keeping your batteries charged. When you’re looking to run lights and accessories on site, you’ll need a secondary battery. This allows you to keep everything powered from the second battery without draining your start battery. To keep your second battery charged for the day ahead, you’ll need a battery charger.
A DC-to-DC battery charger lets you charge your second battery from the alternator power of your start battery. REDARC’s BCDC dual-input battery chargers also allow you to charge your second battery from solar, meaning even if you’re not driving long distances to the worksite, your battery is still receiving charge throughout the day.
Unlike a generator, a DC-to-DC charger doesn’t need to be constantly topped up with petrol which can dramatically reduce worksite costs. DC-to-DC chargers are near silent units and aside from initial setup, they require no consistent maintenance. Designed to be tough, BCDC chargers can withstand the gruelling elements that comes with working onsite.
With green power priority, the BCDC will always take power from solar first when available before using alternator power to recharge your batteries. This means no more generator fumes and, with the simple addition of solar, you can keep your batteries topped up without having to think about it.
Power tools anywhere
One of the major drawbacks of a generator is their size. They’re generally quite large units and require a lot of space to run, transport and store. This becomes increasingly obvious when compared to a pure sine wave inverter which takes up only a fraction of the weight and space of a generator. Similar to a BCDC charger, if you’re looking for AC power without the maintenance, look no further than adding an inverter to your system.
There is a misconception that dual batteries systems aren’t able to power high-draw power tools. Installing an Inverter allows corded tools to draw power from a consistent 240-volt source. A Pure Sine Wave Inverter converts DC power from your battery to AC power, the same type that you get in your house. This means that you can power all your household devices by your dual battery system. Having an AC power source in your setup means you can charge all your power tools and batteries in the back of your vehicle, so you’ll never forget your most used tools at home.
As long as your batteries are receiving enough charge, your inverter will keep all your AC accessories charged and running. When choosing an inverter you need to consider not only the inverter size, to make sure it’s big enough to keep your power tools charged, but also that your battery setup is powerful enough to run your inverter. Our inverter selection guide is a helpful way to quickly find the right inverter for your setup.
Need portable power? Meet the GoBlock
If you’re wanting a power solution that can be moved around the worksite, the REDARC GoBlock is the way to go. Designed to be a portable dual battery system, it’s got everything your traditional system has without being hardwired into your vehicle. With an in-built lithium battery and DC, AC and solar charging capabilities, it’s the perfect solution for keeping lights running and devices charged while moving around the worksite.
Built tough with an aluminium chassis, protection covers and recessed connections, it’s ready for any worksite – be it on or off-road. It can handle the dirt, dust, spills and is protected against ingress with no exposed fans.
While a generator may seem like a portable solution, its weight is often the limiting factor when looking to move it around a worksite. REDARC’s GoBlock is less than half the weight of an average generator, allowing it to be a much more portable solution. Being powered by lithium battery cells, GoBlock also has a considerably longer lifespan than the average generator, with the potential of over 2000 charge cycles.
Another benefit of the GoBlock is the ability to jumpstart your vehicle in the case of an emergency. If your start battery gets overdrawn and you find yourself unable to start your car at the end of the day, your GoBlock can be used to jumpstart it within 15 minutes and get you back on the road.
Dual battery systems are the quieter, lighter and greener option that is leaving the generator in the dust on worksites. Learn more about setting up a traditional dual battery system in your work vehicle or the generator vs solar power.
