Datakom SBC-245 24V 5A Smart Battery Charger

A 24 V, 5 A four-stage battery charger for genset and control batteries

The SBC-245 is a Datakom smart battery charger delivering 24 V at up to 5 A in a compact DIN-rail plastic package. It accepts a universal 90-300 VAC input, so the full nominal output is available across 110 to 277 VAC mains without derating. The datasheet describes chargers designed to withstand the high disturbance levels of harsh automotive environments, with overload, short-circuit, high-temperature and reverse-battery protection. On a standby generator the starter battery has to be kept charged from the mains so that the set can crank when needed; this unit is listed with our other diesel generator spare parts.

Technical specifications

Charging stages and DIP switch settings

The SBC-245 uses an up-to-four-stage smart charging algorithm, so it can charge better than a traditional two-stage unit. It tries to hold the highest possible charging voltage at the battery terminals and drops to the float voltage when the battery is full. Two, three or four stage modes can be chosen, and a regenerative charging option is said to extend battery life by ensuring a full charge with the lowest float voltage. The overload limit is current-limiting, not hiccup type, so an empty battery can still be charged at the rated current. In case of overheating, the charger reduces output current and keeps working.

• S1: activates regenerative charge (5 minutes every 6 hours).
• S2 and S3: absorption charge duration (2 hours, 1 hour, 30 minutes, or no absorption).
• S4 and S5: battery type. Li-Ion (both on): float 26.4 V, absorption 27.4 V. Ni-Cd: float 28.0 V, absorption 29.0 V. Lead-acid: S4 on and S5 off gives float 27.6 V and absorption 28.6 V, while both off gives float 27.0 V and absorption 28.0 V. (S4 and S5 both on selects Li-Ion and S4 off with S5 on selects Ni-Cd.)
• LED status indicator and a rectifier fail output that can drive a relay or report to a control module for an alarm.

Selection and installation notes

Choose the SBC-245 for 24 V systems, such as the starter batteries of generator sets. Other Datakom ratings in the same smart-charger family exist, so match the nominal battery voltage and the current to the battery capacity before ordering. The datasheet claims green mode operation: the operating frequency is reduced as the load falls and the charger enters a burst mode at very small loads, which lowers consumption. The datasheet gives an example in which a 92.5% efficient 24 V/5 A charger saves about 700 kWh over 20 years compared with an 85% efficient one, which is a derived comparison by Datakom under stated assumptions (30% average load).

Mount it on a DIN rail inside a protected panel; it has IP20 protection so it needs an enclosure in dusty or wet locations. Use the two-part 2.5 mm2 connector, observe battery polarity (reverse connection is protected), and fit an upstream fuse or breaker suitable for the 4.2 A input at 90 VAC.

The chargers are said to have very low power consumption at no-load, and the datasheet adds that the charger draws less than 18 mA from the battery when mains is absent, which keeps a standby battery from being drained by the charger itself. The 3300 VAC input-to-output isolation, the wide -30 C to +80 C operating range and the flame-retardant ABS/PC case make it suitable for installation inside genset control panels, while the connector is a two-part 2.5 mm2 type for quick replacement.

Selection and installation notes

A battery charger is selected from the battery voltage, the capacity and the charging current. Check the float voltage against the battery maker data, set it for the battery type, fuse the output, mount the unit with the clearances for cooling and keep the charger on when the set is on standby so the battery stays charged. Test the battery and the charger at regular intervals.

Information needed for a quotation

Send the full model code, the quantity, the delivery location in Oman or the GCC, the intended use and any accessories needed, so that the complete package can be quoted together.

Documents and supply information

The manufacturer data sheet is attached to this page and should be read together with the project specification and the site risk assessment before a purchase is confirmed. Ratings, standards and dimensions are quoted as printed on that sheet. Lead time, stock position and certificates available with the shipment are confirmed in the quotation, and we supply to Oman and the wider GCC region for industrial, utility and building services projects.

Documents and quotation

The Datakom SBC-245 datasheet is attached. Send the battery type, voltage and capacity with your enquiry so we can quote the right model.