Newmar Power ERC-12-35 Emergency Relay for Backup Power and Battery Maintenance

ERC-12-35 Emergency Relay

The Emergency Relay/Charger is a device for assuring immediate backup power to communications equipment in the event AC power is temporarily lost to the power supply or the supply fails. In addition, it will allow the power supply to act as a trickle battery charger without any additional modification.

When the ERC senses a loss of DC voltage, it employs a fast-acting S.P.D.T. relay to automatically switch the equipments DC input over to a standby battery to allow continued operation. When the power supply is returned to service, the ERC disengages the battery and puts the supply back online to provide DC voltage. While the power supply is operating normally, a small portion of the output current is directed to the battery to trickle-charge and maintain it at full voltage. (Note: Battery float voltage will be maintained at .7 volts lower than the power supply voltage.)

Note: If the power supply is down for an extended period, the backup battery may become significantly discharged while powering the radio. When the supply returns to service, the trickle charge rate of the ERC may be insufficient to restore the battery to full charge promptly. In the event this occurs, a supplemental charger may be necessary to bring the battery to full charge.

Installation

Select a suitable location as close to the battery as possible where there is no likelihood of accidental contact and shorting of the terminals. The ERC may be mounted vertically, horizontally, or even upside-down, if necessary, without affecting its operation. Two # 10 sheet metal or wood screws will be needed. Mounting on a metal surface is acceptable as the inputs and outputs are isolated from the mounting bracket.

Note: If the battery is stored in an unventilated enclosure, users are not recommended to mount the ERC within the same enclosure. As with any relay, it should not be in an area where there may be battery gases or any other potentially explosive gases present.

Wiring

The wiring should be as direct as possible. Ensure that the battery posts are free from corrosion. Determine the correct gauge wire using the information below. The wire length is the total length of the run (ERC-to-Radio + Power Supply-to-ERC) or (ERC-to-Radio + Battery-to-ERC), whichever is longer.

• 5 ft. wire length = #8 AWG
• 10 ft. wire length = #6 AWG
• 15 ft. wire length = #4 AWG
• 20 ft. wire length = #4 AWG

Use the provided crimp ring lug connectors to secure wiring to the ERC. Models ERC-12-15 and ERC-24-15 have yellow plastic terminal covers, which must be reinstalled after wiring to prevent accidental shorting.

Specifications:

• Input Range: 10.0-14.5 VDC (12V)
• Relay Rating: 30 amps continuous 35 amps intermittent
• Float Trickle (typical): 0.1 amps
• Dimensions (inch): 5-1/8" x 2-7/8" x 3-5/8"
• Weight: 1.15 lbs

The Newmar Power ERC-12-35 Emergency Relay is a reliable device designed to ensure continuous operation of communication equipment during power interruptions. It automatically switches power from the main supply to a standby battery when AC power fails, providing seamless backup power. This relay also functions as a trickle charger, maintaining the battery at full voltage without additional modifications, making it an efficient solution for remote or critical communication setups. The relay employs a fast-acting S.P.D.T. switch to transfer power swiftly, minimizing downtime and protecting sensitive equipment. When AC power is restored, the relay disengages the battery, seamlessly reconnecting the equipment to the main power source. The trickle charge feature ensures the battery remains ready for use, with a float voltage maintained just slightly below the supply voltage to prevent overcharging. Regular operation may gradually deplete the backup battery if the power supply remains offline for extended periods; thus, supplemental charging may be needed to restore full battery capacity after prolonged outages. Installation is flexible, allowing mounting on various surfaces close to the battery while ensuring safety precautions against battery gases and accidental contact. The relay's wiring should be direct with the appropriate gauge wire based on the run length, and secure connections are essential for optimal performance. The ERC-12-35 supports a wide input voltage range of 10 to 14.5 volts DC and is rated for 30 amps continuous relay operation, making it suitable for various communication systems. Its compact size and lightweight design facilitate easy installation in different environments, whether mounted vertically, horizontally, or upside-down. The device comes with detailed installation instructions and safety guidelines, ensuring proper setup and maintenance. The included features and specifications make the Newmar ERC-12-35 an essential component for reliable backup power and battery management in communication and emergency systems.

Features:

• Automatic transfer switch: employs a fast-acting S.P.D.T. relay to switch power from main supply to standby battery during power loss

• Battery trickle charging: maintains the backup battery at full voltage when the main power supply is operational

• Wide input voltage range: supports 10.0-14.5 VDC for versatile application

• High relay capacity: rated for 30 amps continuous and 35 amps intermittent operation

• Flexible installation: mount on various surfaces including vertical, horizontal, or upside-down without affecting performance

• Compact and lightweight design: measures approximately 5-1/8 inches by 2-7/8 inches by 3-5/8 inches and weighs about 1.15 pounds

• Secure wiring: includes crimp ring lug connectors with recommended wire gauges based on run length

• Safety considerations: designed to be mounted away from battery gases or explosive environments, with proper wiring practices