Newmar ERC-12-35 Back Up Switch Over
Newmar ERC-12-35 Back Up Switch Over — Product description
Why Reliable Backup Power Matters for Your Communications Setup
In critical scenarios like emergency response, remote operations, or any setup where two-way radios, base stations, or other communication gear can't afford downtime, power interruptions can spell disaster. That's where a robust emergency relay and charger steps in, ensuring seamless failover to battery power while keeping your battery topped up during normal operation. Designed for 12VDC systems, this unit handles high demands with a beefy relay capable of switching 30 amps continuously or 35 amps intermittently, making it ideal for power-hungry equipment.
Unlike basic battery backups that drain fast without recharging, this relay/charger integrates directly with your existing DC power supply. It senses voltage drops instantly and flips to standby battery power, then switches back when mains return—all without manual intervention. Plus, it trickle-charges the battery at a low rate to maintain peak readiness, keeping float voltage just 0.7V below your supply for optimal longevity.
How the Backup Switching Mechanism Works
Picture this: Your AC-powered supply blinks out due to a storm, outage, or glitch. Within milliseconds, the single-pole double-throw (SPDT) relay detects the DC voltage loss and connects your equipment straight to the standby battery. No data loss, no interrupted transmissions. When power stabilizes, it disengages the battery and resumes normal supply operation.
During uptime, a fraction of the supply's output—typically around 0.01 amps—diverts to gently float-charge the battery. This prevents sulfation and ensures it's always mission-ready. For prolonged outages where the battery runs deep, note that the built-in trickle might need a boost from an external charger to recharge quickly, but for everyday reliability, it's spot-on.
- Automatic Sensing: Monitors 10.0-14.5VDC input range for instant response.
- Seamless Reversion: Prioritizes primary supply when available.
- Compact Fit: Measures 5 1/8" x 2 7/8" x 3 5/8", slipping easily into tight racks or panels.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 10.0 - 14.5 VDC |
| Relay Capacity | 30 Amps continuous / 35 Amps intermittent |
| Trickle Charge Rate (Typical) | 0.01 Amps |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 5 1/8" x 2 7/8" x 3 5/8" |
Perfect Applications for High-Stakes Environments
This backup switch shines in demanding fields where comms reliability is non-negotiable:
- Emergency Services: Keeps dispatch radios alive during blackouts for first responders.
- Ham Radio & Amateur Setups: Ensures base stations stay on-air for contests or skywarn nets.
- Marine & RV Use: Protects VHF radios from alternator failures or shore power drops.
- Remote Sites: Solar or generator-powered repeaters get uninterrupted service.
- Commercial Two-Way Systems: Scales for fleet ops or security networks handling 30A+ loads.
Users rave about its plug-and-play simplicity—wire it inline between supply, battery, and load, and you're set. Pair it with sealed lead-acid or AGM batteries for best results, and it'll handle years of silent vigilance.
Maximizing Performance and Longevity
To get the most from your setup, match the battery capacity to your equipment's draw—aim for enough reserve for expected outage durations. Regularly inspect connections for corrosion, especially in humid or mobile environments. The low-profile design aids heat dissipation, but ensure good airflow in enclosed spaces. This isn't just a switch; it's peace of mind engineered for the real world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during a power outage with this relay charger?
It automatically detects the DC voltage drop and switches your equipment to the standby battery in milliseconds, maintaining continuous operation.
Does it charge the backup battery?
Yes, it provides a trickle float charge at about 0.01 amps during normal power supply operation, keeping the battery at full readiness.
What's the maximum load it can handle?
The relay supports 30 amps continuous or 35 amps intermittent, perfect for most communication rigs.
What type of batteries work best?
Sealed lead-acid, AGM, or similar 12V batteries compatible with float charging in the 10-14.5VDC range perform optimally.
How do I handle deep battery discharge after long outages?
The trickle charge restores slowly; use a dedicated charger temporarily to bring it back to full capacity faster.
Is installation straightforward?
Absolutely—connect it between your power supply, battery, and load for automatic backup functionality with no complex setup.
What input voltage does it accept?
It operates reliably across 10.0 to 14.5 VDC, matching standard 12V systems.
The Emergency Relay/Charger is a device for assuring immediate back-up 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 loss of DC voltage is sensed by the ERC, it employs a fast-acting S.P.D.T. relay to automatically switch the equipment?s 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 on line 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 power supply voltage)
Note: If the power supply is down for an extended period, the back-up 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 in a timely manner. In the event this occurs, a supplemental charger may be necessary to bring the battery to full charge.
| ERC12-15 | ERC24-15 | ERC12-35 | |
| Input range | 10.0 - 14.5 VDC | 20. - 29.0 VDC | 10.0 - 14.5VDC |
| Relay ratings | 10 Amps Continuous 15 Amps intermittant | 10 Amps Continuous 15 Amps intermittant | 30 Amps Continuous 35 Amps intermittant |
| Float Trickle Typical | 0.1 amps | 0.2 amps | .01 amps |
| Dimensions | 5 1/8" x 2 7/8" x 2 3/8' | 5 1/8" x 2 7/8" x 2 3/8' | 5 1/8" x 2 7/8" x 3 5/8" |
The emergency relay/charger is a device used to ensure that the communication equipment is immediately provided with backup power in the event of a temporary power failure or power failure of the AC power supply. ...
SKU: NVN-1001168
MPN: ERC-12-35
UPC:
Technical specifications
| Brand | NewMar |
| Model | Newmar ERC-12-35 Back Up Switch Over |
| SKU / MFR# | 1001168 |
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