Encapsulated Power Diode

Redarc Encapsulated Power Diode

The REDARC Encapsulated Power Diode is a 7A diode suitable for both 12 and 24V applications.

REDARC has released an Encapsulated Power Diode (EPDK-001). It is rated at 7 Amps for both 12 and 24V applications. It is totally encapsulated with sealed connections

The EPDK-001 has been designed and engineered to fit in the Trailer Stop Lamp feed to support the installation of Tow-Pro Electric Brake Controllers on vehicles where ‘back-feed’ of 12V (during Tow-Pro Manual Override) may interfere with the vehicle systems. When installed correctly, the EPDK-001 ensures correct Trailer braking and Stop Lamp operation when the vehicle brakes or the Tow-Pro Manual Override is used.

It supports 12V and 24V applications capable of supporting a maximum continuous current of 7 Amps at a maximum ambient temperature of 85⁰ C.

The 4WD Shed is an Authorised Online Reseller for Redarc.

We also fit Redarc products in our mechanical workshop in Bayswater, Vic. Additional Costs May Apply

Why use the REDARC encapsulated protection device

Installation of after-market accessories in modern vehicles with Can Bus systems can require additional precautions to prevent unexpected or undesirable interactions with those systems. A good example of such an accessory is an electric trailer brake controller.

To block those interactions (to, for example, AEB, adaptive cruise control, stability control, downhill assist etc) REDARC has developed the encapsulated prodection device (EPDK-001).

The EPDK-001 has been developed by REDARC to allow normal operation of an electric brake controller, including activation of trailer brake lights during manual over-ride, without interfering with vehicle Can Bus, in the often harsh environment often encountered in vehicles, both on road and off road. 

When deciding whether to use a either the REDARC EPDK-001 or a simple diode, these points should be considered:

The EPDK-001 is Suitably Rated

It is important that the module be suitably rated, not only for current but also for voltage drop. Just any diode may be under rated and will tend to overheat and go short circuit, so it no longer blocks feedback to the vehicle system, resulting in a number of possible problems, including dash fault lights, turning off cruise control (not desirable in a trailer sway situation) or interfering with AEB Etc. If the over current is bad enough, it can even cause the diode body to split and go open circuit. This results in the vehicle brake pedal no longer activating the trailer brakes or brake lights.

The EPDK-001 is mounted on a heatsink

As a diode dissipates power in operation, we have attached the REDARC module to a heatsink, to protect it from the excessive temperature rise.

The EPDK-001 has secure lead terminations

Diode leads tend to be relatively fragile compared to the wires they need to be connected to, especially in a harsh under-chassis installation. Any stress or movement of those wires will invariably end up on those fragile diode leads, concentrated at the point where they enter the diode body, making them very prone to breaking off. In fact, those leads tend to break after being flexed just a few times. This results in the vehicle brake pedal no longer activating the trailer brakes or brake lights.

The EPDK-001 has superior weather protection and mounting points.

If a diode is installed with its leads/wire joins exposed to water from road spray Etc, corrosion will set in very quickly, soon fracturing the leads, usually right at the diode body. This also results in the vehicle brake pedal no longer activating the trailer brakes or brake lights.

The REDARC module, including the diode circuitry, heatsink and wire terminations are fully encapsulated in a plastic over-moulded package that even includes channels to allow non-slip secure mounting with cable ties.

Before using just any diode, ask:

• Is it suitably rated?
• Is it mounted on a heatsink?
• Does it have secure lead terminations?
• Does it have superior weather protection?
• Can it be securely mounted?

Many installers advise that they typically solder wires onto a diode’s leads, before putting a heatshrink sleeving over the joints and wrapping it in duct tape in the hope it will be waterproof. Then they need to find a way of securing it with cable ties to try not to bend or add further stress the diode leads.

By choosing the REDARC EPDK however you’re using a high-quality waterproof module with a mating waterproof connector and 500mm colour coded leads to ensure a quality and trusted installation every time.

How to fit a REDARC Tow-Pro Elite into a modern vehicle

REDARC receive many enquiries regarding fitting a Tow-Pro™ Elite into a modern vehicle that uses a Can Bus system for signalling and applies brakes for adaptive cruise control, stability control. downhill assist etc.

Are there any special instructions regarding this installation? 

Answer:

The REDARC Tow-Pro Elite can be fitted to any vehicle.

The critical aspect is the wiring and where/how the wiring interfaces with the vehicle.

REDARC have developed and released vehicle specific Tow-Pro wiring kits (TPWKIT) that assure the installer a quality fitment, without fear of setting fault codes or worse still damaging sensitive electronics within the vehicle.

REDARC’s first recommendation is to use a REDARC TPWKIT when installing a Tow-Pro Elite to a modern vehicle.

Whilst the REDARC TPWKIT range covers a significant portion of the popular vehicles, at times an installer will encounter a vehicle for which REDARC have not developed a TPWKIT.

The Tow-Pro Elite suits the vehicle, but it is the wiring for that specific vehicle that is required.

In those instances, REDARC recommend the following wiring configuration:

Black Wire:
Battery power, connected directly to the battery through high quality fuse. REDARC recommend the use of a 25 Amp fuse at the battery.

White Wire:
The earth is to be connected to a convenient chassis/body earth bolt.

Caution: Some modern vehicles have the body earthed but not the chassis, which for NVH can be insulated from the body. Installers need to always confirm the earth point is a qualified earth.

Blue Wire:
The trailer brake control is connected from the Tow-Pro Elite main unit to pin#5 of the trailer socket.

Red Wire:
A brake lamp signal is required to activate the electric trailer brake controller.

In modern vehicles, the safest location to source this stop lamp signal is at the trailer socket.

Brake lamp terminal of the trailer socket.
Sourcing the brake lamp signal from the brake light wire of the trailer socket will capture all braking events which illuminate the vehicle brake lights. In a modern vehicle these can be either driver generated (foot on the brake pedal) or vehicle generated (Adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking etc)

Please note that if the brake signal is sourced at the trailer socket, and the installer is NOT using a REDARC TPWKIT, a diode MUST be fitted on the vehicles brake light wire on the vehicle side of the point where the brake signal is sourced.

This prevents the back feeding of 12V into the vehicle when the Tow-Pro is manually activated whilst illuminating the trailer brake lights.

Historically installers have used the Brake Pedal Switch. As the source of the brake signal however on the modern vehicle, REDARC DO NOT recommend sourcing the stop lamp signal from the brake pedal switch. Increasingly the brake pedal switches are not 12V, operate other vehicle systems or are controlled by a vehicle ECU.

Sourcing the brake signal at the brake pedal will also only detect braking events when the brake pedal is depressed (and the switch activated) and not brake applications activated by other on-board systems.

For older vehicles, not supplied with driver aids e.g Cruise, Traction or Stability Control, Brake/Throttle Override

For modern vehicles, equipped with driver aids and Advanced Safety Systems e.g Adaptive Cruise Control, Assisted Emergency Braking and Autonomous Emergency Braking.

REDARC recommend

1. The use of TPWKIT’s to install the Tow-Pro Elite.

2. For vehicles for which a TPWKIT is not available, the second method and reinforce again the need to fit the diode on the vehicle brake wire between the vehicle and the junction of the wires to the Tow-Pro Elite and the trailer socket, to protect the vehicle

(Note: if using a TPWKIT, it is not necessary to add this diode. If it is required it will be already installed on the TPWKIT harness.)