BI-200 - Newmar Power Newmar BI-200 Battery Integrator

BI-200 Battery Integrator

Charging multiple battery banks without the use of diode isolators dictates that the batteries be connected or “integrated” only whenever a charge voltage is present so that they may be charged simultaneously, then disconnected or “isolated” when the charge voltage is no longer present to allow for selective discharge and avoid having the secondary or standby battery drain into the primary battery.

Battery integrators perform this function automatically, acting as a “smart” switch to connect independent battery banks only when a charging voltage is present. Otherwise, they are isolated, and discharge between banks is prevented.

The Battery Integrator causes no voltage drop in the charging system, while the multiple batteries are charged as a single bank whenever a charging source of approximately 13.2 VDC or 26.4 VDC or greater is present (depending on the model).

When the alternator or charger is off or a large load causes the voltage to drop below the disconnect point, the unit breaks the common tie between the banks. This allows selective battery discharge and prevents the “dumping” of a higher-charged bank into a lower-charged bank. The unit may also be remotely activated to connect other batteries through the key starter or a manual switch to provide an added “boost” from the secondary battery whenever the starter is engaged and the unit senses there is sufficient voltage in that battery to provide an assist.

Features:

• Enables charging of two separate banks without voltage drop yet maintains 100% isolation at all other times. For systems of three banks or more, an additional unit must be installed for each additional bank
• Heavy-duty silver-plated contactor, continuous duty rated to 100 Amps or 200 Amps depending on model
• Voltage sense circuits, epoxy-encapsulated, and heavy-duty continuous-rated solenoids are all designed for use in marine environments
• Has ignition protection rating
• Easy three-wire hookup for two bank systems (BATT +, BATT +, GROUND)
• Terminal for optional wiring of a remote light indicating when battery banks are integrated
• Optional internal connections can be wired through the key starter or manual override switch, tying battery banks together for an extra boost during engine start

Specifications:

• Terminals: Battery Connections: 5/16 in. copper alloy stud
• Approvals: CE Marked
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 200 Amp Models: 4 x 3.3 x 4.1 inches
• Weight: 2 lb.
• Operating Temperature: Control: -40 to +85 degrees C and Solenoid: -28 to +48 degrees C
• Voltage: 12 VDC
• Battery Integration Point: 13.2 VDC    
• Battery Disconnect Point: 12.8 VDC
• Max. Continuous Current: 200 Amps    
• Peak Maximum Current: 600 Amps

The Newmar BI-200 Battery Integrator is a heavy-duty voltage converter designed for managing multiple battery banks in 12 VDC systems. This device functions as a smart switch, automatically connecting independent battery banks when a charging voltage of approximately 13.2 VDC or greater is detected. This allows simultaneous charging without the voltage drop associated with diode isolators. When the charging source is off or voltage drops below 12.8 VDC, the unit isolates the banks, preventing discharge between them and ensuring selective battery usage.

This integrator is suitable for IT environments, marine applications, or any setup requiring reliable power management for two or more battery banks. It addresses the challenge of efficiently charging multiple batteries while maintaining isolation to prevent a higher-charged bank from draining into a lower-charged one. The BI-200 features a heavy-duty silver-plated contactor, continuously rated for 200 Amps, and is ignition protected. For systems with more than two banks, an additional unit is required for each extra bank. Optional remote activation for engine starting boost is also available.