Installation Instruction Guide

These instructions are meant as a basic guideline and not intended to replace the complete instructions provided in the User's Guide shipped with the REDI-LINE Generator. Please read your guide carefully. Be sure you understand all safety information, installation and wiring requirements before proceeding with installation or operation.
For more information, please download our complete Users Guide (.pdf format, file size 669k)
 
If you are upgrading an older Redi-Line Generator with a new demand start circuit board here is a copy of  the upgrade instructions that ship with every ungrade kit.  (.pdf format, file size 91k).
The REDI-LINE Generator is an electromechanical device that converts DC to AC. The DC supply is one or more deep cycle batteries that are typically added to the electrical system of your vehicle.
 
Unpacking and Inspection
Carefully remove unit from carton and inspect for any damage which may have occurred during shipping. If you find damage, contact the shipper immediately to file a claim.
 
Installation Requirements
Follow User's Guide information closely - improper installation may damage the unit.
Battery Selection - Standard automotive batteries are designed to supply 300 to 500 amps of current over a relatively short period, therefore, they are not the best power source for generator operation. Deep cycle or marine batteries are designed to deliver lower current levels for a longer time and are capable of taking deep discharges without battery damage.
 
Use the following formula to estimate how long a fully charged deep cycle battery will keep REDI-LINE operating continuously before the battery needs recharging.
 
To further extend the operating time of the generator, the generator's battery system should be connected to the vehicle charging system. If you plan to use the generator continuously, you may need to install a larger alternator in your vehicle. Contact your REDI-LINE distributor for more information.
 
Mounting Guidelines
After reviewing your generator usage and selecting the battery size and number of batteries, determine the best location to mount your generator and its power supply. Keep the battery as close to the generator as possible to reduce the length of the power cables. Allow at least two inches of free air space around the generator. Do not obstruct the ventilation as it can cause the generator to overheat.
 
The generator is not position sensitive and may be mounted in whatever orientation best suits your application. Place the unit in the desired position or use the mounting templates found in your instruction manual and mark the location of the mounting holes. Remove the unit or template and drill 1/4" holes at the indicated locations. Fasten the generator using four 1/4" flat washers, lock washers, bolts and nuts through the holes in the base flange.
 
Installation Wiring
Install additional batteries, fuses, and, if required, a battery isolator (See Installation Illustrations). Cable, connectors, fuses and isolators may be available from your REDI-LINE Distributor; many also provide complete installation services. Always be sure that the polarity (+ & -) is correctly connected to the generator.
The use of fuses or circuit breakers is recommended. Place fuses no further than 18" from the battery.
 
The connection between the supply battery and the generator is critical. Choose the correct supply cable size from the following table. Note that the negative REDI-LINE terminal must be connected directly to the supply battery using the proper size supply cable. Carefully plan the power supply cable route. Do not allow cables to rub against sharp surfaces which may damage insulation and cause a short.
 
Note: Damage caused by incorrect installation is not covered by warranty. Follow complete User's Guide instructions carefully.
 
The REDI-LINE will not run until the demand start circuit senses a load. Plug a device into the generator and turn on the device switch. The generator should start. After the AC load is removed, the generator should stop in 2 to 10 seconds. If the generator does not start, or cycles on and off, the AC load may be too small or the AC device may not be turned on. Verify that the device is turned on or try adding more load.
 

Recommended Wiring Installation Illustrations

DA12A-500A and DA3179
Infrequent Use with Varying Loads
 
If the load requirement is not heavy (intermittent hand tool use or light loads for a long period of time) the vehicle battery and charging system should handle both vehicle and additional generator demand.
Frequent Use with Varying Loads

If the load requirements are heavy (constant use of hand tools or large loads) install one or more auxiliary deep cycle batteries. The auxiliary battery should be isolated from the vehicle battery using a battery isolator. The battery isolator is a one way path so both batteries are charged by the vehicle but one battery cannot discharge the other. This will ensure the vehicle battery is always charged and you will be able to start your vehicle.

DA12L-1600A and DA 3252
Infrequent Use with Varying Loads
 
If the load requirement is not heavy (intermittent hand tool use or light loads for a long period of time) install one or more auxiliary deep cycle batteries. The auxiliary battery should be isolated from the vehicle battery using a battery isolator. The battery isolator is a one way path so both batteries are charged by the vehicle but one battery cannot discharge the other. This will ensure the vehicle battery is always charged and you will be able to start your vehicle.
Frequent Use with Varying Loads

If the load requirements are heavy (constant use of hand tools or large loads) install two or more auxiliary deep cycle batteries. The auxiliary batteries should be isolated from the vehicle battery using a battery isolator. The battery isolator is a one way path so both batteries are charged by the vehicle but one battery cannot discharge the other. This will ensure the vehicle battery is always charged and you will be able to start your vehicle.

DA24A-800A and DA3272
Infrequent Use with Varying Loads
 
If the load requirement is not heavy (intermittent hand tool use or light loads for a long period of time) the vehicle battery and charging system should handle both the vehicle and additional generator demand.
Frequent Use with Varying Loads

If the load requirements are heavy (constant use of hand tools or large loads) install two or more deep cycle auxiliary batteries. The auxiliary battery should be isolated from the vehicle battery using a battery isolator. The battery isolator is a one way path so both batteries are charged by the vehicle but one battery cannot discharge the other. This will ensure the vehicle battery is always charged and you will be able to start your vehicle.

DA24L-1600A and DA3444
Infrequent Use with Varying Loads
 
If the load requirement is not heavy (intermittent hand tool use or light loads for a long period of time) the vehicle battery and charging system should handle both the vehicle and additional generator demand.
Frequent Use with Varying Loads
If the load requirements are heavy (constant use of hand tools or large loads) install two or more deep cycle auxiliary batteries. The auxiliary battery should be isolated from the vehicle battery using a battery isolator. The battery isolator is a one way path so both batteries are charged by the vehicle but one battery cannot discharge the other. This will ensure the vehicle battery is always charged and you will be able to start your vehicle.

DA36-900A
Infrequent Use with Varying Loads
 
If the load requirement is not heavy (intermittent hand tool use or light loads for a long period of time) the vehicle battery and charging system should handle both the vehicle and additional generator demand.
 Frequent Use with Varying Loads
If the load requirements are heavy (constant use of hand tools or large loads) install two or more auxiliary deep cycle batteries. The auxiliary batteries should be isolated from the vehicle battery using a battery isolator. The battery isolator is a one way path so both batteries are charged by the vehicle but one battery cannot discharge the other. This will ensure the vehicle battery is always charged and you will be able to start your vehicle.

DA36L-1600A
Infrequent Use with Varying Loads
 
If the load requirement is not heavy (intermittent hand tool use or light loads for a long period of time) the vehicle battery and charging system should handle both the vehicle and additional generator demand.
 Frequent Use with Varying Loads
If the load requirements are heavy (constant use of hand tools or large loads) install two or more auxiliary deep cycle batteries. The auxiliary batteries should be isolated from the vehicle battery using a battery isolator. The battery isolator is a one way path so both batteries are charged by the vehicle but one battery cannot discharge the other. This will ensure the vehicle battery is always charged and you will be able to start your vehicle.