Auxiliary Power Distribution System Classic

Battery System with APDS in a 4Runner
Battery System with APDS Side View
Auxiliary Power Distribution System Connections
Auxiliary Power Distribution System DC-DC Inputs
Auxiliary Power Distribution System Blade Fuse Holders
Auxiliary Power Distribution System Blown Fuse Indicators
Auxiliary Power Distribution System 30A Outputs
Auxiliary Power Distribution System 15A Outputs

$389.00

$329.00

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Simple dual battery installation

The Auxiliary Power Distribution System (APDS) Classic replaces many of the bus bars, fuse blocks, and ring terminals typically used to build 12V auxiliary electrical systems. Specifically designed to make wiring for dual input (vehicle/solar) DC-DC chargers painless and straightforward - simply plug everything in to the labeled connectors:

  • Start battery
  • Auxiliary battery
  • Battery monitor (shunt)
  • DC-DC charger(s)
  • Solar panel disconnect switch/breaker
  • Shore power output/battery charger
  • Inverter
  • Fridge
  • Lights
  • Diesel heater
  • USB chargers
  • Any other 12V accessories!

Built tough in the Sonoran Desert

All of our power distribution products use genuine WAGO lever operated terminal blocks which are highly resistant to vibration and pulling. No ring terminals or cable lugs, crimping or soldering required for connections to the APDS. No screw terminals to come loose over time.

Extra thick, heavy copper circuit boards for durability on rough roads and low-resistance electrical connections. Rustproof stainless steel and aluminium hardware. Heavy-duty polycarbonate fuse covers made from the same material used in bulletproof glass.

The APDS comes with a lifetime warranty and 30 day, no questions asked return policy.

What's included

  • Auxiliary Power Distribution System Classic
  • Black powder coated aluminium mounting bracket
  • Polycarbonate fuse cover
  • Lifetime warranty

MIDI and standard automotive blade fuses sold separately

Specifications

  • Auxiliary battery connection: up to 75A
  • Start battery connection: up to 75A
  • Maximum continuous accessory load: 75A
  • Maximum DC-DC charger input: 75A
  • Solar panel input: up to 60A
  • Maximum battery (start/aux) voltage: 12V (nominal)
  • Maximum solar input voltage: 48V
  • 2 x 75A outputs/inputs
  • 5 x 30A outputs
  • 8 x 15A outputs
  • Blown fuse indicator LEDs on all outputs
  • Overall dimensions 230mm x 160mm x 50mm
  • All components meet UL 94 V-0

APDS Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the APDS to connect a light bar or other accessories inside the engine bay?

Our products are designed to be installed in a protected location within the interior of a vehicle. We recommend that light bars and other accessories which would generally be used while the engine is running be connected directly to the vehicle's primary 12V electrical system instead of the auxiliary battery system. A Dual MRBF terminal block is an excellent option to power both your auxiliary battery system's DC-DC charger as well as a power system controller (Switch Pros/S-POD), or something simpler like a waterproof fuse block.

How do I connect a 2000W inverter, Switch Pros SP-9100, or 4x4 sPod?

The largest APDS outputs are capable of handling 75A. Use our auxiliary battery system current and power calculator to determine the total load your system will need to handle.

For any equipment which will draw more than 75A of current we recommend bypassing the APDS and connecting directly to either the start or auxiliary batteries (using fuses, circuit breakers, and/or disconnect switches as needed). Check out our wiring diagrams for an example and contact us if you have any questions!

What fuse rating should I select for the DC-DC output?

This fuse is placed between the DC-DC charger and the auxiliary battery. Check the charger manual for the Output Fuse Rating. 75A maximum.

A handful of examples (do not rely on this list, always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions):

  • Redarc Manager30 / BMS1230S3: 40A
  • Redarc BCDC1240D: 60A
  • Renogy DCC30S: 40A
  • Victron Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC Charger (360W): 40A

What fuse rating should I select for the start battery?

Check the charger manual for the Input Fuse Rating. 75A maximum.

A handful of examples (do not rely on this list, always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions):

  • Redarc Manager30 / BMS1230S3: 50A
  • Redarc BCDC1240D: 60A
  • Renogy DCC30S: 45A
  • Victron Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC Charger (360W): 60A

Is there a specific DC-DC charger you recommend?

We are unafilliated with Redarc but they make excellent dual input chargers:

What types of fuses does this use?

  • High current AMI/MIDI-style fuses. The fuse holder uses M5 screws.
  • Automotive-style blade fuses. Both standard (ATC/ATO) and mini (ATM/APS) sizes will fit in the fuse holders. ATC fuses are recommended as the mini fuse sizes can be difficult to remove.

How can a circuit board handle so much current?

All Tesota Overland power distribution products use heavy copper PCBs specifically designed for high current applications. Very wide traces and power planes ensure that the maximum temperature rise on the PCB due to resistance losses is kept as small as possible.

What fuse rating should I use for the large connectors when they are used as inputs?

Check the charger manual for the Output Fuse Rating. 75A maximum.

Can I connect a second battery to one of the inputs?

No. Individual batteries in a battery bank must be connected together directly and not through the APDS.

Can I use the charger inputs to make multiple connections to a single battery?

No, this is not recommended.