IntelliTec Battery Isolators & Voltage Sensitive Relays

IntelliTec Battery Isolators & Voltage Sensitive Relays

IntelliTec Products has been a trusted name in electrical controls for specialty vehicles since 1976, and their battery isolators and voltage sensitive relays stand as some of the most thoughtfully engineered solutions in the category. Designed and manufactured in the USA, these products reflect decades of field experience serving the RV, motorcoach, ambulance, marine, and fleet truck industries.

The BIRD: A Smarter Approach to Dual Battery Charging

IntelliTec's flagship product in this category is the Battery Isolator Relay Delay (BIRD) — a voltage-sensing control module that works in combination with a conventional continuous-duty solenoid to manage dual battery systems. Unlike basic diode-based isolators, the BIRD takes an intelligent, time-delayed approach to connecting and disconnecting batteries, protecting both coach and chassis battery banks from inadvertent discharge.

The key to the BIRD's effectiveness is its bidirectional voltage sensing. The system constantly monitors voltage on both the coach and chassis batteries; if either reading rises above 13.1 volts — indicating active charging — the control module closes the isolator relay and parallels the batteries, charging them simultaneously. This means unlike older systems that only allowed charging the RV battery from the engine's alternator, the Bi-Directional Isolator Relay Delay charges both batteries when either one is being charged — from the engine's alternator while driving, or from a shore power converter when parked.

Intelligent Protection Against Battery Discharge

Equally important is what the BIRD does when charging stops. If the ignition is off and the coach battery voltage falls below 12.6 volts for approximately 30 seconds, the isolator relay opens to prevent coach loads from discharging the chassis battery. If the engine is running and voltage drops below 12.0 volts for approximately one minute, the relay will also open to protect the chassis battery and ensure the alternator's full output is available for critical chassis functions.

The controller also actively senses heavy loads on either battery to prevent the wrong battery from being inadvertently discharged — a level of nuanced protection that simple relay-based systems simply cannot offer.

Potted Design for Harsh Environments

IntelliTec's Potted Bi-Directional Isolator Relay Delay-Gas offers a purpose-built approach to charging batteries in RV applications. The unit is housed in a durable plastic enclosure rated for mounting in the engine compartment , standing up to the heat, vibration, and moisture exposure common in demanding under-hood environments. The potted construction adds an additional layer of protection against contaminants.

A Legacy of Battery Management Expertise

Founded in 1976, IntelliTec Products is one of the leading companies in electrical controls and power distribution systems for recreational and specialty vehicles, buses, trucks, and marine vessels. The company is certified to ISO 9001:2015, and its products meet the highest industry standards. IntelliTec designs and manufactures a wide range of products including battery disconnects, motor controls, and power distribution systems — all proudly made in the USA. For RV owners, fleet managers, and specialty vehicle builders who need reliable dual battery management, IntelliTec's isolator relay lineup delivers proven performance backed by a manufacturer with real-world engineering depth.