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InPower Family Tree: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Apr 14, 2025

Have you ever noticed your vehicle’s battery draining overnight? Or perhaps it’s fine for a few days, but after a week or more parked, it won’t restart? Even when the vehicle is turned off, small current draws from various devices can slowly deplete the battery over time, leaving you stranded when you least expect it.

With so many devices connected to modern vehicles—such as telematics, security systems, and tablets—it’s difficult to ensure everything is powered down completely. Some systems, like telematics or security features, might need to stay on for safety or convenience, but you don’t want them to drain your battery when not in use. This is where the InPower VCM12 Low Voltage Disconnect comes in.

 

The VCM12 is engineered to address the issue of battery drain caused by small, continuous loads. It can handle dual loads up to 10 amps each, or a single 20-amp load if the outputs are paired. This makes it perfect for disconnecting non-essential devices, such as device chargers or accessory systems, when the battery voltage gets low.

Designed for flexibility, the VCM12 is highly customizable to meet your specific needs. Its compact size allows for easy installation, even in tight spaces, reducing wiring costs while keeping your vehicle’s electrical system efficient

Customizable Voltage Settings for Optimal Battery Life

One of the standout features of the VCM12 is its ability to be programmed for various voltage thresholds. Whether you need to selectively manage certain loads or protect your battery from deep discharge, the VCM12 offers flexible options. For example, we can configure a module to shut off at 12 volts for less critical loads, or set a module for 11.8 volts for devices that need to stay active for extended periods. Additionally, the VCM12 is programmed to turn back on once the battery voltage reaches a safe level.

For added control, the voltage cut-offs can be tied to timer functions, giving you time to power off critical loads manually, or to restart your engine to recharge your batteries.

Example Use Case: Protecting Your Vehicle’s Battery with VCM12

Imagine you have a motion sensor system on your vehicle that triggers a camera when movement is detected. While this system may not drain your battery overnight, it could eventually cause issues if the vehicle is parked for an extended period.

By using the VCM12, you can keep the motion sensor system powered until the battery voltage drops to 11.9 volts. Once the voltage hits this threshold, a timer starts (e.g., one hour). If the battery does not recover to a safe level within that hour, the system will automatically shut off. We can even add a second voltage step—if the battery drops to 11.8 volts within that hour, the system powers down immediately.

Solve Battery Drain Issues and Protect Your Vehicle’s Power

If your vehicle has trouble maintaining charge, especially when parked for extended periods, or if you’re experiencing issues with low voltage equipment, the VCM12 Low Voltage Disconnect is the solution you need.

Remember, “Good Batteries Don’t Die, They’re Murdered. A battery that’s overly-discharged too many times will wear out much faster. Protect your battery from early failure with the VCM12, and ensure it stays healthy and reliable for the long haul.

Contact InPower today to discuss your specific application and learn how the VCM12 can help prevent unnecessary battery drain.

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