Rich Solar BRAVO Waterproof 8 | 8 Amp Waterproof PWM Solar Charge Controller | Waterproof 8A 12V PWM Controller for RVs, Trailers, Campers, Vans, Boats, Off-Grid
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BRAVO Waterproof 8 — 8 Amp PWM Waterproof Solar Charge Controller
The BRAVO Waterproof 8 is a compact, fully waterproof 12V PWM charge controller built for small off-grid systems where moisture exposure is a real concern. With an IP65 rating, conformal-coated internal board, corrosion-resistant terminals, and DIP-switch battery type selection across Flooded, AGM, GEL, and Lithium (LiFePO4) chemistries, it's designed to handle the demands of marine, RV, and other exposed mobile installations without an enclosure.
Genuinely IP65 Waterproof, Not Just Splash-Resistant
Conformal coating protects the internal circuit board against moisture, while corrosion-resistant terminals and connectors keep the electrical connections reliable in damp or wet installation environments — built for mounting in genuinely exposed locations rather than just a dry electrical cabinet.
DIP Switch Battery Type Selection
A simple DIP switch sets the correct charging profile for Flooded, AGM, GEL, or Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries — no app, no programming, just a physical switch set once during installation.
Multiple Layers of Protection
Overvoltage protection, short circuit protection, reverse polarity protection, and thermal protection during charging combine with a no-spark design for safe operation across a wide range of installation conditions.
Product Overview
The BRAVO Waterproof 8 is a 12V PWM charge controller rated for 8 amps of solar input, built specifically for installations where standard charge controllers — which typically need a dry, protected mounting location — aren't practical. Conformal coating on the internal board protects against moisture ingress, corrosion-resistant terminals and connectors hold up to damp conditions over time, and the controller carries an IP65 rating overall, supporting mounting in genuinely exposed locations on boats, RVs, and other mobile installations.
PWM (pulse-width modulation) charging is controlled via MOSFET switching with a common positive grounding configuration. Battery type — Flooded (WET), AGM, GEL, or Lithium (LiFePO4) — is set using a DIP switch on the unit itself, a straightforward physical configuration step that doesn't require an app or software setup. The controller includes smart charging control with charging time management, an equalization charging stage with a 2-hour timeout, and battery temperature compensation to adjust the charging voltage as ambient temperature changes.
Protection circuitry covers overvoltage, short circuit, reverse polarity, and thermal conditions, with a no-spark design that's a meaningful safety consideration in fuel-adjacent environments like boat engine compartments. The controller mounts vertically to a flat surface using three included plastic spacers and self-tapping screws, accepts up to #12AWG stranded wire at its M4 terminals, and is built from standard ABS plastic at a compact 0.44 lb.
Built to Handle Real Moisture Exposure
- IP65 Waterproof Rating: Protected against dust ingress and water jets, suitable for mounting in exposed locations rather than requiring a sealed enclosure.
- Conformal-Coated Internal Board: A protective coating applied directly to the circuit board guards against moisture-related corrosion and short circuits internally, not just at the housing seams.
- Corrosion-Resistant Terminals and Connectors: Maintains reliable electrical connections even in damp or salt-air environments over time.
- No Sparks Design: A meaningful safety feature for installations near fuel sources, such as boat engine compartments or generator areas.
- 100% Non-Condensing Humidity Tolerance: Rated to operate across the full humidity range without condensation-related failures.
Smart Charging Across Battery Chemistries
- DIP Switch Battery Selection: Configure the controller for Flooded (WET), AGM, GEL, or Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries with a simple physical switch — no app or programming step required.
- Smart Charging Control: Manages the charging process and charging time automatically based on the selected battery type.
- Equalization Charging: Includes an equalization stage at 15.5V±0.2VDC (25°C) with a 2-hour timeout, useful for periodic deep maintenance charging on flooded lead-acid batteries.
- Battery Temperature Compensation: Adjusts charging voltage by -24mV/°C across a -4°F to 122°F compensation range, helping maintain correct charging voltage as ambient temperature changes.
- LED Status Indication: Onboard LEDs show battery condition and charging status at a glance.
Protected Operation, Simple Mounting
- Overvoltage, Short Circuit & Reverse Polarity Protection: Covers the most common fault conditions a small PWM controller is likely to encounter in field use.
- Thermal Protection During Charging: Engages at 149°F to protect the controller and connected battery from overheating conditions.
- Vertical Wall Mounting: Mounts to a flat surface using three included plastic spacers and self-tapping screws — no additional mounting hardware needed.
- M4 Terminals, Up to #12AWG Wire: Accepts standard stranded wire up to 12 gauge at the input/output terminals.
- Wide Environmental Range: Operating temperature of -13°F to 122°F and storage temperature of -40°F to 185°F cover a broad range of installation climates.
Full Specifications
| SKU | RS-PWM8WP |
| Rated Solar Panel Current | 8A Max |
| Normal Input Array Voltage | 15–22VDC |
| Max Array Voltage (No Load) | 25VDC |
| Lowest Operating Voltage | 9VDC |
| Standby Draw (Night) | 2mA |
| Max Voltage Drop (Panel to Battery) | 0.25VDC |
| Bulk Charge Voltage | 10–14V ±0.2VDC |
| Equalization Voltage (25°C) | 15.5V ±0.2VDC |
| Equalization Timeout | 2 Hours |
| Temp Compensation | -24mV/°C, -4°F to 122°F range |
| Over-Temp Protection | 149°F |
| Terminal Type | M4, up to #12AWG |
| Housing Material | Standard ABS Plastic |
| IP Rating | IP65 |
| Weight | 0.44 lb (0.2kg) |
| Operating Temperature | -13°F to 122°F |
| Storage Temperature | -40°F to 185°F |
Best Uses
- Exposed marine and boat solar installations
- RV, trailer, and camper installations without a protected electrical bay
- Small van builds with limited dry mounting space
- Off-grid setups in humid or coastal climates
- Single small-panel (up to ~100-130W class) 12V systems
- Installations requiring no-spark safety near fuel sources
Key Benefits
- IP65 waterproof with conformal-coated internal board
- 8A PWM charging with DIP switch battery type selection
- Compatible with Flooded, AGM, GEL, and Lithium batteries
- Overvoltage, short circuit, reverse polarity, thermal protection
- Battery temperature compensation for accurate charging
- Mounting hardware included; CE, EMC, FCC compliant
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