PRODUCT DETAILS
The TBS Electronics DCM Remote Battery Switch (RBS) is a smart, high-current magnetic latching contactor rated for 500 A continuous, that lets you disconnect the house battery bank from a convenient location instead of reaching into the battery compartment. Mount it next to the batteries, run the thin 5-wire control cable to a panel switch at the door or the helm, and the bank is isolated with one press. Because it latches magnetically it holds its position with no coil current, so it uses under 100 µA at rest — it will not drain the battery it protects.
More than a remote switch
The RBS can be driven by a battery monitor's relay output, a lithium battery's BMS, or any 12 V signal, so it doubles as an automatic disconnect: open the bank on low voltage, on a BMS alarm, or when the vehicle is left in storage. Five selectable control modes support two-wire or single-wire open/close commands, and a status wire reports the contact position back to your display. Manual buttons and LEDs on the unit let you operate and diagnose it on the spot — no remote needed to get going.
Built for high-current lithium systems
Silver-alloy contacts handle 500 A continuously and 1,000 A cranking for one minute, with 1,600 A peak make/break. M10 studs take 4/0 cable. IP65 sealed, ignition protected to ISO 8846, –20 to +60 °C. Part of the TBS DC Modular family — it bolts straight onto DC Modular busbars and fuse holders for a clean, tool-free distribution layout.
About TBS Electronics
TBS Electronics has designed inverters, chargers, battery monitors and DC distribution in the Netherlands since 1984. In North America the RBS is sold and supported by Go Power! (part of Dometic).
What's in the box
DCM-RBS-12-500 remote battery switch with 5-wire control interface cable. Panel switch (TBS art. 5095000-1) and battery cables sold separately.
FEATURES
- 500 A continuous, 1,000 A cranking (1 min), 1,600 A peak — sized for inverter and lithium battery banks.
- Magnetic latching (bistable) — no coil current to hold position; under 100 µA idle draw.
- Remote control from a panel switch, battery monitor relay or lithium BMS; 5 selectable control modes, two-wire or single-wire.
- Contact status feedback wire for your display or monitor.
- Manual buttons and LEDs on the unit — On/Standby, close, open; LEDs for closed, open, error and setup.
- 12 V coil (7–17 V DC); contacts rated 60 V DC.
- M10 studs for up to 4/0 cable; IP65; –20 to +60 °C; ignition protected (ISO 8846).
- DC Modular compatible — mounts directly to TBS DC Modular busbars and fuse holders.
- CE, RoHS; 100,000 mechanical / 10,000 electrical cycles.
WHAT IT RUNS
SPECIFICATIONS
- Length:
- Width:
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| Model / SKU | DCM-RBS-12-500 (TBS art. 5074510) / 83815 |
|---|---|
| Type | Electronically controlled magnetic latching (bistable) battery contactor |
| Coil / supply voltage | 7–17 V DC (12 V system) |
| Contact voltage rating | 60 V DC |
| Continuous current | 500 A |
| Cranking current | 1,000 A for 1 minute |
| Make / break current | 500 A nominal; 1,600 A peak (0–34 V DC) |
| Idle current draw | < 100 µA |
| Coil current during switching | < 4 A for up to 500 ms |
| Control | 5-wire interface cable; 5 selectable modes (two-wire or single-wire open/close); contact status feedback output |
| Manual operation | On/Standby, Close and Open buttons on unit |
| Indicators | LEDs: contact closed, contact open, error, setup |
| Terminals | M10 studs (up to 4/0 AWG) |
| Ingress protection | IP65 |
| Operating temperature | −20 °C to +60 °C |
| Service life | 100,000 mechanical / 10,000 electrical cycles |
| Dimensions | 5.9 × 2.0 × 3.7 in (150 × 50 × 94 mm); DC Modular grid 1 × 3 |
| Weight | 1.76 lb (800 g) |
| Certifications | CE (EMC 2014/30/EU, LVD 2014/35/EU, UNECE R10), RoHS, ignition protected per ISO 8846 |
| Manufacturer | TBS Electronics BV, The Netherlands |
COMPARE MODELS
MANUALS, SAFETY INFORMATION AND DOWNLOADS
FAQ
Does it draw power when it is on?
Almost none. The contactor latches magnetically, so it only draws coil current (under 4 A) for about half a second while changing state. At rest it uses under 100 µA whether open or closed.
How do I control it?
Through the 5-wire interface cable. Connect a small panel switch, a battery monitor relay output or a lithium BMS signal; five selectable modes support two-wire or single-wire open/close commands. A feedback wire reports whether the contact is open or closed. You can also operate it with the buttons on the unit.
Is the remote panel switch included?
No. The unit ships with its control interface cable. TBS offers a matching panel switch (art. 5095000-1), or you can use any suitable 12 V switch.
Can it handle inverter inrush and engine cranking?
Yes. It is rated 500 A continuous, 1,000 A cranking for one minute and 1,600 A peak make/break.
Will it work with lithium batteries?
Yes — it is commonly used as the BMS-driven disconnect on lithium systems. Many managed lithium batteries can switch it directly from their alarm or control output.
Is it waterproof?
IP65 — dust tight and protected against water jets — and ignition protected to ISO 8846, so it is suitable for engine rooms and battery compartments.
What cable size does it take?
M10 studs, suitable for lugs on cable up to 4/0 AWG.