CTEK CTIND380 (56-380) - Comfort Indicator Panel 8.4mm Dia 1.5M Cable

CTEK CTIND380 (56-380) - Comfort Indicator Panel 8.4mm Dia 1.5M Cable

Professional panel-mount LED battery charge indicator providing elegant permanent monitoring and charging access solution for 12V systems. The CTEK 1.5M Comfort Indicator Panel M8 is designed for neat permanent installation into vehicle panels, dashboards, or mounting surfaces delivering convenient battery status monitoring through intuitive LED 'traffic light' system showing instant visual indication of battery charge level (good/marginal/low) without tools or complex testing equipment. Featuring 8.4mm diameter panel-mount design allowing flush professional installation in dashboards, control panels, cabin walls, or custom mounting locations, this elegant indicator provides at-a-glance battery monitoring from driver's seat or living areas in caravans, boats, and recreational vehicles. The generous 1.5-meter cable length provides flexible routing from panel mounting location to battery terminals accommodating installations in large vehicles, caravans, boats, and motor homes where battery located remotely from monitoring point. Equipped with M8 eyelet terminals (8mm bolt holes) suitable for standard automotive battery posts providing secure permanent connection to car batteries, truck batteries, caravan batteries, and marine batteries using conventional terminal bolts. The CTEK CONNECT system integration enables direct battery charging through panel indicator without accessing battery terminals—simply plug compatible CTEK charger into panel's CONNECT port delivering power through 1.5M cable and eyelet terminals to battery, ideal for batteries in sealed compartments, under-floor storage, or difficult-to-reach locations. Perfect for professional installations in caravans requiring interior monitoring of auxiliary batteries, boats with batteries in bilge compartments, 4WDs with dual-battery systems, motor homes needing centralized battery monitoring, custom vehicle builds, and workshop applications providing permanent charging infrastructure. Compatible with all 12V lead-acid batteries including wet/flooded, maintenance-free, AGM, and gel types, this premium accessory delivers professional aesthetic appearance, convenient permanent monitoring, integrated charging access, and peace of mind that batteries maintain optimal charge levels. Distributed by Bainbridge Technologies, Australia's leading power product experts with over 30 years of experience in DC power solutions, backed by comprehensive technical support and local warranty coverage.

Product Overview

CTEK 1.5M Comfort Indicator Panel M8 is panel mounted LED battery charge level indicator that lets you quickly check the state of your battery.

The CTEK 1.5M Comfort Indicator Panel M8 is an easy to use LED indicator that lets you quickly check the state of your battery It's designed to be neatly and tidily installed into a vehicle panel for permanent connection to the battery. A simple LED 'traffic light' system will give you an immediate indication of your battery charge level, so you know when it needs charging. The CTEK INDICATOR PANEL features CTEK's unique CONNECT system so it can be attached to a CTEK charger and give you easy access to the battery.

Important Notes:

Panel Mounting Installation Required: This indicator requires 8.4mm diameter hole drilled in panel, dashboard, wall, or mounting surface for flush installation. Installation involves: (1) Drilling 8.4mm hole in desired location, (2) Feeding cable through hole from front, (3) Securing panel indicator from front side, (4) Routing 1.5M cable to battery location, (5) Connecting M8 eyelet terminals to battery posts. Permanent installation requiring drilling—not suitable for temporary monitoring or rental vehicles. Professional installation recommended if unfamiliar with panel mounting or electrical work.

M8 Terminal Size - Standard Automotive Batteries: M8 eyelet terminals feature 8mm bolt holes designed for standard automotive battery posts. Compatible with most car batteries, truck batteries, caravan batteries, marine batteries, and deep-cycle batteries using M8 (8mm) terminal bolts. Not compatible with motorcycle batteries or small batteries typically using M6 (6mm) terminals. Verify your battery terminals accept M8 bolt connections—check existing terminal bolt size or battery specifications before purchase.

1.5M Cable Length Consideration: The 1.5-meter cable provides generous length for installations where battery located remotely from panel mounting location. Suitable for: caravan interior panel to battery compartment, boat helm panel to battery box, 4WD cabin to engine bay battery, motor home dashboard to underfloor battery. Measure required cable routing distance before installation—if panel location exceeds 1.5M from battery (considering actual cable path, not straight-line distance), this product is unsuitable. Cable cannot be extended as this affects LED indicator operation.

CTEK CONNECT System Compatibility: Features CTEK's proprietary CONNECT system allowing direct charging through panel indicator without accessing battery terminals. Compatible only with CTEK battery chargers equipped with CONNECT accessories including MXS 5.0, MXS 10, CT5 TIME TO GO, and other CONNECT-compatible models. Not compatible with standard CTEK chargers lacking CONNECT ports or non-CTEK chargers. Verify charger compatibility before purchasing for integrated charging access functionality.

12V Lead-Acid Batteries Only: Designed exclusively for 12V lead-acid battery systems including wet/flooded, maintenance-free, AGM, and gel batteries. Not compatible with 6V batteries, 24V systems, or lithium batteries (LiFePO4, Li-ion). Using with incompatible battery types may produce inaccurate readings or damage indicator electronics. For lithium battery monitoring in caravans or boats, consult battery manufacturer for appropriate voltage indicators.

Key Features

LED Traffic Light Indicator System - Intuitive red/amber/green LED display provides instant visual battery charge level assessment without voltage meters or complex interpretation.

8.4mm Panel-Mount Design - Professional flush-mount installation in dashboards, control panels, cabin walls, or custom mounting surfaces for elegant permanent monitoring.

1.5 Meter Cable Length - Generous cable length accommodates installations in caravans, boats, motor homes, and large vehicles where battery located remotely from panel.

M8 Eyelet Terminal Connection - Standard automotive-size terminals with 8mm bolt holes for secure permanent installation on car, truck, caravan, and marine battery posts.

CTEK CONNECT System Integration - Proprietary CONNECT port enables direct charging through panel indicator when compatible CTEK charger plugged in.

Integrated Charging Access - Charge battery through panel's CONNECT port without accessing battery terminals in compartments or difficult-to-reach locations.

Permanent Professional Installation - Designed for neat permanent panel mounting providing elegant OEM-quality appearance in vehicle interiors.

12V Battery Compatibility - Works with all 12V lead-acid battery types including wet/flooded, maintenance-free, calcium-calcium, AGM, and gel batteries.

Caravan and RV Applications - Ideal for caravan interior monitoring of auxiliary batteries without accessing external battery compartments.

Marine Applications - Perfect for boat helm panel installation monitoring batteries in sealed bilge compartments or engine rooms.

4WD Dual-Battery Systems - Suitable for cabin-mounted monitoring of auxiliary batteries in engine bay or cargo area locations.

Motor Home Installations - Excellent for centralized dashboard monitoring of house batteries in underfloor or rear storage compartments.

Instant Status Indication - Immediate LED feedback shows battery condition (good/marginal/low) enabling timely charging intervention from driver's seat or living areas.

Remote Battery Monitoring - Check battery status from convenient interior locations without opening compartments or accessing battery directly.

Professional Aesthetic Appearance - Flush panel mounting provides clean professional installation matching OEM vehicle or boat interior quality.

Durable Construction - Robust panel indicator and cable withstand permanent installation, environmental exposure, and repeated charger connections.

Workshop Custom Installations - Ideal for custom vehicle builds, conversion vans, expedition vehicles requiring permanent battery monitoring infrastructure.

Prevents Sulfation Damage - Convenient monitoring identifies low-charge conditions enabling timely charging preventing permanent sulfation damage.

CTEK Quality Engineering - Swedish-designed precision indicator from globally recognized battery charging and maintenance technology leader.

Bainbridge Technologies Support - Distributed by Australia's leading power product experts providing local technical support and warranty coverage.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I install this panel indicator and what tools do I need?

A: Installation requires: 8.4mm drill bit, drill, wire strippers, spanners/sockets for M8 bolts (typically 10mm or 13mm), and basic hand tools. Process: (1) Select panel location - choose easily visible location in dashboard, control panel, or cabin wall within 1.5M of battery, (2) Drill mounting hole - drill 8.4mm diameter hole at selected location, (3) Feed cable - insert indicator panel from front of panel feeding 1.5M cable through hole to rear, (4) Secure panel - panel indicator typically snap-fits or threads into hole (check instructions for specific mounting method), (5) Route cable to battery - run cable to battery location avoiding sharp edges, moving parts, heat sources, (6) Install eyelet terminals - disconnect battery negative first, install red eyelet on positive post with M8 bolt (torque 10-12 Nm), install black eyelet on negative post with M8 bolt, (7) Test operation - verify LED illuminates showing battery status. Professional installation recommended if unfamiliar with drilling panels or battery terminal work.

Q: What's the difference between this panel indicator and the eyelet indicator?

A: Panel Indicator (this product) mounts flush in dashboard/panel/wall with 1.5M cable providing remote monitoring from convenient interior locations—ideal for caravans, boats, motor homes where you want battery status visible from living area or helm without accessing battery compartment. Eyelet Indicator (CTIND629) has shorter 500mm cable with indicator panel designed to mount near battery—suitable for motorcycles, smaller installations where indicator doesn't need to be in separate location. Panel indicator is for "remote monitoring" applications; eyelet indicator is for "local monitoring" near battery. Both use M8 terminals (this product) or M6 terminals (alternate version) and feature identical CONNECT charging functionality.

Q: Can I mount this outdoors or will it be weatherproof?

A: The panel indicator is designed for interior installations in protected locations—dashboards, control panels, cabin walls. While the indicator body has some moisture resistance, it's not rated for direct weather exposure (rain, spray, submersion). For outdoor mounting: (1) Install in protected location under roof overhang, inside weatherproof panel enclosure, or behind transparent waterproof cover, (2) Ensure mounting hole properly sealed preventing water ingress behind panel, (3) Cable entry points must be sealed with marine sealant, (4) Consider marine-grade heat shrink over eyelet terminals protecting from corrosion. For fully exposed outdoor applications in marine environments, additional weatherproofing measures recommended. The eyelet terminals and cable are more weather-resistant than panel indicator itself.

Q: How does the charging through the panel work and is it safe?

A: When compatible CTEK charger plugged into panel's CONNECT port, charger delivers power through panel indicator → 1.5M cable → M8 eyelet terminals → battery. The panel and wiring are designed for charging current passage—safe for continuous charging at CTEK charger outputs (typically 5-10 Amps). Benefits: (1) Never access battery compartment for charging, (2) Battery remains permanently connected with eyelets installed, (3) Panel CONNECT port becomes convenient charging access point in cabin/helm, (4) Ideal for sealed battery compartments, under-floor storage, bilge locations. Safety features: CTEK chargers have built-in protections (reverse polarity, short circuit, overcharge), permanent eyelet installation eliminates connection errors, proper installation ensures safe reliable charging. Only use with CTEK CONNECT-compatible chargers—non-CTEK chargers or improper connections may damage indicator or create safety hazards.

Q: Will the 1.5M cable be long enough for my caravan/boat installation?

A: Measure actual cable routing distance (not straight-line) from intended panel location to battery considering: cable must route through walls/panels/bulkheads, avoid sharp edges and moving parts, include some slack for strain relief, potentially route around obstacles. Common applications: Caravans - interior wall panel to external battery box: typically 1-2M (1.5M usually sufficient), Boats - helm panel to battery in bilge/engine room: highly variable 0.5-3M (measure carefully), Motor Homes - dashboard to underfloor battery: typically 1-2M (usually sufficient), 4WDs - cabin location to auxiliary battery in cargo area: typically 1-3M (1.5M may be marginal). If measurement exceeds 1.3M (allowing 0.2M slack), consider cable may be insufficient. The 1.5M cable cannot be extended. If cable too short, options: relocate panel mounting closer to battery, relocate battery closer to panel, or consider eyelet indicator with external mounting near battery instead of panel-mount version.