WL601 & WL701 vs Redarc LCA1224
Three proven ways to stop a burst hose or coolant loss from becoming an engine rebuild. Here’s how Bolec stacks up against Redarc—feature by feature.
Bolec WL601 12/24 V
- Alarms when the probe is uncovered (falling level)
- ~7 s anti-sloshing delay to reduce nuisance beeps
- Ground-switching alarm output up to 1.5 A (lamp/buzzer/relay)
- AC probe drive to minimise plating
- Simple 4-wire install: IGN+, GND, PROBE, ALARM
Bolec WL701 12/24 V
- All WL601 functions plus:
- Broken-lead fail-safe (alarms if probe wire breaks)
- Selectable self-check at start via jumper
- Selectable alarm mode: continuous or pulsing
- Ground-switching alarm output up to 1.5 A
Redarc LCA1224 (reference model)
- AC-sensed probe to avoid electrolysis
- Broken-wire detection with self-test on ignition
- Anti-slosh behaviour: early visual LED, delayed beeper
- Two ground outputs for external lamp/buzzer (0.5 A max each)
- Works on 12/24 V and supports positive or negative earth
Side-by-side comparison
| Key point | Bolec WL601 | Bolec WL701 | Redarc LCA1224 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Probe / sensing | AC probe drive (minimises plating) | AC probe drive; adds fail-safes | AC-sensed probe (no electrolysis) |
| Anti-sloshing / delay | ~7 s delay (audio) | ~7 s delay (audio) | LED ~0.5 s, beeper ~3–4 s |
| Alarm output | 1.5 A ground-switched (lamp/buzzer/relay) | 1.5 A ground-switched (lamp/buzzer/relay) | Two ground outputs, 0.5 A each (lamp/buzzer) |
| Extras & options | Compact, simple 4-wire install | Broken-lead alarm; selectable self-check; pulse/continuous | Self-test on ignition; broken-wire detection |
| Vehicle earth type | 12/24 V negative ground | 12/24 V negative ground | 12/24 V positive or negative earth |
| Typical use | Engines, pumps, gensets, marine, ag & industrial installs needing a simple, reliable low-coolant alarm | ||
For high-visibility beacons or louder sirens, the Bolec 1.5 A output can drive a relay directly; Redarc’s 0.5 A outputs generally require a relay for higher loads.
Install overview
1 Mount the module. 2 Wire IGN+ via a 2 A fuse, GND, ALARM to your lamp/buzzer/relay, and PROBE to the sensor. 3 Fit the probe about 13 mm above the radiator core/tank level and make sure the radiator is earthed. 4 Refill coolant and test (use the unit’s delay/self-check as applicable).
Always follow the full manuals for wiring diagrams, jumper settings (WL701), and commissioning checks.
Which should you choose?
- Go WL601 if you want a compact, simple alarm with a strong 1.5 A output.
- Go WL701 if you need fail-safe broken-lead detection and selectable self-check/pulse.
- Consider Redarc LCA1224 if you specifically require positive-earth compatibility or already standardise on Redarc accessories.