1. Introduction
This manual provides essential instructions for the safe and efficient operation of your AFU 36V 20A Lead Acid Battery Charger. Please read this manual carefully before using the product to ensure proper usage and to prevent damage or injury.
Video: Overview of the AFU AF900 Golf Cart Charger.
2. Important Safety Instructions
⚠ WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Before using your battery charger, read all safety instructions carefully:
- Do not attempt to repair or service the charger yourself. Opening the charger may expose you to high voltages, the risk of electric shock, and other hazards.
- Do not splice the AC power cord.
- Damaged cords and plugs can cause electric shock or electrocution.
- When using an extension cord, make the AC connection to the charger outside of the battery compartment as far away as practical to reduce the risk of a spark igniting gases in the compartment.
- Even though the charger is capable of operating in a high ambient temperature environment, a minimum of six inches of unobstructed area should be allowed on all sides of the unit for proper air circulation and cooling. Proper cooling and circulation will allow the charger to operate at peak efficiency.
- Ensure that the local power grid voltage is consistent with the AC configuration of the charger to avoid charging the battery with an incorrect input voltage.
- Avoid charging the wrong type of battery.
- Always check connector/cable polarity before connecting to the battery.
- Always use the charger in well-ventilated, dry environments.
- Do not cut the power cord.
- Do not submerge in water or get wet.
- Due to the high current, sparking is normal when connecting the charger to the battery.
- Do not cover the aluminum case, this can cause your charger to overheat while charging.
- Do not disassemble the charger.
- The battery may be damaged if the LED2 indicator light does not turn green after being charged for an extended amount of time.
- Risk of electrical shock. Do not touch uninsulated portions of AC or DC connectors or the uninsulated battery terminals.
- To prevent electrical shock, make sure all electrical connectors are in good working condition. Do not use connectors that are cracked, corroded or do not make adequate electrical contact. Use of a damaged or defective connector may result in a risk of overheating or electrical shock.
- Never alter the AC cord or plug provided if it will not fit the outlet installed by a qualified electrician. Improper connection can result in risk of an electric shock.
Image: The charger features 12 built-in protection functions for safe charging.
3. Product Specifications
General Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | AF900 Battery Charger |
| Brand Name | AFU |
| Model Number | AF900-3620RG |
| AC Input Voltage | 100~120Vac / 200~240Vac |
| Frequency | 50~60Hz |
| DC Output Voltage | 36 Volt |
| DC Output Current | 20 Amp |
| Dimension | 210mm x 120mm x 70mm |
| Net Weight | 2.2KG (Weight Without Plug) |
| Case Color | Red |
| Case Material | Aluminum case |
| Suitable Battery Type | 36V Lead Acid Battery |
| Efficiency | ≥85% |
| Charging Mode | Three-stage Intelligent Charging Mode: Constant Current~Constant Voltage~Trickle(Floating Charge) to Ensure Battery Fully Charged (Floating Charge is when Lead Acid charger) |
| Charging Indicator | Red and Green, double color instructions. Red logo charging, Green logo finished or standby |
| Various Protection | Over Current, Over Voltage, Over temperature, Short Circuit, Reverse Polarity, shut off or trickle and anti-reverse charge |
| Safety Certifications | CE, RoHS, FCC Directive-compliant |
| Package Contents | 1x battery charger, 1x Input Wire, 1x User Manual |
Environmental Conditions
| Condition | Maximum Value | Suggested Value |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | -76~158°F (-60~70°C) | -40~14°F (-40~-10°C) |
| Operating Temperature | -23~131°F (-30~55°C) | -4~113°F (-20~45°C) |
| Relative Humidity | 95% | 90% |
| Atmospheric Pressure | 70~106kpa | 60~95kpa |
Key Product Features
- Uses advanced high-frequency switching mode power supply.
- DC output is isolated from AC input.
- Two easy-to-distinguish LED indicators.
- Fully automatic battery charging including Constant Current, Constant Voltage, and Float/Trickle charging.
- Protections against short-circuiting, over-voltage, over-heating, and reverse polarity.
- Over 85% efficiency.
- Forced ventilation with fans to keep the unit cool while charging.
- 1-meter output power cord.
- Portable & lightweight for easy transportation.
Image: Charger and plug dimensions. Charger: 210mm x 120mm x 70mm. EZGO DCS Plug: 213mm x 52mm x 37mm.
4. Setup and Connection
AC Input Plugs
Image: Examples of compatible AC input plugs for different regions.
DC Output Plugs
Image: Various DC output plugs for different golf cart models.
Quick Start Instructions
- Connect the detachable input power cord to the charging unit. Ensure a tight connection.
- Plug the output plug into the battery charging socket on the battery. LED1 will turn red and LED2 will turn green.
- Connect the battery charger into a suitable electrical outlet. Do not face the battery when making this connection.
Image: AFU charger with US AC plug and EZGO DCS DC plug.
5. Operating the Charger
Charging Process
- When the output plug is successfully connected, LED2 will light up in red, indicating active charging.
- Keep your battery charging until the LED2 light turns green, indicating that it is fully charged.
- If the charger remains plugged in after the battery is full, automatic maintenance mode will turn on. The charger will continuously monitor the battery to charge it during storage.
- Disconnect the output plug from your battery and then disconnect the power supply cord from the electrical outlet.
3-Stage Smart Charging Mode
The charger is designed to automatically protect and preserve your batteries through three stages:
- Stage 1: CC (Constant Current) - The charger delivers a constant, high current to rapidly charge the battery.
- Stage 2: CV (Constant Voltage) - As the battery approaches full charge, the charger switches to constant voltage mode, reducing the current to prevent overcharging.
- Stage 3: Float Charging or Trickle Charging - Once the battery is fully charged, the charger maintains a low, constant voltage to keep the battery topped off without overcharging, ideal for long-term storage.
Image: Charging curve for Lead-acid batteries, showing CC, CV, and Float Charge stages.
LED Indicators
| Status | LED1 | LED2 |
|---|---|---|
| AC Power Connected | Red | Green |
| Charging | Red | Red |
| Fully Charged/Standby | Red | Green |
6. Maintenance
- Store your Battery Charger in a dry environment.
- Ensure proper air circulation: Allow a minimum of six inches of unobstructed area on all sides of the unit for proper air circulation and cooling. This helps the charger operate at peak efficiency.
- The charger is designed to be left plugged in for long periods of non-use (storage) in a well-ventilated and dry environment without damaging the battery or charger.
7. Troubleshooting
No Indication when AC Power Cord is Plugged In
- Check if the input AC voltage matches the charger's requirement (100-120V or 200-240V).
- Inspect the input AC line for any damaged fuses.
LED1 Red, LED2 Green, but No Charging
- Check if the output plug is fully inserted into the battery.
- Check for any loose or corroded connections on your battery terminals.
- Verify if the output fuse is damaged.
Battery Meter Reads Full, but Charger is Still Running
Many aftermarket battery meters are calibrated to read full before the charger has completed its full cycle. Allow the charger to continue running until its charge cycle is fully completed.
Batteries Sound Like They Are "Boiling" (Lead-Acid Batteries Only)
The sound you hear is the release of hydrogen gas bubbles during the bulk recharge phase. This process stirs up sediment and helps maintain a healthy battery environment. If fluid is bubbling out of the battery during charging, immediately disconnect the charger as this may indicate too much fluid has been added.
8. User Tips
- For optimal battery health, allow the charger to complete its full charge cycle, even if your battery meter indicates full earlier.
- If you hear excessive bubbling or see fluid escaping from a lead-acid battery, disconnect the charger immediately. This could indicate overfilling.
- For long-term storage, keep the charger connected in a well-ventilated, dry area. The automatic maintenance mode will keep your battery optimally charged.
9. Warranty and Support
Warranty Information
This product comes with a 12-month warranty from the date of purchase. The warranty does not cover:
- Damage caused by installation and use in violation of product instructions.
- Damage caused by unauthorized modification or repair.
- Damage due to exceeding the use environment, natural disasters, or other force majeure events.
Additional Resources
A detailed user manual in PDF format is available for download: User Manual (PDF)
Contact Support
For any questions or support needs, please contact the online retailer where you purchased the product. You may also refer to the contact information provided by AFU Official Store:
Image: AFU Official Store contact information.