CTEK (56-865) US 0.8 12 Volt Fully Automatic 6 Step Battery Charger

Product Overview

The CTEK US 0.8 is a compact, fully automatic 6-step battery charger designed for smaller 12V lead-acid batteries found in motorcycles, jet skis, ATVs, and lawnmowers. It is also suitable for maintenance charging of larger batteries, including those in classic cars. This smart charger features patented desulfation technology to recover and extend battery life, and it offers a safe, easy-to-use, and connect-and-forget operation.

Image: The CTEK US 0.8 battery charger shown with its included alligator clamps, ready for connection.

Key Features:

• Smart Charging Technology: Ideal for charging smaller 12V lead-acid batteries (motorcycles, jet skis, ATVs, lawnmowers) and for maintenance charging of larger batteries (classic cars).
• Patented Desulfation Function: Analyzes battery state and recovers power by addressing sulfation, extending battery life.
• Safe and Easy to Use: Splash and dustproof, protects vehicle electronics, non-sparking, reverse polarity protected, and short-circuit proof. Ensures clean voltage and current delivery.
• Connect and Forget: Simple plug-and-play operation; connect to battery and power outlet, then let the charger manage the process.
• Protects Sensitive Equipment: Designed not to damage electronic systems, eliminating the need to disconnect the battery. Prevents overcharge or undercharge.
• Multiple Accessories Included: Comes with clamps and practical eyelet connectors for versatile battery access, plus a storage bag.
• 5-year warranty.

Setup

Before connecting the charger, ensure your vehicle is turned off. The CTEK US 0.8 comes with two types of connectors: alligator clamps and eyelet terminals. Choose the appropriate connector for your application.

Connecting with Alligator Clamps:

1. Connect the red (+) alligator clamp to the positive (+) battery terminal.
2. Connect the black (-) alligator clamp to the negative (-) battery terminal.
3. Ensure a secure connection. The charger features reverse polarity protection, so accidental incorrect connection will not damage the unit or battery. The clamps are also spark-free for added safety.

Image: A user connecting the CTEK US 0.8 charger to a motorcycle battery using the alligator clamps.

Permanent Connection with Eyelet Terminals:

For batteries that are difficult to access regularly, you can permanently attach the supplied eyelet terminals to your battery. This allows for quick and easy connection of the charger without needing to access the battery terminals each time.

1. Attach the red eyelet terminal to the positive (+) battery terminal and the black eyelet terminal to the negative (-) battery terminal. Secure them firmly.
2. Once the eyelets are attached, you can simply plug the charger's quick-connect cable into the eyelet cable for charging.

Image: The CTEK Comfort Connect Indicator Eyelet, designed for easy and convenient battery maintenance, especially for hard-to-reach batteries.

Power Connection:

After connecting the charger to the battery, plug the charger's power cord into a standard wall outlet (110V US spec).

Operating Instructions

The CTEK US 0.8 features a fully automatic 6-step charging process. Once connected to the battery and power outlet, the charger will automatically begin its program. The LED indicators on the charger will show the current charging stage.

6-Step Charging Process:

1. Desulfation: The charger analyzes the battery's state and attempts to recover sulfated batteries by applying a pulsed voltage.
2. Soft Start: Tests if the battery can accept a charge. If the battery is OK, the charging process begins.
3. Bulk: Main charging stage where 80% of the charge is delivered. The charger delivers maximum current until the battery voltage reaches a set level.
4. Absorption: Completes the charge up to 100%. The current is reduced as the battery approaches full charge.
5. Analyze: Tests if the battery can hold a charge. If the battery voltage drops, it may indicate a faulty battery.
6. Float/Pulse Maintenance: Maintains the battery at 100% charge. The charger monitors the battery voltage and gives a pulse if needed to keep the battery fully charged. This mode is ideal for long-term maintenance.

Once the green LED at step 5 (or 6, depending on the model's specific indicator layout) lights up, your battery is fully charged. You can either disconnect the charger or leave it connected for long-term maintenance.

Maintenance

The CTEK US 0.8 is designed for minimal maintenance. Its robust, splash and dustproof casing ensures durability. The charger's automatic maintenance mode (Float/Pulse) keeps your battery in optimal condition, preventing both overcharging and undercharging, which are common causes of battery degradation.

Regularly inspect the charger cables and connectors for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure the battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion for efficient charging.

Image: An illustration showing the CTEK charger's role in battery maintenance and desulfation, highlighting its ability to extend battery life.

Troubleshooting

The CTEK US 0.8 is equipped with advanced safety features to prevent common issues. If you encounter problems, consider the following:

• Charger Not Starting: Ensure the charger is securely connected to both the battery terminals (positive to positive, negative to negative) and the wall outlet. Check if the wall outlet has power.
• Incorrect Polarity Indication: The charger has reverse polarity protection. If connected incorrectly, it will not charge. Simply reverse the connections.
• Battery Not Charging: The charger will analyze the battery's ability to hold a charge. If the battery is severely damaged or cannot hold a charge, the charger may indicate an error or not proceed with charging. In such cases, the battery may need replacement.
• No Lights or Indicators: Verify the power connection to the wall outlet and ensure the battery connections are firm.

For persistent issues, refer to the comprehensive user manual (PDF) available online or contact CTEK customer support.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Warranty Information:

The CTEK US 0.8 Battery Charger comes with a 5-year warranty, ensuring long-term reliability and peace of mind.

Customer Support:

For detailed information, troubleshooting, or assistance, please refer to the official User Manual (PDF) provided by CTEK. You can typically find this document on the product's Amazon page under the "Product guides and documents" section or on the official CTEK website.

Link to User Manual: CTEK US 0.8 User Manual (PDF)