Introduction
The lightweight Cen-Tech 12 Volt Automatic Battery Float Trickle Charger is designed to maintain the charge of 12-volt rechargeable batteries, preventing self-discharge and extending battery life. Its automatic floating circuit ensures a full charge without the risk of overcharging, making it a reliable solution for long-term battery maintenance.
Important Safety Information
WARNING: To prevent serious injury, always wear ANSI-approved safety goggles while connecting or disconnecting the charger. Read and understand all instructions before use.
- Ensure the charger is disconnected from the power outlet before making or breaking connections to the battery.
- Connect the battery clamps to the battery terminals before plugging the charger into a power outlet.
- Never start the vehicle while the charger is connected and plugged into a power outlet.
- Avoid overcharging. This charger features an automatic floating circuit designed to prevent overcharging, which can lead to irreparable damage, reduced battery capacity, shorter lifespan, or lower power output.
- Ensure adequate ventilation when charging.
- Keep the charger away from flammable materials and liquids.
- This charger is equipped with Thermal Overload Protection to prevent overheating.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Product Overview

This image displays the complete Cen-Tech 12 Volt Automatic Battery Float Trickle Charger. It consists of a black power adapter unit, a smaller black float charger module with indicator lights, and red and black copper battery clamps connected by wires. The power adapter has a label showing specifications like Model BHY411500500U, Input CA 120V AC 60Hz, Output DC 15V 500mA, and Manufacturing date 09/2010. The float charger module has a blue label with 'CEN-TECH AUTOMATIC BATTERY FLOAT CHARGER' and a warning about wearing safety goggles. A red indicator light for 'POWER' and a green indicator light for 'CHARGING' are visible on the module.
Components:
- Power Adapter Unit: Converts AC household current to DC power for charging.
- Float Charger Module: Contains the charging circuit and indicator lights.
- Battery Clamps: Red clamp for positive (+) terminal, Black clamp for negative (-) terminal.
- Power Indicator Light (Red): Illuminates when the charger is connected to a power source.
- Charging Indicator Light (Green): Illuminates when the battery is charging and turns off when the battery is fully charged and in float mode.
Setup and Operating Instructions
Connecting the Charger:
- Ensure the charger's AC plug is disconnected from any power outlet.
- Connect the red positive (+) battery clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the 12-volt battery.
- Connect the black negative (-) battery clamp to the negative (-) terminal of the 12-volt battery.
- Once the clamps are securely attached to the battery terminals, plug the charger's AC plug into a standard 120V AC household power outlet. The red "POWER" indicator light on the float charger module will illuminate.
Charging Process:
- When properly connected and plugged in, the green "CHARGING" indicator light will illuminate, indicating that the battery is actively being charged.
- The charger will automatically monitor the battery's charge level. Once the battery reaches a full charge, the green "CHARGING" light will turn off, and the charger will switch to a maintenance (float) mode. This mode prevents overcharging while keeping the battery at an optimal charge level.
- The charger is designed for maintaining a charge and is not intended for jump-starting vehicles or fully recharging severely discharged batteries from zero.
Disconnecting the Charger:
- First, unplug the charger's AC plug from the power outlet.
- Then, disconnect the black negative (-) battery clamp from the battery terminal.
- Finally, disconnect the red positive (+) battery clamp from the battery terminal.
Maintenance
- Keep the charger clean and dry. Wipe down the exterior with a soft, damp cloth as needed.
- Regularly inspect the battery clamps and cables for any signs of damage, corrosion, or fraying. Replace if necessary.
- Store the charger in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Ensure battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion for optimal connection and charging efficiency.
Troubleshooting
Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Red "POWER" light not on. | Charger not plugged in, power outlet not active, or internal fault. | Check AC power connection. Test the outlet with another device. If still no power, the unit may be faulty. |
Green "CHARGING" light not on when connected to battery. | Battery clamps not properly connected, battery is already fully charged, or battery is too deeply discharged/damaged. | Ensure clamps are securely attached to correct terminals. If battery is full, light will not come on. This charger is not designed for completely dead batteries. |
Battery not holding charge after using charger. | Battery may be old, damaged, or sulfated beyond recovery. | This charger maintains, it does not recondition severely damaged batteries. The battery may need to be replaced. |
Specifications
Feature | Detail |
---|---|
Brand | Cen-Tech |
Model Number | 8542037237 |
Output Voltage | 12 Volts DC |
Input Voltage | 120V AC, 60Hz |
Output Current | 500mA |
Battery Capacity Range | 5 to 125 Ah batteries |
Cable Length | 53 inches |
Dimensions (L x W x H) | 9 x 6.3 x 3.4 inches |
Item Weight | 8 ounces (0.5 Pounds) |
Safety Certification | UL Listed |
Color | Black |
Manufacturing Date | 09/2010 |
Warranty and Support
For warranty information or technical support regarding your Cen-Tech 12 Volt Automatic Battery Float Trickle Charger, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or contact Cen-Tech customer service directly. Contact details are typically available on the product packaging or the manufacturer's official website.