VARTA Plug Charger+ Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and efficient use of your VARTA Plug Charger+. This device is designed to charge NiMH rechargeable batteries of sizes AA, AAA, and 9V, and can also charge USB-powered devices simultaneously. Please read this manual thoroughly before first use and retain it for future reference.

Figure 1: Front view of the VARTA Plug Charger+ with four AA rechargeable batteries inserted. The charger is black with the VARTA logo prominently displayed. The LCD screen at the top shows charging progress indicators.

2. Safety Information

Observe the following safety precautions to prevent injury or damage to the charger and batteries:

• Only charge NiMH rechargeable batteries. Do not attempt to charge non-rechargeable batteries (e.g., alkaline, carbon-zinc) or other battery chemistries (e.g., Lithium-ion, NiCd) as this may lead to explosion, leakage, or personal injury.
• Do not disassemble, modify, or short-circuit the charger or batteries.
• Do not expose the charger to water, high humidity, or extreme temperatures.
• Ensure proper polarity when inserting batteries. Incorrect insertion can cause damage.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Unplug the charger from the power outlet when not in use or before cleaning.

Figure 2: This graphic highlights the charger's Advanced Safety Technology, including Time Cut-off, Minus-Delta-V Cut-off, Reverse Polarity Protection, Short Circuit Protection, and Bad Cell/Alkaline Detection.

3. Product Features

The VARTA Plug Charger+ offers several key features for efficient and safe battery charging:

• Universal Compatibility: Charges AA, AAA, and 9V NiMH rechargeable batteries.
• Individual Charging Channels: Allows charging of 1 to 4 AA/AAA batteries independently.
• USB Output: Integrated USB port for charging external devices.
• LCD Display: Clear display showing charging status in percentage.
• Advanced Safety Features: Includes short circuit protection, bad cell detection, reverse polarity protection, and automatic charge termination to prevent overcharging.

Figure 3: This image illustrates the charger's universal compatibility, supporting AAA, AA, and 9V NiMH rechargeable batteries.

Figure 4: This graphic highlights the individual charging channels, allowing 1 to 4 AA or AAA batteries to be charged independently.

4. Setup

1. Unpack the Charger: Carefully remove the VARTA Plug Charger+ from its packaging. Inspect for any visible damage.
2. Power Connection: Plug the charger directly into a standard wall power outlet. The LCD display will briefly illuminate.
3. Battery Insertion: Insert NiMH rechargeable batteries into the appropriate slots, ensuring correct polarity (+ and - terminals match the markings on the charger).

Figure 5: Front view of the VARTA Plug Charger+ without batteries, clearly showing the four AA/AAA charging slots and the two circular 9V battery charging terminals in the center.

Figure 6: Side view of the VARTA Plug Charger+, illustrating the integrated EU-style wall plug and a USB-A output port for charging external devices.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Charging AA/AAA Batteries

1. Insert 1 to 4 AA or AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries into the corresponding slots. Ensure the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the batteries align with the markings on the charger.
2. Once inserted, the LCD display will show the charging status for each battery individually, typically as a percentage.
3. Charging will begin automatically. The charger will stop charging once the batteries are fully charged to prevent overcharging.

5.2 Charging 9V Batteries

1. Insert one 9V NiMH rechargeable battery into the dedicated 9V terminals located in the center of the charger. Ensure correct polarity.
2. The LCD display will indicate the charging status for the 9V battery.
3. Charging will proceed until the battery is fully charged, then automatically terminate.

5.3 Charging USB Devices

1. Connect your USB-powered device (e.g., smartphone, tablet) to the USB-A output port on the side of the charger using a compatible USB cable.
2. The charger will begin supplying power to your device. Note that charging USB devices may extend the charging time for batteries simultaneously inserted.

5.4 Understanding the LCD Display

The LCD display provides real-time information about the charging process:

• Percentage Indicators: Shows the approximate charge level (e.g., 0%, 35%, 64%, 100%) for each battery.
• USB Icon: Indicates when a USB device is connected and charging.
• 9V Icon: Indicates when a 9V battery is charging.

Figure 7: Close-up of the charger's top LCD display, showing percentage indicators (0%, 35%, 64%, 100%) for charge status, along with icons for USB and 9V charging.

Figure 8: This graphic indicates an approximate charging time of 4 hours for four 1600 mAh AA batteries. Actual performance may vary based on battery capacity and condition.

6. Maintenance and Care

• Clean the charger with a dry, soft cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents.
• Ensure the charging contacts are free from dust and debris.
• Store the charger in a cool, dry place when not in use.
• Do not store batteries in the charger for extended periods after they are fully charged.

7. Troubleshooting

Charger not turning on / LCD not displaying:

Ensure the charger is securely plugged into a live power outlet. Check the power outlet with another device.

Batteries not charging:

Verify that batteries are inserted with correct polarity. Ensure batteries are NiMH rechargeable type. The charger's bad cell detection feature may prevent charging of faulty or non-rechargeable batteries.

Slow charging:

Charging multiple batteries and a USB device simultaneously can extend charging times. Ensure the batteries are not excessively discharged.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

The VARTA Plug Charger+ comes with a 3-year guarantee. For product support, warranty claims, or additional information, please refer to the official VARTA consumer website or contact their customer service.

You can find more product information by visiting the following link: VARTA Product Information