1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Projecta PJ-AC080-2 12V 8.0A 8-Stage Automatic Battery Charger. This charger is designed for automotive and marine lead acid batteries, offering a fully automatic, spark-free, and polarity-protected charging and maintenance solution. Its advanced 8-stage charging process ensures optimal battery health and longevity. This manual provides essential information for safe and effective operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
2. Important Safety Information
Please read and understand all safety warnings and instructions before using this battery charger. Failure to follow these instructions may result in electric shock, fire, or serious injury.
- Ventilation: Always use the charger in a well-ventilated area. Batteries can produce explosive gases.
- Eye and Skin Protection: Wear appropriate eye protection and clothing when working near batteries. Battery acid is corrosive.
- Spark-Free Connections: Ensure connections are made and broken in a spark-free manner. The charger is designed to be spark-free, but caution is always advised.
- Polarity: Connect the positive (+) charger clamp to the positive (+) battery terminal and the negative (-) charger clamp to the negative (-) battery terminal. The charger is polarity protected.
- Disconnect Power: Always disconnect the AC power from the charger before connecting or disconnecting the battery clamps.
- Children and Pets: Keep the charger and battery out of reach of children and pets.
- Damaged Equipment: Do not operate the charger if it has been damaged in any way.
- Indoor Use: This charger is designed for indoor use. Do not expose to rain or excessive moisture.
3. Product Overview and Features
Figure 3.1: Projecta 12V 8.0A 8-Stage Automatic Battery Charger with power cord and battery clamps.
Key Features:
- Fully Automatic: Simply connect and forget without the risk of overcharging.
- Eight Stages: Once connected, the charger will do the rest whether you're charging or maintaining the battery to keep it ready for use.
- Spark-Free and Polarity Protected: Safe to use while the battery is still in the vehicle.
- Fused Wiring Harness: Quick connect fused wiring harness for permanent installation (BCWH).
- All Included: Comes with harness, battery clamps, and 9.84 ft (3m) extension cable.
4. What's in the Box
Figure 4.1: All components included with the Projecta Battery Charger.
Your Projecta PJ-AC080-2 Battery Charger package should contain the following items:
- Projecta 12V 8.0A 8-Stage Automatic Battery Charger Unit
- Battery Clamps (Red for Positive, Black for Negative)
- Fused Wiring Harness with Ring Terminals (for permanent installation)
- 9.84 ft (3m) Extension Cable
- User Manual (this document)
5. Setup and Connection
Before connecting the charger, ensure the battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion. Always connect the charger to the battery before plugging it into the AC power outlet.
- Prepare the Battery: If the battery is in a vehicle, ensure the vehicle's ignition is off and all accessories are turned off. For marine applications, ensure the vessel is securely moored.
- Connect Battery Clamps:
- Connect the red positive (+) battery clamp to the positive (+) battery terminal.
- Connect the black negative (-) battery clamp to the negative (-) battery terminal.
Figure 5.1: Proper connection of the charger to a vehicle battery.
Figure 5.2: Detailed view of the positive (red) and negative (black) battery clamps.
- Optional Fused Wiring Harness: For permanent installation, connect the ring terminals of the fused wiring harness to the battery terminals (red to positive, black to negative). This allows for quick connection/disconnection of the charger unit.
Figure 5.3: The included fused wiring harness for permanent battery connection.
- Connect to AC Power: Once the battery connections are secure, plug the charger's AC power cord into a standard 120V AC wall outlet.
6. Operating Instructions
The Projecta PJ-AC080-2 is a fully automatic 8-stage charger. Once connected to the battery and power, it will automatically detect the battery type and condition, then proceed through the optimal charging cycle.
8-Stage Charging Process:
The charger employs a sophisticated 8-stage charging algorithm to ensure efficient and safe charging, extending battery life. The stages typically include:
- Desulphation: Recovers sulphated batteries by applying pulse current.
- Soft Start: Gently introduces current to the battery to prevent damage, especially for deeply discharged batteries.
- Bulk Charge: Charges the battery at its maximum rate (8.0A) until it reaches approximately 80% capacity.
- Absorption: Charges the battery at a decreasing current to 100% capacity.
- Analysis: Tests the battery to determine if it can hold a charge.
- Recondition: Applies a controlled overcharge to recondition and equalize the battery cells (if needed).
- Float: Maintains the battery at a constant voltage, ready for use.
- Pulse Maintenance: Periodically pulses the battery to keep it optimally charged during long-term storage.
The charger's display will indicate the current voltage and charging status. No manual intervention is required during the charging process.
Disconnecting the Charger:
To disconnect the charger:
- Unplug the AC power cord from the wall outlet.
- Disconnect the negative (-) black clamp from the battery terminal.
- Disconnect the positive (+) red clamp from the battery terminal.
7. Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Projecta battery charger.
- Cleaning: Disconnect the charger from all power sources before cleaning. Wipe the casing with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
- Cable Inspection: Regularly inspect the power cord, battery clamps, and all cables for any signs of damage, fraying, or corrosion. Do not use the charger if any cables are damaged.
- Storage: Store the charger in a cool, dry place when not in use. Keep it away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and moisture.
- Battery Terminals: Ensure battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion before connecting the charger.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Projecta battery charger, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Charger does not turn on or display is blank. | No AC power; loose connection; faulty outlet. | Check if the charger is securely plugged into a live AC outlet. Test the outlet with another device. Ensure all connections are firm. |
| Charger connected but not charging (no charging indicator). | Incorrect battery connection (reversed polarity); battery too deeply discharged; faulty battery. | Verify positive (+) and negative (-) connections are correct. The charger has polarity protection, which may prevent operation if reversed. For very deeply discharged batteries, the charger may take time to initiate. If the battery is severely damaged, it may not accept a charge. |
| Charger enters error mode or displays an error code. | Internal fault; short circuit; battery fault. | Disconnect the charger from both AC power and the battery. Wait a few minutes, then reconnect. If the error persists, the charger or battery may be faulty. Consult customer support. |
| Charger gets warm during operation. | Normal operation; poor ventilation. | It is normal for the charger to get warm during charging. Ensure adequate ventilation around the charger to prevent overheating. If it becomes excessively hot, disconnect immediately. |
9. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | PJ-AC080-2 |
| Input Voltage | 120V AC (Standard US Outlet) |
| Output Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
| Charging Current | 8.0 Amps |
| Charging Stages | 8-Stage Automatic |
| Battery Types | Lead Acid Batteries (WET, MF, CA/CA, AGM, GEL, EFB, LiFePO4 compatible) |
| Product Dimensions | 6.61 x 2.99 x 11.26 inches (16.8 x 7.6 x 28.6 cm) |
| Item Weight | 2.48 pounds (1.13 kg) |
| Color | Black |
| Safety Features | Spark-Free, Polarity Protected, Overcharge Protection |
10. Warranty and Support
Projecta products are manufactured to high standards and undergo rigorous quality control. For specific warranty details, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Projecta website.
If you require technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or have questions regarding your product, please contact Projecta Customer Support. Contact information can typically be found on the Projecta website or on the product packaging.
Online Resources: For the latest information, FAQs, and product updates, please visit the official Projecta website: www.projecta.com.au (Note: This is a placeholder URL, please refer to actual product documentation for correct website).
