Schumacher Electric Battery Charger

1. IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

AWARNING RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE.

1. Keep out of reach of children.
2. Do not expose the charger to rain or snow.
3. Use only recommended attachments. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by Schumacher Electric Corporation may result in a risk of fire, electric shock or injury to persons or damage to property.
4. To reduce the risk of damage to the electric plug or cord, pull by the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger.
5. An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use of an improper extension cord could result in a risk of fire and electric shock. If an extension cord must be used, make sure:
   • That the pins on the plug of the extension cord are the same number, size and shape as those of the plug on the charger.
   • That the extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.
   • That the wire size is large enough for the AC ampere rating of the charger as specified in section 8.
6. To reduce the risk of electric shock, unplug the charger from the outlet before attempting any maintenance or cleaning. Simply turning off the controls will not reduce this risk.
7. Do not operate the charger with a damaged cord or plug; have the cord or plug replaced immediately by a qualified service person. (Call customer service at: 1-800-621-5485.)
8. Do not operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped or otherwise damaged in any way; take it to a qualified service person. (Call customer service at: 1-800-621-5485.)
9. Do not disassemble the charger; take it to a qualified service person when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of fire or electric shock. (Call customer service at: 1-800-621-5485.)

AWARNING RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.

WORKING IN THE VICINITY OF A LEAD-ACID BATTERY IS DANGEROUS. BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING NORMAL BATTERY OPERATION. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT YOU FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EACH TIME YOU USE THE CHARGER.

To reduce the risk of a battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by the battery manufacturer and the manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in the vicinity of the battery. Review the cautionary markings on these products and on the engine.

This charger employs parts, such as switches and circuit breakers, that tend to produce arcs and sparks. If used in a garage, locate this charger 18 inches (46 cm) or more above floor level.

Pursuant to California Proposition 65, this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

2. PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS

AWARNING RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.

1. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in the vicinity of a battery or engine.
2. Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces and watches when working with a lead-acid battery. A lead-acid battery can produce a short-circuit current high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal, causing a severe burn.
3. Be extra cautious to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto the battery. It might spark or short-circuit the battery or other electrical part that may cause an explosion.
4. Use this charger for charging LEAD-ACID batteries only. It is not intended to supply power to a low voltage electrical system other than in a starter-motor application. Do not use this battery charger for charging dry-cell batteries that are commonly used with home appliances. These batteries may burst and cause injury to persons and damage to property.
5. NEVER charge a frozen battery.
6. NEVER overcharge a battery.
7. Consider having someone close enough by to come to your aid when you work near a lead-acid battery.
8. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts your skin, clothing or eyes.
9. Wear complete eye and body protection, including safety goggles and protective clothing. Avoid touching your eyes while working near the battery.
10. If battery acid contacts your skin or clothing, immediately wash the area with soap and water. If acid enters your eye, immediately flood the eye with cold running water for at least 10 minutes and get medical attention right away.
11. If battery acid is accidentally swallowed, drink milk, the whites of eggs or water. DO NOT induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.

3. PREPARING TO CHARGE

AWARNING RISK OF CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID. BATTERY ACID IS A HIGHLY CORROSIVE SULFURIC ACID.

1. If it is necessary to remove the battery from the vehicle to charge it, always remove the grounded terminal first. Make sure all of the accessories in the vehicle are off to prevent arcing.
2. Be sure the area around the battery is well ventilated while the battery is being charged. Clean the battery terminals before charging the battery. During cleaning, keep airborne corrosion from coming into contact with your eyes, nose and mouth. Use baking soda and water to neutralize the battery acid and help eliminate airborne corrosion. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
3. Add distilled water to each cell until the battery acid reaches the level specified by the battery manufacturer. Do not overfill. For a battery without removable cell caps, such as valve regulated lead acid batteries (VRLA), carefully follow the manufacturer's recharging instructions.
4. Read, understand and follow all instructions for the charger, battery, vehicle and any equipment used near the battery and charger. Study all of the battery manufacturer's specific precautions while charging and recommended rates of charge.
5. Determine the voltage of the battery by referring to the vehicle owner's manual and make sure that the output voltage selector switch is set to the correct voltage. If the charger has an adjustable charge rate, charge the battery in the lowest rate first.
6. Make sure that the charger cable clips make tight connections.

4. CHARGER LOCATION

AWARNING RISK OF EXPLOSION AND CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID.

1. Locate the charger as far away from the battery as the DC cables permit.
2. Never place the charger directly above the battery being charged; gases from the battery will corrode and damage the charger.
3. Do not set the battery on top of the charger.
4. Never allow battery acid to drip onto the charger when reading the electrolyte specific gravity or filling the battery.
5. Do not operate the charger in a closed-in area or restrict the ventilation in any way.

5. DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS

1. Connect and disconnect the DC output clips only after setting all of the charger switches to the "off" position (if applicable) and removing the AC plug from the electrical outlet. Never allow the clips to touch each other.
2. Attach the clips to the battery and chassis, as indicated in sections 6 and 7.

6. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN VEHICLE

AWARNING A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE A BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY:

1. Position the AC and DC cables to reduce the risk of damage by the hood, door and moving or hot engine parts. NOTE: If it is necessary to close the hood during the charging process, ensure that the hood does not touch the metal part of the battery clips or cut the insulation of the cables.
2. Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys and other parts that can cause injury.
3. Check the polarity of the battery posts. The POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has a larger diameter than the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) post.
4. Determine which post of the battery is grounded (connected) to the chassis. If the negative post is grounded to the chassis (as in most vehicles), see step 6.5. If the positive post is grounded to the chassis, see step 6.6.
5. For a negative-grounded vehicle, connect the POSITIVE (RED) clip from the battery charger to the POSITIVE (POS, P, +) ungrounded post of the battery. Connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip to the vehicle chassis or engine block away from the battery. Do not connect the clip to the carburetor, fuel lines or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
6. For a positive-grounded vehicle, connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip from the battery charger to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) ungrounded post of the battery. Connect the POSITIVE (RED) clip to the vehicle chassis or engine block away from the battery. Do not connect the clip to the carburetor, fuel lines or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
7. Connect charger AC supply cord to electrical outlet.
8. When disconnecting the charger, turn all switches to off, disconnect the AC cord, remove the clip from the vehicle chassis and then remove the clip from the battery terminal.
9. See CALCULATING CHARGE TIME for length of charge information.

Using the Engine Start feature (If equipped)

Your battery charger can be used to jump start your car if the battery is low. Follow these instructions on how to use the ENGINE START feature.

IMPORTANT Follow all safety instructions and precautions for charging your battery. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Charge your battery in a well-ventilated area.

IMPORTANT Using the ENGINE START feature WITHOUT a battery installed in the vehicle could cause damage to the vehicle's electrical system.

1. Set the charge rate switch and the timer (if equipped) to the OFF position.
2. With the charger unplugged from the AC outlet, connect the charger to the battery following the instructions given in Section 6 (FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN THE BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN A VEHICLE).
3. Plug the charger AC power cord into the AC outlet following the precautions described in Section 8.
4. With the charger plugged in and connected to the battery of the vehicle, set the charge rate selector switch to the engine start position.
5. Crank the engine until it starts or 5 seconds pass. If the engine does not start, wait 4 minutes before cranking again. This allows the battery and the charger to cool down. NOTE: During extremely cold weather, or if the battery is under 2 volts, charge the battery for 5 minutes before cranking the engine.
6. If the engine fails to start, charge the battery for 5 more minutes before attempting to crank the engine again.
7. After the engine starts, move the amp rate selector switch to the off position and unplug the AC power cord before disconnecting the battery clips from the vehicle.
8. Clean and store the charger in a dry location.

NOTE: If the engine does turn over but never starts, there is not a problem with the starting system; there is a problem somewhere else with the vehicle. STOP cranking the engine until the other problem has been diagnosed and corrected.

7. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS OUTSIDE VEHICLE

AWARNING A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE A BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY:

1. Check the polarity of the battery posts. The POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has a larger diameter than the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) post.
2. Attach at least a 24-inch (61 cm) long 6-gauge (AWG) insulated battery cable to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) battery post.
3. Connect the POSITIVE (RED) charger clip to the POSITIVE (POS, P, +) post of the battery.
4. Position yourself and the free end of the cable you previously attached to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) battery post as far away from the battery as possible - then connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clip to the free end of the cable.
5. Do not face the battery when making the final connection. As stated in 7.4, face away from the battery when connecting the negative clip to the cable.
6. Connect charger AC supply cord to electrical outlet.
7. When disconnecting the charger, always do so in the reverse order of the connecting procedure and break the first connection while as far away from the battery as practical.
8. A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore. To charge it onboard requires equipment specially designed for marine use.

8. GROUNDING AND AC POWER CORD CONNECTIONS

AWARNING RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE.

This battery charger is for use on a nominal 120-volt circuit and has a grounded plug that looks like the plug illustrated. The charger must be grounded to reduce the risk of electric shock. The plug must be plugged into an outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances. The plug pins must fit the receptacle (outlet). Do not use with an ungrounded system.

ADANGER Never alter the AC cord or plug provided - if it does not fit the outlet, have a proper grounded outlet installed by a qualified electrician. An improper connection can result in a risk of an electric shock or electrocution. NOTE: Pursuant to Canadian Regulations, use of an adapter plug is not allowed in Canada. Use of an adapter plug in the United States is not recommended and should not be used.

Recommended minimum AWG size for extension cord:

*If the input rating of a charger is given in watts rather than in amperes, the corresponding ampere rating is to be determined by dividing the wattage rating by the voltage rating - for example: 1200 watts/120 volts = 10 amperes

9. ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Remove all cord wraps and uncoil the cables prior to using the battery charger.

10. CONTROL PANEL

NOTE: Not all switches and LED's are available on all models.

Ammeter

The Ammeter indicates the amount of current, measured in amps, that is being drawn by the battery. As a battery takes on a charge, it draws less current from the charger. Correspondingly, the meter will show less current being drawn by the battery. When the current stops decreasing, the battery is charged. The start area of the meter indicates a high rate of current being drawn from the charger. When cranking an engine, the meter needle will be at the extreme right side of the start area. The 2 amp charge rate may indicate some activity on the meter, although the meter does not have the resolution to display this low rate. For the 2 amp charge rate, a triangle has been provided. Its accuracy has been calibrated for use with small batteries.

Percent of Charge

The percent of charge scale is intended as a visual aid to help simplify reading the state of charge. It is scaled for use with the 6, 10, 12, 15 or 30 amp charge rate only. For the 2 amp charge rate, use the triangle. The percent of charge is based on the current drawn by the battery. For this reason, accuracy will vary with the size and battery type. Typically a 28 ampere hour gel cell battery will draw less current at the end of the charge cycle than a 140 ampere hour wet cell battery. This means that the indication for a fully charged large battery may be slightly less than 100%.

Battery Type Switch

Use this switch to set the type of battery to be charged.

• SLI - These initials stand for Starting, Lighting and Ignition, which are the three basic functions which a battery has to perform on all normal vehicles. This battery type is usually used in cars, trucks and motorcycles. These batteries have vent caps and are often marked "Low Maintenance" or "Maintenance-free". This type of battery is designed to deliver quick bursts of energy (such as starting engines) and have a greater plate count. The plates will also be thinner and have somewhat different material composition. Most Maintenance Free Batteries are SLI, otherwise known as Flooded, Regular or Standard Batteries. Regular batteries should not be used for deep cycle applications.
• Deep-Cycle - Deep-cycle batteries are usually marked as "Deep-Cycle" or "Marine". Deep-cycle batteries are usually larger than the other types. This type of battery has less instant energy but somewhat greater long-term energy delivery than regular batteries. Deep cycle batteries have thicker plates and can survive a number of discharge cycles.
• AGM - The Absorbed Glass Mat construction allows the electrolyte to be suspended in close proximity with the plate's active material. In theory, this enhances both the discharge and recharge efficiency. Actually, the AGM batteries are a variant of Sealed VRLA (valve regulated lead acid) batteries. Popular uses include high performance engine starting, power sports, deep cycle, solar and storage battery. AGM batteries are typically good deep cycle batteries, and they deliver best life performance if recharged before the battery drops below a 50 percent charge. If these AGM batteries are completely discharged, the cycle life will be around 300 cycles. This is true of most AGM batteries rated as deep cycle batteries.
• GEL - The Gel Cell is similar to the AGM style because the electrolyte is suspended, but different because technically the AGM battery is still considered to be a wet cell. The electrolyte in a GEL cell has a silica additive that causes it to set up or stiffen. The recharge voltages on this type of cell are lower than the other styles of lead acid battery. This is probably the most sensitive cell in terms of adverse reactions to over-voltage charging. Gel Batteries are best used in VERY DEEP cycle application and may last a bit longer in hot weather applications. If the incorrect battery charger is used on a Gel Cell battery, poor performance and premature failure is certain.

When antimony is known to be one of the materials used in the battery's construction, that battery is conventional/low maintenance type.

ACAUTION Some low maintenance batteries have a relatively smooth top without any apparent battery filler caps. If, however, the battery manufacturer/distributor recommends periodic checking of the electrolyte level and provides access to the battery for water additions, the battery is probably a conventional/low maintenance type.

Charge Rate Selector Switch (Voltage/Amp Selector)

Use this switch to set the maximum charge rate to one of the following.

• 2A Slow Charge Rate – Intended for charging small batteries such as those commonly used in garden tractors, snow mobiles and motorcycles. The 2A rate can be used to warm or trickle charge larger batteries.
• 6A, 10A, 12A, 15A Fast and 30A Rapid Charge Rate - Use for charging automotive, marine and deep-cycle batteries. Not intended for industrial applications.
• Engine Start - Provides additional amps for cranking an engine with a weak or run down battery. Always use in combination with a battery.

Voltage Selector Switch

Use this switch to set the charger to charge a 6 volt, 12 volt or 24 volt battery.

NOTE: These chargers are not recommended for 8 or 16 volt systems.

LED Indicators

• Full Charge – When lit, this LED indicates that the battery is fully charged and the charger has stopped charging and switched to the Maintain Mode of operation (Automatic chargers only).
• Power On – When lit, this LED indicates that there is AC power supplied to the battery charger.
• Check Battery - When lit, this LED indicates there is something wrong with the battery. Check the DC connections for an improper connection; otherwise the battery may be bad.

11. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

AWARNING This battery charger must be properly assembled in accordance with the assembly instructions before it is used.

Overview

1. Connect the battery following the precautions listed in Sections 6 and 7.
2. Select the appropriate settings for your battery.
3. Connect the AC power following the precautions listed in Section 8.

Automatic Charging

If the charger has an Automatic Charge Mode, it can perform an automatic charge. When an Automatic Charge is performed, the charger switches to the Maintain Mode (see below) automatically after the battery is charged. For a battery with a starting voltage under 1 volt, use the Manual Mode first to pre-charge the battery for five minutes to get additional voltage into the battery for the charger to analyze.

Manual Charging

If the charger does not have an Automatic Charge Mode, you will be charging in Manual Mode. A manual charger will continue to charge and will not shut off. You must keep a visual check on the ammeter to determine when the battery is charged. Be sure to monitor the charging process and stop it when the battery is charged. Not doing so may cause damage to your battery or result in other property damage or personal injury.

Completion of Charge (Automatic Chargers Only)

When the FULL CHARGE (green) LED is lit, the charger has stopped charging and switched to the Maintain Mode of operation. If the 12V DEEP CYCLE battery type was selected, the CHARGED (green) LED comes on when the battery is charged enough for normal use.

Maintain Mode (Automatic Chargers Only)

When the FULL CHARGE (green) LED is lit, the charger has started Maintain Mode. In this mode, the charger keeps the battery fully charged by delivering a small current, when necessary. If the battery voltage drops below a preset level, the charger will go back into charge mode until the battery voltage returns to the full charge level, at which point the charger will return to maintain mode. The voltage is maintained at a level determined by the BATTERY TYPE selected.

NOTE: An Automatic charger automatically switches between Charge Mode and Maintain Mode as necessary. The FULL CHARGE (green) LED will cycle on when the battery is at full charge and off when the voltage drops below a preset level and the charger goes into Charge Mode. This cycle will continue, and the FULL CHARGE (green) LED will stay on for longer periods of time as the battery becomes more fully charged. This is not applicable to manual chargers.

12. CALCULATING CHARGE TIME

Use the following table to more accurately determine the time it will take to bring a battery to full charge. First, identify where your battery fits into the chart.

CCA = Cold Cranking Amps

RC = Reserve Capacity

Ah = Amp Hour

NR means that the charger setting is NOT RECOMMENDED.

Find your battery's rating on the chart below, and note the charge time given for each charger setting. The times given are for batteries with a 50% charge prior to recharging. Add more time for severely discharged batteries.

13. MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

1. After use and before performing maintenance, unplug and disconnect the battery charger (see sections 6, 7 and 8).
2. Use a dry cloth to wipe all battery corrosion and other dirt or oil from the battery clips, cords, and the charger case.
3. Ensure that all of the charger components are in place and in good working condition, for example, the plastic boots on the battery clips.
4. Servicing does not require opening the unit, as there are no user-serviceable parts. All other servicing should be performed by qualified service personnel.

14. MOVING AND STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Store the charger unplugged, in an upright position. The cord will still conduct electricity until it is unplugged from the outlet.
2. Store inside, in a cool, dry place (unless you're using an on-board Marine Charger).
3. Do not store the clips on the handle, clipped together, on or around metal, or clipped to cables.
4. If the charger is moved around the shop or transported to another location, take care to avoid/prevent damage to the cords, clips and charger. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or property damage.

15. TROUBLESHOOTING

16. BEFORE RETURNING FOR REPAIRS

1. When a charging problem arises, make certain that the battery is capable of accepting a normal charge. Use a good battery to double check all connections, AC outlet for a full 120-volts, charger clips for correct polarity and the quality of the connections from the cables to the clips and from the clips to the battery system. The clips must be clean.
2. When a battery is very cold, partially charged or sulfated, it will not draw the full rated amperes from the charger. It is both dangerous and damaging to a battery to force higher amperage into it than it can effectively use in recharging.
3. When an UNKNOWN OPERATING PROBLEM arises, please read the complete manual and call the customer service number for information that will usually eliminate the need for return.

If the above solutions do not eliminate the problem or for information about troubleshooting, call toll-free from anywhere in the U.S.A.

1-800-621-5485

7:00 am to 5:00 pm Central Time Monday through Friday

17. LIMITED WARRANTY

SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC CORPORATION, 801 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE, MOUNT PROSPECT, IL 60056-2179, MAKES THIS LIMITED WARRANTY TO THE ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASER OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE OR ASSIGNABLE.

Schumacher Electric Corporation (the "Manufacturer") warrants this battery charger for two years from the date of purchase at retail against defective material or workmanship that may occur under normal use and care. If your unit is not free from defective material or workmanship, Manufacturer's obligation under this warranty is solely to repair or replace your product, with a new or reconditioned unit, at the option of the Manufacturer. It is the obligation of the purchaser to forward the unit, along with mailing charges prepaid to the Manufacturer or its authorized representatives in order for repair or replacement to occur.

Manufacturer does not provide any warranty for any accessories used with this product that are not manufactured by Schumacher Electric Corporation and approved for use with this product. This Limited Warranty is void if the product is misused, subjected to careless handling, repaired, or modified by anyone other than Manufacturer or if this unit is resold through an unauthorized retailer.

Manufacturer makes no other warranties, including, but not limited to, express, implied or statutory warranties, including without limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability or implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose. Further, Manufacturer shall not be liable for any incidental, special or consequential damage claims incurred by purchasers, users or others associated with this product, including, but not limited to, lost profits, revenues, anticipated sales, business opportunities, goodwill, business interruption and any other injury or damage. Any and all such warranties, other than the limited warranty included herein, are hereby expressly disclaimed and excluded. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or length of implied warranty, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and it is possible you may have other rights which vary from this warranty.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY AND THE MANUFACTURER NEITHER ASSUMES OR AUTHORIZES ANYONE TO ASSUME OR MAKE ANY OTHER OBLIGATION TOWARDS THE PRODUCT OTHER THAN THIS WARRANTY.

Schumacher Electric Corporation Customer Service
1-800-621-5485
Monday - Friday 7:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. CST

Schumacher and the Schumacher Logo are registered trademarks of Schumacher Electric Corporation.

To activate the warranty, please fill in the warranty registration card on page 15 and mail it in, OR go to www.batterychargers.com to register your product online.