Voltcraft VC-40.01.040 AC/DC Car Battery Charger

Introduction

This document provides operating instructions for the Voltcraft VC-40.01.040 AC/DC Car Battery Charger. It details the product's intended use, safety precautions, operation, and technical specifications.

For the latest version of the manual, please visit www.conrad.com/downloads.

Intended Use

The Voltcraft VC-40.01.040 is designed as a battery charger and power supply. It efficiently and safely charges compatible rechargeable batteries using intelligent 3-stage charging with temperature compensation. It can also provide a constant voltage in power supply mode. The product is intended for indoor use only and must be protected from moisture.

Safety Instructions

⚠️ Warning: Hazards that can lead to personal injury.

⚡ Warning: Dangerous voltage that can lead to personal injury by electric shock.

General Safety:

• Read the manual carefully and keep it for future reference.
• This appliance can be used by children aged 8+ and persons with reduced capabilities if supervised or instructed on safe use and hazards.
• Children must not play with the appliance.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not leave packaging material unattended.
• Do not modify or repair the product yourself.
• Handle the product with care to avoid damage from impacts or falls.
• Protect from extreme temperatures, mechanical stress, flammable gases, steam, solvents, high humidity, moisture, and direct sunlight.
• Consult an expert if unsure about operation, safety, or connection.
• If safe operation is no longer possible (visible damage, malfunction, improper storage), take it out of operation.

Electrical Safety:

• Disconnect power before making/breaking battery connections.
• DANGER: Explosive gases may escape from batteries during charging. Ensure adequate ventilation. NEVER operate in enclosed/restricted areas without ventilation. Do not use open flames, create sparks, or smoke near the battery or charger.
• This charger is designed for 12V rechargeable batteries ONLY.
• WARNING: Risk of fire or explosion: Do not charge damaged, frozen, or non-rechargeable batteries, or while the vehicle engine is running.
• WARNING: Remove metal jewelry (necklaces, rings) when working with batteries to reduce the risk of short circuits, electric shocks, or burns.
• Ensure the mains outlet is near and accessible.
• Never handle the mains plug with wet hands.
• Always pull the plug by the grips, not the cable.
• Unplug when not in use for extended periods or during thunderstorms.
• Ensure the mains cable is not pinched, bent, damaged by sharp edges, or subjected to mechanical stress.
• Avoid excessive thermal stress on the mains cable.
• Do not touch a damaged mains cable. Power down the socket and unplug carefully if damaged. Never use with a damaged cable.
• Lay cables to prevent tripping or entanglement hazards.
• Switch off the vehicle engine and electronics before connecting the product.
• Clean battery terminals for proper contact and to prevent short circuits.

Personal Safety:

• Wear eye protection when working with lead-acid batteries to prevent injury from explosions or corrosive chemicals.
• Keep away from moving engine parts (belts, pulleys, fans).
• Risk of burns: Allow engine compartments to cool down.
• Risk of entanglement/burns: Avoid loose clothing and jewelry.
• Explosive/noxious gases may be present; always use in a well-ventilated area.
• Have someone nearby in case of emergency.

Lead-Acid Battery Handling:

• Keep fresh water, soap, and eyewash readily available.
• If battery acid contacts skin or clothes, wash immediately with soap and water.
• If acid gets into eyes, flush with water for 10 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.

Product Overview

The Voltcraft VC-40.01.040 is a robust battery charger and power supply unit. It features an intelligent 3-stage charging system with temperature compensation for optimal battery health.

Control Panel:

• Status LED: Indicates the charging status (e.g., Power, Error, Full Charging).
• BATTERY TYPE Selection: Buttons to select battery chemistry (STD, GEL, AGM, CAL, LiFePO4).
• FLOAT VOLTAGE Selection: Buttons to select the charging voltage (13.2V, 13.5V, 13.8V).
• MODE Selection: Buttons to switch between Normal, Silent, and Power Supply modes.

Product Features:

• RJ45 Port: Not functional.
• DC Ring Terminal Connection: For connecting the battery via ring terminals (+/-).
• Temperature Sensing Cable Input: For connecting the NTC temperature sensor.
• Air Intake: For cooling.
• Fuses: 2x 30A replaceable fuses.
• ON/OFF Switch: Power switch for the unit.
• AC Input: C13 socket for mains power connection.
• Mounting Point: For securing the unit.

Risk of overheating: Do not block ventilation openings. Ensure sufficient airflow.

Mounting

Mount the charger on a heat-resistant surface, ensuring adequate airflow to prevent overheating. Use appropriate screws or brackets to secure it and keep it away from combustible materials. Organize cables to avoid tripping hazards.

Connection

Temperature Sensing Cable:

For accurate temperature compensation, place the NTC sensor on the positive battery terminal or as close to it as possible when charging STD, AGM, or Calcium batteries. Connect the sensor to the dedicated input on the charger.

DC Ring Terminal Connection:

Attach the DC cables with ring terminals to the battery. Observe polarity markings: Red cable for Positive (+), Black cable for Negative (-).

Operation

Mode Selection:

The charger offers Normal Charging, Silent Charging, and Power Supply modes.

Normal/Silent Charging Mode:

1. Connect the product to the power supply and switch it ON.
2. Select the battery type using the [BATTERY TYPE] button.
3. Select the float voltage using the [FLOAT VOLTAGE] button.
4. Press the [MODE] button to switch between Normal (Silent OFF) and Silent (Silent ON) modes.

Power Supply Mode:

1. Connect the product to the power supply and switch it ON.
2. Press the [BATTERY TYPE] button repeatedly until the BATTERY TYPE and FLOAT VOLTAGE indicators are OFF.
3. Press the [MODE] button to activate/deactivate Power Supply mode. The "Power Supply" LED will illuminate when active.

Constant Power Supply:

In Power Supply mode, the charger outputs a stable DC voltage without a connected battery. This is useful for powering 12V DC devices or for maintenance tasks requiring a stable voltage. Caution: Improper operation (e.g., reverse connection) can damage the charger.

To use:

1. Ensure the power supply is not connected and the switch is OFF.
2. Connect the cables.
3. Plug into a mains socket and switch ON.
4. Select "Power Supply" mode.
5. When finished, switch OFF, disconnect the power cord, and then disconnect the cables.

Battery Recharging:

Always check manufacturer specifications for recommended float voltage. Using the wrong voltage can cause overcharging or undercharging.

To charge a battery:

1. Connect the temperature sensing cable to the battery (see section 8.1).
2. Connect the DC cables to the 12V battery (observe polarity).
3. Plug into a mains socket and switch ON.
4. Select a charging mode (Normal or Silent).
5. Select the battery type using [BATTERY TYPE].
6. Select the float voltage using [FLOAT VOLTAGE].
7. When charging is complete, switch OFF, disconnect the power cord, and then disconnect the cables.

Fault Information

Cleaning and Care

Important: Do not use aggressive cleaning agents, rubbing alcohol, or chemical solvents, as they can damage the product. Do not immerse the product in water.

1. Disconnect the product from the power supply.
2. Clean with a dry, fibre-free cloth.

Disposal

This symbol indicates that the device should not be disposed of as unsorted municipal waste. Follow local regulations for electronic waste disposal. Batteries and accumulators must be disposed of separately.

Technical Data

Cooling Fan

The product features active cooling with an automatic fan that activates when the output current is above 3 A and deactivates below 2.5 A.