Schumacher SC1307 Automatic Battery Charger Owners Manual

1. Important Safety Instructions

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. This manual contains important safety and operating instructions. Keep out of reach of children. Do not expose the charger to rain or snow. 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. To reduce the risk of damage to the electric plug and cord, pull by the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger. An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. If an extension cord must be used, ensure: the pins on the plug of the extension cord are the same number, size, and shape as those of the plug on the charger; the extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition; and the wire size is large enough for the AC ampere rating of the charger as specified in section 8. Do not operate the charger with a damaged cord or plug; replace it immediately. Do not operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged; take it to a qualified serviceman. Do not disassemble the charger; take it to a qualified serviceman when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire. To reduce the risk of electric shock, unplug the charger from the outlet before attempting any maintenance or cleaning. Turning off controls will not reduce this risk.

WARNING: 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 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 cautionary markings on these products and on the engine.

2. Personal Safety Precautions

• Consider having someone close enough to come to your aid when you work near a lead-acid battery.
• Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing, or eyes.
• Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes while working near the battery.
• If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enters an eye, immediately flood the eye with running cold water for at least 10 minutes and get medical attention immediately.
• NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in the vicinity of the battery or engine.
• 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.
• 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.
• Use the charger for charging only LEAD-ACID (STD, AGM, or deep-cycle) rechargeable batteries with recommended rated capacities of 12Ah (6V) and 22-59Ah (12V). It is not intended to supply power to a low voltage electrical system other than in a starter-motor application. Do not use the 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.
• NEVER charge a frozen battery.

• WARNING: This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

3. Preparing to Charge

• If necessary to remove the battery from the vehicle to charge, always remove the grounded terminal from the battery first. Make sure all accessories in the vehicle are off, so as not to cause an arc.
• Be sure the area around the battery is well ventilated while the battery is being charged.
• Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming in contact with eyes.
• Add distilled water in 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, carefully follow the manufacturer's recharging instructions.
• Study all battery manufacturer's specific precautions while charging and recommended rates of charge.
• Determine the voltage of the battery by referring to the car owner's manual and make sure that the output voltage selector switch is set at the correct voltage. If the charger has an adjustable charge rate, charge the battery initially at the lowest rate.

4. Charger Location

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

5. DC Connection Precautions

• Connect and disconnect DC output clips only after setting any charger switches to the "off" position and removing the AC cord from the electric outlet. Never allow clips to touch each other.
• Attach clips to the battery and chassis, as indicated in sections 6 and 7.

6. Follow These Steps When Battery Is Installed In Vehicle

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

• Position AC and DC cords to reduce the risk of damage by the hood, door, or moving engine parts.
• Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and other parts that can cause injury to persons.
• Check the polarity of battery posts. The POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has a larger diameter than the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, −) post.
• 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 (6.5). If the positive post is grounded to the chassis, see (6.6).
• 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.
• 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.
• When disconnecting the charger, turn switches to off, disconnect the AC cord, remove the clip from the vehicle chassis, and then remove the clip from the battery terminal.
• See Operating Instructions for the length of charge information.

7. Follow These Steps When Battery Is Outside Vehicle

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

• Check the polarity of battery posts. The POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has a larger diameter than the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, −) post.
• Attach at least a 24-inch long 6-gauge (AWG) insulated battery cable to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, −) battery post.
• Connect the POSITIVE (RED) charger clip to the POSITIVE (POS, P, +) post of the battery.
• Position yourself and the free end of the cable as far away from the battery as possible – then connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clip to the free end of the cable.
• Do not face the battery when making the final connection.
• When disconnecting the charger, always do so in reverse sequence of the connecting procedure and break the first connection while as far away from the battery as practical.
• A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore. To charge it on board requires equipment specially designed for marine use.

8. Grounding and AC Power Cord Connections

• This battery charger is for use on a nominal 120 volt circuit. 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.

• DANGER: 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, the use of an adapter plug is not allowed in Canada. The use of an adapter plug in the United States is not recommended and should not be used.

• Using an Extension Cord

  The use of an extension cord is not recommended. If you must use an extension cord, follow these guidelines:

  • Pins on the plug of the extension cord must be the same number, size, and shape as those of the plug on the charger.
  • Ensure that the extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.
  • Wire size must be large enough for the AC ampere rating of the charger, as specified:

  Length of cord (feet)	25	50	100	150
  AWG* size of cord	16	14	14	12

  *AWG-American Wire Gauge

9. Assembly Instructions

• Remove all cord wraps and uncoil the cables prior to using the battery charger.
• Included with your charger are two cord wrap cleats for storage of the clamp cables. To install, align the two tabs with the two receptacles on the back of the charger and push until you hear a snap.

10. Control Panel

Digital Display

The Digital Display gives a digital indication of voltage or % of charge. The display will show the battery VOLTAGE when the charger is not charging a battery. When it goes into charging mode, the display will automatically change to "On" (to show charging has started) and then show the percent-of-charge of the battery being charged and either 6 or 12 (the battery voltage determined by the charger). If you manually stop the charging process (by pressing the Rate Selection button) before the battery is fully charged, the display will show "OFF".

NOTE: During charging, the display will go into sleep mode and will not show the percentage of charge or voltage of the battery. To turn the display back on, press the Display button.

Display Button

Use this button to set the function of the digital display to one of the following:

• Battery % – The digital display shows an estimated charge percentage of the battery connected to the charger's battery clamps.
• Voltage – The Digital Display shows the voltage at the charger battery clamps, in DC volts.

Rate Selection Button

Use this button to select one of the following:

• 6↔2A CHARGE/MAINTAIN – For charging small and large batteries. Not recommended for industrial applications.
• 30A BOOST – For quickly adding energy to a severely discharged or large capacity battery prior to Engine Start.
• 85A ENGINE START – Provides additional amps for cranking an engine with a weak or run-down battery. Always use in combination with a battery.

NOTE: Once the charger has started charging the battery; if you press the Rate Selection button once, the output current is shut off and the display will show "OFF" and then the battery voltage. If you press the Rate Selection button again, the current will go back on at the same setting it was when it was turned off.

LED Indicators

• CLAMPS REVERSED (red) LED flashing: ⮀ The connections are reversed.
• ON (yellow/orange) LED lit: ⚡ The charger is charging/boosting the battery.
• CHARGED/MAINTAINING (green) LED pulsing: ? The battery is fully charged and the charger is in maintain mode.

NOTE: See Operating Instructions for a complete description of the charger modes.

Battery Type Button

Use this button to select the battery type.

• STD – 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 has a greater plate count. The plates are thinner and have somewhat different material composition. Regular batteries should not be used for deep-cycle applications.
• 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. 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 batteries.

11. Operating Instructions

WARNING: A spark near the battery may cause an explosion.

NOTE: This charger is equipped with an auto-start feature. Current will not be supplied to the battery clamps until a battery is properly connected. The clamps will not spark if touched together (except in Engine Start mode).

Charging a Battery in the Vehicle

1. Turn off all the vehicle's accessories.
2. Keep the hood open.
3. Clean the battery terminals.
4. Place the charger on a dry, non-flammable surface.
5. Lay the AC/DC cables away from any fan blades, belts, pulleys and other moving parts.
6. Connect the battery, following the precautions listed in sections 6 and 7.
7. Connect the charger to an electrical outlet.
8. Select the battery type and desired rate.
9. When charging is complete, disconnect the charger from the AC power, remove the clamps from the vehicle's chassis, and then remove the clamp from the battery terminal.

Charging a Battery Outside of the Vehicle

1. Place the battery in a well-ventilated area.
2. Clean the battery terminals.
3. Connect the battery, following the precautions listed in sections 6 and 7.
4. Connect the charger to the electrical outlet.
5. Select the battery type and desired rate.
6. When charging is complete, disconnect the charger from the AC power, disconnect the negative clamp, and finally the positive clamp.
7. A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore.

Boost Mode

To select the Boost mode, press the Rate Selection button until the yellow/orange 30A Boost LED lights solid. The ON LED will light solid if the battery is properly connected and the boosting process will start. While in Boost mode, the display will show the voltage. If a bad battery is detected, the display will show "698 / 6AE" and an error code.

NOTE: Boost mode will remain energized until the Rate Selection button is pressed.

Charge/Maintain Mode

To select this mode, press the Rate Selection button until the yellow/orange 6↔2A Charging/Maintaining LED lights. The ON LED will light solid if the battery is properly connected and the charging process will start. The display will show the charger voltage. To change the mode on the display, press the Display button. When the battery is fully charged, the green Charged/Maintaining ? LED will pulse. If charging cannot be completed, the display will show "698 / 6AE" and an error code. The battery may be bad; have it checked.

NOTE: If the voltage of the battery is under 12.7V, the charger will automatically go into Boost mode, to quickly add energy to the battery. To abort/skip the temporary Boost and force the charger into the Charge/Maintain mode, press the Rate Selection button again (while still boosting).

Automatic Charging Mode

When an Automatic Charge is performed, the charger switches to the maintain mode automatically after the battery is charged.

Aborted Charge

If charging cannot be completed normally, charging will abort. When charging aborts, the charger's output is shut off and the display will show "698 / 6AE" and an error code. Do not continue attempting to charge this battery. Check the battery and replace, if necessary.

Desulfation Mode

The display will show "SUL" when a sulfated battery is detected, and the charger will go into desulfation mode. If the desulfation is not successful after 10 hours, the charger will go into abort mode. The display will show "698 / 6AE / F02".

Completion of Charge

Charge completion is indicated by the green CHARGED/MAINTAINING ? LED. When pulsing, the charger has switched to the maintain mode of operation.

Maintain Mode (Float Mode Monitoring)

When the green CHARGED/MAINTAINING ? 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 charger has to provide its maximum maintain current for a continuous 12 hour period, it will go into abort mode (see Aborted Charge section). This is usually caused by a drain on the battery or the battery could be bad.

Maintaining a Battery

The SC1307 charges and maintains both 6V and 12V batteries.

NOTE: The maintain mode technology allows you to safely charge and maintain a healthy battery for extended periods of time. However, problems with the battery, electrical problems in the vehicle, improper connections or other unanticipated conditions could cause excessive current draws. As such, occasionally monitoring your battery and the charging process is required.

Battery Charging Times

CCA = Cold Cranking Amps | Ah = Amp Hour | RC = Reserve Capacity

Times are based on a 50% discharged battery and may change, depending on the age and condition of the battery.

12. Using the Engine Start Feature

Your battery charger can be used to jump start your car if the battery is low. Follow all safety instructions and precautions for charging your battery. Wear complete eye protection and protective clothing.

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

NOTE: During extremely cold weather, or if the battery is under 2 volts, boost the battery for 5 minutes before cranking the engine.

NOTE: If you have charged the battery and it still will not start your car, do not use the Engine Start feature, or it could damage the vehicle's electrical system. Have the battery checked.

1. With the charger unplugged from the AC outlet, connect the charger to the battery following the instructions given in Charging a Battery in the Vehicle.
2. Plug the charger AC power cord into the AC outlet.
3. With the charger plugged in and connected to the battery and chassis, select the ENGINE START rate. If the battery is properly connected, the yellow/orange 85A Engine Start LED will light solid and the display will show "On". If the display shows "0.0", check the battery connections. If the display does not show "On", check the battery connections. When the Engine Start output is enabled the display will show "rdy".
4. Crank the engine until it starts or 5 seconds pass. If the engine does not start, wait a few minutes before cranking again. This allows the charger and battery to cool down.

NOTE: After 3 minutes in Engine Start mode, the charger will enter into a cool-down period of 180 seconds, to allow the charger and the battery to cool down. The digital display indicates the remaining cool down time in seconds. It starts at 180 and counts down to 0. After 3 minutes, the digital display will change from displaying the countdown to displaying "rdy".

5. If the engine fails to start, use the 30A Booster rate for 5 more minutes before attempting to crank the engine again.
6. After the engine starts, unplug the AC power cord before disconnecting the battery clamps from the vehicle.
7. 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.

Using the Battery Voltage Tester

1. With the charger unplugged from the AC outlet, connect the charger to the battery, following the instructions given in previous sections.
2. Plug the charger AC power cord into the AC outlet.
3. Press the BATTERY TYPE button until the correct type is indicated.
4. Read the voltage on the digital display. Keep in mind that this reading is only a battery voltage reading; a false surface charge may mislead you. Compare the reading to the following chart.

Tester and Charger

When first turned on, the unit operates only as a tester, not as a charger. Selecting a charge rate activates the battery charger and deactivates the tester. Pressing the RATE SELECTION button when the ENGINE START LED is lit (except during the 180 second cool down) will shut off the charger and activate the tester.

Power-Up Idle Time Limit

If no button is pressed within 10 minutes after the battery charger is first powered up, the charger will automatically switch from tester to charger if a battery is connected. In that case, the charger will be set to the Charging/Maintaining rate and AGM battery type.

Testing After Charging

After the unit has been changed from tester to charger (by selecting a desired rate), it remains a charger. To change the battery charger back to a tester, press the RATE SELECTION button until all rate LEDs are off.

NOTE: The battery tester is only designed to test batteries. Testing a device with a rapidly changing voltage could yield unexpected or inaccurate results.

Using the Alternator Performance Tester

1. With the charger unplugged from the AC outlet, connect the charger to the battery, following the instructions given in previous sections.
2. Plug the charger AC power cord into the AC outlet.
3. Start the vehicle, rev the engine at 2000 rpm for 30 seconds and turn on the vehicle's headlights or other accessories.
4. Read the voltage on the digital display. If you get a reading between 13.4 volts and 14.6 volts, the alternator is working properly. If the reading is less than 13.4 volts or more than 14.6 volts, refer to your vehicle's manual or have the charging system checked by a qualified technician.

13. Maintenance and Care

A minimal amount of care can keep your battery charger working properly for years.

• Clean the clamps each time you are finished charging. Wipe off any battery fluid that may have come in contact with the clamps to prevent corrosion.
• Occasionally clean the case of the charger with a soft cloth to keep the finish shiny and help prevent corrosion.
• Coil the input and output cords neatly when storing the charger. This will help prevent accidental damage to the cords and charger.
• Store the charger unplugged from the AC power outlet in an upright position.
• Store inside, in a cool, dry place. Do not store the clamps clipped together, on or around metal, or clipped to the cables.

14. Troubleshooting and Error Codes

Error Codes

If you get an error code, check the connections and settings and/or replace the battery.

Troubleshooting Problems

15. Specifications

• Input: 120V AC @ 60Hz, 4A continuous/19A intermittent
• Output:
  • 6V DC, 2A continuous
  • 12V DC, 2A/6A intermittent (120 sec. @ 2A, 60 sec. @ 6A)
  • 6V/12V DC, 12A/30A intermittent (120 sec. @ 12A, 60 sec. @ 30A)
  • 6V/12V DC, 85A intermittent (5 sec. on, 180 sec. off)

16. Before Returning for Repairs

If these solutions do not eliminate the problem, or for more information about troubleshooting, contact customer service for assistance:

• Email: services@schumacherelectric.com
• Website: www.batterychargers.com
• Phone: 1-800-621-5485, Monday-Friday 7:00AM to 5:00PM CST

For REPAIR OR RETURN, contact Customer Service at 1-800-621-5485. DO NOT SHIP UNIT until you receive a RETURN MERCHANDISE AUTHORIZATION (RMA) number from Customer Service at Schumacher Electric Corporation.

17. Limited Warranty

WARRANTY NOT VALID IN MEXICO.

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 (2) years from the date of purchase at retail against defective material or workmanship that may occur under normal use and care. If the unit is not free from defective material or workmanship, the Manufacturer's obligation under this warranty is solely to repair or replace the 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 proof of purchase and 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 the Manufacturer or if this unit is resold through an unauthorized retailer. Manufacturer may void this Limited Warranty if a "warranty void if removed" label is removed from the product.

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® and the Schumacher logo are registered trademarks of Schumacher Electric Corporation.

Warranty Card Information

To activate your warranty online, visit www.batterychargers.com. If you do not have internet access, you can send in the completed warranty card by mail to:

The warranty card should be submitted within 30 days of purchase. The customer must keep the ORIGINAL receipt because it will be required for any warranty claims. This warranty is not transferable. DO NOT SEND UNIT TO THIS ADDRESS FOR REPAIR.

The warranty card includes fields for: Name, Street Address, City, State, Zip Code, Phone, Email, Store Name Where Purchased, Date of Purchase, Store Location, UPC Number, and Serial Number.