Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE Battery Charger / Maintainer. Before use, read this manual thoroughly and follow all instructions given.
- The IBC25 is designed for charging all types of 12V lead-acid and 24V lead-acid batteries, including WET (Flooded), MF (Maintenance-Free), EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery), GEL, AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries.
- A built-in intelligent microprocessor makes charging faster, easier and safer.
- This charger has safety features, including protection for reverse polarity, short circuit, overheat and overcharge.
Guarantee
This CLARKE product is guaranteed against faulty manufacture for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase. Please keep your receipt as proof of purchase.
This guarantee is invalid if the product is found to have been abused or tampered with in any way, or not used for the purpose for which it was intended.
Faulty goods should be returned to their place of purchase; no product can be returned to us without prior permission.
This guarantee does not affect your statutory rights.
Environmental Recycling Policy
Through purchase of this product, the customer is taking on the obligation to deal with the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) in accordance with the WEEE regulations in relation to the treatment, recycling & recovery and environmentally sound disposal of the WEEE. In effect, this means that this product must not be disposed of with general household waste. It must be disposed of according to the laws governing Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) at a recognised disposal facility.
Safety Instructions
⚠️ WARNING: WEAR EYE PROTECTION ?, HAND AND CLOTHING PROTECTION ?. AVOID TOUCHING EYES WHILE WORKING WITH A BATTERY. SEE YOUR LOCAL CLARKE DEALER FOR ALL YOUR PPE REQUIREMENTS.
Safety Precautions for Working in the Vicinity of a Battery
- If battery electrolyte contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If electrolyte enters your eye, immediately flood the eye with running clean cold water for at least 15 minutes and get medical attention immediately.
- Clean the battery terminals before they are connected to the charger. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming into contact with your eyes.
- Batteries generate explosive gases during normal operation. Use in a well-ventilated area.
- Consider having someone close enough or within the range of your voice to come to your aid when you work near a battery.
- DO NOT smoke, strike a match, or cause a spark in vicinity of a battery or engine. Avoid explosive gas, flames and sparks.
- Remove all rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches while working with a vehicle battery. These items may produce a short-circuit that could cause severe burns.
- Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping a metal tool onto the battery. It might spark or short-circuit a battery or other electrical hardware which may cause an explosion or fire.
- Study all battery manufacturer's specific precautions such as removing or not removing cell caps while charging and recommended rates of charge.
- When it is necessary to remove a battery from a vehicle to charge it, always remove the grounded terminal from the battery first. Make sure all accessories in the vehicle are off.
- It is NOT intended to supply power to an extra-low-voltage electrical system or to charge dry-cell batteries. Charging dry-cell batteries may burst and cause injury to persons and property.
- NEVER charge a frozen, damaged, leaking or non-rechargeable battery.
Safety Precautions for Using the Charger
⚠️ WARNING: ALWAYS SWITCH OFF THE CHARGER WHEN CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING LEADS.
- NEVER place the charger in the engine compartment or near moving parts or near the battery; place as far away from them as the clamp leads allow.
- DO NOT cover the charger while charging.
- DO NOT expose to rain or wet conditions.
- Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by the manufacturer may result in a risk of fire, electric shock or injury to persons.
- DO NOT overcharge batteries by selecting the wrong charge mode.
- To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug the charger from the outlet before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
- Operate with caution if the charger has received an impact/blow or been dropped. Have it checked and repaired if damaged.
- Any repair must be carried out by the manufacturer or an authorized CLARKE repair agent in order to avoid danger.
Charger Location
- Place the charger as far away from the battery as possible.
- DO NOT position the charger above the battery during the charging procedure. Gases from the battery will corrode and damage the charger.
- DO NOT let battery acid drip on the charger when reading a hydrometer for specific gravity or when you fill the battery.
- DO NOT use the charger in an enclosed space with reduced airflow.
Safety Symbols
| ? Wear eye protection | ? Wear protective clothing |
| ? Wear protective gloves |
Electrical Connections
⚠️ WARNING! READ THESE ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY BEFORE CONNECTING THE PRODUCT TO THE MAINS SUPPLY.
Before switching the product on, make sure that the voltage of your electricity supply is the same as that indicated on the rating plate. This product is designed to operate on 230VAC 50Hz. Connecting it to any other power source may cause damage.
This product may be fitted with a non-rewireable plug. If it is necessary to change the fuse in the plug, the fuse cover must be refitted. If the fuse cover becomes lost or damaged, the plug must not be used until a suitable replacement is obtained.
If the plug has to be changed because it is not suitable for your socket, or due to damage, it should be cut off and a replacement fitted, following the wiring instructions shown below. The old plug must be disposed of safely, as insertion into a mains socket could cause an electrical hazard.
If the colours of the wires in the power cable of this product do not correspond with the markings on the terminals of your plug, proceed as follows:
- The Blue wire must be connected to the terminal marked N or coloured Black.
- The Brown wire must be connected to the terminal marked L or coloured Red.
Plug must be BS1363/A approved. Always fit a 5 Amp fuse.
Diagram of plug wiring: [Shows a BS1363/A plug with terminals labeled Live (Brown), Neutral (Blue), and Fuse. Text indicates 'Always fit a 5 Amp fuse' and 'Ensure that the outer sheath of the cable is firmly held by the clamp'.]
We strongly recommend that this machine is connected to the mains supply via a Residual Current Device (RCD). If in any doubt, consult a qualified electrician. DO NOT attempt any repairs yourself.
[Class II symbol] This symbol indicates that this is a Class II product, and does not require an earth connection.
The Charging Process
A graph illustrating the charging process, showing Voltage (V) and Current (A) changing over 8 distinct steps. Step 1 is Diagnosis, Step 2 is Desulphation (pulsing current for low voltage), Step 3 is Analyse, Step 4 is Soft Start (stepped constant current), Step 5 is Bulk (constant maximum current), Step 6 is Absorption (declining current), Step 7 is Analyse (test charge holding), and Step 8 is Maintenance (continuous monitoring).
- STEP 1: DIAGNOSIS
Check if the battery has connected with the charger and also check the battery voltage. - STEP 2: DESULPHATION
If battery voltage is too low, the program automatically generates a pulsing current to remove sulphate. - STEP 3: ANALYSE
Check if the battery voltage reaches to the minimum threshold after desulphation, and charging begins if the battery voltage is OK. - STEP 4: SOFT START
Charge with stepped constant current. - STEP 5: BULK
Charge with constant maximum current until the battery voltage has reached the threshold. - STEP 6: ABSORPTION
Provide gradually declining current charge for maximum battery voltage. - STEP 7: ANALYSE
Test if the battery can hold charge. - STEP 8: MAINTENANCE
Continuously monitor the battery, and charging current will intelligently adapt to the variable battery voltage. (pulse form protection)
Overview
Front view of the CLARKE IBC25 Intelligent Battery Charger/Maintainer. The digital display shows 'E02 YY'. Labels point to the digital display showing 'AMPERE / VOLTAGE / SECOND INDICATOR', 'ERROR ICON', 'ENVIRONMENT TEMPERATURE IS LOW', 'CHARGER IS OVERHEATING', 'ALTERNATOR %', 'BATTERY LEVEL ICON', 'CHECK', 'ALT', 'GOOD', and 'ENVIRONMENT TEMPERATURE IS HIGH'. Buttons are labeled: VOLTAGE BUTTON, CHARGE BUTTON, CURRENT BUTTON, BOOST / QUICK CHARGE BUTTON, and ALTERNATOR CHECK BUTTON. The clamps are labeled: POSITIVE CLAMP (RED) and NEGATIVE CLAMP (BLACK).
Connecting to the Battery
CAUTION: A MARINE (BOAT) BATTERY MUST BE REMOVED AND CHARGED ON SHORE. TO CHARGE IT ON BOARD REQUIRES EQUIPMENT SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MARINE USE.
- Identify the polarity of battery posts. The positive battery terminal is typically marked by these letters or symbol (POS,P,+). The negative battery terminal is typically marked by these letters or symbol (NEG,N,-).
- DO NOT make any connections to the carburetor, fuel lines, or thin metal parts.
- Identify if you have a negative or positive grounded vehicle. This can be done by identifying which battery post (NEG or POS) is connected to the chassis.
- FOR A NEGATIVE GROUNDED VEHICLE (MOST COMMON): connect the RED POSITIVE clamp first to the positive battery terminal, then connect the BLACK NEGATIVE clamp to the negative battery terminal or vehicle chassis.
- FOR A POSITIVE GROUNDED VEHICLE (VERY UNCOMMON): connect the BLACK NEGATIVE clamp first to the negative battery terminal, then connect the RED POSITIVE clamp to the positive battery terminal or vehicle chassis.
- When disconnecting, disconnect in the reverse sequence, removing the negative first (or positive first for positive ground systems).
Charging Modes
| SELECT MODE | FOR BATTERY SIZE (Ah) |
| 12V 5A | 2-60 |
| 12V 10A | 14-200 |
| 12V 15A | 50-400 |
| 12V 25A | >75AH |
| 24V 3.5A | 2-100 |
| 24V 7.5A | 14-200 |
| 24V 12A | 36-350 |
| 12V 40A BOOST | Any Capacity |
| 12V ALTERNATOR CHECK | Any Capacity |
Operation
- Connect the battery as described on page 8.
- Plug in the mains plug and switch it on.
- The charger will automatically detect the battery voltage (12V or 24V).
- After 10 seconds the charger will begin charging the battery using the following mode 12V/5A or 24V/3.5A.
- The user can manually select charging voltage / current modes by pressing the "VOLTAGE" or “CURRENT” button within the first 10 seconds after switching on (a countdown is shown on the LCD). NOTE: If you choose 24V Mode(s) for 12V battery, the 12V battery will be damaged.
- Once the battery type has been selected successfully and charging is started, you must disconnect the AC plug and plug in again if you want to change the battery type mode of the charger.
- During charging, the display will show voltage (12V or 24V) and charging current alternately.
- When the "VOLTAGE" button is pressed, the display shows battery voltage (e.g. 12.1 V).
- During charging, pressing the "CHARGE" button will cause the charger to turn off. The charger will be restarted by pressing "CHARGE" button again.
- Battery level is indicated by the "battery level icon". When the battery is fully charged, the charger will automatically switch from full charge to maintenance status without overcharging or damaging the battery.
Battery Level Indicator
| LEVEL ICON | EXPLANATION | LEVEL ICON | EXPLANATION |
| [Battery icon with 1 bar] | The 25% bar will slowly flash when the battery level is less than 25%. When 25% is reached, the bar will be solid. | [Battery icon with 2 bars] | The 50% bar will slowly flash when the battery level is less than 50%. When 50% is reached, the bar will be solid. |
| [Battery icon with 3 bars] | The 75% bar will slowly flash when the battery level is less than 75%. When 75% is reached, the bar will be solid. | [Battery icon with 4 bars] | The 100% bar will slowly flash when the battery level is less than 100%. When 100% is reached, the bar will be solid. Meanwhile the maintenance charging is activated. |
Advanced Charging Modes
The following modes are advanced charging modes that require your full attention before selecting.
Using 12V BOOST
⚠️ WARNING: DO NOT USE BOOST MORE THAN TWO TIMES IN A 24-HOUR PERIOD. IF TWO BOOSTS CANNOT SUCCESSFULLY START YOUR VEHICLE, HAVE YOUR BATTERY REPLACED OR EVALUATED BY A LOCAL BATTERY STORE.
- Connect the charger to the battery as shown on page 7 and switch on at the mains power supply.
- Allow the charger to start charging after an initial 10 second wait.
- Press the BOOST/QUICK CHARGE button to start the boost charge mode
- For optimum results, allow boost to complete its 5-minute charge cycle.
- After 5 minutes the display will show "000", and you are ready to start your vehicle.
- After each boost, the charger has a mandatory 5-minute rest for safety reasons (even if you press the BOOST/ QUICK CHARGE button again, the charger will not work).
- After cooling, the LCD shows “End”.
- Press any button to enter the normal charging mode, or the charger will automatically enter the normal charging mode after 10 minutes.
- If unsuccessful when starting your vehicle, let the battery rest for 15 minutes and try boost again. Most vehicles will start with one boost.
Using 12V ALTERNATOR CHECK (12V ONLY)
- Connect the charger to the battery as shown on page 7 and switch on at the mains power supply. NOTE: The battery must be installed in the vehicle.
- Press and hold the ALTN CHECK button for 3 seconds. The [CHECK ALTN icon] icon will appear.
- Start the vehicle and turn on the vehicle's headlights.
- The digital display shows an estimated output percentage of the vehicle's charging system.
Alternator Check Results
| READING | OUTPUT IS: | ICON |
| 0% to 100% | GOOD | [GOOD icon] |
| Below 0% (13.2 volts) | LOW | Flashes Slowly |
| Above 100% (14.6 volts) | HIGH | Flashes Quickly |
If you get a LOW or HIGH reading, have the electrical system checked by a qualified technician. After 10 seconds, the charger will return to the normal charging process.
Care & Maintenance
This battery charger requires minimal maintenance. As with any appliance or tool, a few common sense rules will prolong its working life.
⚠️ WARNING: ALWAYS BE SURE THE CHARGER IS UNPLUGGED BEFORE PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE OR CLEANING. ANY REPAIRS MUST BE DONE BY A QUALIFIED CLARKE SERVICE TECHNICIAN.
Wind up the leads when not in use. Examine the leads at regular intervals for damage and have them replaced if necessary. Clean the case and leads if necessary with a moist cloth and clean any corrosion from the clamps with a solution of water and baking soda.
Troubleshooting
| DISPLAY | CAUSE | SOLUTION |
| E01 (with buzzer) | The charger is overheating | The charging will automatically pause with the alarm sound. Do NOT cut off the power supply and the charger will work again when cooled down. |
| E02 | 1) Open-circuit 2) Dirty Battery Posts 3) Dead Battery 4) Output Short Circuit | 1) Connect the red and black clamps to the battery posts 2) Clean the battery posts 3) Replace the battery with a new one immediately 4) Disconnect red and black output terminals |
| E03 | Charging in 12V Mode(s) for 24V battery | An alarm sound will remind you. Please restart the charger and choose the correct charge mode. CAUTION: If you choose 24V Mode(s) for 12V battery, the 12V battery will be damaged! |
| E04 | Battery cannot store electric charge during charging process | Replace the battery with a new one immediately |
| E05 | Battery is heavily corroded and cannot be recovered through desulphation process | Replace the battery with a new one immediately |
| E06 | Reverse Polarity | Swap the position of the charging leads. |
| Battery does not charge | Lack of AC input power. | Make sure that the charger is plugged into the AC outlet and the POWER LED is lit. |
| Very slow charging | Charging a very cold battery. | If the battery being charged is extremely cold, it will not accept a high rate of charge, so the initial charge rate will be slow. The rate of charge will increase as the battery warms up. Never attempt to charge a frozen battery. |
Specifications
| Model Number | IBC25 |
| Input Voltage | 230V AC, ~ 50Hz |
| Battery charging voltages: | 12V & 24V DC |
| Output current | 12V DC, 25A/15A/10A/5A 24V DC, 12A/7.5A/3.5A 12V DC, 40A, 300s (Boost); |
| Efficiency | 85% approx |
| IP Rating | IP20 |
| Battery Capacity | 2-400 Ah (12V), 2-350 Ah (24V) |
| Charging steps | 8 steps (smart charger) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -10 to 50°C |
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | 187 x 285 x 320 mm |
| Weight | 3.5 kg |
| Charging lead length (red & black) | 1.85 m |
| Mains power cable length | 1.2 m |
Component Parts
An exploded view diagram of the charger components, with numbered parts (1-13) corresponding to a list of part names (e.g., Back Shell, Front Shell, Display Panel, 5020 Fan) and their respective part numbers.
| No | Part Name | QTY | Part Number |
| 1 | Back Shell | 1 | GTIBC2501 |
| 2 | Front Shell | 1 | GTIBC2502 |
| 3 | Middle Shell | 1 | GTIBC2503 |
| 4 | Front Handle | 1 | GTIBC2504 |
| 5 | Back Handle | 1 | GTIBC2505 |
| 6 | Rubber Feet | 2 | GTIBC2506 |
| 7 | Display Panel | 1 | GTIBC2507 |
| 8 | LCD Surround | 1 | GTIBC2508 |
| 9 | Transparent Screen | 1 | GTIBC2509 |
| 10 | LCD Support | 1 | GTIBC2510 |
| 11 | PCB A | 1 | GTIBC2511 |
| 12 | PCB B | 1 | GTIBC2512 |
| 13 | 5020 Fan | 2 | GTIBC2513 |
Declaration of Conformity
Declaration of Conformity documents for UKCA (United Kingdom Conformity Assessed) and CE (Conformité Européenne) marking, confirming compliance with relevant UK and EU regulations and standards. Includes product description (Intelligent Battery Charger 25A, 12/24V), model number (IBC25), and issue date (01/07/2022). The documents list applicable regulations such as Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations, Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations, and hazardous substances restrictions, along with applied standards like EN and IEC series.
A Selection from the Vast Range of Clarke Quality Products
Clarke offers a wide variety of quality products, including:
- Air Compressors: From DIY to industrial, including air tools, spray guns, and accessories.
- Generators: For prime duty or emergency standby for business, home, and leisure.
- Power Washers: Hot and cold, electric and engine-driven options.
- Welders: Mig, Arc, Tig, and Spot welders for DIY and auto/industrial use.
- Metalworking: Drills, grinders, and saws for DIY and professional use.
- Woodworking: Saws, sanders, lathes, mortisers, and dust extraction equipment.
- Hydraulics: Cranes, body repair kits, and transmission jacks.
- Water Pumps: Submersible, electric, and engine-driven pumps for DIY, agriculture, and industry.
- Power Tools: Angle grinders, cordless drill sets, saws, and sanders.
- Starters/Chargers: All sizes for car and commercial use.
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 | Parts Enquiries: Parts@clarkeinternational.com | Servicing & Technical Enquiries: Service@clarkeinternational.com
Sales: UK 01992 565333 or Export +44 (0)1992 565335
Clarke International: Hemnall Street, Epping, Essex CM16 4LG | Website: www.clarkeinternational.com
