Schumacher Battery Charger Owner’s Manual

Schumacher Battery Charger

About Schumacher: Since 1947, Schumacher Electric Corporation has been innovating and enhancing operations to go above and beyond for its clients. Schumacher is the preferred brand because of its engineered patent-pending technology and award-winning marketing. The legacy of Schumacher is its dedication to superior quality and customer care. The leading brand of battery chargers worldwide, Schumacher, combines experience, innovation, and excellence to the next generation of battery maintenance.

PLEASE SAVE THIS OWNER MANUAL AND READ IT BEFORE EACH USE.
This manual will explain how to use the battery charger safely and effectively. Please read and follow these instructions and precautions carefully.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

1. This manual contains important safety and operating instructions.
2. Keep out of reach of children.
3. Do not expose the charger to rain or snow.
4. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by the battery charger manufacturer may result in a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
5. To reduce the risk of damage to the electric plug and cord, pull by the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger.
6. An extension cord should not be used unless necessary. The use of improper extension cords could result in a risk of fire and electric shock. If an extension cord must be used, make sure:
   • The pins on the plug of the extension cord are the same number, size, and shape as those of the plug-on charger.
   • The extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.
   • The wire size is large enough for the AC ampere rating of the charger as specified in section 8.
7. Do not operate the charger with a damaged cord or plug – replace the cord or plug immediately.
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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.

PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Consider having someone close enough by to come to your aid when you work near a lead-acid battery.
2. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing, or eyes.
3. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching your eyes while working near the battery.
4. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enters the eye, immediately flood the eye with running cold water for at least 10 minutes and get medical attention immediately.
5. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in the vicinity of the battery or engine.
6. Be extra cautious to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto the battery. It might spark or short-circuit a battery or another electrical part that may cause an explosion.
7. Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches when working with a lead-acid battery.
8. 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.
9. Use a charger for charging only LEAD-ACID (STD, AGM, or GEL) rechargeable batteries. It is not intended to supply power to a low-voltage electrical system other than in a starter-motor application.
10. Do not use a battery charger for charging dry-cell batteries that are commonly used with home appliances.
11. These batteries may burst and cause injury to persons and property damage.
12. NEVER charge a frozen battery.

PREPARING TO CHARGE

1. 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.
2. Be sure the area around the battery is well-ventilated while the battery is being charged.
3. Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming in contact with eyes.
4. Add distilled water in each cell until 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.
5. Study all battery manufacturer’s specific precautions while charging and recommended rates of charge.
6. 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.

CHARGER LOCATION

1. Locate the charger as far away from the battery as 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. Never allow battery acid to drip on the charger when reading electrolyte-specific gravity or filling the battery.
4. Do not operate chargers in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any way.
5. Do not set a battery on top of the charger.

DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS

1. 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 the clips of the charger to touch each other. Clips may be energized and they may spark.
2. Attach clips to the battery and chassis, as indicated in sections 6 and 7.

FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN THE BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE

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

1. Position AC and DC cords to reduce the risk of damage by the hood, door, or moving engine part.
2. Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and other parts that can cause injury to persons.
3. Check the polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has a larger diameter than 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 (6.5). If a positive post is grounded to the chassis, see (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 a 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. When disconnecting the charger, turn the switch to off, disconnect the AC cord, remove the clip from the vehicle chassis, and then remove the clip from the battery terminal.
8. See Calculating Charge Time for the length of charge information.

FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN THE BATTERY IS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE

WARNING: 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 battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has a larger diameter than NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) post.
2. Attach at least a 24-inch-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 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.
6. 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.
7. A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged onshore. To charge it on board requires equipment specially designed for marine use.

GROUNDING AND AC POWER CORD CONNECTIONS

This battery charger is for use on a nominal 120-volt circuit and has a grounded plug. 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 by all local codes and ordinances. The plug pins must fit the receptacle (outlet). Do not use an ungrounded system.

DANGER: Never alter the AC cord or plug provided – if it does not fit the outlet, have a properly grounded outlet installed by a qualified electrician. An improper connection can result in a risk of an electric shock or electrocution.

NOTE: Under Canadian Regulations, the 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.

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 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:

Recommended minimum AWG size for an extension cord

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

1. It is important to fully assemble your charger before use. Remove all cord wraps and uncoil the cables before using the battery charger. Follow these instructions for assembly.
2. Prepare parts: Remove the charger and parts from the lowercase materials and place the charger upside down on a flat surface. To assemble the right foot (6) left foot  (7) and wheels (2), you will need a 3/8˝ nut driver.
3. Assemble the wheels and axle: Tap the end cap (5) with a hammer to install on one end of the axle (3). Slide one wheel (2) onto the axle (3) and then one nylon spacer (4).  Slide axle (3) through right foot (6) and left foot (7) as shown. Slide the other nylon spacer (4) onto the axle and then the other wheel (2). Install the other end cap (5). There should be one wheel (2) on each end of the axle (3) assembly.
4. Attach the right foot and left foot Attach the right foot (6) to the bottom of the charger and secure it with the two ¼-20 thread-cutting screws (1) provided. Attach the left foot (7), using the other two ¼-20 thread-cutting screws (1) provided.
5. Extend the handle from the retracted position by pulling it upward until it locks into place. (Press the small silver buttons inward, if necessary.)

CONTROL PANEL

CHARGE RATE SELECTOR SWITCH

Use the charge rate selector switch to select the charge rate or engine start setting.

• Charge – For charging small and large batteries.
• Boost – For quickly adding energy to a severely discharged or large capacity battery before the Engine starts.
• Engine Start – Provides additional amps for cranking an engine with a weak or run-down battery.
• Always use it in combination with a battery.

TIMER

The timer allows you to set a specified time for charging. After the timer expires, the charger stops charging your battery. The main function of the timer is to prevent overcharging while allowing battery time to obtain a satisfactory charge. Monitor the charger and battery.

To properly set the timer, you must know the size of the battery (in ampere-hours) or reserve capacity (in minutes) and the state of charge. It is important that you determine the appropriate state of charge of your battery and set the
timer accordingly.

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.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE AN EXPLOSION. 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. Set the timer to the OFF position.
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 desired charge rate.
9. Set the timer to the charge time; MONITOR THE CHARGER AND THE BATTERY.
10. When disconnecting the charger, set the timer to the OFF position, disconnect the charger from the AC power, remove the clamp from the vehicle 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. Set the timer to the OFF position.
3. Clean the battery terminals.
4. Connect the battery, following the precautions listed in sections 6 and 7.
5. Connect the charger to the electrical outlet.
6. Select the desired charge rate.
7. Set the timer to the charge time; MONITOR THE CHARGER AND THE BATTERY.
8. When disconnecting the charger, set the timer to the OFF position, disconnect the charger from the AC power, disconnect the negative clamp, and finally the positive clamp.
9. A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged onshore.

USING CHARGE MODE

Use for charging automotive, marine, and deep-cycle batteries. Monitor the charging process and stop when the battery is fully charged. Not doing so may damage your battery and result in property damage or personal injury.

USING BOOST MODE

Use Boost mode to quickly add energy to a severely discharged or large-capacity battery before the Engine starts. Monitor the boosting process.

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 damage the vehicle’s electrical system.

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. Has the battery been checked?

1. Set the timer to the OFF position.
2. With the charger unplugged from the AC outlet, connect the charger to the battery following the instructions given in the Follow
3. These Steps When Battery Is Installed In-Vehicle section.
4. Plug the charger’s AC power cord into the AC outlet.
5. With the charger plugged in and connected to the battery of the vehicle, set the Charge Rate selector switch to the Engine Start position.
6. Crank the engine until it starts or 5 seconds pass. If the engine does not start, wait 3 minutes before cranking again. This will recharge the battery.
   NOTE: During extremely cold weather, or if the battery is under 2 volts, use Boost or Engine Start for 5 minutes before cranking the engine.
7. If the engine fails to start, use Boost or Engine Start for 5 more minutes before attempting to crank the engine again.
8. After the engine starts, move the timer to the OFF position and unplug the AC power cord before disconnecting the battery clamps from the vehicle.
9. 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.

FAN OPERATION

It is normal for the fan to run while the timer is on. Keep the area near the charger clear of obstructions, to allow the fan to operate efficiently.

CALCULATING CHARGE TIME

When you know the percent of charge and the Amp-hour (Ah) rating of your battery, you can calculate the approximate time needed to bring your battery to a full charge.
Example: Amp hour rating = Reserve capacity + 16/2

NOTE: The Reserve Capacity can be obtained from the battery‘s specification sheet or the owner’s manual.
To calculate the time needed for a charge:

1. Find the percentage of charge needed.
2. Multiply the Amp-hour rating by the charge needed, and divide by the charge rate.
3. Multiply the results by 1.25 to find the total time needed, in hours, to bring the battery to full charge.
4. Add an hour for a deep-cycle battery.

Example:
Ah rating x % of charge needed x 1.25/Charger Amp setting = hrs of charge
100 (Ah rating) x .50 (charge needed) x 1.25 /20 (Charger Setting)= 3.125 hrs
100 x .50 x 1.25/20 = 3.125

You need to charge a 100 Ampere hour battery for a little more than 3 hrs at the 20 Amp charge rate, using this example. Use the following table to determine the time it will take to bring a battery to full charge. The times given are for batteries with a 50% charge before recharging.

CCA = Cold Cranking Amps Ah = Amp Hour
RC = Reserve Capacity NR = Not Recommended

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 cleaning the case of the charger with a soft cloth will 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.
• Store the clamps on the storage areas provided on the handle. Do not store the clamps clipped together, on or around metal, or clipped to the cables.

TROUBLESHOOTING

BEFORE RETURNING FOR REPAIRS

For troubleshooting information, contact customer service for assistance:
services@schumacherelectric.com | www.batterychargers.com | or call 1-800-621-5485
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.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Go to www.batterychargers.com to register your product online.
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 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 your unit is not free from defective material or workmanship, the 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. The purchaser must forward the unit, along with proof of purchase and mailing charges to the manufacturer or its authorized representatives for repair or replacement to occur.

The 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. The 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, the 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 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 an implied warranty,  so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from this warranty.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY AND THE MANUFACTURER NEITHER ASSUMES NOR 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

SAVE ON POSTAGE! ACTIVATE YOUR WARRANTY ONLINE – THE QUICK AND EASY WAY! Go to www.batterychargers.com to register your product online. (No internet access? Send in the completed warranty card.)

2 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PROGRAM REGISTRATION

MODEL: _____________________
DESCRIPTION: ________________________

This is the only express limited warranty, and the manufacturer neither assumes nor authorizes anyone to assume or make any other obligation. There is no other warranty, other than what is described in the product owner’s manual. 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. Send warranty card only.

DO NOT SEND THE UNIT TO THIS ADDRESS FOR REPAIR.

Mail this card to Schumacher Electric Corporation 801 Business Center Drive Mount Prospect, IL 60056-2179

Mount Prospect, IL 60056-2179

Name ______________________________________________________________
Street Address _______________________________________________________
City ________________________________State _________ Zip Code _________
Phone _____________________Email ___________________________________
Store Name Where Purchased ___________________ Date of Purchase _________
Store Location ____________________ UPC Number ________________________
Serial Number ______________________________________ (SEE PRODUCT)

Serial Number ______________________________________ (SEE PRODUCT)
For faster warranty activation, go to www.batterychargers.com to register your product online.

FAQs Regarding Schumacher Battery Charger