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WARNING: LEAD ACID BATTERIES
GENERATE GASES WHICH CAN BE EXPLOSIVE.
CHARGE ONLY IN WELL VENTILATED AREAS.
DO NOT DISCONNECT CHARGER DC OUTPUT
TERMINALS FROM BATTERY WHEN CHARGER
IS ON. THE RESULTING ARCING AND BURNING
COULD CAUSE THE BATTERY TO EXPLODE.
KEEP SPARKS, FLAME, AND SMOKING
MATERIALS AWAY FROM BATTERY.
If the charger must be stopped, always
disconnect the AC supply cord from its outlet
before disconnecting the DC output terminals
from the battery.
4. Monitor the ammeter for correct charge current.
The initial charge current should be
approximately 20 amps. If the batteries have
not been discharged, or the AC supply voltage is
lower than 120 volts, the initial charge rate may
be less. If the batteries have been excessively
discharged, or AC supply voltage is higher than
120 volts, the initial charge rate may be more
than 20 amps.
5. Charge current will gradually taper to
approximately 6 amps depending on the age
and condition of the batteries. Charger turns off
automatically when battery is fully charged.
Charge time varies with battery size and depth
of discharge. Allow 13-15 hours for normal
charging. Severely discharged batteries may
require more time to be properly charged and
equalized.
6. After the charger has turned off, disconnect the
DC output plug from the battery and the AC
supply cord from outlet.
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
The battery charger requires minimal maintenance.
It should be kept clean and all connections are to be
tightly secured. In the event of intermittent
operation, examine and tighten, if necessary, all
connections. BE SURE THE CHASSIS IS
SECURELY GROUNDED. If any problems cannot
be resolved consult a qualified service center.
Observe the following battery maintenance
procedures to obtain good performance and
maximum cycle life.
1. Always observe the following personal safety
precautions when working with lead acid
batteries:
a. Someone should be within range of your
voice or close enough to come to your aid
when you work near a battery.
b. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby
in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing
or eyes.
c. Wear complete eye and clothing protection.
Avoid touching eyes while working near
battery.
d. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing,
wash immediately with soap and water. If
acid enters eye, immediately flood eye with
running cold water for at least 10 minutes
and get medical attention.
e. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in
the vicinity of batteries.
f. Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping
a metal tool onto battery. It might spark or
short-circuit battery or other electrical part
that may cause explosion.
g. 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.
h. NEVER charge a frozen battery.
DANGER: TO REDUCE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE AC
SUPPLY CORD FROM ITS OUTLET AND THE DC
OUTPUT CORD FROM THE BATTERY BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY MAINTENANCE (CHANGING
FUSES, ETC.) OR CLEANING OF THE BATTERY
OR BATTERY CHARGER.
2. New batteries should be given a full charge
before their first use because it is difficult to
know how long batteries have been stored.
3. Limit use of new batteries for first five cycles.
New batteries are not capable of their rated
output until they have been discharged a
number of times.
4. Do not excessively discharge batteries.
Excessive discharge can cause polarity reversal
of individual cells resulting in complete failure
shortly thereafter. Limited use of new batteries
will minimize the chance of cell reversal.
5. CHECK THE LEVEL OF THE ELECTROLYTE
IN CONVENTIONAL LIQUID ELECTROLYTE
LEAD ACID BATTERIES MONTHLY.
MAINTAIN THE PROPER ELECTROLYTE
LEVEL BY ADDING DISTILLED OR PURIFIED
WATER WHEN NECESSARY. Electrolyte
levels lower during discharge and rise during
charge. Therefore, it is mandatory that water be
added to cells ONLY when they are fully
charged; do not overfill. Old batteries require
more frequent additions of water than new
batteries.
6. Keep tops of batteries clean and dry to prevent
excessive self-discharge. Keep battery terminals
reasonably tight.
