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of acid spilling. Furthermore, they are approved for transportation
on aircraft.
9.5. Battery care
Below is set out a battery care plan for maintenance free batteries.
This has been agreed between Sunrise Medical and the battery
manufacturers, to enable you to get the best out of your batteries.
If a different care plan is followed, this may result in lower than
expected performance from your mobility vehicle.
9.6. Maintenance free battery care plan
1. Only use an approved Sunrise Medical charger compatible with
the vehicle to be charged.
2. Charge your batteries every night, regardless of the amount of
use your mobility device has had during the day.
3. Do not interrupt the charging cycle.
4. If your mobility device is not required for use, it should remain
connected to the charger until required. This will not damage
your batteries, as long as the mains socket/plug is left switched
on. Turning the mains socket/plug off, but leaving the mains
cable plugged in will eventually deplete your battery charge.
5. If you leave your vehicle for an extended period (more than 5
days) disconnect the main battery lead.
6. Failure to allow for recharge will damage the batteries and can
lead to shortened distances and premature failure.
7. Do not top up the charge of your batteries during the day. Wait
until the evening for a full overnight charge.
8. As a general rule, maintenance free batteries take longer to fully
charge than lead acid batteries.
9. The battery terminals need to be checked regularly for signs of
corrosion. If any corrosion is apparent, then clean the terminals
completely (a wire brush is ideal) and re-grease the terminal
using Vaseline petroleum jelly, not ordinary grease. Ensure that
the terminal nut and bolt, cable clip and exposed cable are com-
pletely covered with jelly.
10. Following all the points above should result in a healthier
battery, greater range for the vehicle user and a longer life for
your batteries.
11. Return the batteries back to Sunrise Medical or directly to the
battery manufacturer for recycling, when they no longer hold
charge.
Do not expose any part of the battery to direct heat (i.e. naked
flame, gas fire).
When charging always place your charger on a hard surface in a
room with good ventilation.
You should not charge your batteries in outdoor conditions.
9.7. General Charger Information
The external charger has been designed to charge two 12V Gel
type batteries connected in series (= 24 V).
9.8. Charger Safety features
The chargers have features which prevent hazards or accidents
occurring as a result of connecting batteries the wrong way round,
overheating caused by fault conditions, or attempting to charge
wrong voltage batteries.
The majority of charger sizes are electrically double insulated and
no earth connection is required. Some larger sizes may be electri-
cally earthed and this will be clearly stated on the label.
The 3 pin UK mains input plug contains a replaceable fuse. The
rating of this fuse is shown on the charger label. Always replace
with the same type and size of fuse as specified. Fitting of different
fuses can result in damage to the charger or failure of the charger
to operate properly.
If your charger has been specified for use in Continental Europe it
will contain a European two pin plug which does not have a fuse.
In this case the fuse is located in the fascia panel of the charger.
Note: Please read the owners manual with the charger sup-
plied carefully. The general procedures and effects for the
interference with the chair and the batteries remain still valid.
9.9. Procedure for connecting
the charger and charging
1. The wheelchair can be charged
via the External charging socket
(Fig. 68 and
69).
2. Connect the charger to the
mains supply by means of the
mains plug and switch on.
3. Do not leave the charger
connected to the battery with the mains disconnected or switch-
18
GROOVE
Fig. 68
ed off. This could result in
damage to your battery being
caused by deep discharge over
a period of time.
4. Always switch off at the mains
before disconnecting the batte-
ries.
9.10. Charger Safety and caution
notes
1. The charger is designed for
indoor use. Do not use outdoors
or expose to rain, snow, spray
or moisture.
2. Use only with SUNRISE MEDICAL specified batteries.
3. The charger may be used with other brands of Gel type batte-
ries, subject to written confirmation from the Technical Depart-
ment of Sunrise Medical.
9.11. The range of your vehicle
Most manufacturers of mobility products state the range of their
vehicles either in the sales literature or within the Owners Manual.
The range stated sometimes differs from manufacturer to manufac-
turer even though the battery size is the same. Sunrise Medical
measure the range of their vehicles in a consistent and uniform
manner, but variances still occur due to motor efficiencies and
overall product load weight.
The range figures are calculated to I.S.O. Standard 7176. Part 4:
Wheelchair Energy Consumption Theoretical Range
This test is carried out in controlled conditions with new, fully
charged batteries, on a level test surface and a user weight of
100 kg. The range figures stated should be seen as a theoretical
maximum and could be reduced if any single, or combination, of
the following circumstances occur:
1. User weight heavier than 100 kg.
2. Batteries whose age and condition are less than perfect.
3. The terrain is difficult e.g. very hilly, sloping, muddy ground,
gravel, grass, snow and ice.
4. The vehicle climbs kerbs regularly.
5. The ambient temperature is very hot or very cold.
6. Incorrect tyre pressures in one or more tyres.
7. Lots of start/stop driving.
8. Also thick pile carpets within the home can affect range.
9. Use of additional power consumption options (e.g. light, actua-
tors, etc.)
All this technical information may seem complicated and a little
daunting, but please remember that the battery sizes available on
each Sunrise Medical product should give sufficient range to cope
with the majority of customer's lifestyles.
9.12. Common Battery statements
Over the years, battery technology has moved forward but, unfor-
tunately, some of the advice given on battery care has not. This
has resulted in a number of confused and at times contradictory
instructions on the 'best' way to care for your batteries.
This section will help to dispel some of these myths and legends.
To reduce the risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull by the
plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger. Make
sure the cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped
over, or otherwise subjected to damage or stress. An extension
cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use of an
improper extension cord could result in a risk of fire and electric
shock. If any extension cord must be used, make sure the pins on
the plug of the extension cord are the same number, size and sha-
pe as those of the plug on the charger; and that the extension cord
is properly wired and in good electrical condition.
Important !
• Do not rest a battery on top of the charger.
• Do not stand the charger on a carpet or other soft surface.
Always place it on a hard surface.
• 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
technician.
• Do not disassemble charger; only have it repaired by the manu-
facturers. Incorrect re-assembly may result in a risk of electric
shock or fire. To reduce the risk of an electric shock, unplug the
charger from the outlet before attempting any maintenance or
cleaning. Turning off the controls will not reduce the risk.
• Never place the charger directly above the battery being charg-
ed; gases from the battery will corrode and damage the charger.
• Never smoke or allow a spark or flame in the vicinity of battery
Fig. 69
0705/1/ST-000690620.EMS
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