Schumacher SC1321 - Automatic Battery Charger Manual

PREPARING TO CHARGE

1. If necessary to remove battery from vehicle to charge, always remove grounded terminal from battery first. Make sure all accessories in the vehicle are off, so as not to cause an arc.
2. Be sure area around battery is well ventilated while battery is being charged. Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming in contact with eyes.
3. Add distilled water in each cell until battery acid reaches level specified by battery manufacturer. Do not overfill.
4. For a battery without removable cell caps, such as valve regulated lead acid batteries, carefully follow manufacturer's recharging instructions.
5. Study all battery manufacturer's specific precautions while charging and recommended rates of charge.
6. Determine voltage of battery by referring to car owner's manual and make sure that output voltage selector switch is set at correct voltage. If charger has adjustable charge rate, charge battery initially at lowest rate.

CHARGER LOCATION

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

DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS

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

FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN VEHICLE

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 risk of damage by 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 polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has larger diameter than NEGATIVE (NEG, N,–) post.
4. Determine which post of battery is grounded (connected) to the chassis. If negative post is grounded to chassis (as in most vehicles), see (6.5). If positive post is grounded to the chassis, see (6.6).
5. For negative-grounded vehicle, connect POSITIVE (RED) clip from battery charger to POSITIVE (POS, P, +) ungrounded post of battery. Connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip to vehicle chassis or engine block away from battery. Do not connect clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
6. For positive-grounded vehicle, connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip from battery charger to NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) ungrounded post of battery. Connect POSITIVE (RED) clip to vehicle chassis or engine block away from battery. Do not connect clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
7. When disconnecting charger, turn switches to off, disconnect AC cord, remove clip from vehicle chassis, and then remove clip from battery terminal.
8. See Operating Instructions for length of charge information.

FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS OUTSIDE VEHICLE

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

1. Check 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 NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) battery post.
3. Connect POSITIVE (RED) charger clip to POSITIVE (POS, P, +) post of battery.
4. Position yourself and free end of cable as far away from battery as possible – then connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clip to free end of cable.
5. Do not face battery when making final connection.
6. When disconnecting charger, always do so in reverse sequence of connecting procedure and break first connection while as far away from battery as practical.
7. A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore. To charge it on board requires equipment specially designed for marine use.

GROUNDING AND AC POWER CORD CONNECTIONS

1. This battery charger is for use on a nominal 120 volt circuit. 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.
2. 
   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, 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.

3. 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 plug of extension cord must be the same number, size, and shape as those of 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 charger, as specified:

*AWG-American Wire Gauge

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Remove all cord wraps and uncoil the cables prior to using the battery charger.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

A spark near a lead-acid battery may cause an explosion.

Do not start the vehicle with the charger connected to the AC outlet, or it could result in damage to the charger.

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, nonflammable 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.
7. Connect the charger to an electrical outlet.
8. Charging will begin within ten minutes and finish automatically. (Press the START/STOP button to begin charging immediately.)
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 battery in a well-ventilated area.
2. Clean the battery terminals.
3. Connect the battery, following the precautions.
4. Connect the charger to the electrical outlet.
5. Charging will begin within ten minutes and finish automatically. (Press the START/STOP button to begin charging immediately.)
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.

CHARGE RATE

The charge rate is measured in amps. The charger will automatically adjust the charging current, based on battery size, in order to charge the battery completely, efficiently and safely. Do not use for industrial applications.

POWER-UP IDLE TIME LIMIT

If the Start/Stop button is not pressed within 10 minutes after the battery charger is first powered up, charging will automatically begin, when properly connected to a battery.

BATTERY CHARGING TIMES

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

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 BAD BATTERY (red) LED will light.

Do not continue attempting to charge this battery. Have it checked or replaced.

DESULFATION MODE

Desulfation could take 8 to 10 hours. If desulfation fails, charging will abort and the BAD BATTERY (red) LED will light.

COMPLETION OF CHARGE

Charge completion is indicated by the CHARGED/MAINTAINING (green) LED. When lit, the charger has switched to Maintain Mode.

MAINTAIN MODE (FLOAT MODE MONITORING)

When the CHARGED/MAINTAINING (green) 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. Make sure there are no loads on the battery. If there are, remove them. If there are none, have the battery checked or replaced.

MAINTAINING A BATTERY

The SC1321 maintains both 6 and 12 volt batteries, keeping them at full charge. It can charge and maintain both small and large 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 recommended.

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. Do not store the clamps clipped together, on or around metal, or clipped to the cables.

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM	POSSIBLE CAUSE	SOLUTION
I cannot select a 6V or 12V setting.	The charger is equipped with Auto Voltage Detection, which automatically detects the voltage and charges the battery.	No problem; this is normal.
The LED does not light when charger is properly connected.	AC outlet is dead. Poor electrical connection.	Check for open fuse or circuit breaker supplying AC outlet. Check power cord and extension cord for a loose fitting plug.
The battery is correctly connected, but the LED did not light immediately.	If the Start/Stop button is not pressed, charging should begin in ten minutes.	No problem; this is normal.
The battery is properly connected, but the LED never lit.	The battery voltage is low.	Press the Start/Stop button to start charging.
The LED is lit.	The battery voltage is still below 10V (for a 12V battery) or 5V (for a 6V battery) after 2 hours of charging. (or) In maintain mode, the output current is more than 1.5A for 12 hours. Desulfation was unsuccessful. Lack of progress is detected and battery voltage is below 14.2V (for a 12V battery) or 7.1V (for a 6V battery). The battery's initial voltage is below 12.2V (for a 12V battery) or 6.1V (for a 6V battery) and the total input is less than 1.5 Ah. The battery voltage drops to below 12.2V (for a 12V battery) or 6.1V (for a 6V battery) in Maintain Mode.	The battery may be defective. Make sure there are no loads on the battery. If there are, remove them. If there are none, have the battery checked or replaced. The battery may be defective. Have it checked or replaced. The battery may be overheated. If so, allow the battery to cool. The battery may be too large or have a short circuit. Have battery checked or replaced. The battery capacity is too low, or the battery is too old. Have it checked or replaced. The battery won't hold a charge. May be caused by a drain on the battery or the battery could be bad. Make sure there are no loads on the battery. If there are remove them. If there are none, have the battery checked or replaced.

BEFORE RETURNING FOR REPAIRS

If these solutions do not eliminate the problem, or for more information about troubleshooting, contact customer service for assistance:
services@schumacherelectric.com
www.batterychargers.com or call 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.

SPECIFICATIONS

Input Voltage 120V AC @ 60Hz, 1.5A

Output Voltage 6V or 12V, with Auto Voltage Detection

Output Current Rating 2A DC @ 6V DC; 6A DC @ 12V DC