Charging Batteries; Description And Use Of Battery Chargers - Invacare TDX 4 Owner's Operator And Maintenance Manual

SECTION 12—CHARGING BATTERIES
Active Drive Unit of Measure
DRIVE 1
MI for Miles
MI
Battery Discharge
0000
E _ _ _ _ _ _F
Odometer
Indicator
FIGURE 12.2 MPJ Joystick

Charging Batteries

WARNING
NEVER attempt to recharge the batteries by attaching cables directly to the
battery terminals or clamps. ALWAYS use the recharging plug located on the back
of the joystick.
DO NOT attempt to recharge the batteries and operate the power wheelchair at
the same time.
During use and charging, unsealed batteries will vent hydrogen gas which is
explosive in the right concentration with air.
CAUTION
Always charge new batteries before initial use or battery life will be reduced.
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 12.3 on page 123.
NOTE: New batteries MUST be fully charged prior to initial use of the wheelchair.
NOTE: As a general rule, batteries should be recharged daily to assure the longest possible life and
minimize the required charging time. Plan to recharge the batteries when it is anticipated the
wheelchair will not be used for a long period of time.
The range per battery charge using recommended batteries should be approximately 5 to
9 hours of typical operation. Extensive use on inclines may substantially reduce per
charge mileage.

Description and Use of Battery Chargers

The charger automatically reduces the charge from an initially high rate to a zero reading
at a fully charged condition. If left unattended, the charger should automatically shut-off
when full charge is obtained.
There are some basic concepts which will help you understand this automatic process.
They are:
The amount of electrical current drawn within a given time to charge a battery is called
the "charge rate". If, due to usage, the charge stored in the battery is low, the charge rate
is high, as indicated by the GREEN light on the charger. Initially, the GREEN light will
stay illuminated for a short period of time followed by a longer period of off time. As a
charge builds up, the charge rate is reduced, and the GREEN light will stay illuminated
for a longer period of time followed by a shorter off time.
122
TDX™ Wheelchairs Part No 1114809