When To Charge Batteries; Charging Batteries - Invacare Wheelchair Owner's Operator And Maintenance Manual

RWD WHEELCHAIRS

WHEN TO CHARGE BATTERIES

(FIGURE 2)
It is advantageous to recharge frequently rather than only
when necessary. In fact, a battery's life is extended if the
charge level is maintained well above a low condition.
BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR (BDI) is located at
the front of the joystick housing and provides information
on the remaining charge in the batteries. At FULL charge
the BDI will be GREEN. As the battery becomes discharged,
the BDI indicator will turn AMBER (YELLOW), then RED
and finally FLASHING RED. If the BDI is FLASHING RED,
the user should charge the batteries as soon as possible.
NOTE: Accurate readings are displayed when in neutral.
FIGURE 2 - WHEN TO CHARGE BATTERIES
CHARGING BATTERIES (FIGURE 3)
WARNING
Never attempt to recharge the batteries by at-
taching cables directly to the battery terminals
or clamps. Use the recharging plug located on
either the side of the wheelchair frame or on the
front 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: 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 bat-
teries 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 con-
dition. 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:
The amount of electrical current drawn within a given
time to charge a battery is called "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 char-
ger. 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.
NOTE: If performing the charging procedures indepen-
dently, READ and CAREFULLY follow the individual in-
structions for each charger (supplied or purchased).
NOTE: If charging instructions are not supplied, consult
a qualified service technician for proper procedures.
Required Items:
Battery Discharge
Indicator (BDI)
Wheelchairs Equipped With MCC-Mark IV
Joystick (Detail "A" of FIGURE 3)
1. Attach the battery charger connector to the charger
2. Plug the charger's AC power cord, or extension, into
3. Wait until charging is complete.
NOTE: Allow eight (8) hours for normal charging. Larger
batteries (greater than 55 ampere-hours) or severely dis-
charged batteries may require up to sixteen (16) hours
to be properly charged and equalized. If the charger op-
erates for sixteen (16) hours and is unable to fully charge
the batteries, an internal timer turns the charger off and
begins to fast blink the green light.
NOTE: If the batteries need to be charged more often or
take longer to charge than normal, they may need to be
replaced. Contact an Invacare dealer for service.
Wheelchairs Equipped With Mark IV RII
Joystick (Detail "B" of FIGURE 3)
1. Attach the battery charger connector to the charger
2. Plug the charger's AC power cord, or extension, into
3. Wait until charging is complete.
39
TOOL QUANTITY
Battery Charger
Extension Cord
3-prong plug, 15 ampere current rating; industrial type
cable/battery harness.
the grounded 120 VAC wall outlet.
port on the FRONT of the joystick.
the grounded 120 VAC wall outlet.
PROCEDURE 11
COMMENTS
1 Supplied
1 Not Supplied
R
W
D
W
H
E
E
L
C
H
A
I
R
S