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10 Batteries and charging
Warning- Please read the owner's manual supplied with
the charger carefully. The general procedures and effects
for the interference with the chair and the batteries remain
valid.
Warning- Do not expose any part of the battery to direct
heat (i.e. naked flame, gas fire).
Warning- When charging always place your charger on a
hard surface in a room with good ventilation.
Warning- You should not charge your batteries in outdoor
conditions.
10.1 Batteries (Fig. 84 - 88)
The batteries are contained within the drive unit located under the
battery shroud.
To remove the batteries, should they require changing or
maintenance
•
Release the two handle screws at the rear of the drive base, which
holds the rear cover plate.
•
Pull the plate off.
•
Disconnect the RED 2 pin Andersen connector.
•
Disconnect the GREY 2 pin Andersen connectors from each
battery.
•
Pull the battery tray out backwards until it hits the mechanical
stop. While pulling the tray out it falls automatically onto the
anti-tip wheel for support and ease of operation.
•
There are straps available on each battery where they can be
lifted out.
To fit the batteries please proceed in the opposite way. To fit the
batteries reverse the above procedure.
Fig. 84
Fig. 85
Fig. 86
10.2 Safety cut-outs
In the event of a short circuit there are several safety systems built into
your wheelchair to safeguard your electrical circuits.
1. Fusible 100A links are connected into the battery harnesses to
protect the batteries and wiring.
2. An 80A re-settable fuse in the main controller power harness. This
is in the rear shroud
To replace them contact your Sunrise Medical authorised dealer, who
will also diagnose the fault.
30
Quickie SALSA
Fig. 87
Fig. 88
10.3 General battery information
Batteries are the power source for almost all of the modern mobility
products available today. The design of batteries used in mobility
products is significantly different to the batteries used to start a car for
example. Car batteries are designed to release a large amount of power
over a short period of time, whilst mobility batteries (commonly
called deep cycle batteries) release their power evenly, over a long
period of time. Therefore, due to the lower production volumes and
increased technological requirements, mobility batteries are typically
more expensive.
Commonly two 12 volt batteries are used together in a mobility
product, giving a total voltage of 24 volts. The size of the battery (e.g.
its available power) is expressed in amps per hour e.g. 80amp/hr. The
higher the number, the bigger the battery size, weight and, potentially,
the greater the distance you can travel. Sunrise Medical only fit as
standard maintenance free batteries into these types of wheelchairs.
10.4 Maintenance free batteries
This type of battery uses a method of carrying the electrolyte
commonly referred to as 'gel', that is held within the battery case.
As the name implies, no maintenance is required other than regular
charging. You can safely transport this type of battery without fear
of acid spilling. Furthermore, they are approved for transportation on
aircraft, trains and ships.
10.5 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.
10.6 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 15 days)
charge the batteries fully and then 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 completely 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.
10.7 General charger information
The external charger has been designed to charge two 12V Gel type
batteries connected in series (= 24 V).
060474
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