12 Volt Battery Charging; Battery Charging By Direct Connection; Battery Charging By A Mains-Powered Charger - Westinghouse iGen2200 Instruction Manual

4. Extension cords with conductor size of 1.5 mm
or 2.5 mm should not exceed 25 m or 40 m
2
in length, respectively, for general use in
accordance with AS/NZS 3199:2007.
NOTICE
DO NOT use extension cords with only 2-pin
(active and neutral) plugs and sockets. These
extension cords lack the earth connection that
is provided by a 3-pin plug and socket joined
with a 3-core cable; the vertical pin is the earth
connection.
5. DO NOT use extension cords with any visible
signs of damage to the plug, socket or cable.
6. DO NOT use extension cords that are rolled up
or knotted as they may overheat.

12 VOLT BATTERY CHARGING

Depending on the model, there are either one or
two methods by which the generator can be used to
charge an external 12 Volt battery:
A. iGen1200 & 4500: By direct connection to the
generator's 12-Volt DC electrical outlet; or
B. iGen1200, 2200, 2500 & 4500: By using a mains-
powered 12 Volt battery charger connected to
one of the generator's 240-Volt AC
DANGER
Wet cell batteries produce explosive
hydrogen gas while charging. If ignited,
the hydrogen gas mixture can explode
the battery and cause serious injury
or blindness. Only charge a battery in
a well-ventilated area away from any
sources of ignition such as sparks,
open flames, matches, cigarettes, CB
radios and mobile phones.
The electrolyte fluid inside a battery
contains highly corrosive sulphuric
acid, which upon contact with the
skin or eyes can cause severe burns
or blindness. Always wear protective
glasses and clothing – including gloves
– when working on a battery. Any
electrolyte spill should be thoroughly
flushed clean with water.

Battery Charging by Direct Connection

(iGen1200 & 4500)
This method is NOT RECOMMENDED and should
only be used in an emergency. The generator's 12-
Volt DC electrical output is unregulated and may
damage the battery due to overcharging.
Tools required – 12 V DC, 10 A minimum battery
2
charging cable with cigarette lighter plug for
connection to the generator and alligator clips (both
positive and negative) for connection to the battery.
1. Prepare the battery for charging if it is a user-
maintainable type by removing the vent caps
and adding demineralized or distilled water until
the electrolyte level is just above the internal
battery plates. This may not be possible with a
maintenance-free battery.
2. Connect the positive (+) alligator clip (red) to the
positive (+) terminal on the battery.
3. Connect the negative (-) alligator clip (black) to
the negative (-) terminal on the battery.
4. Start the generator.
5. Insert the cigarette lighter plug into the
generator's 12-Volt DC accessory socket. The
battery is now charging. Keep the battery as far
away as possible from the generator due to the
explosive gas hazard.
6. Monitor the battery; stop charging if the battery
gets hot to the touch and the electrolyte boils
violently.
7. Variables such as battery size and initial state
of charge make it impossible to definitively
recommend the charging period. Some batteries
outlets.
have a state of charge indicator that can
be visually checked. Otherwise a voltmeter
or hydrometer is necessary to accurately
determine the battery's condition. A fully
charged battery will have an open circuit voltage
of at least 12.6 V and an electrolyte specific
gravity of at least 1.265. In the absence of any
state of charge tools, stop the charging after
approximately three hours and check whether
the battery is capable of powering the required
application, e.g. to start a car's engine.
8. Remove the cigarette lighter plug from the
generator's 12-Volt DC accessory socket.
9. Stop the generator unless it's being used to
power some other 240-Volt AC device(s).
10. Disconnect the negative (-) alligator clip (black)
from the negative (-) terminal on the battery.
11. Disconnect the positive (+) alligator clip (red)
from the positive (+) terminal on the battery.
12. Re-fit the battery's vent caps, if applicable. The
battery can now be used.
Battery Charging by a Mains-Powered
Charger (iGen1200, 2200, 2500 & 4500)
This method is RECOMMENDED. Using a proper
mains-powered 12 Volt battery charger will ensure
that the battery is optimally charged and without
risk of damage due to overcharging.
OPERA TION
27