Operating Instructions - Schumacher SC1280 Owner's Manual

• Voltage – The Digital Display shows the
voltage at the charger battery clamps in
DC volts, or the voltage of the battery,
depending on what mode the charger is in.
• % – The Digital Display shows an
estimated charge percent of the battery
connected to the charger battery clamps.
CHARGE RATE
The charger will automatically adjust the
charging current, based on battery size,
in order to charge the battery completely,
efficiently and safely.
RATE SELECTION BUTTON
Use this button to set the maximum
charge rate. Press the button until the
desired charge rate is selected.
• 3A – For charging small batteries, such as
those commonly used in garden tractors,
snowmobiles and motorcycles. Also used
to maintain fully charged large batteries.
• 15A – For charging automotive, marine
and light truck batteries. Not intended for
industrial applications.
BATTERY TYPE BUTTON
Use this button to select the battery type.
• Standard – Used in cars, trucks and
motorcycles, these batteries have
vent caps and are often marked "low
maintenance" or "maintenance-free".
This type of battery is designed to

11. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: A spark near the battery may
cause an explosion.
IMPORTANT: Do not start the vehicle with
the charger connected to the AC outlet, or
it could result in damage to the charger
NOTE: This charger is equipped with
an auto-start feature. Current will not be
supplied to the battery clamps until a
battery is properly connected. The clamps
will not spark if touched together.
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, non-
flammable 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 listed in sections 6 and 7.
7. Connect the charger to a live grounded
AC outlet.
8. Select the battery type and charge rate.
9. Charging will begin within ten minutes
and finish automatically. (Press the
START/STOP button to begin charging
immediately.)
deliver quick bursts of energy (such as
starting engines) and has a greater plate
count. The plates are thinner and have
somewhat different material composition.
Standard batteries should not be used for
deep-cycle applications.
• AGM – The Absorbed Glass Mat
construction allows the electrolyte to
be suspended in close proximity with
the plate's active material. In theory,
this enhances both the discharge and
recharge efficiency. The AGM batteries
are a variant of Sealed VRLA (valve
regulated lead-acid) batteries. Popular
uses include high-performance engine
starting, power sports, deep-cycle, solar
and storage batteries.
• GEL – The electrolyte in a GEL cell has
a silica additive that causes it to set up
or stiffen. The recharge voltages on this
type of cell are lower than those for other
styles of lead-acid battery. This is probably
the most sensitive cell in terms of adverse
reactions to overvoltage charging. Gel
batteries are best used in VERY DEEP
cycle application and may last a bit longer
in hot weather applications. If the wrong
battery charger is used on a gel cell
battery, poor performance and premature
failure will result.
10. 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 listed in sections 6 and 7.
4. Connect the charger to a live grounded
AC outlet.
5. Select the battery type and charge rate.
6. Charging will begin within ten minutes
and finish automatically. (Press the
START/STOP button to begin charging
immediately.)
7. When charging is complete,
disconnect the charger from the AC
power, disconnect the negative clamp,
and finally the positive clamp.
8. A marine (boat) battery must be
removed and charged on shore.
AUTOMATIC CHARGING MODE
When an Automatic Charge is performed,
the charger switches to the maintain mode
automatically after the battery is charged.
• 7 •