Important Safety Instructions; Personal Precautions; Preparing To Charge; Charger Location - Victron energy Blue Smart IP22 12/15 Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual contains important safety and operating instructions for
Blue Smart Charger models.
2. Do not expose charger to rain or snow.
3. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by Victron Energy may result in a risk of fire, electric
shock, or injury to persons.
4. To reduce risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull by plug rather than cord when disconnecting
charger.
5. An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use of an improper extension cord
could result in a risk of fire and electric shock. If extension cord must be used, make sure:
a) That pins on plug of extension cord are the same number, size, and shape as those of plug on charger;
b) that extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition; and
c) that wire size is large enough for ac ampère rating of charger as specified in "Technical Specifications"
6. Do not operate the charger with damaged cord or plug; contact your service agent or the manufacturer.
7. Do not operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way;
contact your service agent or the manufacturer.
8. Do not disassemble the charger; contact your service agent or the manufacturer when service or repair is
required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire.
9. To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger from outlet before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
Turning off controls will not reduce this risk.
10. WARNING – RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.
a) BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING NORMAL BATTERY OPERATION. FOR THIS
REASON, IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT EACH TIME BEFORE USING YOUR CHARGER,
YOU READ THIS MANUAL AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY.
b) Follow these instructions and those published by the battery manufacturer and manufacturer of any
equipment you intend to use in vicinity of the battery.

11. PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS

a) Consider having someone close enough by to your aid when you work near a lead-acid battery.
b) Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing, or eyes.
c) Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes while working near a battery.
d) If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enters eye,
immediately flood eye with running cold water for at least 10 minutes and get medical attention
immediately.
e) NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of a battery or engine.
f) Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping a metal tool onto battery. It might spark or short-circuit the
battery or an other electrical part that may cause explosion.
g) Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches when working with a
lead-acid battery. A lead-acid battery can produce a short-circuit current high enough to weld a ring or
the like to metal, causing a severe burn.
h) Do not use the battery charger for charging dry-cell batteries that are commonly used with home
appliances. These batteries may burst and cause injury to persons and damage to property.
i) NEVER charge a frozen battery.

12. PREPARING TO CHARGE

a) If it is necessary to remove the battery from a vehicle prior to charging, always remove the grounded
terminal from the battery first. Make sure all accessories in the vehicle are off, so as not to cause an arc.
b) Be sure that the area around the battery is well ventilated while the battery is being charged.
c) Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming in contact with eyes.
d) Add distilled water in each cell until battery acid reaches level specified by battery manufacturer. Do not
overfill. For a battery without cell caps, such as valve regulated lead acid batteries, carefully follow the
charging instructions of the manufacturer.
e) Study all battery manufacturer's specific precautions while charging and recommended rates of charge.
f) Determine the nominal voltage of the battery by referring to the owner's manual of the vehicle and make
sure it matches the output rating of the battery charger.

13. CHARGER LOCATION

a) Locate the charger as far away from the battery as DC cables permit.
b) Never place charger directly above battery being charged; gases from battery will corrode and damage
the charger.
c) Never allow battery acid to drip on the charger when reading gravity or filling the battery.
d) Do not operate the charger in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any way.
e) Do not set a battery on top of the charger.
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