Safety Cut-Outs (Fuses); General Battery Information; Maintenance Free Batteries; Battery Care - Quickie Hula Instructions For Use Manual

10.2 Safety cut-outs (Fuses)

In the event of a short circuit there are several safety
systems built into your wheelchair to safeguard your
electrical circuits.
• Fusible 80A links are connected into the fuse holders
on the battery harnesses to protect the batteries and
wiring.
• On some models a reset button is fitted on the front
shroud. *
*NOTE: This feature is not fitted on all models.
To replace any fuses please contact your Sunrise Medical
authorised dealer, who will also diagnose the fault.

10.3 General battery information

Over the years, battery technology has moved forward
but, unfortunately, some of the advice given on battery
care has not. This has resulted in a number of confused
and at times contradictory instructions on the 'best' way to
care for your batteries.
This section will help to dispel some of these myths and
legends.
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.
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 their
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.
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HULA

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

CAUTION!
• Only use an approved Sunrise Medical charger
compatible with the vehicle to be charged.
• Charge your batteries every night, regardless of the
amount of use your mobility device has had during the
day.
• Do not interrupt the charging cycle.
• 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.
• If you intend to leave your vehicle for an extended
period (more than 15 days) charge the batteries fully
and then disconnect the main battery lead.
CAUTION!
• Failure to allow for recharge will damage the batteries
and can lead to shortened distances and premature
failure.
• Do not top up the charge of your batteries during the
day unless you can leave them on charge for at least
8 hours. Wait until the evening for a full overnight
charge.
As a general rule, maintenance free batteries take longer
to fully charge than other types of batteries.
The battery terminals need to be checked regularly for
signs of corrosion. If any corrosion is apparent, then
clean the terminals completely (a stiff brush is ideal) and
re-grease the terminal using petroleum jelly, not ordinary
grease. Ensure that the terminal nut and bolt, cable clip
and exposed cable are completely covered with petroleum
jelly.
Following all the points above should result in a healthier
battery, greater range for the vehicle user and a longer life
for your batteries.
Return the batteries back to Sunrise Medical or directly
to the battery manufacturer for recycling, when they no
longer hold charge, or take them to your local amenity
recycling centre.
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