Charging Batteries - Invacare Wheelchair Owner's Operator And Maintenance Manual

PROCEDURE 10
F
W
D
W
H FIGURE 10- WHEN TO CHARGE BATTERIES
E
CHARGING BATTERIES (FIGURE 11)
E
L
C
Never attempt to recharge the batteries by
attaching cables directly to the battery termi-
H
nals or clamps. Use the recharging plug lo-
A
cated on either the side of the wheelchair
I
frame or on the front of the joystick.
R
DO NOT attempt to recharge the batteries and
S
operate the power wheelchair at the same time.
During use and charging, unsealed batteries will
vent hydrogen gas which is explosive in the right
concentration with air.
Always charge new batteries fully BEFORE initial
use or battery life will be reduced.
NOTE: As a general rule, batteries should be recharged
daily to assure the longest possible life and minimize the
required charging time. Plan to recharge the batteries
when it is anticipated the wheelchair will not be used for
a long period of time.
The range per battery charge using recommended bat-
teries should be approximately 5 to 9 hours of typical
operation. Extensive use on inclines may substantially
reduce per charge mileage.
Description and Use of Battery Chargers
The charger automatically reduces the charge from an
initially high rate to a zero reading at a fully charged con-
dition. If left unattended, the charger should automati-
cally shut-off when full charge is obtained.
There are some basic concepts which will help you
understand this automatic process:
The amount of electrical current drawn within a given
time to charge a battery is called "charge rate". If, due to
usage, the charge stored in the battery is low, the charge
rate is high, as indicated by the green light on the charger.
Initially, the green light will stay illuminated for a short
period of time followed by a longer period of off time. As
a charge builds up, the charge rate is reduced, and the
green light will stay illuminated for a longer period of time
followed by a shorter off time.
NOTE: If performing the charging procedures indepen-
dently, READ and CAREFULLY follow the individual in-
structions for each charger (supplied or purchased).
Battery Discharge
Indicator (BDI)
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTE: If charging instructions are not supplied, consult
a qualified service technician for proper procedures.
Required Items:
TOOL
Battery Charger
Extension Cord
3-prong plug, 15 ampere current rating; industrial type
Wheelchairs Equipped With MCC-Mark IV
Joystick (Detail "A" of FIGURE 11)
1. If necessary, remove the rear shroud. Refer to RE-
MOVING/INSTALLING SHROUDS in this procedure
of the manual.
2. Attach the battery charger connector to the charger
cable/battery harness.
3. Plug the charger's AC power cord, or extension, into
the grounded 120 VAC wall outlet.
4. Wait until charging is complete.
NOTE: Allow eight (8) hours for normal charging. Larger
batteries (greater than 55 ampere-hours) or severely dis-
charged batteries may require up to sixteen (16) hours
to be properly charged and equalized. If the charger op-
erates for sixteen (16) hours and is unable to fully charge
the batteries, an internal timer turns the charger off and
begins to fast blink the green light.
NOTE: If the batteries need to be charged more often or
take longer to charge than normal, they may need to be
replaced. Contact an Invacare dealer for service.
5. If necessary, install the rear shroud. Refer to RE-
MOVING/INSTALLING SHROUDS in this procedure
of the manual.
Wheelchairs Equipped With Mark IV RII
Joystick (Detail "B" of FIGURE 11)
1. Attach the battery charger connector to the charger
port on the FRONT of the joystick.
2. Plug the charger's AC power cord, or extension, into
the grounded 120 VAC wall outlet.
3. Wait until charging is complete.
NOTE: Allow eight (8) hours for normal charging. Larger
batteries (greater than 55 ampere-hours) or severely dis-
charged batteries may require up to sixteen (16) hours
to be properly charged and equalized. If the charger op-
erates for sixteen (16) hours and is unable to fully charge
the batteries, an internal timer turns the charger off and
begins to fast blink the green light.
NOTE: If the batteries need to be charged more often or
take longer to charge than normal, they may need to be
replaced. Contact an Invcare dealer for service.
34
FWD WHEELCHAIRS
QUANTITY COMMENTS
1 Supplied
1 Not Supplied