Maintenance Instructions - Schumacher Electric SP-400 Owner's Manual

CHARGING AND MAINTAINING
A BATTERY
1. Ensure that all of the solar panel
components are in place and in good
working condition, for example, the
plastic boots on the battery clips.
2. Decide whether you are going to use
the 12 volt accessory plug or the 50
Amp battery clips to connect the solar
panel to the vehicle. Connect the
proper cable to the solar panel making
sure the connection is secure.
• If using the 12 volt accessory plug, plug
the connector into the vehicle's power
outlet making sure the connection is
secure.
• If using the 50 Amp battery clips, connect
the battery following the precautions
listed in sections 6 and 7.
3. Place the solar panel in the sun. For
optimum solar panel output, face the
front (glass) side of the solar panel
towards the sun, making sure there are
no shadows being cast on the panel by
the vehicle or other objects. The best
orientation to place the solar panel is in
a south to north direction with the panel
tilted at a suitable angle. The best angle
would be the same as your local latitude.
4. To disconnect, reverse the procedure.
The Schumacher SP-400 is a battery
charger/maintainer that charges small
batteries and maintains large 12 volt
batteries, keeping them at full charge.
However, if you were to use this unit to
charge a large battery, you may lose
some of the battery's capacity. This would
cause the battery to be unable to hold a
charge and become useless.
NOTE: The maintain mode technology
allows you to safely maintain a
healthy battery for extended periods
of time. However, problems with the
battery, electrical problems in the
vehicle, improper connections or other
unanticipated conditions could cause
excessive current draws. As such,
occasionally monitoring your battery and
the maintaining process is recommended.

11. MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

11.1 After use and before performing
maintenance, unplug and disconnect the
solar panel (see sections 6, 7 and 8).
11.2 Use a dry cloth to wipe all battery
corrosion and other dirt or oil from the
battery clips, cords and the solar panel.
11.3 The solar panel uses a glass substrate;
handle with care.
11.4 Always keep the glass surface clean
using a soft cloth in order to ensure its
maximum output.
NOTE: This is a manual charger and will
overcharge a battery if permitted to operate
for extended periods of time. Monitor
charging often, as not doing so may cause
damage to your battery, or result in other
property damage or personal injury.
WARNING: The manufacturer strongly
recommends using a solar charge
controller (p/n 940261073, not included)
in tandem with this solar panel for optimal
results, and to avoid overcharge or
discharge of the battery.
USING THE QUICK-CONNECT
CABLE ASSEMBLIES
Connect either of the two output cable
assemblies to the solar panel. Do not
place on wet ground, anywhere it could
be accidently stepped on or in a place
or position where it could fall while being
used. Never use the output cables together
or for other applications, as reverse polarity
and/or overcharge conditions will occur.
50 AMP BATTERY CLIP CABLE
ASSEMBLY
1. Connect the end of the solar panel
output cable to the end of the 50 amp
battery clips cable.
2. Follow the steps in sections 6 and 7 to
connect the output clips to the battery.
3. After a good electrical connection is
made to the battery, place the solar
panel in the sun, per the instructions
in step 4 of the Solar Panel Location
section.
12V ACCESSORY PLUG CABLE
ASSEMBLY
Maintain or charge your battery without
lifting the hood.
1. Connect the end of the 12V accessory
plug cable to the solar panel.
2. Insert the 12V accessory plug into the
12V accessory outlet.
3. Route the power cord from the solar
panel through the vehicle's open
window.
4. Place the solar panel in the sun, per
the instructions in step 4 of the Solar
Panel Location section.
11.5 Ensure that all of the solar panel
components are in place and in good
working condition, for example, the plastic
boots on the battery clips.
11.6 Servicing does not require opening the unit,
as there are no user-serviceable parts.
11.7 All other servicing should be performed by
qualified service personnel.
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