SureCare™ Model 12212
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
SureCare™ Model 12212
12-Volt Battery Maintainer
VDC Electronics, Inc.
147D Woodbury Rd.
Huntington, NY 11743
www.batteryminders.com
techsupport@vdcelectronics.com
READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Rev. B-031809 Page 1 P/N VDC12212-MNL
SureCare™ Model 12212
Table of Contents
Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Required Safety Instructions ..........................................................3
Preparing the Battery...........................................................................................................................4
SureCare Location
DC Connection Precautions................................................................................................................4
General Information.............................................................................................................................4
SureCare Specications......................................................................................................................4
Testing Your Battery............................................................................................................................5
Testing a Manifold-type Lead Acid Battery........................................................................................5
Testing with a Hot/Cold Calibrated Hydrometer Tester.....................................................................5
Testing a Sealed, Maintenance-free, Gelled-type Lead Acid Battery...............................................5
Installing the SureCare........................................................................................................................5
Connecting the SureCare when Batteries are Installed in the Equipment .....................................6
Connecting the SureCare when Batteries are Outside of Equipment.............................................6
Operating the SureCare.......................................................................................................................7
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................................7
Your Notes............................................................................................................................................7
For Repair or Replacement.................................................................................................................8
...............................................................................................................................4
Guarantee and Waranty.......................................................................................................................8
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SureCare™ Model 12212
Underwriters Laboratory (UL)
Required Safety Instructions
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE,
ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO
PERSON, OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING:
1. Do not expose the SureCare to rain or snow. It
is designed to operate ONLY INDOORS
2. Use of any attachment not specically
recommended by the battery charger
manufacturer for use with this exact model of
charger may result in risk of re and electric
shock or injury to person.
3. An extension cord should not be used, unless
absolutely necessary. Use of an improper
extension cord could result in re or electric
shock. If extension cord must be used be sure:
a) Pins on plug of extension cord are the same
number, size, & shape of plug on charger.
b) Extension cord is properly wired and in good
condition.
c) Wire size is large enough for AC ampere rating
of charge as specied below:
Length of cord, feet (meters) 25 (7.6) 60 (15.2)
100 (30.5) 150 (45.6) AWG Size 18.
4. Do not use the SureCare if it received a sharp
blow, been dropped, or damaged in any way.
5. The SureCare contains no serviceable parts.
If it fails for any reason, return to the address
shown within for a free replacement under
warranty.
6. To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug the
SureCare from outlet before attempting any
maintenance or cleaning.
7. WARNING: Risk of explosive gases.
Whenever you work near a lead acid battery
it is dangerous. 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. To reduce risk of battery explosion,
follow these instructions and those published
by the battery manufacturer and the
manufacturer of any equipment you plan
to use in the vicinity of the battery. Review
cautionary markings on the products and the
engine.
8. PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS: When working
with/near a lead acid battery.
a) Someone should be in range of your voice or
close enough to come to your aid when you work
near a lead acid battery.
b) Have fresh water and soap nearby in case
battery acid contact skin, clothing, or eyes.
c) Wear complete eye protection and clothing
protection. Avoid touching eyes while working
near battery.
d) If battery acid does contact skin or clothing,
wash immediately with soap and water. If acid
entered the eye, immediately ood the eye with
running water for at least 10 minutes and get help
immediately.
e) Never smoke or allow a spark of ame near
battery or engine.
f) Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping a
metal tool or auto part onto battery. It might spark
or short circuit battery or other electrical part that
may cause an 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) The SureCare is designed to be used for
maintaining lead acid batteries only. Never use
it to power a low voltage electrical system, or for
attempting to maintain dry cell batteries that are
commonly used in households. These batteries
may explode and cause injury to persons and
damage property.
Never Maintain a frozen battery or a battery at
a temperature above 123° F.
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SureCare™ Model 12212
Preparing the Battery
a) If it is necessary to remove battery from equip-
ment to charge, always remove ground terminal
rst. Turn off all accessories in the vehicle, so as
not to cause an arc.
b) Be sure area around battery is well ventilated
while battery is being charged. Gas vapors can
be forcefully blown away by using a piece of nonmetallic material as a fan.
c) Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep cor-
rosion from contacting eyes.
d) Add distilled water to each cell until battery
acid reaches level specied by the manufacturer.
This helps Purge excessive gas from cells. Do
not overll. For a battery with out cell caps, follow manufacturer’s recharging instructions.
e) Study all battery manufacturer’s specic instructions such as removing cell caps while
charging and recommended charge rates.
f) Determine voltage of battery by referring to
equipment owner’s manual and make sure that
charger output voltage is correct.
General Information
The SureCare maintains any size 12 volt lead
acid car, boat, RV, motorcycle battery. Note that
the SureCare does not charge.
The SureCare comes complete with insulated
battery clips. The unit maintains one 12 volt
battery.
SureCare is designed to maintain a single (1)
healthy 12 volt battery for extended periods of
non-use without causing a boil out or damage
to the battery. So called trickle chargers will
overcharge your battery if left connected
over time. SureCare is guaranteed never to
overcharge your battery. It is recommended
that you charge your battery to full capacity
before connecting it to the SureCare. It is also
recommended that you leave your battery
connected year round to the SureCare, at all
times the battery is not in actual use, to prevent
self-discharge and damage from lead plate
sulphation.
SureCare Location
a) Make sure the SureCare is as far away from
battery as output cables permit.
b) Never place the SureCare directly above battery being charged; gases from battery will cor-
rode and damage the SureCare.
c) Never allow battery acid to drip on the SureCare when reading specic gravity or lling.
d) Do not operate the SureCare in a closed-in
area or restrict ventilation in any way.
e) Do not set battery on top of the SureCare.
DC Connection Precautions
a) Connect and disconnect DC output clips only
after removing the SureCare from outlet.
b) Never allow clips to touch each other.
c) Attach clips to battery posts and twist or rock
back and forth several times to make good contact. This keeps clips from slipping off terminals
and reduces risk of sparking.
SureCare Specifications
Input 120 Vac - 60 Hz -
0.065 Amp
Output 12 volts @ 250 mA
Float Voltage 13.2 volts
Float Current 250 mA (max)
Size/Weight 2-5/8” L x 1-7/8” W x
1-1/2” H
Weight 12.8 oz.
Battery Voltage vs. Charge Percentage
Hydrometer
Voltage Percentage
Reading on
Each Cell
1.270 12.7 100%
1.250 12.5 75%
1.190 12.3 50%
1.150 12.1 25%
1.120 11.8 0%
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SureCare™ Model 12212
Testing Your Battery
It is extremely important that you determine
the health of your battery before you attempt to
recharge and maintain it. If any of the cells are
shorted (no reading on a hydrometer tester), or
the difference in charge level is greater than 0.50
SG between any two cells (two ball difference
if you use a ball-type hydrometer), your battery
cannot be properly recharged and maintained.
Discard the battery in an appropriate lawful
manner. The SureCare has no electrical output
unless it is connected to a healthy battery.
Testing the SureCare with a volt or an Amp
meter without the unit being connected across a
good battery will result in a false reading. If you
experience any problems, or are not sure of how
to properly use or connect your SureCare, please
e-mail our technical support at techsupport@
vdcelectronics.com or call our toll-free technical
support line (800-379-5579 ET). Be certain to
leave your phone number with the area code,
time zone and the best time to call.
Testing a Manifold-type Lead Acid Battery
1. Carefully remove all 6 caps or both manifold-
type covers from your battery.
2. Check the water/electrolyte level. If the level is
low or has ever been below top of plates, severe
lead plate sulphation has taken place.
3. Rell each cell with distilled water only to a
level of minimum over the top of the cell’s plates.
4. Recharge the battery with a standard battery
charger to ensure that it is completely charged
before you determine its condition.
Testing with a Hot/Cold Calibrated Hydrometer
Tester
Read the tester instructions carefully for most
accurate readings.
1. When using the tester the rst time or after
a long period of non-use, ll the tester with the
battery uid and let it sit for 1/2 hour or longer.
This will soak the balls in order to give you more
accurate readings. Failure to do so will give
you false readings indicating a battery that may
not be in as good a condition as you may have
thought.
2. After inserting the tester in a cell, gently tap
the tester several times against the inside wall of
each cell to dislodge air bubbles that will cause
more balls to oat than should. Failure to do so
will yield false readings that indicate a battery that
is not fully desulphated or does not qualify for
desulphation.
3. If no balls oat in any cell, the cell is
considered shorted. This means that your battery
is beyond the point of being properly recharged
or reconditioned.
4. Dispose of the battery.
5. If each cell oats two or more balls (or 1260 on
gauge-type), your battery can be reconditioned.
6. Always rinse the tester with fresh water after
every use. Failure to do so will cause false
readings.
7. Store the tester in the holder to prevent
breakage.
Testing a Sealed, Maintenance-free,
Gelled-type Lead Acid Battery
These batteries have no ller caps or manifold-
type covers. If you cannot gain access to the
interior of your battery, because it is sealed, you
cannot test it with a hydrometer.
1. Test the battery with a voltmeter. If the voltage
is less than 11 volts, charge the battery overnight
with a regular charger.
2. Let the battery rest for minimum of 8 hours,
which means that you do not use or charge the
battery for 8 hours.
3. Test the battery with a voltmeter. If the voltage
is less than 12.2 volts (25% charge), the battery
might have too much sulphation in it to reach full
charge. In this case, you can desulphate the
battery with a BatteryMINDer.
4. If the voltage is above 12.2 volts (25% charge),
connect the SureCare to the battery.
Installing the SureCare
Before you connect the SureCare to your battery,
test the battery for any shorted cells and check
the voltage in the battery. The battery has to have
a minimum resting voltage of 11 volts before
the unit will turn on. Resting voltage means that
the battery has not been charged or discharged
within 8 hours minimum. If you test a battery that
has not rested for at least 8 hours, you will get
Rev. B-031809 Page 5 P/N VDC12212-MNL
SureCare™ Model 12212
incorrect, inaccurate readings.
1. Test your battery rst before you connect it to
the SureCare. See page 2 for more information
on testing the battery.
2. Check the voltage in your battery. The
SureCare does not turn on if the volt age is lower
than 11 volts.
3. Charge the battery with a standard battery
charger rst before connecting it to the SureCare.
4. Plug the battery clip assembly supplied in
the box into the mating plug at the end of the
SureCare’s output cord, or attach the ring
terminal assembly to your battery’s terminals (red
to + and blue to -).
5. Attach the battery clips to the posts or terminal
clamps of the battery (red to + and black to -).
6. The green indicator lights when the proper
connection is made. The green light is powered
by the battery and lights up even when the
SureCare is not plugged in an electrical outlet.
7. Plug the SureCare into an AC electrical outlet
as soon as possible after you have made the
connection to the battery. Note: The unit will use
the power from your battery and drain the battery
if you do not plug it into an electrical outlet.
8. The green light stays solid during the
maintenance mode.
9. Leave the SureCare connected to your battery
at all times when it is not in actual use.
Connecting the SureCare when Batteries are
Installed in the Equipment
Follow these instructions when the battery is
installed in the equipment (vehicle, PWC, boat,
tractor, etc.). A spark near the battery may cause
battery to explode. To reduce risk of a spark near
the battery:
1. Position the DC output cord to reduce risk of
damage by hood, door, covers, or moving engine
parts.
2. Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and
other parts that can cause injuries.
3. Check polarity of battery posts. The POSITIVE
(POS, P, +) battery post usually has a larger
diameter than the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) post.
4. Determine which post of battery is grounded
(connected) to the chassis of equipment. If the
negative post is grounded, see Item N. If the
positive post is grounded, see Item P.
N. For negative grounded equipment, connect the
POSITIVE (RED) clip from the SureCare to the
POSITIVE (POS, P, +) ungrounded post of the
battery. Connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip to
the vehicle chassis or the engine block away from
the battery. Do not connect the clip to carburetor,
fuel lines, or metal body parts.
P. For positive ground equipment, connect the
NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip from the SureCare to
the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) UNGROUNDED post
of the battery. Connect the POSITIVE (RED) clip
to chassis or engine block away from the battery.
Do not connect the clip to carburetor, fuel lines,
or sheet metal body parts. Connect to heavy
gauge metal part of the frame or engine.
5. When disconnecting the SureCare, disconnect
it from the AC outlet, and then remove the clips
from the vehicle chassis, and the battery posts.
Connecting the SureCare when Batteries are
Outside of Equipment
Follow these steps when the battery is outside
of the vehicle or equipment. A spark near the
battery may cause battery explosion. To reduce
risk of a spark near the battery:
1. Check the polarity of battery posts. The
POSITIVE (POS, P,+) battery post usually has a
larger diameter than the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -)
battery post.
2. Attach at least a 24 inch long 6-gauge (AG)
insulated battery cable to the NEGATIVE (NEG -)
battery post.
3. Connect the (RED) SureCare clip to (POS+)
the post of the battery.
4. Position yourself and free end of cable as far
away from battery as possible, and then connect
the NEGATIVE (BLACK) SureCare clip to the
free end of the cable.
5. Do not face battery when making nal
connections.
6. When disconnecting the SureCare, always
do so in reverse sequence of the connecting
procedure, and break rst connection while as far
away from battery as is practical.
7. A marine (boat) battery must be removed and
maintained on shore. To maintain it onboard
requires equipment specically designed for
marine use.
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SureCare™ Model 12212
Operating the SureCare
After you have installed the SureCare, keep it connected unless you are using the battery.
Display Operating Condition
DISPLAY OPERATING CONDITION
Green Solid Light The SureCare will not start if the voltage in a 12
volt battery is lower than 11 volts.
The unit will feel warm to touch when it is working.
Troubleshooting
Problem Solution
Green light is not on If the solid green indicator light does not come on,
you have not made a proper connection to the bat-
tery. The green light lights up even before you have
plugged the unit into an electrical outlet.
I don’t think that the SureCare is working
properly
YOUR NOTES:
The SureCare will not start if the voltage in a 12 volt
battery is lower than 11 volts. The light might come
on, though. Test the battery with a voltmeter. Also,
the unit will feel warm to touch when it is working.
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SureCare™ Model 12212
For Repair or Replacement
In the event that you believe your product may be defective, you MUST speak to a VDC Electronics technician at
1-800-379-5579 x206 (ET) before proceeding further.
If after speaking with our tech support personnel it is necessary to return the unit, you MUST request an RMA
number.
All returns must be authorized by VDC Electronics.
Items must be returned within 10 days after receiving your Return Merchandise Authorization number and
must be packed in the original packaging with manual and all connectors included. Go to our web site
www.batteryminders.com > Service & Support > Warranty > Customer Return Merchandise Authorization Form
and include the filled-out form with your product.
Your Return Merchandise Authorization number must be shown on the return shipping label as follows:
VDC Electronics, Inc.
Returns Department
Attn.: RMA # (Enter Your RMA# Here)
147 D Woodbury Rd.
Huntington, NY 11743
Note: If your questions relate to safety concerns, please contact:
customersupport@vdcelectronics.com or if a potentially hazardous emergency may exist
cease using the product immediately and call (800) 379-5579 ext. 208 (ET) Monday – Friday or
contact our tech support at ext. 206.
Standard operating questions, clearly answered in this manual, will not be answered by
phone.
Guarantee and Warranty
NOTE: ALL returns must be authorized by VDC Electronics after speaking to a
VDC Electronics technician at 1-800-379-5579 x206 ET. Please see this page for details.
Rev. B-031809 Page 8 P/N VDC12212-MNL
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