Black + Decker BM3BCA Instruction Manual

120

6 VOLT / 12 VOLT
AUTOMATIC BATTERY MAINTAINER
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Catalog Number BM3BCA

SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

Cat. # BM3BCA July 2015
Copyright © 2015 Baccus Global LLC Printed in China

Thank you for choosing Black & Decker!

Go to www.Baccusglobal.com to register your new product.

PLEASE READ BEFORE RETURNING THIS

PRODUCT FOR ANY REASON:

If you have a question or experience a problem with your purchase, go to

HTTP://WWW.BACCUSGLOBAL.COM

for instant answers 24 hours a day.

If you can’t find the answer or do not have access to the internet,

call 1-877-571-2391 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Mon. – Fri. to speak with an agent.

Please have the catalog number available when you call.

BC

BM3BCA_ManualENFR_072715.indd 20-1 7/27/2015 4:48:06 PM

2 3

DANGER – Never alter AC cord or plug provided – if it will not fit outlet, have proper outlet installed by a

qualified electrician. Improper connection can result in a risk of an electric shock.

Extension cords

•

Outdoor use extension cords.

When charger is used outdoors, use only extension cords intended for use

outdoors and so marked.

•

Make sure your extension cord is in good condition.

When using an extension cord, be sure to use one
heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage
resulting in loss of power and overheating. The following table shows the correct size to use depending on cord
length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gage. The smaller the gage number, the
heavier the cord.

Recommended Minimum AWG Size for Extension Cords for Battery Chargers
AC Input Rating American Wire Gage (AWG) Size of Cord
Amperes Length of Cord, feet (m)
Equal to or But less

25 (7.6) 50 (15.2) 100 (30.5) 150 (45.6)

greater than than

0 2 18 18 18 16
2 3 18 18 16 14
3 4 18 18 16 14
4 5 18 18 14 12
5 6 18 16 14 12
6 8 18 16 12 10
8 10 18 14 12 10
10 12 16 14 10 8
12 14 16 12 10 8
14 16 16 12 10 8
16 18 14 12 8 8
18 20 14 12 8 6

WARNING: BURST HAZARD:

Do not use the unit for charging dry-cell batteries that are commonly used with
home appliances. These batteries may burst and cause injury to persons and damage property. Use the unit for
charging a LEAD-ACID battery only.

WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD:

• If an extension cord is used, make sure that:
a) the pins of extension cord are the same number, size and shape as those in the charger,
b) the extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition,
c) the wire size is large enough for the AC rating of the charger as indicated in the table in the previous section.

• Do not operate unit with damaged cord or plug; or if the unit has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or

otherwise damaged in any way. Do not disassemble the unit; return it to the manufacturer when service or
repair is required. Opening the unit may result in a risk of electric shock or fire, and will void warranty.

• Use of an attachment not supplied, recommended or sold by manufacturer specifically for use with this unit

may result in a risk of electrical shock and injury to persons.

• NEVER submerge this unit in water; do not expose it to rain, snow or use when wet.

• To reduce risk of electric shock, disconnect the unit from any power source before attempting maintenance or

cleaning. Turning off controls without disconnecting will not reduce this risk.

WARNING: RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES

• Working in the vicinity of a lead acid battery is dangerous. Batteries generate explosive gases during normal

battery operation. For this reason, it is of the utmost importance that each time before using the charger you
read this manual and follow instructions exactly.

• To reduce the risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by the battery

manufacturer and manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in the vicinity of the battery. Review
cautionary markings on these products and on the engine.

• This equipment employs parts (switches, relays, etc.) that produce arcs or sparks. Therefore, if used in a

garage or enclosed area, the unit MUST be placed not less than 18 inches above the floor.

• THIS UNIT IS NOT FOR USE BY CHILDREN AND SHOULD ONLY BE OPERATED BY ADULTS.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE:

• To prevent damage to a battery or the battery charger, please make sure you select the correct voltage setting

(6V or 12V) for the application.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Changes or modifications not approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

SAFETY GUIDELINES / DEFINITIONS

DANGER:

Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious

injury.

WARNING:

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious

injury.

CAUTION:

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate

injury.

CAUTION:

Used without the safety alert symbol indicates potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result

in property damage.

RISK OF UNSAFE OPERATION.

When using tools or equipment, basic safety precautions should always be
followed to reduce the risk of personal injury. Improper operation, maintenance or modification of tools or
equipment could result in serious injury and property damage. There are certain applications for which tools
and equipment are designed. Black & Decker strongly recommends that this product NOT be modified and/or
used for any application other than for which it was designed. Read and understand all warnings and operating
instructions before using any tool or equipment.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING:

This product or its power cord contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defect or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING:

Read all instructions before operating product. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may

result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL BATTERY
CHARGERS

•

Avoid dangerous environments:

don’t use the charger in damp or wet locations. Don’t use charger in the rain.

•

Keep children away.

All visitors should be kept at a distance from work area.

•

Store indoors.

When not in use, the battery charger should be stored indoors in dry, and high or locked-up

place — away from reach of children.

• Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuits or outlets to be used.

Receptacles are available having built in GFCI protection and may be used for this measure of safety.

•

Do not operate

near flammable liquids or in gaseous or explosive atmospheres. Sparks might ignite fumes.

BM3BCA_ManualENFR_072715.indd 2-3 7/27/2015 4:48:06 PM

4 5

Connection Precautions

1. Disconnect AC cord from electric outlet before connecting or disconnecting DC clamps or ring terminals.

2. Never allow clamps or ring terminals to touch each other.

Follow these steps when the battery is installed in a vehicle:

1. Position AC and clamp cords away from hood, door, or moving engine parts.

2. Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and other parts that can cause injury to persons.

3. Check polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has larger diameter than
NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) post.

4. Determine which post of battery is grounded (connected) to the chassis. If NEGATIVE post is grounded to
chassis (as in most vehicles), see 5. If POSITIVE post is grounded to the chassis, see 6.

5. For negative-grounded vehicle, connect POSITIVE (RED) clamp from battery charger to POSITIVE (POS, P,
+) ungrounded post of battery. Connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clamp to vehicle chassis or engine block away
from battery. Do not connect clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to heavy
gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.

6. For positive-grounded vehicle, connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clamp from battery charger to NEGATIVE (NEG,
N, –) ungrounded post of battery. Connect POSITIVE (RED) clamp to vehicle chassis or engine block away
from battery. Do not connect clip to carburetor, fuel lines or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy
gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.

7. When disconnecting charger, disconnect AC cord, remove clamp from vehicle chassis, and then remove
clamp from battery terminal.

8. Do not charge the battery while the engine is operating.

9. Refer to battery manufacturer’s instruction on battery charging/maintaining procedures.

Follow these steps when the battery has been removed from a vehicle:

1. Check polarity of battery posts. Positive post (marked POS,P, +) usually has a larger diameter than the
Negative battery post (marked NEG, N, –).

2. Attach a 24-inch (minimum length) #6 AWG insulated battery cable to the NEGATIVE battery post (marked
NEG, N, –).

3. Connect the POSITIVE (RED) battery clamp to the POSITIVE battery post (marked POS, P, + or red).

4. Stand as far back from the battery as possible, and do not face battery when making final connection.

5. Carefully connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clamp to the free end of the battery cable connected to the
NEGATIVE terminal.

6. When disconnecting charger, always do so in reverse sequence of connecting procedure and break first
connection while as far away from battery as practical.

• Check unit periodically for wear and tear. Return to manufacturer for replacement of worn or defective parts

immediately.

• Read and Understand This Instruction Manual Before Using This Unit.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY:

Follow these instructions and those published by the battery manufacturer and manufacturer of any
equipment you intend to use with this unit. Review cautionary markings on this product and on engine.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for selecting the

Black & Decker® 6 Volt / 12 Volt Automatic Battery Maintainer.

Use for
battery maintenance, charging RVs, speciality vehicles, antique and classic cars, motorcycles, lawn mowers,
tractors, ATVs, snowmobiles, personal watercraft and more.

With proper care and use, it will give you years of dependable service. With proper care and use, it will give you
years of dependable service. Please read and observe all safety warnings and cautions and this entire user’s
instruction manual, before installing or using this device. The instruction manual should then be retained for
quick reference whenever the unit is used.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE:

• NEVER ATTEMPT TO CHARGE A FROZEN BATTERY.

• Pull cord by plug rather than cord when disconnecting the 120V AC Cord.

• Vehicles that have on-board computerized systems may be damaged if vehicle battery is connected to
the vehicle during the operation of the battery maintainer. Before maintaining the battery with the battery
maintainer, read the vehicle’s owner’s manual to confirm proper method of maintaining vehicle battery.

• When working with lead acid batteries, always make sure immediate assistance is available in case of accident
or emergency.

• Always have protective eyewear when using this product: contact with battery acid may cause blindness and/or
severe burns. Be aware of first aid procedures in case of accidental contact with battery acid.

• Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin.

• If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water for at least 10 minutes and get
medical attention immediately.

• Never smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of vehicle battery, engine or charger.

• 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 of a
metal, causing a severe burn.

• Never allow battery acid to come in contact with this unit.

• Do not operate this unit in a closed area or restrict ventilation in any way.

•

FIRST AID – Skin:

If battery acid comes in contact with skin, rinse immediately with water, then wash

thoroughly with soap and water. If redness, pain, or irritation occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

Eyes:

If battery acid comes in contact with eyes, flush eyes immediately, for a minimum of 15 minutes and

seek immediate medical attention.

PREPARING TO CHARGE

1. Determine voltage of battery to be maintained by referring to the vehicle manual.

WARNING:

To prevent damage to a battery or the battery charger, please make sure you select the

correct voltage setting (6V or 12V) for the application

2. If it is necessary to remove battery from vehicle to charge, or to clean terminals, always remove grounded

terminal from battery first. Make sure all accessories in the vehicle are off, so as not to cause an arc.

3. Clean battery terminals. Do not allow corrosion to come in contact with eyes.

4. Add distilled water in each cell until battery acid reaches level specified by battery manufacturer. This helps

purge excessive gas from cells. Do not overfill. For a battery without cell caps (maintenance free), carefully
follow manufacturer’s charging instructions.

5. Study all battery manufacturer’s specific precautions, such as removing or not removing cell caps while

charging, and recommended rates of charge.

6. Remove battery completely from boat/airplane or any confined area before charging. Area around battery

should be well ventilated while battery is being charged. Do not operate within an enclosed area.

CAUTION:

This battery maintainer does not detect, diagnose or analyze the condition of the battery.
Attempting to charge/maintain a battery with an abnormal condition can further damage the battery. If in doubt,
have the battery checked by a qualified professional prior to using the BM3BCA maintainer.

Charger Location

1. Locate battery maintainer as far away from battery as cables permit.

2. Charge above freezing temperature and below 40 degree Celsius (C) (104 degree Fahrenheit).

3. NEVER place battery maintainer directly above battery being charged; gases from battery will corrode and

damage charger.

4. NEVER allow battery acid to drip on battery maintainer when reading gravity or filling battery.

5. NEVER operate battery maintainer in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any way.

6. Marine batteries must be removed and charged on shore. To charge it on board requires equipment specially

designed for marine use. This unit is NOT designed for such use.

7. Do not set a battery on top of battery maintainer.

WARNING: A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE AN EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE RISK OF A
SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY: CONNECT AND DISCONNECT DC OUTPUT CLAMPS AND RING TERMINALS
ONLY AFTER REMOVING AC CORD FROM ELECTRIC OUTLET.

BM3BCA_ManualENFR_072715.indd 4-5 7/27/2015 4:48:06 PM