Charge IT 4506, 4512, 4520 Owner's Manual

Owner’s Manual

Battery Charger Model Nos. 4506, 4512, 4520

WARNING

Read these instructions completely before using the SOLAR Battery Charger and save them for
future reference. Before using the SOLAR Battery Charger to charge a battery, read these
instructions and the instruction manual/safety information provided by the car, truck, boat or
equipment manufacturer. Following all manufacturers’ instructions and safety procedures will
reduce the risk of accident.

Working around lead-acid batteries may be dangerous. Lead-acid batteries release explosive gases
during normal operation, charging and jump starting. Carefully read and follow these instructions for
safe use. Always follow the specific instructions in this manual and on the SOLAR Battery Charger
each time you use the SOLAR Battery Charger.
All lead-acid batteries (car, truck and boat) produce hydrogen gas which may violently explode in
the presence of fire or sparks. Do not smoke, use matches or a cigarette lighter while near
batteries. Do not handle the battery while wearing vinyl clothing because static electricity sparks
are generated when vinyl clothing is rubbed. Review all cautionary material on the SOLAR Battery
Charger and in the engine compartment.

Always wear eye protection, appropriate protective clothing and other safety equipment when
working near lead-acid batteries. Do not touch eyes while working on or around lead-acid batteries.

Always store clamps away from each other or common conductors. Improper storage of clamps
may cause the clamps to come in contact with each other, or a common conductor, which would
be hazardous if the charger was plugged into an AC outlet.

Use extreme care while working within the engine compartment, because moving parts may cause
severe injury. Read and follow all safety instructions published in the vehicle's Owner's Manual.

Batteries being charged with the SOLAR Battery Charger unit likely contain liquid acids which are
hazardous if spilled.

Failure to follow instructions may cause
damage or explosion, always shield eyes.

Read entire instruction manual before use.

WARNING

Warning: This product contains chemicals, including
lead, known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS - READ THESE FIRST

A

WARNING

Read these instructions completely before using the Battery Charger and save them for future
reference. Before using the Battery Charger to charge a battery, read these instructions and the
instruction manual/safety information provided by the car, truck, boat or equipment manufacturer.
Following all manufacturers’ instructions and safety procedures will reduce the risk of accident.

Working around lead-acid batteries may be dangerous. Lead-acid batteries release explosive gases
during normal operation, charging and jump starting. Carefully read and follow these instructions for
safe use. Always follow the specific instructions in this manual and on the Battery Charger each
time you use the Battery Charger.
All lead-acid batteries (car, truck and boat) produce hydrogen gas which may violently explode in
the presence of fire or sparks. Do not smoke, use matches or a cigarette lighter while near
batteries. Do not handle the battery while wearing vinyl clothing because static electricity sparks
are generated when vinyl clothing is rubbed. Review all cautionary material on the Battery Charger
and in the engine compartment.

Always wear eye protection, appropriate protective clothing and other safety equipment when
working near lead-acid batteries. Do not touch eyes while working on or around lead-acid batteries.

Always store clamps away from each other or common conductors. Improper storage of clamps
may cause the clamps to come in contact with each other, or a common conductor, which would
be hazardous if the Charger was plugged into an AC outlet.

Use extreme care while working within the engine compartment, because moving parts may cause
severe injury. Read and follow all safety instructions published in the vehicle's Owner's Manual.

Batteries being charged with the Battery Charger unit likely contain liquid acids which are
hazardous if spilled.

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

NOTE: 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 this 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 receiver antenna

- Increase the separation between remote 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 experience radio TV technician for help.

1. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual
contains important safety and operating instructions
for Model Nos. 4506, 4512 and 4520.

2. Do not expose charger to rain or snow.

3. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by the
manufacturer may result in a risk of fire, electric shock,
or injury to persons.

4. To reduce risk of damage to electric plug and cord,
pull by plug rather than cord when disconnecting
charger.

5. An extension cord should not be used unless
absolutely necessary. Use of an improper extension
cord could result in a risk of fire and electric shock. If
extension cord must be used, make sure:

a. That pins on plug of extension cord are the same

number, size, and shape as those of plug on
charger,

b. That extension cord is properly wired and in good

electrical condition; and

c. That the wire size is large enough for the length of

cord as specified below.

Cord Length: ft.(m) 25(8) 50(16) 100(31) 150(46)

AWG size of cord: 18 16 14 12

6. To prevent electric shock - Dispose of battery charger
if cord becomes defective.

7. Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow,
been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way; take
it to a qualified service center.

8. Do not disassemble charger; take it to a qualified
service center when service or repair is required.
Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric
shock or fire.

9. To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug the charger
from outlet before attempting any maintenance or
cleaning. Turning off controls will not reduce this risk.

10. Monitor battery charger daily when using it to maintain
battery for extended periods.

11. WARNING – RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.
a. Working in vicinity of a lead-acid battery 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.

b. To reduce risk of battery explosion, follow these

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

1. Someone should be within range of your voice or
close enough to come to your aid when you work near
a lead-acid battery.

2. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case
battery acid contacts skin, clothing, or eyes.

3. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection.
Avoid touching eyes while working near battery.

4. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash
immediately with soap and water. If acid enters
eye, immediately flood eye with cold running water
for at least 10 minutes and get medical attention
immediately.

5. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of
battery or engine.

6. Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping a metal
tool onto battery. It might spark or short-circuit battery
or other electrical part that may cause explosion.

7. 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
other jewelry to metal, causing a severe burn.

8. Use charger for charging LEAD-ACID batteries only.
It is not intended to supply power to a low voltage
electrical system other than in a starter-motor
application. Do not use battery charger for charging
dry-cell batteries that are commonly used with home
appliances. These batteries may burst and cause
injury to persons and damage to property.

9. NEVER charge a frozen battery.

PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS

B

PREPARING TO CHARGE BATTERY:

1. If it is necessary to remove battery from vehicle to
charge, always remove grounded terminal from battery
first. Make sure all accessories in the vehicle are off,
so as not to cause an arc.

2. Be sure area around battery is well ventilated while
battery is being charged. Gas can be forcefully blown
away by using a piece of cardboard or other non­metallic material as a fan.

3. Clean battery terminals with a mixture of baking soda
and hot water. Be careful to keep corrosion from
coming 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 Maintenance Free Batteries - carefully follow
manufacturer’s recharging 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. Determine voltage of battery by referring to vehicle
owner’s manual and make sure that charger output
voltage matches vehicle voltage.

1. Locate the charger as far away from the battery as DC
cables permit.

2. Never place the charger directly above the battery
being charged; gases from the battery will corrode and
damage the charger.

3. Never allow battery acid to drip on the charger when
reading specific gravity or filling the battery.

4. Do not operate the charger in a closed area or restrict
ventilation in any way.

5. Do not set a battery on top of the charger.

6. Locate the charger at least 18” above the floor.

7. Do not place the charger where rain, snow, or other
moisture could drip on it.

1. CAUTION: Connect and disconnect DC output clips only after setting any switches with an OFF position to OFF and
removing AC power cord from electric outlet. Never allow clips to touch each other.

2. When hooking up charger, attach one clip to battery and the other to a point away from battery (see sections G & H).
Do not hook up charger until reading sections A–J.

PREPARATION

C

LOCATING THE CHARGER

D

BATTERY CHARGER CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS

E

C

GROUNDING AND AC POWER CORD CONNECTION INSTRUCTIONS
Charger should be grounded to reduce risk of electric shock. Charger is equipped with an electric cord having an

equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an outlet that is properly installed
and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.

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.

This battery charger is for use on a nominal 120-volt circuit, and has a grounding
plug that looks like the plug illustrated in the sketch below. A temporary adapter,
which looks like the adapter illustrated in sketches B and C below, may be used
to connect this plug to a two-pole receptacle as shown in sketch B if a properly
grounded outlet is not available. The temporary adapter should be used only
until a properly grounded outlet can be installed by a qualified electrician.

DANGER: BEFORE USING ADAPTER AS ILLUSTRATED, BE CERTAIN
THAT CENTER SCREW OF OUTLET PLATE IS GROUNDED. THEN GREEN­COLORED RIGID EAR OR LUG EXTENDING FROM ADAPTER MUST BE
CONNECTED TO A PROPERLY GROUNDED OUTLET - MAKE CERTAIN IT IS
GROUNDED. IF, NECESSARY, REPLACE ORIGINAL OUTLET COVER PLATE
SCREW WITH A LONGER SCREW THAT WILL SECURE ADAPTER EAR OR
LUG TO OUTLET COVER PLATE AND MAKE GROUND CONNECTION TO
GROUNDED OUTLET.

CAUTION: A MARINE (BOAT) BATTERY MUST BE
REMOVED AND CHARGED ON SHORE. TO CHARGE
IT ON BOARD REQUIRES EQUIPMENT SPECIALLY
DESIGNED FOR MARINE USE.

CAUTION: A SPARK NEAR BATTERY MAY CAUSE
BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE RISK OF A
SPARK NEAR BATTERY:

1. Check polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P,

+) battery post usually has a larger diameter than
NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) post.

2. Attach at least a 24” long, #6 gauge (AWG) insulated

battery cable to NEGATIVE (Neg, N, –) battery post.

3. Connect POSITIVE (RED) charger clip to POSITIVE

(POS, P, +) post of battery.

4. Position yourself and the free end of the cable
(installed in step #2) as FAR away from the battery
as possible. FACING AWAY FROM THE BATTERY,
connect the NEGATIVE (Black) charger clip to the free
end of the cable.

5. When charging is complete, turn charging sequence
off by depressing the “GO” button. Then disconnect
charger, always in reverse sequence of connecting
procedure and break first connection while as far away
from battery as practical.

+

_

Cable

from

Charger

Cable from

Charger

Positive

Booster

Cable

Negative

Figure 2

CHARGING A BATTERY OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE

G

CAUTION: A MARINE (BOAT) BATTERY MUST BE REMOVED AND CHARGED ON SHORE. TO CHARGE IT ON
BOARD REQUIRES EQUIPMENT SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MARINE USE.

CAUTION: A SPARK NEAR BATTERY MAY CAUSE BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR
BATTERY:

1. Position AC and DC cords to reduce risk of damage by hood, door, or moving engine part.

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 the negative post is grounded to the
chassis (as in most vehicles), see Figure 1 and instruction 5a. If the positive post is grounded to the chassis, see
instruction 5b.

5. a) For NEGATIVE GROUNDED vehicle, connect POSITIVE (Red) clip from the battery charger to the POSITIVE

(POS, P, +) ungrounded post of the battery.

b) For POSITIVE GROUNDED vehicle, connect the NEGATIVE (Black) clip from the

battery charger to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) ungrounded post of the battery. (This
arrangement is usually found in pre-1970 foreign vehicles or pre-1970 farm tractors.
This is a rare occurrence.)

6. Connect the remaining battery charger clip to the vehicle chassis or engine block, as far
away from the battery as possible. Do not connect the 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, turn charging sequence OFF by depressing the “GO”
button, disconnect AC cord, remove clip from vehicle chassis, and then remove clip
from battery terminal.

8. Refer to the Operating Instructions for information on setting selector switches.

CHARGING A BATTERY THAT IS INSTALLED IN A VEHICLE

F

Negative to

Chassis Ground

Positive

Figure 1

3. Always make battery connections prior to plugging charger into AC outlet.

To reduce explosion risk, never connect both clips directly to the battery. When making each connection, twist or rock clip
back and forth several times to make a good connection and to reduce the risk of a clip slipping off and creating a spark.
Do not twist or rock clip on the battery after the second clip connection is made.

6V

12V

2A

6A

AGM

25%

100%

50% 75%

RATEVOLT BATTERY TYPE

GO

GEL

STD

STATUS

Charging Indicator Error Indicator

Start/Stop
Charging

Battery Voltage
Selector

Battery Type
Selector

Charge Complete
Indicator

Charging Progress
Indicators

Battery Voltage Indicators

Battery Type Indicators

Charge Rate Indicators

Battery Rate Selector

Battery Charger Settings
Upon making a proper battery connection (see Section

F or G as applicable), plug AC power cord into an AC
receptacle. All unit LEDs will light momentarily, then only
the LEDs corresponding to charging settings should stay
lit. The charger is now in Standby Mode.

If the ERROR Indicator LED lights, disconnect from AC
power supply immediately and determine the cause of the
alarm. A blinking ERROR light indicates reverse polarity
error connection, while a solid ERROR light indicates the
detection of a battery fault, such as a shorted connection.

To charge a battery:

1. Choose a battery voltage charge setting

(Model No. 4506 only). The default setting is the 12V
mode, which will apply to most charging applications.
To charge in 6V mode, push the charge setting button
until the “6V” LED is lit.

2. Choose a battery type setting. To charge Standard

and Maintenance Free flooded Acid batteries, push
the battery type button until the “STD” LED is lit. To
charge AGM batteries, push the Battery Type button
until the “AGM” LED is lit. To charge Gel Cell, push
the Battery Type button until the “GEL” LED is lit.

3. Choose a battery charging rate. Small batteries found

in lawn and garden, motorcycle or ATV applications
should be charged in the lowest possible charge rate
setting.

4. Press the “GO” button and the charging indicator LED

will light. The charger will automatically commence
and complete the charging process. If you press
the “GO” button at any point during the charging
sequence, the charger will stop charging and return to
Standby Mode.

Note: If the ERROR LED lights, disconnect from AC
power immediately and determine the cause of the
alarm. See Battery Charger Features for a list of
conditions that might cause this warning.

Note: The charger is designed to protect against faults
and shorts (see Battery Charger Features). If the
battery to be charged has a open circuit voltage of
less than 1V, the charger will indicate a fault. If, after
unplugging unit, checking connections and verifying
all settings, you determine the problem causing the
“fault” condition is battery voltage below 1V, you can
override the charger’s protection by holding down
the “GO” button for 3 seconds. The charger will
commence the charging sequence and, assuming
these are no other hindrances that caused the fault
indication, will complete the charging process and
automatically turn off when the battery has reached
full charge.

5. When the charging process is complete, the
“CHARGE COMPLETE” indicator will light. This
indicates that the initial charging cycle is complete
and the charger is now in Maintenance Mode, and will
resume charging as needed to keep your battery in
optimal condition.

6. When you are finished with the charging process,

disconnect AC power cord from AC outlet, then
disconnect DC leads from vehicle ground (if charging
with battery in vehicle) and battery in the reverse
sequence of the connection procedure.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

H

CHARGING

CHARGED

STD

AGM

GEL

BATTERY

2 A

10 A

20 A

RATE

GO

VOLTAGE

(RED)

% CHARGED

(BLUE )

FLASHING = REVERSE POLARITY

SOLID = FAULT

Battery Type Indicators

Display

Charging Indicators

Charge Complete LED

Battery Type Selector

Error Indicator

Battery Rate Selector

Charge Rate Indicators

Start/Stop Charging Selector

Display Info Selector

Display Indicator

Model No. 4506 Models No. 4512, 4520

Multi-Stage Charging Process
The charger uses a proprietary Multi-Stage charging

process designed to optimally charge and maintain
batteries. The charging process includes a soft start mode
to properly charge deeply discharged batteries and is
beneficial for the long-term health of your batteries. The
final stage in the charging routine is a Maintenance Mode
that allows the charger to be connected indefinitely to a
battery and maintain a proper charge level.

Multiple Battery Compatibility
The charger will properly charge a wide variety of battery

types, including Conventional, Maintenance Free,
AGM, Gel Cell, Spiral Wound and Deep Cycle batteries.

Smart Clamp Technology
The charger will send power to the output leads only when

a proper battery connection is made.

Reverse Polarity Protection
Guards against reverse connections. ERROR LED will

flash on control panel and power will not be sent to output
cables if a reverse connection is sensed.

Battery Fault Protection
Guards against excessively charging compromised

batteries. ERROR and CHARGING LED will flash
indicating charging has stopped and the charger has
detected a compromised battery. Conditions that cause
this error include: if the battery voltage does not rise
appropriately during the charging process (indicating a
shorted cell) or if the maximum charge time has been
exceeded.

Short Circuit Protection
Guards against shorted connections. ERROR LED will

light solid on control panel and power will not be sent to
output cables. This condition is triggered if the charger
detects less than 1V across the clamps. See Operating

Instructions Step 4 Note 2 for details regarding this
feature.

Battery Recondition Mode
The charger monitors the charge routine and will enter

this mode if the battery is not appropriately accepting a
charge. The CHARGING LED will flash while the charger
is in the Battery Recondition Mode. This indicates the
charge time will be extended while the charger attempts to
recondition the battery.

BATTERY CHARGER FEATURES

K

CHOOSING THE CHARGING RATE

I

For the small batteries found in motorcycles, jet
skis, snowmobiles and lawn tractors, always charge
on the lowest possible charge rate setting. It is not
recommended to charge these smaller batteries at a high
charge rate – a low charge rate is most beneficial.

For large batteries found in cars, trucks, vans, SUVs,
agricultural equipment and commercial vehicles, higher
charging rates are appropriate. Please always remember
to reference the charging instructions on the battery or
the vehicle in which the battery is installed for specific
charging requirements.

CHOOSING THE BATTERY TYPE

J

For Conventional and Maintenance Free flooded (wet) batteries, the ideal Battery Type selection is “STD”.
For batteries identified as AGM construction, the ideal Battery Type selection is “AGM”.
For batteries identified as Gel Cell construction, the ideal Battery Type selection is “GEL”.
For most Spiral Wound batteries, the best Battery Type selection is “AGM”.
For batteries identified as Deep Cycle, determine the construction of the battery. Is it a wet cell battery or another type of

construction? This will determine the proper Battery Type selection.

For batteries identified as Marine, determine the construction of the battery. Is it a wet cell battery or another type of

construction? This will determine the proper Battery Type selection.

This product is warranted to be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of
original end user purchase.

This warranty extends to each person who acquires lawful ownership within one year of the original retail purchase, but
is void if the product has been abused, altered, misused or improperly packaged and damaged when returned for repair.
This warranty applies to the product only and does not apply to any accessory items included with the product which are
subject to wear from usage; the replacement or repair of these items shall be at the expense of the owner.

THE TERMS OF THE LIMITED WARRANTY CONSTITUTE THE BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY.
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE LIMITED IN
DURATION TO THIS EXPRESS WARRANTY. AFTER 1 YEAR FROM DATE OF PURCHASE, ALL RISK OF LOSS
FROM WHATEVER REASON SHALL BE PUT UPON THE PURCHASER.

MANUFACTURER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES: LIABILITY, IF ANY, SHALL NEVER EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THIS PRODUCT
REGARDLESS OF WHETHER LIABILITY IS PREDICATED UPON BREACH OF WARRANTY (EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED), NEGLIGENCE, STRICT TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY.

Some states do not permit the limitation of warranties or limitation of consequential or incidental damages, so the above
disclaimer and limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.

F FOR WARRANTY OR SERVICE

N

If this product fails within the warranty period, return it to your dealer for an exchange.
A valid, dated sales receipt is required to obtain service under this warranty.

Instructions for obtaining service under this warranty:

To obtain service under this warranty, return your Charger to the place of purchase, along with your dated sales
receipt, for an exchange. Your product can also be sent back to Clore Automotive for exchange – visit www.
cloreautomotive.com for shipping address.

Registering Your Purchase

For best service and to receive periodic product updates, please visit www.cloreregistration.com, click on the
CHARGE IT! logo, complete the information in the web form and click “submit.” It’s that easy!

For answers to questions concerning use, out-of-warranty service, or
warranty/service information on this or other Clore Automotive products,
contact Clore Automotive Technical Service at 800.328.2921; 913.310.1050;
www.cloreautomotive.com .

Model Nos. 4506, 4512 and 4520
Part Nos. 141-410-000, 141-411-000, 141-412-000

CAUTION – Make sure charger is unplugged from
electrical outlet before performing any maintenance.

A minimum amount of care can keep your battery charger
working and looking good for years.

1. Clean the clamps after each use. Wipe off any battery
fluid that may have come in contact with the clamps
to prevent corrosion. Battery fluid may be neutralized
with a solution of water and baking soda.

2. If needed, the case may be wiped clean with a soft
cloth.

There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
For information concerning use, applications, or service,

call Technical Service at [phone].

CHARGER CARE & MAINTENANCE

L

LIMITED WARRANTY

M