DeWalt DCB103 Instruction Manual

Defi nitions: Safety Guidelines

The definitions below describe the level of severity for each signal word. Please read
the manual and pay attention to these symbols.

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.
NOTICE: Indicates a practice not related to personal injury which, if not avoided,

may result in property damage.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS OR ANY DEWALT TOOL, CALL
US TOLL FREE AT:

1-800-4-DEWALT (1-800-433-9258).

WARNING! Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow
all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or
serious personal injury.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL
BATTERY CHARGERS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS: This manual contains important safety and operating instructions
for battery chargers.

• Before using the charger, read all instructions and cautionary markings on the charger, battery
pack and product using the battery pack.

DANGER: Electrocution hazard. 120 volts are present at recessed terminals of the tower port.

Do not probe with conductive objects. Electric shock or electrocution may result.

WARNING: Shock hazard. Do not allow any liquid to get inside the charger. Electric shock may

result.

CAUTION: Burn hazard. To reduce the risk of injury, charge only DEWALT rechargeable battery

packs. Other types of batteries may overheat and burst resulting in personal injury and property
damage.
NOTICE: Under certain conditions, with the charger plugged into the power supply, the charger can
be shorted by foreign material. Foreign materials of a conductive nature, such as, but not limited
to, grinding dust, metal chips, steel wool, aluminum foil or any buildup of metallic particles should be
kept away from the charger cavities. Always unplug the charger from the power supply when there
is no battery pack in the cavity. Unplug the charger before attempting to clean it.

• DO NOT attempt to charge the battery pack with any chargers other than the ones in
this manual. The charger and battery pack are specifically designed to work together.

• These chargers are not intended for any uses other than charging D

EWALT

rechargeable batteries. Any other uses may result in risk of fire, electric shock or electrocution.

• Do not expose the charger to rain or snow.

• Pull by the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger. This will reduce
the risk of damage to the electric plug and cord.

• Make sure that the cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over or

otherwise subjected to damage or stress.

• Do not use an extension cord unless it is absolutely necessary. Use of improper extension
cord could result in risk of fire, electric shock or electrocution.

• When operating a charger outdoors, always provide a dry location and use an
extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the
risk of electric shock.

• An extension cord must have adequate wire size (AWG or American Wire Gauge) for
safety. The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the greater the capacity of the cable, that is,
16 gauge has more capacity than 18 gauge. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage
resulting in loss of power and overheating. When using more than one extension to make up
the total length, be sure each individual extension contains at least the minimum wire size. The
following table shows the correct size to use depending on cord length and nameplate ampere
rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The lower the gauge number, the heavier the cord.

Minimum Gauge for Cord Sets

Ampere Rating

Volts Total Length of Cord in Feet (meters)

120V 25 (7.6) 50 (15.2) 100 (30.5) 150 (45.7)

240V 50 (15.2) 100 (30.5) 200 (61.0) 300 (91.4)
More
Than

Not More

Than

AWG

0 6 18 16 16 14

610 18161412
10 12 16 16 14 12
12 16 14 12 Not Recommended

• Do not place any object on top of the charger or place the charger on a soft surface
that might block the ventilation slots and result in excessive internal heat. Place the

charger in a position away from any heat source. The charger is ventilated through slots in the
top and the bottom of the housing.

• Do not operate the charger with a damaged cord or plug.

• Do not operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped or otherwise
damaged in any way. Take it to an authorized service center.

• Do not disassemble the charger; take it to an authorized service center when service or
repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock, electrocution or fire.

• Disconnect the charger from the outlet before attempting any cleaning. This will
reduce the risk of electric shock. Removing the battery pack will not reduce this risk.

• NEVER attempt to connect 2 chargers together.

• The charger is designed to operate on standard 120V household electrical power. Do
not attempt to use it on any other voltage. This does not apply to the vehicular charger.

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

• 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.

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 receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the 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.

Introduction (Fig. 1)

The DCB103 combination dual port battery fast charger is designed to charge DEWALT 7.2–18V
NiCd/NiMH/Li-lon tower battery packs and D

EWALT 12–20V Max* Li-lon slide battery packs. This

charger requires no adjustment and is designed to be as easy as possible to operate. Simply place
your battery pack into a receptacle of a plugged in charger and it will automatically charge the pack.
Consult the chart at the end of this manual for compatibility of chargers and battery packs.

CAUTION: When not in use, place tool on its side on a stable surface where it will not

cause a tripping or falling hazard. Some tools with large battery packs will stand upright on the

battery pack but may be easily knocked over.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL
BATTERY PACKS

When ordering replacement battery packs, be sure to include the catalog number and voltage.
Consult the chart at the end of this manual for compatibility of chargers and battery packs.
The battery pack is not fully charged out of the carton. Before using the battery pack and charger,
read the safety instructions below and then follow charging procedures outlined.

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

• Do not charge or use the battery pack in explosive atmospheres, such as in the
presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Inserting or removing the battery pack from

the charger may ignite the dust or fumes.

• NEVER force the battery pack into the charger. DO NOT modify the battery pack in any
way to fit into a non-compatible charger as battery pack may rupture causing serious
personal injury. Consult the chart at the end of this manual for compatibility of batteries and

chargers.

• Charge the battery packs only in designated D

EWALT chargers.

• DO NOT splash or immerse in water or other liquids.

• Do not store or use the tool and battery pack in locations where the temperature may
reach or exceed 105 °F (40 °C) (such as outside sheds or metal buildings in summer).

For best life store battery packs in a cool, dry location.

NOTE: Do not store the battery pack in a tool with the trigger switch locked on. Never tape the

trigger switch in the ON position.

DANGER: Electrocution hazard. Never attempt to open the tower battery pack for any reason.

If the tower battery pack case is cracked or damaged, do not insert into the charger. Do not crush,
drop or damage the tower battery pack. Do not use a tower battery pack or charger that has
received a sharp blow, been dropped, run over or damaged in any way (e.g., pierced with a nail,
hit with a hammer, stepped on). Damaged tower battery packs should be returned to the service
center for recycling.

NOTE: Battery storage and carrying caps are provided for use whenever the
tower battery pack is out of the tool or charger. Remove the cap before placing battery
in charger or tool.

WARNING: Fire hazard. Do not store or carry the battery pack so that

metal objects can contact exposed battery terminals. For example, do not

place the battery pack in aprons, pockets, tool boxes, product kit boxes, drawers,
etc., with loose nails, screws, keys, etc. Transporting batteries can possibly cause fires if

the battery terminals inadvertently come in contact with conductive materials such as
keys, coins, hand tools and the like. The US Department of Transportation Hazardous Material

Regulations (HMR) actually prohibit transporting batteries in commerce or on airplanes (e.g.,
packed in suitcases and carry-on luggage) UNLESS they are properly protected from short circuits.
So when transporting individual battery packs, make sure that the battery terminals are protected
and well insulated from materials that could contact them and cause a short circuit.

WARNING: Fire hazard. Never attempt to open the slide battery pack for any reason. If the

slide battery pack case is cracked or damaged, do not insert into the charger. Do not crush, drop
or damage the slide battery pack. Do not use a slide battery pack or charger that has received a
sharp blow, been dropped, run over or damaged in any way (e.g., pierced with a nail, hit with a
hammer, stepped on). Damaged slide battery packs should be returned to the service center for
recycling.

SPECIFIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR NICKEL CADMIUM (NiCd) OR
NICKEL METAL HYDRIDE (NiMH)

• Do not incinerate the battery pack even if it is severely damaged or is completely worn
out. The battery pack can explode in a fire.

• A small leakage of liquid from the battery pack cells may occur under extreme usage
or temperature conditions. This does not indicate a failure.

However, if the outer seal is broken:

a. and the battery liquid gets on your skin, immediately wash with soap and water for several

minutes.

b. and the battery liquid gets into your eyes, flush them with clean water for a minimum of

10 minutes and seek immediate medical attention. (Medical note: The liquid is 25–35%
solution of potassium hydroxide.)

SPECIFIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR LITHIUM ION (Li-Ion)

• Do not incinerate the battery pack even if it is severely damaged or is completely
worn out. The battery pack can explode in a fire. Toxic fumes and materials are created when

lithium ion battery packs are burned.

DEWALT Industrial Tool Co., 701 East Joppa Road, Baltimore, MD 21286

(OCT11) Part No. N138212 DCB103 Copyright © 2011 DEWALT

The following are trademarks for one or more D

EWALT power tools: the yellow and black color scheme; the

“D” shaped air intake grill; the array of pyramids on the handgrip; the kit box configuration; and the array of
lozenge-shaped humps on the surface of the tool.

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

GUIDE D’UTILISATION

MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES

INSTRUCTIVO DE OPERACIÓN, CENTROS DE SERVICIO Y PÓLIZA

DE GARANTÍA. ADVERTENCIA: LÉASE ESTE INSTRUCTIVO

ANTES DE USAR EL PRODUCTO.

If you have questions or comments, contact us.

Pour toute question ou tout commentaire, nous contacter.

Si tiene dudas o comentarios, contáctenos.

1-800-4-DEWALT • www.dewalt.com

DCB103

Combination Dual Port Fast Charger

7.2V–18V NiCd/NiMH/Li-Ion and 12V–20V Max* Li-Ion

Chargeur rapide combiné à port double

Bloc-piles NiCd/NiMH/Li-Ion 7,2V–18V et Li-Ion 12V–20V max*

Cargador rápido combinado con dos puertos

7,2V–18V NiCd/NiMH/Li-Ion y 12V–20V Máx* Li-Ion

• If battery contents come into contact with the skin, immediately wash area with
mild soap and water. If battery liquid gets into the eye, rinse water over the open eye for

15 minutes or until irritation ceases. If medical attention is needed, the battery electrolyte is
composed of a mixture of liquid organic carbonates and lithium salts.

• Contents of opened battery cells may cause respiratory irritation. Provide fresh air. If
symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

WARNING: Burn hazard. Battery liquid may be flammable if exposed to spark or flame.

The RBRC™ Seal

The RBRC™ (Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp oration) Seal on the nickel
cadmium, nickel metal hydride or lithium ion batteries (or battery packs) indicate that
the costs to recycle these batteries (or battery packs) at the end of their useful life
have already been paid by D

EWALT. In some areas, it is illegal to place spent nickel

cadmium, nickel metal hydride or lithium ion batteries in the trash or municipal solid
waste stream and the RBRC program provides an environmentally conscious
alternative.
RBRC™, in cooperation with D

EWALT and other battery users, has established programs in the

United States and Canada to facilitate the collection of spent nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride
or lithium ion batteries. Help protect our environment and conserve natural resources by returning
the spent nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride or lithium ion batteries to an authorized D

EWALT

service center or to your local retailer for recycling. You may also contact your local recycling center
for information on where to drop off the spent battery.
RBRC™ is a registered trademark of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation.

Using Automatic Tune-Up™ Mode (NiCd/NiMH only)

The automatic Tune-Up™ Mode equalizes or balances the individual cells in the battery pack
allowing it to function at peak capacity. Battery packs should be tuned up weekly or after 10 charge/
discharge cycles or whenever the pack no longer delivers the same amount of work. To use the
automatic Tune-Up™, place the battery pack in the charger and leave it for at least 8 hours. The
charger will cycle through the following modes.

1. The red light will blink continuously indicating that the 1-hour charge cycle has started.

2. When the 1-hour charge cycle is complete, the light will stay on continuously and will no longer

blink. This indicates that the pack is fully charged and can be used at this time.

3. If the pack is left in the charger after the initial 1-hour charge, the charger will begin the

Automatic Tune-Up mode. This mode continues up to 8 hours or until the individual cells in the
battery pack are equalized. The battery pack is ready for use and can be removed at any time
during the Tune-Up mode.

4. Once the Automatic Tune Up mode is complete, the charger will begin a maintenance charge;

the red indicator will remain lit.

Chargers

Be sure to read all safety instructions before using your charger. Consult the chart at the end of this
manual for compatibility of chargers and battery packs.

Charging Procedure (Fig. 2)

DANGER: Electrocution hazard. 120 volts are present at recessed terminals of the tower port.

Do not probe with conductive objects. Electric shock or electrocution may result.

1. Plug the charger into an appropriate outlet before inserting the battery pack.

2. Insert the battery pack into the correct charger port, as shown in Figure 2, making sure the

pack is fully seated in the charger. The red (charging) light will blink continuously indicating that
the charging process has started.

3. The completion of charge will be indicated by the red light remaining ON continuously. The pack

is fully charged and may be used at this time or left in the charger.

NOTE: The DCB103 Combination Dual Port Fast Charger can simultaneously charge two battery
packs.

Indicator Light Operation

PACK CHARGING

PACK CHARGED

x

HOT/COLD DELAY

PROBLEM PACK OR CHARGER

PROBLEM POWERLINE

Charge Indicators

This charger is designed to detect certain problems that can arise. Problems are indicated by the red
light flashing at a fast rate. If this occurs, re-insert the battery pack into the charger. If the problem
persists, try a different battery pack to determine if the charger is working properly. If the new pack
charges correctly, then the original pack is defective and should be returned to a service center or
other collection site for recycling. If the new battery pack elicits the same trouble indication as the
original, have the charger and the battery pack tested at an authorized service center.

HOT/COLD DELAY

This charger has a hot/cold delay feature: when the charger detects a battery that is hot, it
automatically starts a delay, suspending charging until the battery has cooled. After the battery
has cooled, the charger automatically switches to the pack charging mode. This feature ensures
maximum battery life. The red light flashes long, then short while in the hot/cold delay mode.

LEAVING THE BATTERY PACK IN THE CHARGER

The charger and battery pack can be left connected with the charge indicator showing pack
charged.

WEAK BATTERY PACKS: Weak batteries will continue to function but should not be expected to
perform as much work.

FAULTY BATTERY PACKS: This charger will not charge a faulty battery pack. The charger will
indicate faulty battery pack by refusing to light or by displaying problem pack or charger.

NOTE: This could also mean a problem with a charger.

PROBLEM POWER LINE

Some chargers have a Problem Powerline indicator. When the charger is used with some portable
power sources such as generators or sources that convert DC to AC, the charger may temporarily
suspend operation, flashing the red light with two fast blinks followed by a pause. This indicates the
power source is out of limits.

Important Charging Notes

1. Longest life and best performance can be obtained if the battery pack is charged when the air
temperature is between 65°F and 75°F (18° – 24°C). DO NOT charge the battery pack in an
air temperature below +40°F (+4.5°C), or above +105°F (+40.5°C). This is important and will
prevent serious damage to the battery pack.

2. The charger and battery pack may become warm to the touch while charging. This is a normal
condition, and does not indicate a problem. To facilitate the cooling of the battery pack after
use, avoid placing the charger or battery pack in a warm environment such as in a metal shed
or an uninsulated trailer.

3. LITHIUM ION ONLY: A cold battery pack will charge at about half the rate of a warm battery
pack. The battery pack will charge at that slower rate throughout the entire charging cycle and
will not return to maximum charge rate even if the battery pack warms.

4. If the battery pack does not charge properly:

a. Check operation of the receptacle by plugging in a lamp or other appliance;
b. Check to see if the receptacle is connected to a light switch which turns the power off when

you turn out the lights;

c. Move the charger and battery pack to a location where the surrounding air temperature is

approximately 65°F – 75°F (18° – 24°C);

d. If charging problems persist, take the tool, battery pack and charger to your local service

center.

5. The battery pack should be recharged when it fails to produce sufficient power on jobs which
were easily done previously. DO NOT CONTINUE to use it under these conditions. Follow the
charging procedure. You may also charge a partially used pack whenever you desire with no
adverse effect on the battery pack.

6. Foreign materials of a conductive nature such as, but not limited to, grinding dust, metal chips,
steel wool, aluminum foil, or any buildup of metallic particles should be kept away from charger
cavities. Always unplug the charger from the power supply when there is no battery pack in the
cavity. Unplug the charger before attempting to clean it.

7. Do not freeze or immerse the charger in water or any other liquid.

WARNING: Shock hazard. Don’t allow any liquid to get inside the charger. Electric shock may

result.

WARNING: Burn hazard. Do not submerge the battery pack in any liquid or allow any liquid to

enter the battery pack. Never attempt to open the battery pack for any reason. If the plastic housing
of the battery pack breaks or cracks, return it to a service center for recycling.

Storage Recommendations

1. The best storage place is one that is cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and excess heat
or cold.

2. For long storage, it is recommended to store a fully charged battery pack in a cool dry place
out of the charger for optimal results.

NOTE: Battery packs should not be stored completely depleted of charge. The battery pack will
need to be recharged before use.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE

Repairs

The charger and battery pack are not serviceable. There are no serviceable parts inside the charger
or battery pack.

READ ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE BATTERY CHARGER SECTION OF THIS
MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO CHARGE THE BATTERY PACK FOR YOUR TOOL.

If you have any questions, call 1-800-4-D

EWALT (1-800-433-9258).

Three Year Limited Warranty

DEWALT will repair, without charge, any defects due to faulty materials or workmanship for three
years from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover part failure due to normal wear or tool
abuse. For further details of warranty coverage and warranty repair information, visit www.dewalt.
com or call 1-800-4-D

EWALT (1-800-433-9258). This warranty does not apply to accessories or

damage caused where repairs have been made or attempted by others. This warranty gives you
specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary in certain states or provinces.

In addition to the warranty, D

EWALT tools are covered by our:

1 YEAR FREE SERVICE

D

EWALT will maintain the tool and replace worn parts caused by normal use, for free, any time

during the first year after purchase.

2 YEARS FREE SERVICE ON D

EWALT BATTERY PACKS

DC9071, DC9091, DC9096, DC9280, DC9360, DC9180, DCB120 and DCB201

3 YEARS FREE SERVICE ON DEWALT BATTERY PACKS

DCB200

D

EWALT BATTERY PACKS

Product warranty voided if the battery pack is tampered with in any way. D

EWALT is not responsible

for any injury caused by tampering and may prosecute warranty fraud to the fullest extent permitted
by law.

90 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

If you are not completely satisfied with the performance of your D

EWALT Power Tool, Laser, or Nailer

for any reason, you can return it within 90 days from the date of purchase with a receipt for a full
refund – no questions asked.
LATIN AMERICA: This warranty does not apply to products sold in Latin America. For products
sold in Latin America, see country specific warranty information contained in the packaging, call the
local company or see website for warranty information.
FREE WARNING LABEL REPLACEMENT: If your warning labels (Fig. 3) become illegible or are
missing, call 1-800-4-D

EWALT (1-800-433-9258) for a free replacement.

FIG. 1

FIG. 2

Li-Ion Slide Battery
Bloc-Piles Coulissant

Li-Ion
Unidad de Batería

Deslizante de Li-Ion

NiCd/NiMH/Li-Ion Tower
Battery

Bloc-Piles Tourelle Li-Ion
Unidad de Batería de

Torre de Li-Ion

Li-Ion Slide Port
Port de bloc

coulissant Li-Ion
Puerto deslizante

de Li-Ion

NiCd/NiMH/Li-Ion Tower Port
Port de tourelle NiCd/NiMH/Li-Ion
Puerto de torre de NiCd/NiMH/Li-Ion

FIG. 3

Défi nitions: lignes directrices en matière

de sécurité

Les définitions ci-dessous décrivent le niveau de danger pour chaque mot­indicateur employé. Lire le mode d’emploi et porter une attention particulière à
ces symboles.

DANGER: indique une situation dangereuse imminente qui, si elle n’est pas

évitée, entraînera la mort ou des blessures graves.

AVERTISSEMENT: indique une situation potentiellement dangereuse qui,

si elle n’est pas évitée, pourrait entraîner la mort ou des blessures graves.

ATTENTION: indique une situation potentiellement dangereuse qui, si elle

n’est pas évitée, pourrait entraîner des blessures légères ou modérées.

AVIS : indique une pratique ne posant aucun risque de dommages
corporels mais qui par contre, si rien n’est fait pour l’éviter, pourrait poser des
risques de dommages matériels.

POUR TOUTE QUESTION OU REMARQUE AU SUJET DE CET OUTIL OU DE TOUT AUTRE
OUTIL D

EWALT, COMPOSEZ LE NUMÉRO SANS FRAIS : 1 800 433-9258 (1-800-4-DEWALT).

AVERTISSEMENT ! Lire et comprendre toutes les directives. À
défaut de suivre les directives sous-mentionnées, un choc électrique, un
incendie et des blessures corporelles graves pourraient survenir.

CONSERVER CES CONSIGNES

DIRECTIVES DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES PROPRES À
TOUS LES CHARGEURS DE PILES

CONSERVER CES INSTRUCTIONS: ce manuel contient des directives importantes de sécurité
et d’utilisation relatives au chargeur de blocs-piles.