C1600 BATTERY LOAD TESTER
INTRODUCTION:
TheC1600 is designed for high volume testing of 6, 8 and 12 volt starting, and deep cycle lead
acid batteries.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE THIS TESTER UNTIL YOU HAVE READ ALL THE
INSTRUCTIONS.
CAUTION: Always wear protective eye shields and clothing when working with
batteries. Batteries contain acids which can cause bodily harm. Do not put
wrenches or other metal objects across the battery terminal or battery top.
Arcing or explosion of the battery can result. Do not wear jewelry when
working around batteries. Arcing can cause sever burns.
Do not operate this tester if it shows any signs of physical damage.
Provide adequate ventilation for the batteries and tester. Do not obstruct the flow of cooling air
around the tester. Provide at least 10" of space around tester. Do not allow clothing, blankets
or other material to cover the tester. Certain parts of the tester will become hot when testing large
volumes of batteries.
DO NOT USE THIS TESTER IF:
The DC output clamps, or connector is loose, worn or does not make good contact; The leads are
cut or have exposed wires; The DC output leads or connector/clamps feel hot when used, or if
one or both fans do not come on when clamps are connected to battery.
NORMAL OPERATION:
6, 8, & 12 VOLT BATTERIES
NOTE: Only load test batteries at or above 75% state of charge.
1). Throughly clean post’s with a wire brush. This is important for volt meter accuracy. Observing
polarity, connect clamps to battery per illustration. Both fans should come on, if they don’t,
have them replaced by a qualified person.
2). Press the START button.
3). Adjust the knob to match the CCA of the battery.
4). For 12 volt batteries the minimum acceptable voltage is 9.6 volts @ 70F (21C). For 8 volt
batteries the minimum is 6.41 volts, for 6 volt batteries the minimum is 4.8 volts @ 70F (21C)
5). When the timer times out, remove clamps and connect another battery. Repeat. NOTE: As the
carbon pile heats up the resistance will change and the setting will drift, small knob
adjustments will be needed to keep the amps at the battery CCA rating.
6). The C1600 is equipped with a timer override button. Should you need to interrupt a test,
simply push the button. Timer is factory set at 15 seconds. To adjust, use a miniature screwdriver, locate
1/4" hole in back, insert screwdriver and turn potentiometer to desired time. 5-15 seconds.
CARE & MAINTENANCE:
1). Heat is the enemy of your tester. To prolong component life; When testing large volumes of
batteries, leave tester connected to last battery for a minimum of 5 minutes to allow fans to
exhaust residual heat from cabinet. When using a setting higher than 600CCA, allow 30
second cooling off period between batteries.
2). The aluminum cabinet is susceptible to acid fume corrosion, and staining as are all surfaces,
periodically wipe the unit down with a damp cloth. Use water only. Take care to keep
electrolyte off the unit as it will cause rapid deterioration, especially the volt meter lens.
3). Keep the clamp jaws clean with a wire brush. High resistance connections can give a low volt
reading, and cause cracking and popping and intermittent connections under load.
3). Periodically remove load screw and flush with silicon lubricant spray to remove grit and
assure smooth operation.