Schumacher SC-12000A User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

ELECTRONIC

BATTERY CHARGER

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S L O W C H A R G E

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F A S T C H A R G E

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E N G I N E S T A R T

Model SC-12000A For 6 and 12-Volt Batteries

Fully Automatic Microprocessor Controlled Battery Charger with Engine Starter plus Battery Tester and Alternator Tester

CAUTION:

Read all Safety Rules and Operating Instructions, and follow them with each use of this product.

Schumacher Electric Corporation Mount Prospect, IL 60056 U.S.A.

Send Warranty Product Repairs to:

Customer Service Returns P.O. Box 280, 1025 E. Thompson, Hoopeston, IL 60942-0280 Questions? Call Customer Service: 1-800-621-5485

00-99-000620/0206

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ...................................................................2

PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ...................................................................... 3

BEFORE USING YOUR BATTERY CHARGER ........................................................ 3

Plugging It In ................................................................................................................ 3

Assembling Your Charger ..................................................................................... 3

Using An Extension Cord ...................................................................................... 4

PREPARING YOUR BATTERY TO BE CHARGED .................................................. 4

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................... 4

Charging Battery In The Vehicle ........................................................................... 4

Charging Battery Removed From The Vehicle ..................................................... 5

Using Engine Start ................................................................................................ 6

USING YOUR BATTERY CHARGER ........................................................................ 7

CHARGER CONTROLS ............................................................................................. 8

CONTROL PANEL GUIDE ......................................................................................... 9

USING THE BUILT-IN BATTERY TESTER ............................................................. 10

USING THE BUILT-IN ALTERNATOR TESTER ........................................................11

BATTERY PERCENT AND CHARGE TIME ............................................................ 12

CHARGING TIPS ...................................................................................................... 13

MAINTENANCE AND CARE ................................................................................... 13

TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................................................................. 14

WARRANTY .............................................................................................................. 15

PLEASE SAVE THIS OWNER’S MANUAL AND READ BEFORE EACH USE.

Model SC-12000A Microprocessor Controlled, Fully Automatic Operation Battery Charger with Engine Starter Plus Battery and Alternator Tester offers features to accommodate the needs for home or light commercial use. This manual will explain how to use the battery charger safely and effectively. Please read and follow these instructions and precautions carefully.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING – RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES

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.

To reduce risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by battery manufacturer and manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in vicinity of battery. Review cautionary markings on these products and on engine.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

This manual contains important safety and operating instructions for battery charger model SC-12000A.

• WARNING: Handling the cord on this

product or cords associated with accessories sold with this product, may expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after

handling.

• Read all instructions and cautions printed on the battery charger, battery, and vehicle or equipment using battery.

• Use charger only on lead acid type rechargeable batteries, such as those used in cars, trucks, tractors, airplanes, vans, RVs, trolling motors, etc. This charger is not intended to supply power to a low voltage electrical system other than in a starter-motor application.

• Never use charger for charging dry cell batteries that are commonly used with home appliances like radios, stereos, remote controls, etc. These batteries may burst and cause personal injury.

• Do not disassemble charger. Take it

to a qualied service professional if

service or repair is required. Incorrect assembly may result in re or electrical shock.

• To reduce risk of electrical shock, unplug the charger from the outlet before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.

• Always charge battery in a well-ventilated area.

• WARNING: Battery chargers get hot during operation and must have proper

ventilation. Air needs to ow around

entire charger. Do not set charger on

ammable materials like carpeting,

upholstery, paper, cardboard, etc. Charger may damage leather and melt plastic and rubber.

HELP US HELP YOU ——

Remember:

Place charger as far away from the battery being charged as the charger cables will permit.

Do not expose charger to rain or snow.

Never charge a frozen battery. If battery

uid (electrolyte) becomes frozen, bring

battery into a warm area to thaw before you begin charging.

Never allow battery acid to drip on char-

ger when reading specic gravity or lling

battery.

Never set a battery on top of the charger.

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

Never touch the battery clamps together when the charger is on. You could cause a spark.

Never operate charger if it has received a hard blow, been dropped, or otherwise

damaged. Take it to a qualied professional

for inspection and repair.

PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Be sure to position the charger power cord

to prevent it from being stepped on, tripped over, or damaged.

Never pull out the plug by the cord when unplugging the charger. Pulling on the cord may cause damage to the cord or the plug.

Do not operate the charger if it has a damaged power cord or plug. Have the cord replaced.

• Wear complete eye and clothing protection when working with leadacid batteries.

• Make sure that someone is within range of your voice to come to your aid if needed while you work with or are near a lead-acid battery.

• Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby for use in case battery acid contacts your eyes, skin, or clothing. If this happens, wash immediately with soap and water. Then get medical attention.

• Avoid touching your eyes while working with a battery. Acid particles

(corrosion) may get into your eyes. If this occurs, ush eyes immediately

with running cold water for at least 10 minutes. Then immediately get medical attention.

• Remove all personal metal items

from your body such as rings, bracelets, necklaces and watches, while working with a lead-acid battery. A battery can produce a short circuit current

high enough to weld a ring (or the like)

to metal, causing a severe burn.

• Take care not to drop any metal tool

or metal object onto the battery. This may spark or short circuit the battery or another electrical device that may cause an explosion.

• Always operate the battery charger in

an open, well-ventilated area.

• Never smoke or allow a spark or ame

in the vicinity of the battery or engine. Batteries generate explosive gases.

• Neutralize any acid spills thoroughly

with baking soda before attempting to clean up.

BEFORE USING YOUR BATTERY CHARGER

It is important to understand your charger's requirements. This section will tell you about your charger's electrical requirements and how to prepare a battery for charging.

PLUGGING IT IN

Your charger requires a 120V AC 2-prong wall outlet receptacle installed according to all local codes and ordinances.

ASSEMBLING YOUR CHARGER

Included with your battery charger are two cord wrap cleats for storage of the clamp cables.

To install, align the two tabs to correspond with the two receptacles and push until you hear a snap.

Wrap clamp cables after unplugging the power cord from the AC wall outlet and store your charger in a dry location.

USING AN EXTENSION CORD

The use of an extension cord is not recommended. If you must use an extension cord, please make sure that you follow

• Make sure that the wire size is large enough for its length and for the AC

ampere rating, as specied in the chart

below.

these guidelines:

• Make sure that the pins on charger's

power cord t rmly into the extension cord, and that the extension cord ts rmly into the receptacle.

MINIMUM RECOMMENDED EXTENSION CORD

Length of Cord, in Feet 25 50 100 150

AWG* Size of Cord 18 16 12 10

*AWG=American Wire Gauge

• Check that the extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.

PREPARING YOUR BATTERY TO BE CHARGED

It is important that you read and follow these guidelines while you are preparing to charge the battery.

• Make sure that you have a 6 or 12 volt lead-acid battery. Determine voltage of battery by referring to vehicle owner’s manual or the battery markings. Charge battery initially at charger’s lowest rate.

• Clean the battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from getting in or around your eyes or on your hands.

• Wear safety glasses. See additional “Personal Safety Precautions” on page 4.

• If required, for batteries with removable vent caps, add distilled water to each cell until the battery acid reaches the level recommended by the manufacturer. This will help purge excessive gases from the

cells. Be careful not to overll. If you have

a sealed battery with non-removable vent caps, no action is necessary.

• Take time to read all of the battery

manufacturer’s specic precautions,

such as removing or not removing vent caps while charging, and recommended rates of charge.

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

• If it is necessary to remove the battery from the vehicle to charge it, always remove the grounded terminal from the battery rst. Turn off all vehicle accessories to avoid sparks from occurring.

• NOTE: A marine (boat) battery installed in a boat must be removed and charged on shore.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: A marine (boat) boat battery must be removed and charged on shore. To charge

it on board requires equipment specially designed for marine use. IMPORTANT: Follow all safety instructions and precautions when charging your battery.

Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Charge your battery in a wellventilated area.

CHARGING BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE:

1. Avoid personal injury by keeping clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys and other engine parts.

2. Avoid damaging the charger by keeping the power cord and output cords

away from the hood, door or moving engine parts.

3. Note the polarity of the battery posts

by checking the identication marks on the battery: POSITIVE (POS, P or +) and NEGATIVE (NEG, N or -). The

positive post is usually larger than the negative post.

4. Identify which battery post is ground-

DIGITAL DISPLAY

ed or connected to the chassis. THIS IS NORMALLY THE NEGATIVE POST.

NEGATIVE GROUNDED SYSTEM

5. Connecting to a negative-grounded system: Connect the red (POSITIVE)

output clamp to the POSITIVE post of the battery. Rock and twist the clamp back and forth to be sure a solid electrical connection is made. Then

connect the black (NEGATIVE) output

clamp to a heavy, unpainted metal part of the chassis or engine block,

away from the battery (see gure).

DO NOT connect clamp to negative battery post, carburetor, fuel line or sheet metal part.

Connecting to a positive-grounded

system: Connect the black (NEGATIVE) output clamp to the NEGATIVE

post of the battery. Rock and twist the clamp back and forth to be sure a solid electrical connection is made.

Then connect the red (POSITIVE)

output clamp to a heavy, unpainted metal part of the chassis or engine block, away from the battery. DO NOT connect clamp to positive battery post, carburetor, fuel line or sheet metal part.

6. Plug power cord into a 120V AC 2-prong wall outlet. The charger will be set to the default state of 12V REGULAR battery type, no charge

rate (tester mode). The CONNECTED

LED should be lit. If the CONNECTED LED is not lit, check for correct cable connections.

7. Press the appropriate control buttons to select the desired charge rate and battery type. Within a few seconds,

the CHARGING (yellow) LED should

light and the charging process should start.

8. To disconnect the charger, unplug its power cord before attempting to disconnect the output clamps. Then, standing away from the battery, remove the output clamp from the chassis or engine block. Finally, remove the output clamp from the battery post.

9. Clean and store the charger in a dry location.

CHARGING BATTERY REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE:

POSITIVE

BATTERY

24", 6 GAUGE CABLE

NEGATIVE

BATTERY CHARGER

POWER CORD

GROUNDED

POWER OUTLET

1. Note the polarity of the battery posts by

checking the identication marks on the battery: POSITIVE (POS, P or +) and NEGATIVE (NEG, N or -). The positive

post is usually larger than the negative post.

2. Attach at least a 24-inch-long, 6-gauge

(AWG), insulated batter y cable to NEGATIVE (NEG, N or -) battery post.

Rock and twist the clamp back and forth to be sure a solid electrical connection is made.

3. Connect the red (POSITIVE) output

clamp to the POSITIVE battery post. Rock and twist the clamp back and forth to be sure a solid electrical connection is made.

4. Position yourself as far away from the battery as possible, and then connect

the black (NEGATIVE) output clamp to

the free end of the cable.

5. Plug the power cord into a 120V AC 2-prong wall outlet. The charger will be set to the default state of 12V REGULAR

battery type, no charge rate (tester mode).

The CONNECTED LED should be lit. If the CONNECTED LED is not lit, check for correct cable connections.

6. Press the appropriate control buttons to select the desired charge rate and battery type.

7. To disconnect the charger, unplug its power cord before attempting to disconnect the charger clamps. Then, standing away from the battery, remove the output clamp from the NEGATIVE battery post. Finally, remove the output clamp from the POSITIVE battery post.

8. Clean and store the charger in a dry location.

USING ENGINE START

Your battery charger can be used to jump start your car if the battery is low. Follow these instructions on how to use the ENGINE START feature.

IMPORTANT: Follow all safety instructions and precautions when charging your battery. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Charge your battery in a well-ventilated area.

IMPORTANT: Using the ENGINE START feature WITHOUT a battery installed in the vehicle could cause damage to the vehicle’s electrical system.

1. For battery connections, see page 6 and follow instructions 1 – 6 of CHARGING BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE. With the charger plugged in and connected to the battery of the vehicle, press the CHARGE START button until the ENGINE START LED is lit. Only the ENGINE START, CHARGING, CONNECTED, and VOLTAGE LEDs should be lit, unless the 6V REGULAR battery type has been selected. In that case, the 6V REGULAR LED will also be lit.

2. Crank the engine for no more than 5 seconds. If engine does not start, wait 3 minutes before cranking again.

3. After the engine starts, unplug the power cord before disconnecting the output clamps from the battery.

4. Clean and store the charger in a dry location.

NOTE: During the starting sequence listed above, the charger is set to one of three states.

1. Wait for cranking - The charger waits until the engine is actually being cranked before delivering 120 amps for engine start. The charger delivers charge at a rate of up to 15 amps while waiting and will reset if the engine

is not cranked within 15 minutes. (If

the charger resets, it sets itself for a SMALL BATTERY charge and 12V REGULAR BATTERY type.) While waiting for cranking, the digital display

shows the battery voltage (it can’t be set to percent).

2. Cranking - When cranking is detected, the charger will automatically deliver up

to its maximum output (at least 120A)

as required by the starting system for up to 5 seconds or until the engine cranking stops. The digital display shows a countdown of the remaining crank time in seconds. It starts at 5 and counts down to 0.

3. Cool Down - After cranking, the char-

ger enters a mandatory 3-minute (180 second) cool down state. During this

period, no settings can be changed. The buttons are ignored. The digital display indicates the remaining cool down time in seconds. It starts at 180 and counts down to 0. The ENGINE START LED blinks once every second. During the cool down period, no current is delivered to the battery. After 3 minutes, the ENGINE START LED will stop blinking and will light continuously, indicating that another crank cycle can be started. The digital display will change from displaying the countdown back to displaying the battery voltage. The CHARGING LED will then be lit.

ENGINE STARTING NOTES:

• If the battery is disconnected during

the cool down period, the charger will reset.

USING YOUR BATTERY CHARGER

OVERVIEW

Using this battery charger is very simple. First, connect the battery and AC power following the precautions listed under “OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS”. Then select the appropriate BATTERY TYPE and charge rate for your battery. The charger will then do everything automatically. This section explains a few details.

CHARGING: If the charger does not detect a properly connected battery, the

CONNECTED (yellow) LED will not light.

Charging will not begin unless the CONNECTED LED is on. When charging begins, the CHARGING LED will be lit.

AUTOMATI C SHUT OFF: When the SMALL BATTERY or REGULAR BATTERY charge is selected, the charger is set to perform an automatic charge. When an automatic charge is performed, the charger stops charging automatically after the battery is charged.

ABORTED CHARGE: If charging can’t be completed normally, charging will be aborted. When charging is aborted, the charger’s output is shut off and the digital display blinks on and off. In that state, the charger ignores all buttons. To reset from after an aborted charge, either disconnect the battery or unplug the charger.

DESULFATION MODE: If a battery is left discharged for an extended period, it could become sulfated and not accept a normal charge. If the charger detects a sulfated battery, the charger will switch to a special mode of operation designed for such batteries. Activation of the special desulfation mode is indicated by blinking the CHARGING LED. If successful, normal charging will resume after the battery is desulfated. The CHARGING LED will then stop blinking and light continuously. Desulfation could take up to 10 hours. If desulfation fails, charging will be aborted and the digital display will blink.

C O MPL ET I O N O F C HA RG I N G: Cha r ge comp l etion is in dicated by

the CHARGED (green) LED; when

lit, the charger has stopped charging and switched to the Maintain Mode of operation, if the DEEP CYCLE battery type was selected. For other battery types, the CHARGED LED comes on when the battery is charged enough for normal use.

MAINTAIN MODE: When the CHARGED

(green) LED is lit, the charger has started

Maintain Mode. This mode of operation is also known as Float-Mode Monitoring. In this mode, the charger keeps the battery fully charged by delivering a small amount of current, when necessary. The voltage is maintained at a level determined by the BATTERY TYPE selected.

NOTE: For battery types other than DEEP CYCLE, the charged LED might be lit before Maintain Mode is started.

GENERAL CHARGING NOTES:

The charger is designed to control its cooling fan for efcient operation. Consequently, it is normal for the fan to start and stop when maintaining a fully charged battery. The fan does not run in Tester Mode.

If the charge mode is changed after charg-

ing has started (by pressing the CHARGE

START or BATTERY TYPE button), the charging process will be restarted.

The voltage displayed during charging will usually be higher than the battery’s resting voltage.

The voltage displayed during charging is the battery voltage, not the RMS charging voltage.

CHARGER CONTROLS

DIGITAL DISPLAY

DIGITAL DISPLAY BUTTON

Use this button to set the function of the digital display to one of the following.

• BATTERY %: The digital display shows

an estimate of the percent of charge of the battery connected to the charger battery clamps.

• VOLTAGE: The digital display shows the

voltage at the charger battery clamps in DC volts.

• ALTERNATOR %: The digital display

shows an estimated percentage of the output of the vehicle charging system connected to the charger battery clamps as compared to a properly functioning system.

BATTERY TYPE BUTTON

Use this button to set the type of battery to be charged to one of the following.

• 12V REGULAR: This is the type of

battery usually used in cars, trucks, and motorcycles. These batteries have vent caps and are often marked “low maintenance” or “maintenance-free”.

• 12V DEEP CYCLE: Deep cycle batter-

ies are usually marked as “deep cycle” or “marine”. Deep cycle batteries are usually larger than the other types.

• 12V AGM/GEL: AGM and gel cell bat-

teries have sealed cases without vent caps. Such batteries are often smaller than the other types.

• 6V REGULAR: This is the type of bat-

tery usually used in antique and some specialized vehicles. The 6V REGULAR battery type is not selectable for batteries greater than 8.5V DC.

With the exception of AGM and gel cell batteries, all other battery types may or may not have vent caps. Vent caps are

located on top of the battery and provide a means to add distilled water when needed.

Batteries should be marked with their type. If charging a battery that is not marked, check the manual of the item that uses the battery. If the battery type is unknown, use the 12V REGULAR setting. Make sure the battery complies with the safety instructions on page 3.

CHARGE START BUTTON

Use this button to set the maximum charge rate to one of the following.

• SMALL BATTERY: Provides 2A for

charging small batteries such as those commonly used in garden tractors, snow mobiles and motorcycles. The 2A rate is not intended to be used as a trickle charger for larger batteries.

• REGULAR BATTERY: Provides a

charge rate of up to 15A40A depending on the battery. Use for charging automotive batteries, marine batteries, and deep cycle batteries. Not intended for industrial applications.

• ENGINE START: Provides 120 amps for

cranking an engine with a weak or run down battery. Always use in combination with a battery.

• OFF: Charger returns to tester mode

and the SMALL BATTERY, REGULAR BATTERY and ENGINE START LEDs all stay OFF.

CONTROL PANEL GUIDE

SC-12000A CONTROL PANEL GUIDE

MODE OF OPERATION

Digital

Display

Initial power-up, battery not detected O O 0.0

No battery or reversed battery detected 0% or 0.0V

Battery tester activated O 0~100%

Battery tester with charged battery O O O 100%

Battery tester with no battery O 0%

Voltage meter activated O 0.0~17.0V

Alternator tester activated O 0~199%

Alternator tester on good alternator O O O 0~199%

Alternator tester on bad alternator O O 0~199%

Small Battery (2A) charge activated O O O xx% or xx.xV

Regular Battery (15AŻŹ40A) charge activated O O O xx% or xx.xV

Charge complete - Maintain Mode started O O 100% or xx.xV

Engine Start

Waiting for engine crank O O O X O 1.0~16.0V

Cranking engine O O X O 5ĺ0

Cool down after cranking O X B 180ĺ0

Desulfation mode activated B O 15% or 16V

Charge aborted O 8.8.8. (B)

O indicates an LED that is on continuously.

X ON if 6V REGULAR is selected

User selected

User sel. User selected

User selected

B indicates an LED that blinks on and off.

User selected

User sel.

User selected

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