Schumacher SCF-6000A User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

Model SCF-6000A
For 12-Volt Batteries

Fully Automatic
Microprocessor Controlled
Battery Charger with
Engine Starter plus
Battery 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

0099000449/0605

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................... 3

PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ...................................................................... 4

BEFORE USING YOUR BATTERY CHARGER ......................................................... 5

PLUGGING IT IN.................................................................................................. 5

USING AN EXTENSION CORD........................................................................... 5

PREPARING YOUR BATTERY TO BE CHARGED ................................................... 5

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................... 6

Charging Battery In The Vehicle ........................................................................... 6

Charging Battery Removed From The Vehicle ..................................................... 7

Using Engine Start................................................................................................ 7

SPEEDCHARGE CONTROLS .................................................................................... 8

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

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

USING YOUR ENGINE STARTER ........................................................................... 11

USING YOUR BATTERY CHARGER ....................................................................... 12

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

BATTERY PERCENT AND CHARGE TIME ............................................................. 14

TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................................................................. 15

MAINTENANCE AND CARE .................................................................................... 15

LIMITED WARRANTY............................................................................................... 16

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

The SpeedCharge Model SCF-6000A, Fully Automatic Battery Charger/Tester and
Engine Starter, offers features to accommodate the needs for home or light commer­cial use. This manual will explain how to use the SpeedCharge safely and effectively.
Please read and follow these instructions and precautions carefully.

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 and Canadian specifica­tion ICES-003. 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 on and off, 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 technician for help.

2

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 marking on these products and on engine.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

• WARNING: Handling the cord on this
product or cords associated with
accessories sold with this product, will
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, RV’s, 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 qualified service professional if
service or repair is required. Incorrect
assembly may result in fire or
electrical shock.

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

• Always charge battery in a well­ventilated area.

• WARNING: Battery chargers get hot
during operation and must have
proper ventilation. Air needs to flow
around entire charger. Do not set
charger on flammable 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

fluid (electrolyte) becomes frozen, bring
battery into a warm area to thaw before
you begin charging.

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

Never set a battery on top of the
charger.

3

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 qualified 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 SpeedCharge.
Pulling on the cord may cause damage
to the cord or the plug.

Do not operate the SpeedCharge 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, flush eyes immediately
with running cold water for at least 10
minutes. Then immediately get
medical attention.

• Never charge a frozen battery.

• 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

flame 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.

4

BEFORE USING YOUR BATTERY CHARGER

It is important to understand the charger’s requirements. This section explains the
charger’s electrical requirements and how to prepare a battery for charging.

PLUGGING IT IN

Your charger requires a 120V AC
receptacle installed according to all local
codes and ordinances.

extension cord, please make sure that
you follow these guidelines:

• Make sure that pins on plug of
extension cord are the same number,
size, and shape as those of plug on
charger.

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

• Make sure that the wire size is large
enough for its length and for the AC
ampere rating, as specified in the
chart below.

MINIMUM RECOMMENDED EXTENSION CORD

USING AN EXTENSION CORD

Length of Cord, in Feet 25 50 100 150

The use of an extension cord is not
recommended. If you must use an

AWG* Size of Cord 18 16 12 10

*AWG=American Wire Gauge

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 12 volt
lead-acid battery. Determine voltage
of battery by referring to vehicle
owner’s manual. Charge battery
initially at charger’s lowest rate.

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

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

• For batteries with removable vent
caps, if required, 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 overfill. If you have a
sealed battery with non-removable

• Take time to read all of the battery
manufacturer’s specific 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 first. 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.

vent caps, no action is necessary.

5

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

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.

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

NEGATIVE GROUNDED SYSTEM

5. Connecting to a negative­grounded 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 figure above). DO
NOT connect clamp to negative
battery post, carburetor, fuel line or
sheet metal part.

Connecting to a positive-grounded
system: Connect the black (NEGA-

TIVE) 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 an AC outlet.
The charger will be set to the default
state of 2A charge rate and REGU­LAR battery type (tester).

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. If the CHECK (red) LED is on,
check for correct cable connections.

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.

6

CHARGING BATTERY REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE:

POSITIVE

BATTERY

24", 6 GAUGE CABLE

1. Note the polarity of the battery posts
by checking the identification marks
on the battery: POSITIVE (POS, P or
+) and NEGATIVE (NEG, N or -). The
positive post is usually larger than

NEGATIVE

BATTERY CHARGER

POWER
CORD

TO
GROUNDED
POWER
OUTLET

NEGATIVE battery post. Finally,
remove the output clamp from the
POSITIVE battery post.

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

the negative post.

2. Attach at least a 24-inch-long, 6­gauge (AWG), insulated battery
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.

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.

5. Plug the power cord into an AC
outlet. The charger will be set to the
default state of 2A charge rate and
REGULAR battery type (tester).

6. 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. If the CHECK (red) LED is on,
check for correct cable connections.

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

1. With the charger plugged in and
connected to the battery of the
vehicle, set the CHARGE RATE to
60A START. Only the 60A START
and CHARGING LEDs (both yellow)
should be lit.

2. Crank the engine for no more than 8
seconds. If engine does not start,
wait 2 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.

7

SPEEDCHARGE CONTROL

Digital

LED

Status LEDs

SCF-6000A CONTROL PANEL

DISPLAY MODE SWITCH

Use this switch to set the function of the
digital LED to one of the following.

• BATTERY %: The digital LED

displays an estimate of the percent of
charge of the battery connected to the
SpeedCharge battery clamps.

• VOLTAGE: The digital LED displays

the voltage at the SpeedCharge
battery clamps in DC volts.

CHARGE RATE SWITCH

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

• 2A CHARGE RATE: Intended 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.

10A CHARGE RATE: Use for

• 30A

charging automotive batteries, marine
batteries, and deep cycle batteries.
Not intended for industrial applica­tions.

• 60A START: Provides 60 amps for

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

Display

Mode

LEDs

Charge

Rate

LEDs

Switch Buttons

Battery

Type
LEDs

BATTERY TYPE SWITCH

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

• DEEP CYCLE: Deep cycle batteries

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

• AGM, GEL CELL: AGM and gel cell

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

• 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”.

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

. Batteries should be marked

needed

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 REGULAR
setting. Make sure the battery complies
with the safety instructions on page 3.

8

CONTROL PANEL GUIDE

Digital

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SCF-6000A CONTROL PANEL GUIDE

MODE OF OPERATION

Battery tester with charged battery O O 100%

Initial power-up, battery not detected O O O 0.0

No battery or reversed battery detected O 0% or 0.0V

Battery tester with no battery O O 0%

Battery tester activated O 0~100%

Voltage meter activated O 0.0~17.0V

2 Amp charge with battery detected O O xx% or xx.xV

9

10 Amp charge with battery detected O YEL xx% or xx.xV

30 Amp charge activated O ORG xx% or xx.xV

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

Waiting for engine crank O O O 1.0~16.0V

Cranking engine O O 8ĺ0

60A Engine Start

Cool down after cranking O B 120ĺ0

Desulfation mode activated B 15% or 16V

B indicates an LED that blinks on and off. ORG indicates an LED that is on and orange.

O indicates an LED that is on continuously. YEL indicates an LED that is on and yellow.

Charge aborted B 18.8 (B)

USING THE BUILT-IN BATTERY TESTER

OVERVIEW

The SpeedCharge has a built-in battery
tester that displays either an accurate
battery voltage or an estimate of the
battery’s relative charge based on the
battery voltage and the Battery Council
International scale.

TESTING SEQUENCE

There are four basic steps required to
use the 6000A as a battery tester.

1. Connect the SpeedCharge battery
clamps to the battery. Be sure to follow
all of the precautions listed under
“OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS”.

2. Connect the SpeedCharge power cord
to a 120 VAC outlet. Again, be sure to
follow all of the precautions listed under
“OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS”.

3. If necessary, press the Battery Type
button until the correct type is indi­cated.

4. Read the voltage on the digital LED or
press the display mode button to set
the tester to “Battery %” and read the
battery percent.

TESTER AND CHARGER

When first turned on, the 6000A
operates only as a tester, not as a
charger. To continue to use it as only a
tester, avoid pressing the CHARGE
RATE switch button. Selecting a charge
rate activates the battery charger and
deactivates the tester.

POWER-UP IDLE TIME LIMIT

If no switch button is pressed within ten
minutes after the unit is first powered
up, the unit will automatically switch
from tester to charger, if a battery is
connected. In that case, the unit will be
set for the 2A charge rate and REGU­LAR battery type.

TESTER WITHOUT TIME LIMIT

If either the DISPLAY MODE or BAT­TERY TYPE button is pressed within the
first ten minutes after the unit is
powered up, the unit will remain a tester
(not a charger) indefinitely, unless a
charge rate is selected.

TESTING AFTER CHARGING

After the unit has been changed from
tester to charger (by selecting a charge
rate), it remains a charger as long as it
has power. Disconnect and reconnect
the power to change the unit back to a
tester.

TESTER STATUS LEDs

When the 6000A is operating as a
battery tester, the status LEDs light
under the following conditions.

• The CHARGED (green) LED will light
if a charged battery is tested.

• The CHARGING (yellow) LED does
not light in the battery test mode.

• The CHECK (red) LED lights unless a
properly connected battery is de­tected.

• When the tester display mode is set
to voltage, none of the Status LEDs
light.

INITIAL PERCENT CALCULATION

When a battery % is calculated for the
first time after connecting a battery, the
digital LED will show two dashes (“--”)
for a period as long as several seconds
while the tester analyzes the battery.

NOTES FOR TESTING BATTERY %

A recently charged battery could have a
temporarily high voltage due to what is
known as “surface charge”. The voltage
of such a battery will gradually drop
during the period immediately after the
charging system is disengaged.
Consequently, the tester could display
inconsistent values for such a battery.
For a more accurate reading, the
surface charge should be removed by
temporarily creating a load on the
battery, such as by turning on lights or
other accessories.

The battery % ranges from 0 to 100.
The battery tester is only designed to

test batteries. Testing a device with a
rapidly changing voltage could yield
unexpected or inaccurate results.

10