Schumacher SF 4020, SF 6030, SF 4022, SF 2001, SF-8050 User Manual
Models
OWNER'S MANUAL
SF 2001, SF 4020,
SF 4022, SF 6030, SF 8050
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.
Important Instructions
Save These Instructions
A.
1. Before you use your battery charger, be sure to read all instructions and cautions printed on:
• Battery Charger
• Battery
• Vehicle or unit using battery
2. Use battery charger on LEAD ACID type rechargeable batteries only, such as used in autos, trucks, tractors, airplanes,
vans, RV's, trolling motors, etc. Charger is not intended to
supply power to low-voltage electrical system other than in
an automotive application.
WARNING: 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.
3. Use only attachments recommended or sold by manufacturer. Use of non-recommended attachments may result in
fire, electric shock, or injury.
4. When disconnecting the battery charger, pull by the plug
not by the cord. Pulling on the cord may cause damage to
cord or plug.
5. Locate battery power cord so it cannot be stepped on, tripped
over, or subjected to damage or stress.
6. Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug. Have
cord replaced immediately.
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 professional for inspection and repair.
8. Do not disassemble charger. Take it to a qualified professional when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in electric shock or fire.
9. To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger from outlet
before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
10. Do not use an extension cord unless absolutely necessary.
Use of an improper extension cord could result in fire or
GENERAL BATTERY SAFETY
electric shock. If an extension cord must be used, make
sure that:
• Pins on plug of extension cord are the same number, size,
and shape as those of the plug on the charger.
• Extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical
condition.
• Wire size is large enough for AC ampere rating of charger,
as specified below:
_____________________________________________
Length of cord (feet): 25 50 100 150
AWG size of cord: 16 12 10 8
(American Wire Gauge)
_____________________________________________
11. Always charge battery in a well ventilated area.
NEVER operate in a closed-in or restricted area without
adequate ventilation because of risk of explosive gases.
WARNING: Risk of explosive gas.
12. Locate charger as far away from battery as DC charger
cables permit.
13. Do not expose charger to rain or snow.
14. NEVER charge a frozen battery. If battery fluid (electrolyte)
is frozen, bring into a warm area to thaw before charging.
15. NEVER allow battery acid to drip on charger when reading
specific gravity or filling battery.
16. NEVER set a battery on top of charger.
17. NEVER place charger directly above battery being charged.
Gases from battery will corrode and damage charger.
18. NEVER touch the battery clips together when the charger is
energized.
WARNING: Battery chargers get hot during operation and
must have proper ventilation. Air needs to flow around entire charger.
Do not set on flammable items like carpeting, upholstery,
paper, cardboard, etc. Will damage leather and melt plastic
and rubber.
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• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
• SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS •
ELECTRIC CORPORATION
801 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE • MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS 60056-2179
In Canada, for warranty claims and replacement, please return item to place of purchase
during warranty period with receipt of purchase.
553-300
1
B.
PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY
1. WARNING: Wear complete eye protection and clothing
protection, when working with lead-acid batteries.
2. Make sure someone is within range of your voice or close
enough to come to your aid when you work with or near a
lead-acid battery.
3. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby for use if battery
acid contacts skin, clothing, or eyes. If battery acid contacts
skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water.
4. Avoid touching your eyes while working with a battery. Acid
particles (corrosion) may get into your eyes! If acid enters
your eye, immediately flood eye with running cold water for
at least 10 minutes. Get medical attention immediately.
5. Remove all personal metal items such as rings, bracelets,
C.
Charger should be grounded to reduce the 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. This battery
charger is designed for use on a nominal 120 volt circuit and has
a grounded plug that looks like the plug illustrated in FIGURE 1
(A). This plug should be used in a grounded outlet. The plug
pins must fit the receptacle (outlet).
ADAPTER: A temporary adapter, as shown in FIGURE 1 (B) and
(C), may be used to connect the charger plug to a two pole receptacle (outlet), as shown in FIGURE 1 (B).
GROUND AND AC POWER CORD CONNECTIONS
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 the like) to metal, causing a
severe burn.
6. Take care not to drop a metal tool or other metal onto the
battery. Metal may cause sparking or short circuit the battery
or another electrical devise. Sparking may cause an
explosion.
7. Always operate battery charger in an open well ventilated
area.
8. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in the vicinity of the
battery or engine. Batteries generate explosive gases!
GROUNDING
SCREW
NOTE: The temporary adapter should be used only until a properly grounded outlet can be installed by a qualified electrician.
DANGER: Never alter the AC cord or plug provided. If it will not fit outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician. Improper connection can result
in a risk of an electrical shock. DANGER: Before using an adapter, as illustrated, be certain that the center screw of the outlet plate is grounded. The greencolored rigid ear or lug extending from the 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.
"Use of adapter plug not allowed in Canada"
D.
1. Make sure you have a 12 volt or a 6 volt lead-acid battery
and select battery charger switch accordingly.
2. Clean battery terminals. Take care to keep corrosion from
coming in contact with your eyes.
3. If required, add distilled water in each cell until battery acid
reaches levels specified by battery manufacturer. This helps
purge excessive gas from cells. Do not overfill. For a battery without cell caps, carefully follow manufacturer's recharging instructions.
4. Study all battery manufacturer's specific precautions, such
as removing or not removing cell caps while charging, and
recommended rates of charge.
E.
CHARGER LOCATION PRECAUTIONS
PREPARING TO CHARGE
5. 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 non-metallic material as a
fan.
6. If 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.
7. A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on
shore. To charge it on board requires equipment specially
designed for marine use.
FIGURE 1 GROUNDING METHODS
Never place charger directly above the battery being charged,
gases from battery could damage the charger.
Never allow battery acid to drip on the charger when reading
specific gravity of filling battery.
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Never operate charger in a closed in area, or restrict ventila-
tion in any way.
Do not set battery on top of the charger.
2
F.
When charging battery in the vehicle, take care to determine the battery type and which post is grounded. To reduce risk of a spark
near battery, follow these steps when battery is installed in vehicle. WARNING: A spark near battery may cause battery explosion.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS: CHARGING BATTERY IN VEHICLE
1. Position AC power cord and DC charging cords to reduce
risk of damage by hood, door, or moving engine parts.
2. Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and other parts that
can cause injury.
3. Check polarity of battery posts. Battery case will be marked
by each post: POSITIVE (POS, P, +) and NEGATIVE (NEG,
N, -). NOTE: The positive battery post usually has a larger
diameter than the negative post.
4. Determine which post of battery is ground (connected) to
chassis.
NOTE: The negative post is normally grounded.
NEGATIVE GROUNDED POST
5A. For negative-grounded vehicle, connect POSITIVE (RED)
clip from battery charger to POSITIVE (POS, P, +) ungrounded
post of battery. Connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip to vehicle chassis or engine block away from battery. Connect to a heavy gauge
metal part of the frame or engine block.
POSITIVE GROUNDED POST
5B. For positive-grounded vehicle, connect NEGATIVE
(BLACK) clip from battery charger to NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -)
ungrounded post of battery. Connect POSITIVE (RED) clip to
vehicle chassis or engine block away from battery. Connect to a
heavy gauge unpainted metal part of the frame or engine block.
WARNING: Do not connect clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheetmetal body parts. NOTE: Attach clips to battery post and twist or
rock back and forth several times to make a good connection.
This tends to keep clips from slipping off terminals and helps to
reduce risk of sparking.
6. Select amperage.
7. Follow steps 1-4 in Battery Charger Section K.
8. When the battery is fully charged, unplug the charger from
the AC power source.
9. Remove charger clips from (1) chassis and (2) battery pole
in that order.
10. Clean and store battery charger.
G.
When charging battery out of vehicle, take care to determine the battery type. To reduce risk of a spark near battery, follow these steps
when battery is outside vehicle. WARNING: A spark near the battery may cause battery explosion. WARNING: When removing battery
from vehicle or boat, disconnect grounded pole first. When disconnecting, make sure all accessories are off, so as not to cause an arc.
(NOTE: A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore. (To charge on board requires special equipment designed for
marine use.) WARNING: When reinstalling battery, attach the ground post first.
1. Check polarity of battery posts. Battery case will be marked
2. Attach a 24-inch long (or longer) 6-gauge (AWG) insulated
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS: CHARGING BATTERY OUT OF VEHICLE
24" Cable
Do not use to parallel charge batteries
by each post: POSITIVE (POS, P, +) and NEGATIVE (NEG,
N, -). NOTE: The positive battery post usually has a larger
diameter than the negative post.
battery cable to NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) battery post.
(The 24" lead is not supplied. You may purchase at most
automotive stores.)
The 24" lead provides a safer connection condition. Spark-
Battery
Cable
ing or arcing could occur when connecting the charger clip
to the lead.
3. Connect POSITIVE (RED) charger clip to POSITIVE (POS,
P, +) post of battery. Rock clip back and forth to make good
connection.
4. Position yourself and free end of 24 inch cable as far away
from battery as possible. Then connect NEGATIVE (BLACK)
charger clip to free end of cable.
WARNING: Do not face battery when making final connection. Rock clip back and forth to make a good connection.
5. Select amperage:
6. Follow steps 1-4 in Battery Charger Section.
7. When battery is fully charged, unplug charger from AC outlet.
8. When battery is fully charged and the charger is unplugged:
(1) Remove clip from end of the Negative end of cable, then
(2) Remove clip from Positive battery post, in that order.
9. Clean and store battery charger.
WARNING: Be sure area around the 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.
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3
H. OUTPUT SELECTOR CONTROLS
CHARGE RATE CHARGE TIME/MINUTES
200 amp start 2 amp
#1
40 amp 40 amp
VOLT/RATE SELECTOR CHARGE TIME/MINUTES
12 VOLT
MAINTAINER
#2
200 amp
12 VOLT
10 AMP
12 VOLT
40 AMP
(Range: .5-1AMP)
SF 2001
Ammeter
SF 4020
Ammeter
12 VOLT
40 AMP
6 VOLT
40AMP/
100 AMP
START
12 VOLT
30 AMP
12 VOLT
60 AMP
12 VOLT
200 AMP
START
SF 4022
Voltmeter
Ammeter
SF 6030
Ammeter
BATTERY
TEST
6 VOLT
12 VOLT
6 VOLT
40 AMP/
100 AMP
START
VOLT/RATE SELECTOR CHARGE TIME/MINUTES
12 VOLT
2 AMP
6 VOLT
50 AMP
VOLT/RATE SELECTOR CHARGE TIME/MINUTES
6 VOLT
30 AMP
OFF
OFF
12 VOLT/10 AMP
6 VOLT/40 AMP START
OFF
6 VOLT
60 AMP/200 AMP
START
12 VOLT
300 AMP
START
TIMER: The main function of the timer is to prevent over charging
while allowing a battery time to obtain a satisfactory charge. To properly set the timer you must know the size of the battery in ampere
hours or reserve capacity in minutes and the state of charge. Often
the state of charge is not known, this is one reason why the timer
was limited to 2.25 hours. With the aid of a battery load tester the
state of charge can be obtained within a few seconds. For example,
the average size automotive battery at a 50% state of charge will
require 1 to 1.5 hours of charging at the 40 amp rate to reach the
full charge state. For the same battery with the timer set to it’s maximum, 2.25 hours, over charging will occur, but not likely cause harm
to a battery that was other wise in good condition. When the charge
state is not known, start out with a timer setting of 1 hour or less.
VOLT/RATE SELECTOR CHARGE TIME/MINUTES
6 VOLT
30 AMP
OFF
6 VOLT
60 AMP/200 AMP
START
12 VOLT
300 AMP
START
12 VOLT
30 AMP
12 VOLT
60 AMP
SF 8050
Voltmeter
Ammeter
BATTERY
TEST
LOAD ON
6 VOLT
12 VOLT
Rotary switch - Use the rotary switch (volt / rate selector, on all
models except the SF 2001) to select the charge rate or engine
start setting you require. Read the switch dial for those available on
this charger.
Load Tester Switch (on SF 8050 only)
Use this switch to apply load to the battery.
Follow these easy steps:
1. Select the correct setting of the meter ( 6v or 12v ) to agree with
the battery to be tested.
2. Connect the charger leads to the battery following the instruc-
tions in section F.
3. Press the Load Switch to load on for 10 seconds and read the
voltmeter.
Good (green)
- indicates the battery capacity is OK. Battery may or
may not be fully charged. Check the specific gravity of battery to
determine the state of charge. If the specific gravity is less than full
charge, check for electrical drain or possible charging system trouble.
Recharge battery to full level.
Yellow or Red, but needle remains steady
- indicates that the
battery capacity is not satisfactory. Battery may be either defective
or not fully charged. Check specific gravity to see which condition
exists. It charging does not bring the battery specific gravity to full
charge, the battery should be replaced.
Yellow or Red, but needle remains falling
- indicates the battery
may be defective or run down. Release the load switch and note
voltmeter reaction. Voltage recovery into green or above within seconds indicates a defective battery. Slow recovery indicates run down
condition. For best results, check specific gravity.
The Ammeter indicates the amount of current measured in amperes that is being drawn by the battery. For example, In the 40
amp charge rate a typical discharged battery will initially draw approximately 40 amps. As the battery continues to charge, current
will taper to 15 to 20 amps at full charge. The Start area of the
meter indicates a high rate of current being drawn from the charger.
When cranking an engine, the starter motor draws upwards to 200300 amps. The meter needle will be at the extreme right side of the
start area. Sometimes a battery for the first few minutes of it’s charge
will draw more than 40/50 amps, in this case the needle may be
within but not to the extreme right side of the start area. The 2 amp
charge rate (on some models) may indicate some activity on the
meter. The meter doesn’t have the resolution to display this low
rate.
HOLD This position defeats the timer function, allowing for continuous operation. Use when you want to charge more than 2.25 hours.
This is normally the case when the 2 amp charge rate is selected.
Be sure to monitor the charging and stop the charge when the battery is charged.
Switch #1 use this switch to select the 200 amp engine start and
the 40 amp charge rate. Switch #2 must be in the down position
(40amp /200 amp select) when using switch #1.
Switch #2 Use this switch to select the 2 amp charge rate. Also use
to select use of switch #1.
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The Voltmeter indicates the voltage at the battery terminals. Note
that Model SF 4022 is not a Load tester, but a voltmeter. Use as
follows:
1. Charger need not be plugged into AC outlet. Timer should be in
the Off position, 6v/12v switch in position to match battery being tested, and then connect following instructions in Section F.
2. Observe the meter indication. Keep in mind that this reading is
only a battery voltage reading, a false surface charge may mislead you. We suggest that you turn on your headlamps for a
couple of minutes before you read the meter. Read a couple of
minutes after you have shut the headlamps off, then follow the
convenient color code of the meter.
4
I. ENGINE START
1. Set charge rate switch and timer to OFF positions.
2. With the charger unplugged from the AC outlet, connect the
charger to the battery following instructions given in section
F.
3. Plug the charger AC power cord into the AC outlet, then move
timer from OFF to HOLD position.
Do not try to engine start a vehicle without a battery in it. You
may damage the vehicle’s system. If the engine spins, but doesn’t
start after several starting attempts, there is a problem with the
engine of the vehicle other than its starting system. STOP cranking the engine until the other problem has been found and corrected.
4. Set the charge rate switch to the engine start position that
matches the vehicle battery and then crank the engine. Follow the duty cycle printed on the front panel of your charger
for proper ON / OFF times. During extremely cold weather or
when the battery is severely exhausted, charge the battery
for about 5 minutes before cranking the engine.
5. If the engine fails to start, charge the battery for 5 more minutes before attempting to crank the engine again.
6. After the engine starts, move the charge rate switch to OFF
and unplug the AC power cord from the outlet before disconnecting DC clips.
J. CHARGE PERIOD
Determine the charge level of your battery with a hydrometer or electronic percent of charge tester. Determine the ampere hour rating of your
battery. It may be on the battery information label. If the battery is rated in Reserve Capacity, convert to ampere hour rating using the following
formula:
Ampere Hour rating =
(Reserve capacity is in minutes)
(Reserve Capacity) + 16 Example: AH rating = (168 Reserve Capacity) + 16 or AH = 100
(2) (2)
Use the following formula to determine the time of charge required: (AH x % of charge needed) divided by amp setting of the charger,
times 1.25 = hours of charge: Example: State of charge of the battery is 50%
Percent of charge needed is 100% - 50% = 50% (.50 decimal)
Ampere rating of the battery is 100AH
Charger setting is 10 amps
100 x .50 = x 1.25 = 6.25 hours of charge needed
10
+ 1.00 hour more if charging a deep cycle battery
7.25 hours total for a deep cycle battery.
A hydrometer reading of the specific gravity of the electrolyte (fluid) of the battery in good condition should be between 1.25 and 1.28.
When a battery reaches 80-85% of full charge, bubbles will appear on the surface of the fluid. As the battery nears full charge, bubbling will
become more vigorous.
K. BATTERY CHARGING
CHARGER MUST BE ASSEMBLED BEFORE USING.
1. Before charging any battery, make sure the electrolyte (battery liquid) in each cell is at correct level.
2. Set all switches and timers to the OFF position.
3. If the battery is being charged inside the vehicle, use connection procedures outlined in Section F. Should the battery
be removed from the vehicle, follow the instruction in Section D, step 6 and Section G. Plug the power cord into the AC
outlet.
4. Set the charge rate switch to the desired charge position.
See Charge Rate Charts.
5. Set the timer from OFF position to desired timed charge, 30135 minutes.
NOTE: These battery chargers are not automatic and can over-
charge a battery if permitted to operate for extended
periods of time. Monitor the charging often.
SMALL
BATTERIES
CAR/TRUCKS
MARINE/
DEEP CYCLE
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BATTERY SIZE/RATING
Motorcycle, Garden 6 - 12 AH 1.5 to 3
Tractor, etc. 12 - 32 AH 3 to 8
200 - 315 CCA 40 - 60 RC 11 to 15 2.5 to 3 .75 to 1 .5 to .75 NR NR
315 - 550 CCA 60 - 85 RC 15 to 18 3 to 4 1 to 1.5 .75 to 1 .5 to .75 .5 to .63
550 - 875 CCA 85 - 125 RC 18 to 25 4 to 5 1.5 to 1.7 1 to 1.5 .75 to 1 .63 to .75
55 MC 15 4 NRNRNRNR
80 MC 19 5 2 1.75 NR NR
105 MC 23 6 2.5 2 NR NR
CHARGE RATE*/CHARGING TIME - HOURS**
2 AMP 10 AMP 30 AMP 40 AMP 50 AMP 60 AMP
NR NR NR NR NR
5
*Charge Rates for this model are listed on
the front panel.
**Based on battery at 50% charge.
AH Ampere Hours
NR Not Recommended
CCA Cold Cranking Amps
RC Reserve Capacity
MC Marine Capacity
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