Schumacher SP-400 User Manual
Model / Modelo / Modèle: SP-400
OWNER’S MANUAL
MANUAL DEL USUARIO
GUIDE D’UTILISATION
Solar Battery Charger/Maintainer
Cargador/Maintenedor Solar
de Baterías
Dispositif D’entretien / Chargeur
de Batterie Solaire
Voltage / Tensión / Tension: 12
Wattage / Watts / Puissance: 4.8
DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO THE STORE!
Call Customer Service for assistance: 800-621-5485
¡NO LO DEVUELVA ESTE PRODUCTO A LA TIENDA!
Llame a Servicios al Cliente para asistencia: 800-621-5485
NE PAS RETOURNER LE PRODUIT AU MAGASIN !
Appeler le service clientèle pour l’assistance : 800-621-5485
FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
CUALQUIER FALLA PODRÍA RESULTAR EN SERIAS LESIONES O PODRÍA SER MORTAL.
DE FAIRE AINSI PEUT S’ENSUIVRE DANS LA BLESSURE SÉRIEUSE OU LA MORT.
READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT.
LEA EL MANUAL COMPLETO ANTES DE UTILIZAR ESTE PRODUCTO.
LIRE ENTIÈREMENT LE GUIDE AVANT D’UTILISER CE PRODUIT. L’ÉCHEC
0099001193-01
IMPORTANT: READ AND SAVE THIS SAFETY AND INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual will show you how to use your solar
panel safely and effectively. Please read, understand and follow these instructions
and precautions carefully, as this manual contains important safety and operating
instructions. The safety messages used throughout this manual contain a signal word,
a message and an icon.
The signal word indicates the level of the hazard in a situation.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury to the operator or bystanders.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury to the operator or bystanders.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in moderate or minor injury to the operator or bystanders.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in damage to the equipment or vehicle or property damage.
Pursuant to California Proposition 65, this product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
1. IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS – SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
This manual contains important safety and operating instructions.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE.
1.1 Keep out of reach of children.
1.2 Do not expose the solar panel to rain or snow.
1.3 Use only recommended attachments. Use of an
attachment not recommended or sold by Schumacher® Electric
Corporation may result in a risk of re, electric shock or injury
to persons or damage to property.
1.4 To reduce the risk of electric shock, unplug the clips from the solar panel before
attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
1.5 Do not operate the solar panel if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped or
otherwise damaged in any way; take it to a qualied service person. (Call customer
service at 1-800-621-5485.)
1.6 Do not disassemble the solar panel; take it to a qualied service person when service or
repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of re or electric shock. (Call
customer service at 1-800-621-5485.)
RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.
1.7 WORKING IN THE 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 YOU FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EACH TIME YOU
USE THE SOLAR PANEL.
1.8 To reduce the risk of a battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published
by the battery manufacturer and the manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use
in the vicinity of the battery. Review the cautionary markings on these products and on
the engine.
1.9 If used in a garage, locate this solar panel 18 inches (45.72 cm) or more above oor
level. Do not place on wet ground, anywhere it could be accidently stepped on or in a
place or position where it could fall while being used.
• 2 •
2. PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS
RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.
2.1 NEVER smoke or allow a spark or ame in the vicinity of a battery or engine.
2.2 Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, 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.
2.3 Be extra cautious to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto the battery. It might
spark or short-circuit the battery or other electrical part that may cause an explosion.
2.4 Use this solar panel for maintaining and charging LEAD-ACID batteries only. It is not
intended to supply power to a low voltage electrical system other than in a starter-motor
application. Do not use this solar panel for maintaining or charging dry-cell batteries that
are commonly used with home appliances. These batteries may burst and cause injury
to persons and damage to property.
2.5 NEVER maintain or charge a frozen battery.
2.6 Consider having someone close enough by to come to your aid when you work near a
lead-acid battery.
2.7 Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts your skin,
clothing or eyes.
2.8 Wear complete eye and body protection, including safety goggles and protective
clothing. Avoid touching your eyes while working near the battery.
2.9 If battery acid contacts your skin or clothing, immediately wash the area with soap and
water. If acid enters your eye, immediately ood the eye with cold running water for at
least 10 minutes and get medical attention right away.
2.10 If battery acid is accidentally swallowed, drink milk, the whites of eggs or water. DO NOT
induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
3. PREPARING TO MAINTAIN OR CHARGE
RISK OF CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID. BATTERY ACID
IS A HIGHLY CORROSIVE SULFURIC ACID.
3.1 If it is necessary to remove the battery from the vehicle
to maintain or charge it, always remove the grounded terminal
rst. Make sure all of the accessories in the vehicle are off to
prevent arcing.
3.2 Be sure the area around the battery is well ventilated while the battery is being
maintained or charged.
3.3 Clean the battery terminals before maintaining or charging the battery. During cleaning,
keep airborne corrosion from coming into contact with your eyes, nose and mouth.
Use baking soda and water to neutralize the battery acid and help eliminate airborne
corrosion. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
3.4 Add distilled water to each cell until the battery acid reaches the level specied by the
battery manufacturer. Do not overll. For a battery without removable cell caps, such
as valve regulated lead acid batteries (VRLA), carefully follow the manufacturer’s
recharging instructions.
3.5 Read, understand and follow all instructions for the solar panel, battery, vehicle and any
equipment used near the battery and solar panel. Study all of the battery manufacturer’s
specic precautions while in use.
3.6 Determine the voltage of the battery by referring to the vehicle owner’s manual and
make sure that the output voltage of the solar panel is the correct voltage.
3.7 Make sure that the solar panel cable clips make tight connections.
• 3 •
4. SOLAR PANEL LOCATION
RISK OF EXPLOSION AND CONTACT WITH
BATTERY ACID.
4.1 Locate the solar panel as far away from
the battery as the DC cables permit.
4.2 Never place the solar panel directly
above the battery being charged or maintained;
gases from the battery will corrode and damage the solar panel.
4.3 Do not set the battery on top of the solar panel.
4.4 Never allow battery acid to drip onto the solar panel when reading the electrolyte
specic gravity or lling the battery.
4.5 Do not operate the solar panel in a closed-in area or restrict the ventilation in any way.
5. DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Never allow the clips to touch each other.
5.2 Attach the clips to the battery and chassis, as indicated in sections 6 and 7.
6. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN VEHICLE
A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE
A BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE THE
RISK OF A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY:
6.1 Position the DC cables to reduce the
risk of damage by the hood, door and moving
or hot engine parts. NOTE: If it is necessary
to close the hood during the maintaining or
charging process, ensure that the hood does not touch the metal part of the battery clips
or cut the insulation of the cables.
6.2 Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys and other parts that can cause injury.
6.3 Check the polarity of the battery posts. The POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually
has a larger diameter than the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) post.
6.4 Determine which post of the battery is grounded (connected) to the chassis. If the
negative post is grounded to the chassis (as in most vehicles), see step 6.5. If the
positive post is grounded to the chassis, see step 6.6.
6.5 For a negative-grounded vehicle, connect the POSITIVE (RED) clip from the solar panel
to the POSITIVE (POS, P, +) ungrounded post of the battery. Connect the NEGATIVE
(BLACK) clip to the vehicle chassis or engine block away from the battery. Do not
connect the clip to the carburetor, fuel lines or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a
heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
6.6 For a positive-grounded vehicle, connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip from the solar
panel to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) ungrounded post of the battery. Connect the
POSITIVE (RED) clip to the vehicle chassis or engine block away from the battery. Do
not connect the clip to the carburetor, fuel lines or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a
heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
6.7 Using the quick-disconnect connector, plug the clips into the solar panel.
6.8 When disconnecting the solar panel, unplug the clips from the solar panel, remove the
clip from the vehicle chassis, then remove the clip from the battery terminal.
7. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS OUTSIDE VEHICLE
A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE
A BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE THE
RISK OF A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY:
7.1 Check the polarity of the battery posts.
The POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually
has a larger diameter than the NEGATIVE
(NEG, N, -) post.
7.2 Attach at least a 24-inch (61 cm) long 6-gauge (AWG) (13 mm2) insulated battery cable
to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) battery post.
• 4 •
7.3 Connect the POSITIVE (RED) solar panel clip to the POSITIVE (POS, P, +) post of
the battery.
7.4 Position yourself and the free end of the cable you previously attached to the NEGATIVE
(NEG, N, -) battery post as far away from the battery as possible – then connect the
NEGATIVE (BLACK) solar panel clip to the free end of the cable.
7.5 Do not face the battery when making the nal connection.
7.6 Using the quick-connect connector, plug the clips into the solar panel.
7.7 When disconnecting the solar panel, always do so in the reverse order of the connecting
procedure and break the rst connection while as far away from the battery as practical.
7.8 A marine (boat) battery must be removed and maintained or charged on shore. To
maintain or charge it onboard requires equipment specially designed for marine use.
8. FEATURES
1
1. Solar Panel
2. Quick-Disconnect 50 Amp Battery
Clip Cable Assembly
3. Quick-Disconnect 12V Accessory
Plug Cable Assembly
4. Mounting Screws (not shown)
2
3
9. ASSEMBLY AND MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
Remove all cord wraps and uncoil the cables prior to using the solar panel.
To mount the solar panel (in a dry location off the ground):
1. Using the solar panel as a template (guide), mark the location of the four pre-molded
mounting holes on a secure, at surface.
2. If necessary, drill four 7/64" (0.109) dia. pilot holes.
3. Mount the solar panel using the four stainless steel screws provided.
NOTE: Do not over tighten the screws or you will break the plastic frame of the solar panel.
10. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
This solar panel must be properly assembled in accordance with the
assembly instructions before it is used.
The solar panel does not have an ON/OFF switch. The On and Off commands are
controlled by placing the solar panel in the sun only after the battery connections have
been made.
You MUST disconnect the solar panel from the 12 volt power outlet or battery when
starting the engine or driving the vehicle. Electrical surges from the alternator when
starting and running may damage the solar panel.
NOTE: The clips and 12V output are always live.
Charging and Maintaining a Battery
1. Ensure that all of the solar panel components are in place and in good working
condition, for example, the plastic boots on the battery clips.
2. Decide whether you are going to use the 12 volt accessory plug or the 50 Amp
battery clips to connect the solar panel to the vehicle. Connect the proper cable to
the solar panel making sure the connection is secure.
• If using the 12 volt accessory plug, plug the connector into the vehicle’s power
outlet making sure the connection is secure.
• If using the 50 Amp battery clips, connect the battery following the precautions
listed in sections 6 and 7.
• 5 •
3. Place the solar panel in the sun. For optimum solar panel output, face the front
(glass) side of the solar panel towards the sun, making sure there are no shadows
being cast on the panel by the vehicle or other objects. The best orientation to place
the solar panel is in a south to north direction with the panel tilted at a suitable angle.
The best angle would be the same as your local latitude.
4. To disconnect, reverse the procedure.
The Schumacher SP-400 is a battery charger/maintainer that charges small batteries
and maintains large 12 volt batteries, keeping them at full charge. However, if you were
to use this unit to charge a large battery, you may lose some of the battery’s capacity.
This would cause the battery to be unable to hold a charge and become useless.
NOTE: The maintain mode technology utilized in Schumacher maintainers allows you
to safely maintain a healthy battery for extended periods of time. However, problems
with the battery, electrical problems in the vehicle, improper connections or other
unanticipated conditions could cause excessive current draws. As such, occasionally
monitoring your battery and the maintaining process is recommended.
NOTE: This is a manual charger and will overcharge a battery if permitted to operate for
extended periods of time. Monitor charging often, as not doing so may cause damage to
your battery, or result in other property damage or personal injury.
(p/n 4999000292, not included) in tandem with this solar panel for optimal results, and to
The manufacturer strongly recommends using a solar charge controller
avoid overcharge or discharge of the battery.
Using The Quick-Disconnect Cable Assemblies
Connect either of the two output cable assemblies to the solar panel. Do not place
on wet ground, anywhere it could be accidently stepped on or in a place or position
where it could fall while being used. Never use the output cables together or for other
applications, as reverse polarity and/or overcharge conditions will occur.
50 Amp Battery Clip Cable Assembly
1. Connect the end of the solar panel output cable to the end of the 50 amp battery
clips cable.
2. Follow the steps in sections 6 and 7 to connect the output clips to the battery.
3. After a good electrical connection is made to the battery, place the solar panel in the
sun, per the instructions in step 4 of the solar panel location section.
12V Accessory Plug Cable Assembly
Maintain or charge your battery without lifting the hood.
1. Connect the end of the 12V accessory plug cable to the solar panel.
2. Insert the 12V accessory plug into the 12V accessory outlet.
3. Route the power cord from the solar panel through the vehicle’s open window.
4. Place the solar panel in the sun, per the instructions in step 4 of the solar panel
location section.
11. MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
11.1 After use and before performing maintenance, unplug and disconnect the solar panel
(see sections 6, 7 and 8).
11.2 Use a dry cloth to wipe all battery corrosion and other dirt or oil from the battery clips,
cords and the solar panel.
11.3 The solar panel uses a glass substrate; please handle with care.
11.4 Always keep the glass surface clean using a soft cloth in order to ensure its maximum output.
11.5 Ensure that all of the solar panel components are in place and in good working
condition, for example, the plastic boots on the battery clips.
11.6 Servicing does not require opening the unit, as there are no user-serviceable parts.
11.7 All other servicing should be performed by qualied service personnel.
• 6 •
12. MOVING AND STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
12.1 Store the solar panel unplugged, in an upright position.
12.2 Store inside, in a cool, dry place.
12.3 Do not store the clips clipped together, on or around metal, or clipped to cables.
12.4 If the solar panel is moved around the shop or transported to another location, take care
to avoid/prevent damage to the cords, clips and solar panel. Failure to do so could result
in personal injury or property damage.
13. SPECIFICATIONS
Peak Power Output ............................................................................................... 4.8 Watt
Tested under Standard Condition .............................................AM1.5, 100mW/cm2, 25°C
Optimum Working Voltage .....................................................................................17.50 V
Optimum Working Current ..................................................................................... 260 mA
14. ACCESSORIES
Solar Charge Controller ..................................................................................4999000292
15. BEFORE RETURNING FOR REPAIRS
15.1 When a maintaining or charging problem arises, make certain that the battery is capable
of accepting a normal charge. Double check all connections, the solar panel clips for
correct polarity and the quality of the connections from the cables to the clips and from
the clips to the battery system. The clips must be clean.
15.2 When a battery is very cold, partially charged or sulfated, it will not draw the full rated
amperes from the solar panel. It is both dangerous and damaging to a battery to force
higher amperage into it than it can effectively use in recharging.
15.3 When an UNKNOWN OPERATING PROBLEM arises, please read the complete manual
and call the customer service number for information. This will usually eliminate the
need for return.
If the above solutions do not eliminate the problem or for information about troubleshooting,
call toll-free from anywhere in the U.S.A.
1-800-621-5485
7:00 am to 5:00 pm Central Time Monday through Friday
16. LIMITED WARRANTY
WARRANTY NOT VALID IN MEXICO.
SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC CORPORATION, 801 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE,
MOUNT PROSPECT, IL 60056-2179, MAKES THIS LIMITED WARRANTY TO THE
ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASER OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS
NOT TRANSFERABLE OR ASSIGNABLE.
Schumacher Electric Corporation (the “Manufacturer”) warrants this solar panel for one
year from the date of purchase at retail against defective material or workmanship that
may occur under normal use and care. If your unit is not free from defective material or
workmanship, Manufacturer’s obligation under this warranty is solely to repair or replace
your product with a new or reconditioned unit at the option of the Manufacturer. It is the
obligation of the purchaser to forward the unit, along with proof of purchase and mailing
charges prepaid to the Manufacturer or its authorized representatives in order for repair
or replacement to occur.
Manufacturer does not provide any warranty for any accessories used with this product
that are not manufactured by Schumacher Electric Corporation and approved for use
with this product. This Limited Warranty is void if the product is misused, subjected to
careless handling, repaired, or modied by anyone other than Manufacturer or if this unit
is resold through an unauthorized retailer.
• 7 •
Manufacturer makes no other warranties, including, but not limited to, express,
implied or statutory warranties, including without limitation, any implied warranty
of merchantability or implied warranty of tness for a particular purpose. Further,
Manufacturer shall not be liable for any incidental, special or consequential damage
claims incurred by purchasers, users or others associated with this product, including,
but not limited to, lost prots, revenues, anticipated sales, business opportunities,
goodwill, business interruption and any other injury or damage. Any and all such
warranties, other than the limited warranty included herein, are hereby expressly
disclaimed and excluded. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages or length of implied warranty, so the above
limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specic legal
rights and it is possible you may have other rights which vary from this warranty.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY AND THE
MANUFACTURER NEITHER ASSUMES OR AUTHORIZES ANYONE TO ASSUME
OR MAKE ANY OTHER OBLIGATION TOWARDS THE PRODUCT OTHER THAN
THIS WARRANTY.
Schumacher Electric Corporation Customer Service
Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST
Schumacher® and the Schumacher Logo® are registered trademarks
of Schumacher Electric Corporation.
To activate the warranty, please ll in the warranty registration card on page 9 and mail it in, OR
go to www.batterychargers.com to register your product online.
1-800-621-5485
DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO THE STORE!
Call Customer Service for assistance: 800-621-5485
• 8 •
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