Schumacher SS-210A, SE-210A User Manual

Battery
Charger
Models:

Owner's Manual

#SS-210A and SE-210A
Fully Automatic Onboard Battery Charger
For One 12-Volt Battery At 10 Or 20 Amps
Or Two 12-Volt Batteries At 10 Amps
For 12V And 24V Battery Systems

–Save–

Important Safety Instructions

WARNING – RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES

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 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 the battery manufac­turer of any equipment you intend to use in vicinity of battery. Review cautionary markings on these products
and on engine.

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.

A. GENERAL BATTERY SAFETY

Wash hands after handling.

1. Before you use your battery charger, read and follow all
instructions and cautions printed on:

• Battery Charger

• Battery

• Unit using battery

2. Use battery charger on Flooded Wet Cell, Maintenance Free
and Starved Electrolyte batteries only. Charger is not intended
to supply power to low-voltage electrical system other than
for charging and maintaining batteries.

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
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 plug on 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

AWG size of cord: 16 14 12

11. Always charge battery in a well-ventilated area.
NEVER operate in a closed-in or restricted area without
adequate ventilation.

12. Locate charger as far away from battery as DC charger cables
permit.

13. NEVER charge a frozen battery. If battery fluid (electrolyte)
is frozen, bring into a warm area to thaw before charging.

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

WARNING: Battery chargers get hot during operation and
must have proper ventilation. Air needs to flow around the
charger. Do not set on flammable items like carpeting,
upholstery, paper, cardboard, etc. Will damage leather and
melt plastic and rubber.

SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC CORPORATION

801 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE • MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS 60056-2179

Send Warranty Product Repairs to: 1025 E. Thompson, Hoopeston, IL 60942-0280

Call Customer Service if you have questions: 1-800-621-5485

1

00-99-000329/0203

B. PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY

1. 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,
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 device. 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.

9. NEVER charge a frozen battery.

WARNING: EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS TO CHARGER SHALL
COMPLY WITH THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ELEC­TRICAL REGULATIONS (33CFR183, SUB PART1).

C. PREPARING TO CHARGE

1. If necessary to remove battery from boat or vehicle to charge,
always remove grounded terminal from battery first. Make
sure all accessories in the boat or vehicle are off, so as not
to cause an arc.

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 excess gas from cells. Do not overfill. For a battery

without cell caps, carefully follow manufacturer’s recharging
instructions.

4. Study all battery manufacturers’ specific precautions, such
as removing or not removing cell caps while charging, and
recommended rates of charge.

5. Be sure area around battery is well ventilated while battery is
being charged. Using a piece of cardboard or other non­metallic material as a fan can forcefully blow gas away.

NOTE: Not for use with “eye” type batteries.

D. CHARGER LOCATION

For best operation, the charger should be mounted vertically to
the bulkhead. If the unit must be mounted horizontally, do not
restrict the airflow under the charger. Do not mount the charger
next to fuel tanks or below the waterline of the boat. The charger
is waterproof and is approved for mounting on the weatherdeck.

To allow for proper air circulation, a minimum of four inches of
unobstructed area must be permitted on all sides of the charger.

The charger is equipped with an internal thermocouple. Choos­ing a location that will have the same surrounding temperature
as the battery(ies) is ideal and will allow for the charger to com­pensate the current according to the initial temperature.

Chose a location such that the six-foot cables can reach the
battery(ies). If extra length is needed, bring the ring lugs to a
terminal block and extend with a minimum of 14AWG cables.
Choose larger wire for extended runs.

The charger weight is substantial. Ensure that the mounting sur­face is strong enough to support the charger. Choose a location
that will allow for all six mounting holes to be used. Mounting
with nuts, bolts and lock washers is preferable to screws.

Never place the charger directly above the battery being charged;
gases may harm the charger over time. Never allow acid to drip
on the charger when reading specific gravity or filling battery.

Do not set a battery or any other object on top of charger.

E. MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS

The charger may be permanently mounted and connected. Six
mounting holes have been provided for secure installation. Choose
a location for the charger (see “CHARGER LOCATION” for proper
placement). Using the charger as a template, place the charger
in the selected location and mark each of the six holes with a
pencil. In a well ventilated environment, drill the six holes using a
#9 (7/32”) drill bit for use with nuts and bolts OR with a 5/32” drill
bit for use with #10 self tapping screws. Take caution of the area
on the other side that you are drilling to avoid drilling into wires or
other components. Using #10 bolts, nuts and lockwashers, mount
the charger with the LEDs facing up on a flat vertical surface to
allow for ventilation. Route the AC and DC cords to either end

and avoid pinching them under the base. A sealant may be used
to waterproof the screw holes.

NOTE: Mounting the charger horizontally may not allow excess
heat to rise away from the charger; if the charger must be mounted
horizontally, take care to ensure there is a four inch minimum
clearance around all sides of charger to provide adequate venti­lation.

NOTE: This charger has an internal thermocouple. If the unit gets
too hot, the current will be reduced to allow the charger to cool to
normal operating temperatures and restart. If the unit does not
cool, the charger will temporarily shut off until normal tempera­tures are obtained.

2