Schumacher SS-51A-PE User Manual
Battery
Charger
Model:
Owner's Manual
SS-51A-PE, 10 Amp
Fully Automatic Battery Charger
For 12 Volt Marine Deep Cycle &
Automotive Batteries
–Save–
Important Safety Instructions
Read Rules for Safe Operation and Instructions Carefully
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.
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.
GENERAL BATTERY SAFETY
Wash hands after handling.
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, RVs, trolling motors, etc. Charger is not intended to
supply power to low-voltage electrical system other than in
an automotive application.
WARNING: Do
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
not use battery charger for charging dry-
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 50 100 150
AWG size of cord: 18 18 16 14
11. Always charge battery in a well ventilated area.
NEVER operate in a closed-in or restricted area without
adequate ventilation.
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.
19. NEVER crank engine with charger attached to battery.
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.
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
00-00-000558/0103
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.
PREPARING TO CHARGE
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, wellventilated area.
8. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in the vicinity
of the battery or engine. Batteries generate explosive
gases!
1. Make sure you have a 12 volt lead-acid battery. Check
car owner manual to make sure.
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.
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.
BATTERY SIZE/RATING
BATTERY
SIZE
CARS / LIGHT CCA RC
TRUCKS 200-315 40-60 3-5
315-550 60-85 5-9
550-850 85-150 9-13
MARINE OR MCA AH
DEEP CYCLE 220-350 24-40 3-5
350-600 40-70 5-9
600-935 70-104 9-13
CCA: COLD CRANKING AMPS RC: RESERVE CAPACITY
MCA: MARINE CRANKING AMPS AH: AMPERE HOUR
*Based on battery at 50% charge.
Not sure of your BATTERY TYPE?: If you are unsure you have a Deep
Cycle battery, charge your battery using any of the following settings: Low
Maintenance, Conventional or Regular. All automotive (car & truck)
batteries are "Regular" batteries not "Deep Cycle". Deep Cycle batteries
are used on equipment without alternators or generators like golf cars,
personnel carriers, high lifts, floor sweepers etc..
Not recommended for the Delco Voyager® batteries or similar.
RATING
RECHARGE
TIME-HOURS*
2
D C AMPS
BATTERY CHARGER CONTROLS
CHARGED CHARGING
2 4 6 8 10 12
CHARGE COMPLETE
MANUAL-AUTOMATIC SWITCH
Charging may be either Manual or Automatic.
MANUAL
When the Manual position is selected the charger will continue
to charge and will not shut off. You must keep a visual check on
the ammeter or the green LED to determine when the battery is
charged. When the ammeter reads around 5 Amps and the green
LED is on the battery is charged.
WARNING: In the Manual position, the charger will continue to
charge even after the battery is fully charged.
WARNING: Overcharging will damage the battery.
AUTOMATIC CHARGING
When the battery reaches the full charge state, charge current
is turned off and the charger switches to the maintainer mode of
operation. This action occurs when the ammeter tapers down to
approximately 5 Amps. In this state the battery voltage is constantly being monitored. When the battery voltage drops to a
predetermined value charge will turn on for a few seconds replacing the small amount of energy that was lost while the charge
current was at 0 Amps.
MANUAL VS AUTOMATIC CHARGING
For your safety, in the AUTOMATIC position this charger will
only turn on when properly connected to a 12 volt battery with a
voltage over .7 volts. In the MANUAL position the charger will
turn on for any condition. If a battery is so depleted of charge
that it's voltage is less than .7 volts, switch to MANUAL until the
ammeter begins to move up scale, than switch back to the desired AUTOMATIC position.
IO AMP FULLY AUTOMATIC
BATTERY CHARGER
FIGURE 3 CHARGER CONTROLS
▲
NOTE: Some batteries, especially those with a built in state of
charge indicator and have been deeply discharged, may require
the use of the MANUAL position in order to obtain full charge.
The AUTOMATIC position may be used to maintain the full
charge state.
METER/LED INDICATOR
The meter gives a reading of the AMP draw on the charger.
When a fully discharged battery is connected to the charger, the
meter will read the maximum output rating of the charger. The
charge current will gradually taper down as the battery approaches full charge. As the charge current tapers, the meter
needle will also move down.
When full charged, the meter needle will suddenly drop to 0 and
a green LED will turn on. The 0 is not printed on the meter
scale, the LED is located in its place. As a visual aid, the meter
scale has been divided into 2 zones, CHARGED and CHARG-
ING.
NOTE: As the battery approaches the full charge state the meter
needle and LED will fluctuate back and forth between CHARGING and CHARGED. For the average size automotive battery,
allow 5 to 10 minutes for the battery to stabilize.
NOTE: A buzz or hum is normal when the output cables have
been disconnected and the AC power cord is still connected to
an electrical source (i.e. wall outlet).
These types of noises will also occur when the green light comes
on indicating the battery is "Completely Charged". At this point,
the charger has stopped charging the battery, but still hums or
buzzes until the electrical power is shut off.
▲
AUTOMATICMANUAL
3
READING METER
D C AMPS
CHARGED CHARGING
24681012
CHARGE COMPLETE
FULLY DISCHARGED BATTERY
Initial charge current to the battery
is typically 10 Amps.
CHARGED CHARGING
24681012
CHARGE COMPLETE
APPROACHING FULL CHARGE
Charge current to the battery is typically 6 Amps.
CIRCUIT BREAKER
This battery charger is equipped with a self-resetting circuit
breaker. This device protects the charger from temporary overloads. In the event of an overload, the circuit breaker will trip
open and after a short cooling off period will reset automatically.
This process is known as cycling and can be recognized by an
audible clicking sound.
D C AMPS
D C AMPS
CHARGED CHARGING
24681012
CHARGE COMPLETE
FULLY CHARGED BATTERY
Charge current to the battery is 0
Amps and the green LED is on.
NOTE:
cally resets itself.
CAUTION: Persistent clicking (more than 30 minutes) may indicate reverse connection or shorted battery cells. (See
TROUBLESHOOTING)
Clicking sound is normal. Wait until charger automati-
BATTERY TYPES
Three basic types of lead-acid batteries can be given a charge with this charger: (1) Conventional and Low Maintenance,
(2) Maintenance Free, (3) Deep Cycle / Marine.
Conventional and Low Maintenance Batteries. These are the
antimony/lead batteries. Conventional/Low Maintenance batteries require periodic addition of water to the acid solution (electrolyte). Additional water may be added by removing the filler
caps located on the top of the battery.
IMPORTANT: When antimony is known to be one of the materials used in the battery's construction, that battery is a Low
Maintenance/Conventional type.
CAUTION: Some Low Maintenance batteries have a relatively
smooth top without any apparent battery filler caps. If, however,
the battery manufacturer/distributor recommends periodic checking of electrolyte level and provides access to the battery for
water additions, the battery is probably a Low Maintenance/
Conventional type.
Maintenance Free Batteries. These are calcium/lead batteries
and normally do not require water additions. Therefore, filler
caps have been removed from the battery surface. These batteries will have a smooth or sealed appearance.
Deep Cycle Batteries. These heavy duty batteries are used in
boats, construction equipment, sump pumps, etc. They are normally marked DEEP CYCLE on the outside of the case.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS: CHARGING BATTERY OUT OF THE VEHICLE
When charging battery out of the 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 battery may cause battery explosion. WARNING: When removing battery
from vehicle or boat, disconnect grounded post 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.
4
1. 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.
2. Attach a 24-inch long (or longer) 6-gauge (AWG) insulated
battery cable to NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) battery post.
(Purchase cable separately.)
3. Connect POSITIVE (RED) charger clamp to POSITIVE
(POS, P, +) battery post. Rock clamp 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 clamp to free end of cable. WARNING: Do not
face battery when making final connection. Rock clamp back
and forth to make a good connection.
FIGURE 1 shows the connection.
5. Plug charger AC cord into 120 volt outlet.
6. Select automatic or manual charging, see Charger Controls.
7. When battery is fully charged, unplug charger from AC
power source.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS: CHARGING BATTERY IN VEHICLE
POSITIVE
BATTERY
+-
24", 6 GUAGE
CABLE
FIGURE 1: CONNECT NEGATIVE BATTERY CLAMP
TO 24-INCH CABLE END
NEGATIVE
BATTERY CHARGER
POWER
CORD
TO GROUNDED
POWER OUTLET
8. When battery is fully charged and charger is unplugged,
(1) remove clamp from end of Negative end of cable, and
(2) remove clamp from Positive battery post, in that
order.
9. Clean and store battery charger.
When charging battery in vehicle, take care to determine the battery type and which pole is grounded. To reduce risk of a spark near
battery, follow these steps when battery is inside vehicle. WARNING: A spark near the battery may cause battery explosion.
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.
GROUND
(NEG)
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 grounded (connected)
to chassis. NOTE: The negative post is normally grounded.
NEGATIVE GROUNDED POST
5A. For negative-grounded vehicle, connect POSITIVE (RED)
clamp from battery charger to POSITIVE (POS, P, +) ungrounded post of battery. Connect NEGATIVE (BLACK)
clamp to vehicle chassis or engine block away from battery. Connect to a heavy-gauge metal part of the frame or
engine block.
FIGURE 2: CONNECTION TO NEGATIVE
GROUNDED BATTERY
WARNING: Do not connect clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-
metal body parts. NOTE: Attach clamps to battery post and twist
or rock back and forth several times to make a good connection. This tends to keep clamps from slipping off terminals and
helps to reduce risk of sparking.
6. Plug charger AC cord into a grounded 120 volt outlet.
7. Select either automatic or manual, see Charger Controls.
8. When battery is fully charged, unplug charger from AC power
source.
FIGURE 2 shows connections for a negative-grounded battery.
POSITIVE GROUNDED POST
5B. For positive-grounded vehicle, connect NEGATIVE
(BLACK) clamp from battery charger to NEGATIVE (NEG,
N, -) ungrounded post of battery. Connect POSITIVE
(RED) clamp to vehicle chassis or engine block away from
9. Remove charger clamps from (1) chassis and (2) battery
post, in that order.
10. Clean and store battery charger.
NOTE: Charger will hum when clamps are removed from
battery and power cord is still plugged into electrical outlet.
battery. Connect to a heavy-gauge metal part of the frame
or engine block.
5
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