Vector VEC1098A User Manual

VEC1098A

USER’S MANUAL

& WARRANTY INFORMATION

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION, SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY, USER MUST READ AND UNDERSTAND
THIS INSTRUCTIONAL MANUAL. THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT
INFORMATION REGARDING THE OPERATION AND WARRANTY OF THIS
PRODUCT. PLEASE RETAIN FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

4140 S.W. 30th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312

Toll Free: [phone]

Fully Automatic Electronic

Smart Battery Charger

50/30/15/4 Amp Charge Rates

with 150 Amp Engine Start

FIVE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PROGRAM

This limited warranty program is the only one that applies to this product, and it sets forth all the
responsibilities of Vector Products, Inc., regarding this product. There is no other warranty, other than those
described herein. Any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose on this product
is limited in duration to the duration of this warranty.

This Vector Products, Inc. product is warranted, to the original purchaser only, to be free of defects in
materials and workmanship for 5 years from the date of purchase without additional charge. The warranty
does not extend to subsequent purchasers or users. Manufacturer will not be responsible for any amount of
damage in excess of the retail purchase price of the product under any circumstances. Incidental and
consequential damages are specifically excluded from coverage under this warranty.

This product is not intended for commercial use. This warranty does not apply to damage to units from
misuse or incorrect installation/connection. Misuse includes wiring or connecting to improper polarity
power sources.

RETURN/REPAIR POLICY: Defective products may be returned to manufacturer. Any defective product that
is returned to manufacturer within 30 days of the date of purchase will be replaced free of charge. If such
a product is returned more than 30 days but less than 5 years from the purchase date, manufacturer will
repair the unit or, at its option, replace it, free of charge.

If the unit is repaired, new or reconditioned replacement parts may be used, at manufacturer’s option. A
unit may be replaced with a new or reconditioned unit of the same or comparable design. The repaired or
replaced unit will then be warranted under the terms of the remainder of the warranty period. The customer
is responsible for the shipping charges on all returned items. During the warranty period, manufacturer will
be responsible for the return shipping charges to the customer in the United States.

LIMITATIONS: This warranty does not cover accessories, such as charging adapters, bulbs, fuses and
batteries, damage or defects resulting from normal wear and tear (including chips, scratches, abrasions,
discoloration or fading due to usage or exposure to sunlight), accidents, damage during shipping to our
service facility, alterations, unauthorized use or repair, neglect, misuse, abuse, failure to follow instructions
for care and maintenance, fire, flood and Acts of God.

If your problem is not covered by this warranty, call our Technical Support Department toll free at (800)
544-6986 for general repair information and charges if applicable.

STATE LAW RIGHTS: This warranty gives you specific legal rights. Some states do not allow limitations on
how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages,
so the exclusions or limitations stated herein may not apply. This warranty gives the purchaser specific legal
rights; other rights, which vary from state to state, may apply.

TO REQUEST WARRANTY SERVICE FOR THIS PRODUCT: Contact Technical Support by telephone, fax or
mail (see below). We suggest that you keep the original packaging in case you need to ship the unit. When
returning a product, include your name, address, phone number, dated sales receipt (or copy) and a
description of the reason for return and product serial number. After repairing or replacing the unit, we will
make every effort to return it to you within four weeks.

WARRANTY ACTIVATION: Please complete Warranty Activation Card and mail to Vector Products, Inc..
Enter “VEC1098A” as Model and “50/30/15/4 Amp Smart Battery Charger” as Product Type. All Vector
products must be registered within 30 days of purchase to activate this warranty. Mail the completed
registration form, along with a copy of the original sales receipt, to:

Black & Decker

4409 W. Wanda, McAllen, TX 78503

• TOLL FREE: [phone] • FAX: [phone] •

WARRANTY IS NON-TRANSFERABLE.

BD082606

© 2006 VECTOR PRODUCTS, INC.

MADE IN CHINA

VEC1098A_Manual_082606 8/26/06 12:56 PM Page 12

If a properly grounded outlet is not available, a temporary adapter (like the adapter shown in Figure1B)
may be used to connect this plug to a two-pole receptacle. The temporary adapter should be used ONLY
until a properly grounded outlet can be installed by a qualified electrician.

DANGER — Before using an adapter as illustrated, make certain that the center screw
of outlet plate is grounded.

The green-colored rigid ear or tab extending from 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 ground tab to outlet cover plate and connect to grounded outlet.

WARNING
NEVER alter AC cord or plug. If it will not fit, have a proper outlet installed by a
qualified electrician. Improper connection may result in an electric shock.

Note:

Use of an adapter is not allowed in Canada. If a grounding type receptacle is
not available, do not use this appliance until the proper outlet has been
installed by a qualified electrician.

Preparing to Charge

1. Determine voltage of battery to be charged by referring to the vehicle manual.

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

3. Clean battery terminals. Do not allow corrosion to come in contact with eyes.

4. Add distilled water in each cell until battery acid reaches level specified by battery manufacturer.
This helps purge excessive gas from cells. Do not overfill. For a battery without cell caps
(maintenance free), carefully follow manufacturer's charging instructions.

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

6. Area around battery should be 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.

7. Make sure the initial charging rate does not exceed battery manufacturer’s requirement.

Charger Location

1. Locate charger as far away from battery as cables permit.

2. NEVER place charger directly above battery being charged; gases from battery will corrode and

damage charger.

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

4. NEVER operate charger in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any way.

5. Marine batteries must be removed and charged on shore.

6. Do not set a battery on top of charger.

DC Connection Precautions

1. Connect and disconnect DC output clamps only after removing AC cord from electric outlet.

2. Never allow clamps to touch each other.

3. Attach clamps to battery chassis as indicated in “Battery Installed in Vehicle” steps 5 and 6, and

in “Battery Outside of Vehicle” steps 2, 4 and 5.

Follow these steps when the battery is installed in a vehicle. A spark near the battery
may cause an explosion. To reduce risk of a spark near the battery:

1. Position AC and DC cords to reduce risk of damage by hood, door, or moving engine part.

2. Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and other parts that can cause injury to persons.

3. Check polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has larger diameter than

NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) post.

4. Determine which post of battery is grounded (connected) to the chassis. If NEGATIVE post is

grounded to chassis (as in most vehicles), see 5. If POSITIVE post is grounded to the chassis, see 6.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNINGS

1. RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GAS MIXTURES — WORKING IN VICINITY OF A LEAD-ACID
BATTERY IS DANGEROUS. BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING
NORMAL BATTERY OPERATION. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU
READ THIS MANUAL EACH TIME BEFORE USING YOUR CHARGER AND FOLLOW THE
INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY.

2. To reduce risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by
the battery manufacturer and manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in
vicinity of battery. Review cautionary markings on these products and on engine.

3. This equipment employs parts (switches, relays, etc.) that produce arcs or sparks.
Therefore, if used in a garage or enclosed area, the unit MUST be placed not less
than 18 inches above the floor.

Battery Safety

1. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by the battery charger manufacturer may result in
a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

2. To reduce risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull by plug rather than cord when
disconnecting charger.

3. An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use of an improper extension
cord could result in a risk of fire and electric shock, and will void warranty.

If an extension cord must be used:

a. pins on plug of extension cord must be the same number, size and shape as those of plug on

charger;
b. extension cord must be properly wired and in good electrical condition; and
c. wire size must be AWG#10 for 100 feet and AWG#8 for distances over 100 feet.

4. Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug — take to a qualified technician for
replacement of the plug or cord immediately.

5. Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in
any way; take it to a qualified service technician.

6. Do not disassemble charger; take it to a qualified service technician when service or repair is
required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire, and will void warranty.

7. To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger from outlet before attempting any maintenance or
cleaning. Turning off controls without unplugging will not reduce this risk.

8. Do not expose charger to rain, snow or use when wet.

Personal Safety

1. Another person should be within range of your voice or close enough to come to your aid when
you work near a lead-acid battery.

2. Fresh water and soap should be nearby in case battery acid comes in contact with skin, clothing,
or eyes.

3. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes while working with a
battery. Acid, acid particles or corrosion may get into eyes. Immediately flush eye with cold water
for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately.

4. If battery acid comes in contact with skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If
redness, pain or irritation occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

5. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of battery or engine.

6. Be extra cautious to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto battery. This might cause sparks
or short-circuit the battery or other electrical part, which can cause an explosion.

7. 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 cause a
severe burn.

8. Use charger for charging a LEAD-ACID battery only. It is not intended to supply power to a low­voltage electrical system other than in a starter-motor application. Do not use the 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 property.

9. NEVER ATTEMPT TO CHARGE A FROZEN BATTERY.

Power Cord Safety

Charger should be grounded to reduce risk of electric shock. The unit is equipped with a 120 volt AC cord
with an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be inserted into a properly
installed and grounded 110/120 volt AC outlet in accordance with all local codes and ordinances (see Figure 1A).

Figure
1B

Figure
1A

ADAPTER (B)

METAL SCREW

GROUNDING
MEANS

GROUNDING
PIN (A)

VEC1098A_Manual_082606 8/26/06 12:56 PM Page ii

5. 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. Do not connect clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body
parts. Connect to heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.

6. 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 battery. Do not connect clip to carburetor, fuel lines or sheet­metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.

7. When disconnecting charger, disconnect AC cord, remove clamp from vehicle chassis, and then
remove clamp from battery terminal.

8. Do not charge the battery while the engine is operating.

9. See operating instructions for length of charge information.

Follow these steps when the battery has been removed from a vehicle. A spark near
the battery may cause an explosion. To reduce risk of a spark near the battery:

1. Check polarity of battery posts. The POSITIVE post (marked POS,P, +) usually has a larger diameter

than the NEGATIVE battery post (marked NEG, N, –).

2. Attach a 24-inch (minimum length) AWG#6 insulated battery cable to the NEGATIVE battery post

(marked NEG, N, –).

3. Connect the POSITIVE (RED) battery clamp to the POSITIVE battery post (marked POS, P, + or red).

4. Stand as far back from the battery as possible, and do not face battery when making final

connection.

5. Carefully connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clamp to the free end of the battery cable

connected to the NEGATIVE terminal.

6. Set the charge rate to appropriate setting according to battery size.

7. When disconnecting charger, always do so in reverse sequence of connecting procedure and break

first connection while as far away from battery as practical.

Note:

A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore. To charge it
on board requires equipment specifically designed for marine use. This unit is
NOT designed for such use.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Controls and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Charge Rate Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Automatic Float Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Equalizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

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

Recondition Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Alternator Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Approximate Charging Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for selecting the

VEC1098A 50/30/15/4 Amp Smart Battery

Charger.

With proper care and use, it will give you years of dependable service.
This battery charger has a high charge rate of up to 50 amps, a low charge rate
of 4 amps and 150 amps of engine starting power. It is designed for charging only
12 volt lead-acid batteries — conventional automotive, maintenance-free, marine
deep cycle and gel — used in cars, trucks, farm equipment, boats, RVs and SUVs,
lawn mowers/garden tractors, motorcycles, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, ATVs
and various applications.

Smart Battery Chargers feature 3-stage, high-efficiency charging technology and built­in microprocessor control that ensures fast, safe and complete charging of serviceable
batteries.

Charge Curve

Stage One —

Rapid Start Charge at 50 amps delivers maximum charging
amperage to “wake up” any serviceable 12 volt battery and allows for quick engine
starting in just 1 minute (based on a midsize vehicle battery at 50% charge level).
When battery reaches a maximum safe predetermined voltage, the charger will
automatically signal a “beep” and move into Stage 2 of the charging process.

BEEP

BEEP

OFF BEEP

STAGE THREE

CHARGING
COMPLETE

STAGE ONE

STAGE TWO

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

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. 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 equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, 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 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/TV technician for help.

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