Midtronics GR1 240, Instruction Manual, Page: 6 / 20

6
PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS
1.
Always have someone within range of your voice, or close enough to come to your aid, when working
around batteries.
2. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing or eyes.
3. Wear complete eye protection, clothing protection, and wear rubber soled shoes. Place damp cloth over
battery to protect against acid spray. When ground is very wet or covered with snow, wear rubber boots.
Avoid touching eyes while working near battery.
4. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enters eye,
immediately flush with running cold water for at least 10 minutes and get doctor’s attention.
5. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of battery or engine.
6. Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping a metal tool onto battery. It might spark or short circuit the
battery or other electrical part that may cause an explosion.
7. Before working with a battery, remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, watches,
etc. A battery can produce a short circuit current high enough to weld such items causing a severe burn.
8. Use charger for charging LEAD ACID batteries only. The GR-1 is not intended to supply power to a low-
voltage electrical system other than applications using rechargeable type batteries. Do not use battery
charger for charging dry-cell batteries commonly used with home appliances. These batteries may burst
and cause personal injury and property damage.
9. NEVER charge a frozen battery, thaw it out first. Charging will then be safer and more efficient.
PREPARING THE BATTERY
1.
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.
2. Use stud adapters on side-post and/or Truck batteries that are not in the vehicle.
3. 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.
4. Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming into contact with your eyes.
5. Add distilled water in each cell until battery acid reaches level specified by manufacturer. This helps
purge excessive gas from cells. Do not overfill. For a battery without caps, carefully follow the
manufacturer’s recharging instructions.
6. Study all battery manufacturers’ specific precautions such as removing or not removing cell caps while
charging and recommended rates of charge.
7. Determine the voltage of the battery and make sure that the output voltage menu selection is set at the
correct voltage.
GR-1 LOCATION
1.
Locate GR-1 as far away from battery as GR-1 cables permit.
2. Never place GR-1 directly above battery being charged; gases from battery will corrode and damage GR-
1.
3. Never allow electrolyte to drip on GR-1 when taking gravity readings or filling a battery.
4. Operate GR-1 only in well-ventilated area, free of dangerous vapors.
5. Store GR-1 in safe, dry location and maintain in perfect condition.
6. Do not set battery on top of GR-1 or where its acid might drip onto GR-1.
7. Locate charger so that the plug is accessible at all times.
DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS
1. Set the GR-1 switch in the O position and AC cord should be DISCONNECTED from electrical outlet
before you connect and disconnect GR-1 clamps. Never allow clamps to touch each other.
2. When attaching GR-1 clamps, be certain to make the best possible mechanical as well as electrical
connection. Clamps should be kept clean.