The Power Hawk
®
P-16 Rescue System Instruction Manual
Page 12 of 34
2019-09
PWR-12MP
BATTERY
AND
BATTERY
CHARGING
SAFETY
INFORMATION
All batteries contain corrosive acids and produce explosive gases during recharging. Failure to follow the safety
precautions below may result in acid burns and/or gas explosion, causing blindness, serious personal injury,
and/or damage to property and/or equipment.
Charge batteries in well-ventilated areas away from sparks, flames, and smoking.
Only use chargers provided by Power Hawk Technologies, Inc. and follow charging instructions
carefully.
Prior to charging, ensure power pack vent holes are clear and fully open. Inspect vents after each use.
Do not charge power packs upside down.
Only charge batteries at ambient temperatures specified by the battery manufacturer.
Do not make direct contact between battery positive and negative terminals as this may cause an
explosion or fire.
Batteries should not be stored discharged.
Keep batteries and chargers away from children.
Lead-acid batteries must be disposed of properly. They must be collected, recycled, or disposed of in
an environmentally sound manner. It is unlawful to incinerate batteries, or discard them in municipal
solid waste or landfill.
PWR-12MP BATTERY MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
1.
When recharging, use the indicator lights on the CHARGER to determine full charge, NOT the
indicator on the battery pack.
Power Hawk chargers indicate a fully charged battery when the charger light
switches from “Fast Charge” to “Float” or from “Charging” to “Ready”. Removing the charger prior to it
reaching “Float” or “Ready” mode will leave the battery in a less than fully charged condition. A fully
discharged battery could take up to 15 hours to become fully recharged, a partially discharged battery will
take less time. Because the charger output voltages are higher than 100% of the battery pack indicator, the
battery will take several minutes to “settle” back down (approx. 20 minutes) after being disconnected from the
charger before the battery pack indicator will read its true state-of-charge. All Power Hawk chargers are
designed to prevent overcharging and may remain connected to the battery pack, even after reaching the fully
charged condition.
2.
Charge prior to first use.
New battery packs may have been stored or in transit for extended periods of time
and/or at temperatures that reduced the battery’s state-of-charge due to self-discharging. Charge new battery
packs overnight, regardless of their indicator readings.
3.
Recharge immediately after EACH use.
There is no “memory” problem to worry about. Recharge
regardless of the battery’s state-of-charge. Storing a discharged battery can result in it becoming sulfated,
which will reduce its capacity. (See “Sulfated Battery” below)
4.
Recharge at least ONCE A MONTH when not in use.
The internal battery will self-discharge if stored
without the Power Hawk charger connected. The self-discharge rate is approximately 3.5% per month @
77
F and will double for each 15
F increase in battery storage temperature. A lower storage temperature will
result in longer shelf life. (See “Battery and Battery Charging Safety Information” below for storage
temperatures)
5.
Disconnect ALL accessories
from the battery pack when not in use or when the battery pack’s indicator
reaches 0% state-of-charge. Examples are lights, fans, saws, winches, cameras, etc. that are powered using
the Power Hawk battery pack. Excessive deep discharging of the battery may cause it to sulfate, resulting in
lost capacity. (See “Sulfated Battery” below). Note: Immediately after the battery delivers high amps, such as
from using the P-16 Rescue Tool or other accessories, it will take several minutes for it to “settle” back up
before the battery indicator will read its true state-of-charge. As a rule, always disconnect the battery pack
from the PC-100 Controller Unit and any accessories when not in use and cap all live battery terminals.