Pride Z11, Owner'S Manual

Page: 24 / 39

24 www.pridemobility.com Z11
V I . B A T T E R I E S A N D C H A R G I N G
BATTERIES AND CHARGING
The Z11 uses two long-lasting, 12-volt, deep-cycle batteries. These batteries are sealed and maintenance free. Since they are
sealed, there is no need to check the electrolyte (fluid) level. Deep-cycle batteries are designed to handle a longer and deeper
discharge. Though they are similar in appearance to automotive batteries, they are not interchangeable. Automotive batteries
are not designed to handle a long, deep discharge, and also are unsafe for use in power chairs.
WARNING! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling.
Charging the Batteries
The battery charger is essential in providing long life for your power chair batteries. It is designed to optimize your power
chair’s performance by charging the batteries safely, quickly, and easily. The battery charging system consists of the
onboard battery charger, the charger circuit fuse, and the ammeter. See figure 7. The ammeter indicates the rate of charge
necessary to fully recharge the batteries. It is also a good indication of whether or not the charger is working. The ammeter
and the charger are only functional when the charger power cord is plugged into a wall outlet. The charger circuit has an
ATO fuse that protects the ammeter.
WARNING! You must recharge your power chair’s batteries with the supplied onboard charger. Do
not use an automotive-type battery charger.
PROHIBITED! Removal of grounding prong can create electrical hazard. If necessary, properly
install an approved 3-pronged adapter to an electrical outlet having 2-pronged plug access. Failure
to heed could result in personal injury and/or property damage.
PROHIBITED! Never use an extension cord to plug in your battery charger. Plug the charger directly
into a properly wired standard wall outlet.
To charge the batteries using the onboard charger:
1. Position the rear of your power chair close to a standard wall outlet.
2. Be certain the controller power is turned off and the freewheel levers are in the engaged position. See III. “Your Power Chair.”
3. Plug the onboard charger power cord into the charger power cord receptacle on the power base, then into the wall outlet. The
power chair incorporates an inhibit function that disables the power chair when the charger is plugged into a wall outlet.
4. The ammeter indicates how much charge is needed to fully charge the batteries. Wait about a minute for the charger to warm up. The
ammeter may move as high as 5.5 amps, then gradually move back down to 0 amps as the batteries charge.
5. We recommend you charge the batteries for 8 to 14 hours. As the batteries charge, the ammeter needle slowly drops to 0. When
the batteries are fully charged, the needle vibrates on or about the 0 mark on the ammeter.
6. When your power chair’s batteries are fully charged, disconnect the charger power cord, wind up the cord, and store it in a safe
place.
Battery Break-in
To break in new batteries for maximum efficiency:
1. Fully recharge any new battery prior to its initial use. This brings the battery up to about 90% of its peak performance level.
2. Operate your power chair throughout the house and yard. Move slowly at first, and don’t stray too far until you become
accustomed to the controls and break in the batteries.
3. Give the batteries another full charge of 8 to 14 hours and operate your power chair again. The batteries will now perform at over
90% of their potential.
4. After four or five charging cycles, the batteries will top off at 100% charge and last for an extended period.