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27
P-222
XI. BATTERIES
A. INTRODUCTION
1. Notes–
• Batteries supply the power for your chair. They contain a
finite amount of energy and have limits on how long they can
store and supply energy.
• You can charge batteries only a certain number of times
before they will fail and no longer hold a charge.
• For answers to questions about batteries, consult your supplier.
2. Use Proper Batteries:
Your chair operates on two 12 volt batteries.
• They should be Group 24 size with a minimum of 65 ampere
hour rating. Only
deep cycle sealed case
construction bat-
teries should be used in this device.
• Connecting configuration. They should have a post and clamp
style connection.
• When you buy a replacement, insist on a
deep cycle sealed
case
type. Do not use a car starter battery.
3. Breaking In:
• A battery requires “breaking-in” for the first 6 to 12 charges.
It will not accept a full charge for this period.
• It is best to limit the length of your trips until you break the
batteries in and you know the range of your chair.
4. Discharged Batteries:
•
Never
allow a battery to completely discharge. If you oper-
ate your wheelchair until it has almost stopped, you will
greatly reduce the life of your batteries.
•
Never
let a battery sit in a discharged condition. Give
unused or stored batteries a full charge once per month.
•
Always
fully charge the batteries.
Avoid
“topping off” with
frequent charges.
WARNING
Never connect a life support or auxiliary device to a
wheelchair battery. The electrical system may fail, and
result in severe injury to or death of rider.
B. BATTERY CHARGER
A battery charger produces a direct current (DC). When applied to
a discharged battery, this reverses the chemical reaction that led to
its discharge.
1. Charge Rate. How fast a battery will charge depends on:
• Its electrical capacity; state of charge; electrolyte tempera-
ture, and; internal condition.
• The DC output of the charger. (The charge rate will vary if
the alternating current (AC) supply is higher or lower than
110 volts).
2. Caution — To Avoid Damage to the Charger:
• Never place the charger on top of a battery during charging.
(Gases from the battery can damage the charger and may
lead to an explosion or fire).
• Never place a battery on top of the charger.
• Never expose charger to rain or snow.
• Never unplug charger by pulling on the electrical cord. This
will damage the cord.
• Never open a charger or attempt to repair it yourself. Return
charger to Sunrise or have repairs made only by a qualified
person.
• Keep cord out of the way, where it will not be stepped on,
tripped over, or damaged.
3. Caution — To Avoid Damage to the Battery:
• Make sure you use the correct setting for sealed (gel) batter-
ies (located on the off-board charger).
• Never charge a frozen battery. A fully charged battery will
rarely freeze, but the fluid in a discharged battery can freeze
at 16 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 9 degrees Centigrade). If
you suspect a battery is frozen, thaw it before charging.
WARNING
Lead acid batteries generate explosive gas while charg-
ing. Completely read and follow all warnings about the
batteries in this user instruction manual and any labels
applied to the product. Failure to do so could result in
fire, explosion, injury and/or death.
C. ACID BURNS (UNSEALED WET CELL
BATTERIES)
Acid in batteries is corrosive. It can cause serious burns to the eyes
and skin and can damage floors, furniture, clothing and your wheel-
chair.
WARNING
1. Use extreme care not to spill acid when you handle
batteries. Keep batteries upright.
2. Avoid contact of acid with bare skin or clothing.
3. Always wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when you
handle batteries.
4. If acid contacts your skin or clothing, wash immediate-
ly with soap and water.
5. If acid contacts your eyes, immediately flood eyes with
cold running water for at least 15 minutes. Seek med-
ical attention immediately.
D.CONNECTING BATTERIES IN BATTERY
COMPARTMENT
WARNING
1. Batteries weigh up to 55 lbs. (25 kg). Take care to
avoid injury when lifting.
2. Keep batteries upright. Take care not to spill acid (wet
cell batteries).
3. Always wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when you
handle batteries.
4. Before working around batteries, remove all metal
personal effects, such as necklaces, rings, watches, pins
and other metal jewelry that might contact battery
terminal and cause a short.
1. Lift batteries into battery
compartment.
WARNING
Batteries weigh up to 55
pounds (25 kg). Lifting bat-
teries may cause back
strain. If you fail to heed
these warnings severe
injury may occur to you.
2. Connect and disconnect bat-
