5
BEFORE USING YOUR BATTERY CHARGER
It is important to understand the charger’s requirements. This section explains the
charger’s electrical requirements and how to prepare a battery for charging.
PLUGGING IT IN
Your charger requires a 120V AC re-
ceptacle installed according to all local
codes and ordinances.
USING AN EXTENSION CORD
The use of an extension cord is not
recommended. If you must use an exten
-
sion cord, please make sure that you
follow these guidelines:
• Make sure that pins on plug of exten
-
sion cord are the same number, size,
and shape as those of plug on char-
ger.
• Check that the extension cord is
properly wired and in good electrical
condition.
• Make sure that the wire size is large
enough for its length and for the AC
ampere rating, as specified in the
chart below.
MINIMUM RECOMMENDED EXTENSION CORD
Length of Cord, in Feet
25 50 100 150
AWG* Size of Cord
18
16
12
10
*AWG=American Wire Gauge
PREPARING YOUR BATTERY TO BE CHARGED
It is important that you read and follow these guidelines while you are preparing to
charge the battery.
• Make sure that you have a 12 volt
lead-acid battery. Determine voltage of
battery by referring to vehicle owner’s
manual. Charge battery initially at
charger’s lowest rate.
• Clean the battery terminals. Be careful
to keep corrosion from getting in or
around your eyes.
• Wear safety glasses. See additional
“Personal Safety Precautions” on page
4.
• For batteries with removable vent
caps, if required, add distilled water to
each cell until the battery acid reaches
the level recommended by the manu-
facturer. This will help purge excessive
gases from the cells. Be careful not to
overfill. If you have a sealed battery
with non-removable vent caps, no ac-
tion is necessary.
• Take time to read all of the battery
manufacturer’s specific precautions,
such as removing or not removing
vent caps while charging, and recom-
mended rates of charge.
• Be sure that the area around the bat
-
tery is well ventilated while it is being
charged. Gas can be forcefully blown
away by using a piece of cardboard or
other nonmetallic material as a fan.
• If it is necessary to remove the battery
from the vehicle to charge it, always
remove the grounded terminal from
the battery first. Turn off all vehicle
accessories to avoid sparks from oc
-
curring.
•
NOTE:
A marine (boat) battery in
-
stalled in a boat must be removed and
charged on shore.
Summary of Contents for SSC-1500A SpeedCharge
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