To the left of the Charging Complete indicator is an indicator that lights when incorrect polarity is sensed. It indicates that
the charger to battery connection is reversed and it must be corrected before charging can begin. This feature only operates
when at least 4 volts or higher voltage remains in the battery to be charged.
CIRCUIT BREAKER
This battery charger has an internal self-resetting circuit breaker that protects the charger from temporary overloads. When
it operates it makes a clicking sound. You will see the ammeter reduce to zero when the breaker is open. After a cool-down
period, the breaker will automatically close and the ammeter will show a high rate of charge. If the breaker continues to
cycle every few minutes, reduce charge rate or discontinue charging.
PRE-CHARGE ACTIVATION
CAUTION
:
Be aware that a fully charged battery will also cause a low Ammeter reading. Attempting pre-charge activa-
tion of a fully charged battery may cause explosion - make sure that battery really is discharged, before using this proce-
dure.
Pre-charge activation is the term for the time it takes before a battery begins to accept a measurable rate of charge - it can
be as long as 4-8 hours from the time the charging process begins.
Pre-charge activation is indicated if the ammeter reading is zero and a hydrometer or voltmeter reading shows that the bat-
tery is fully discharged.
NOTE
:
The newer, high-calcium-type 12 Volt DC batteries may need pre-charge activation if their charge has been allowed
to drop to a very low level. When deeply discharged, this type of battery will provide only a very low voltage output and
will draw less than 1 amp during the recharging process, until activated.
CHARGING IF BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN A VEHICLE
a) Set charger's Charge Rate Selector switch to appropriate setting according to battery size. Make sure the
Charge/Start switch is in the Charge position.
b) Check polarity of battery posts - For top-mounted battery connectors, the Positive post (marked POS, P, +) usually
has a larger diameter than the Negative battery post (marked NEG, N, -). For side-mounted battery connectors, the
terminals are marked Positive -red and Negative -black.
c) Attach charger clamps to battery connections, as follows, ensuring a good connection (if there is a mistake, the Reverse
Polarity Indicator will light): NEGATIVE-GROUNDED VEHICLE: Connect the POSITIVE (RED) charger clamp to the POSI-
TIVE (POS, P, +) ungrounded battery terminal. Then, connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clamp to the vehicle chas-
sis, or the engine block (away from the battery). Do not connect the clamp to the carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body
parts: connect only to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
NOTE:
NEGATIVE-GROUNDED TYPE SYSTEMS ARE THE MOST COMMON IN TODAY'S VEHICLES.
POSITIVE-GROUNDED VEHICLE:
Connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clamp to the NEGATIVE (NEG,
N, -) ungrounded battery post. Then, connect the POSITIVE (RED) battery clamp to the vehicle chassis or engine part (away
from the battery). Do not connect the clamp to the carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts: connect only to a heavy
gauge, stable metal part of the frame or engine block.
NOTE:
If there is any problem connecting the charger clamps to the
battery terminals, contact the Vector Technical Support Department at (954 - 584-4446) for assistance.
d) Plug battery charger power cord into grounded AC power outlet and refer to Appendix A at the end of this doc-
ument for approximate charging times.
e) When charging is completed, disconnect cables and clamps in reverse order from which they were connected.
NOTE:
Use of Extension Cords
If it is necessary to use an extension cord, as is often the case, observe the following important safety information:
• Before using any extension cord, ensure that the wire size is at least 16 AWG or larger and 14 AWG for longer than
100 feet.
• Use only a good quality, good condition, UL-approved extension cord, and ALWAYS connect charger to the extension
FIGURE 4A
FIGURE 4B
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