cord before plugging the extension cord into a 110/120-volt AC power outlet. The use of a poor quality extension cord
or one that is not in good repair could cause fire and/or electric shock.
• Use a three-wire extension cord with a 3-prong plug and 3-conductor socket.
CHARGING IF BATTERY IS OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE
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.
a) 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 connections
the Positive terminal is red, the Negative terminal is black.
b) Attach a 24-inch (minimum length) 6 AWG insulated battery cable to the Negative battery post
(marked NEG, N, -).
c) Connect the Positive (RED) battery clamp to the Positive battery connector (marked POS, P, + or red).
d) Stand as far back from battery as possible, and do not face battery when making final connection.
e) Carefully connect the Negative (BLACK) charger clamp to the free end of the battery cable connected to the nega-
tive terminal. Connect the charger's power cord to a grounded 110/120-volt AC power outlet, and refer to section
8 for approximate charging times.
f) When charging is completed, disconnect cables and clamps in reverse order from which they were connected.
NOTE
: A marine abattery must be removed and charged on shore. To charge it on board requires equipment specially
designed for marine use.
CHARGING TIMES
The VEC074 is a fully automatic battery charger. It automatically adjusts the charge rate as the battery becomes charged
and stops charging when the battery is fully charged. If you require some estimate of the time it takes to charge a battery
refer to Appendix A for these details.
ENGINE START ASSIST
The Engine Start Assist function can supply up to 55 amps of current during engine starting. This function is protected by a
thermal circuit breaker and there is a five-minute limit at this output level. Follow all precautions as if charging a battery in
a vehicle, except that the Charge/Assist Switch is placed in the Assist position and the Charge Rate Switch is placed in the
Engine Start Assist position. DO NOT MAKE BATTERY AND CHASSIS CONNECTIONS WITH CHARGER PLUGGED INTO
AC. Make the final connection to battery and chassis and plug in the charger. Immediately crank the engine in three-sec-
ond bursts until it starts. Disconnect the charger's AC connection first and then the chassis and battery connections. If the
engine fails to start, you may change switch positions and charge the battery without disconnecting the charger from AC.
After charging, if the charger is already powered and connected to the battery, you may safely move the charger's switch-
es to the Start and Engine Start Assist positions without disconnecting the charger from AC. After the engine starts, discon-
nect AC, then the chassis and battery connections.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
With only minimal maintenance, the Vector 2/10/55 Battery Charger will deliver years of dependable service. Follow these
simple steps to maintain the charger in optimum condition:
• After each use, clean the battery charger clamps - be sure to remove any battery fluid that will cause corrosion of the
copper clamps.
• Clean the outside case of the charger with a soft cloth and, if necessary, mild soap solution.
• Keep the charger cords loosely coiled during storage to prevent damage to the cords. Do not use the charger if cords or
clamps have been damaged in any way - call Vector Technical Support Department at (954) 584-4446 for details on
replacing cords and clamps.
TROUBLESHOOTING
VERY COLD BATTERY
If the battery to be charged is extremely cold (in temperatures less than freezing - 0ºC/32ºF) it cannot accept a high rate
of charge so the initial charge rate will be slow. The rate of charge will increase as the battery warms.
WARNING: DO
NOT
attempt to charge a frozen battery.
SULFATED BATTERY
When batteries are left in a discharged state for a long period of time, they become "sulfated". Sulfated batteries cannot accept
a high rate of charge since the internal plates are coated with lead sulphate. To see if a battery in this condition can be "saved",
take it to a service station or battery distributor for professional evaluation and/or service.
SHORT-CIRCUITED BATTERY
• If the battery being charged has been short-circuited, the ammeter will show that the battery has zero charge level, and
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