7
CHARGING IF BATTERY IS OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE:
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 negative terminal. Connect the charger's power cord to a grounded 110/120 volt AC power
outlet, and refer to the next section for approximate charging times.
f) When charging is completed, disconnect cables and clamps in reverse order from which they were
connected.
CHARGING TIMES
To calculate the approximate charging time required to fully charge a battery, it is necessary to determine
percent of battery charge. Batteries less than 10 volts (or 5 volts for a 6 volt battery) may be considered as
discharged. To estimate charging time for a discharged battery, divide the AH rating of the battery by the
charge rate selected. This is the number of hours required to recharge the battery. For example, a 50 AH (12
volt) battery is discharged (10 volts). How long should it be charged at the 6 Amp rate? Divide the 50 AH by
6 AH. The answer is approximately 8 hours. Always round up the charge time by 25% to ensure full charge.
So the answer is approximately 10 hours. In most cases, battery recharge times will vary depending on the
age and condition of the battery. Smaller batteries should be charged at the lower rate (2 Amps) and add an
extra hour to charge time. If more detail is required, refer to Appendix A at the end of this document.
NOTE:
Batteries that have a 25% (or less) charge level, are subject to freezing, and should be charged as
soon as possible to prevent freezing in temperatures 0
°
C/32
°
F or below.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
With only minimal maintenance, the Vector 6/2 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 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
866-584-5504 for details on replacing cords and clamps.
TROUBLESHOOTING SLOW RATES OF CHARGE
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.
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 that the charger is operating at peak amperage. If, after 5 minutes charging time, the ammeter
reading has not decreased, unplug the charger and discontinue the charging process.
