iii
8. Use charger for charging a LEAD-ACID battery only. It is not intended to supply power to a low-
voltage electrical system other than in a starter-motor application. Do not use the battery charger
for charging dry-cell batteries that are commonly used with home appliances. These batteries may
burst and cause injury to persons and damage property.
9. THIS UNIT IS NOT FOR USE BY CHILDREN AND SHOULD ONLY BE OPERATED BY ADULTS.
FIRST AID
SKIN: If battery acid comes in contact with skin, rinse immediately with water, then wash thoroughly with
soap and water. If redness, pain or irritation occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
EYES: If battery acid comes in contact with eyes, flush eyes immediately for a minimum of 15 minutes
and seek immediate medical attention.
Power Cord Safety
This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other) as a safety feature. This plug will
fit into a polarized extension cord only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the
extension cord. Do not attempt to defeat this safety feature.
Preparing to Charge
1. Determine voltage of battery to be charged by referring to the vehicle manual.
2. If it is necessary to remove battery from vehicle to charge, or to clean terminals, always remove
grounded terminal from battery first. Make sure all accessories in the vehicle are off, so as not to
cause an arc.
3. Clean battery terminals. Do not allow corrosion to come in contact with eyes.
4. Add distilled water in each cell until battery acid reaches level specified by battery manufacturer.
This helps purge excessive gas from cells. Do not overfill. For a battery without cell caps
(maintenance free), carefully follow manufacturer's charging instructions.
5. Study all battery manufacturer’s specific precautions, such as removing or not removing cell caps
while charging, and recommended rates of charge.
6. Area around battery should be well ventilated while battery is being charged. Gas can be forcefully
blown away by using a piece of cardboard or other nonmetallic material as a fan.
7. Make sure the initial charging rate does not exceed battery manufacturer’s requirement.
Charger Location
1. Locate charger as far away from battery as cables permit.
2. NEVER place charger directly above battery being charged; gases from battery will corrode and
damage charger.
3. NEVER allow battery acid to drip on charger when reading gravity or filling battery.
4. NEVER operate charger in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any way.
5. Marine batteries must be removed and charged on shore.
6. Do not set a battery on top of charger.
Connection Precautions
1. Connect and disconnect battery clamps only after disconnecting AC extension cord from unit.
2. Never allow clamps to touch each other.
3. Attach clamps to battery chassis as indicated in “Battery Installed in Vehicle” steps 5 and 6, and
in “Battery Outside of Vehicle” steps 2, 4 and 5.
Follow these steps when the battery is installed in a vehicle. A spark near the
battery may cause an explosion. To reduce risk of a spark near the battery:
1. Position AC and DC cords to reduce risk of damage by hood, door, or moving engine part.
2. Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and other parts that can cause injury to persons.
3. Check polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has larger diameter than
NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) post.
4. Determine which post of battery is grounded (connected) to the chassis. If NEGATIVE post is
grounded to chassis (as in most vehicles), see 5. If POSITIVE post is grounded to the chassis, see 6.
5. For negative-grounded vehicle, connect POSITIVE (RED) clamp from battery charger to POSITIVE
(POS, P, +) ungrounded post of battery. Connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clamp to vehicle chassis or
engine block away from battery. Do not connect clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body
parts. Connect to heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
6. For positive-grounded vehicle, connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clamp from battery charger to
NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) ungrounded post of battery. Connect POSITIVE (RED) clamp to vehicle
chassis or engine block away from battery. Do not connect clip to carburetor, fuel lines or sheet-
metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
ii
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNINGS
1. RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GAS MIXTURES — WORKING IN THE VICINITY OF A LEAD-ACID
BATTERY IS DANGEROUS. BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING
NORMAL BATTERY OPERATION. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE
THAT EACH TIME BEFORE USING THIS UNIT, YOU READ THIS MANUAL AND FOLLOW
THE INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY.
2. To reduce risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by
the battery manufacturer and manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in
vicinity of battery. Review cautionary markings on these products and on engine.
3. This equipment employs parts (switches, relays, etc.) that produce arcs or sparks.
Therefore, if used in a garage or enclosed area, the unit MUST be placed not less
than 18 inches above the floor.
NOTE:
This unit is delivered in a partially charged state – you must fully charge it before using
it for the first time. Initial 120 volt AC charge time should be for 48 hours. See page 9.
Battery Safety
1. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by the battery charger manufacturer may result in
a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
2. To reduce risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull by plug rather than cord when
disconnecting charger.
3. Do not operate unit with damaged cord or plug; or if the unit has received a sharp blow, been
dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way. Do not disassemble the unit; take it to a qualified
service technician when service or repair is required. Incorrect re-assembly may result in a risk of
electric shock or fire, and will void warranty.
4. To reduce risk of electric shock, disconnect the unit from any power source before attempting
maintenance or cleaning. Turning off controls without disconnecting will not reduce this risk.
5. Jump-start procedures should only be performed in a safe, dry, well-ventilated area.
6. Always store battery clamps on the clamp tabs on the back of the unit when not in use. Never touch
battery clamps together. This can cause dangerous sparks, power arcing and/or explosion.
7. When using this unit close to the vehicle’s battery and engine, stand the unit on a flat, stable surface,
and be sure to keep all clamps, cords, clothing and body parts away from moving vehicle parts.
8. Do not wear vinyl clothing when jump-starting a vehicle, friction can cause dangerous static-
electrical sparks. Remove all jewelry or metal objects that could cause short circuits or react with
battery acid.
9. NEVER ATTEMPT TO JUMP-START OR CHARGE A FROZEN BATTERY.
10. Do not charge the battery while the engine is operating.
11. See operating instructions for length of charge information.
12. Vehicles that have on-board computerized systems may be damaged if vehicle battery is jump-
started. Before jump-starting, read the vehicle’s owner’s manual to confirm that external-starting
assistance is suitable.
13. Never allow battery acid to come in contact with this unit.
14. Never submerge this unit in water; and do not expose it to rain, snow or use when wet.
Personal Safety
1. Another person should be within range of your voice or close enough to come to your aid when
you work near a lead-acid battery.
2. Fresh water and soap should be nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing, or eyes.
3. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes while working with a
battery. Acid, acid particles or corrosion may get into eyes. Immediately flood eye with cold water
(Eye Wash Station) for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately.
4. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If redness, pain or
irritation occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
5. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of battery or engine.
6. Be extra cautious to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto battery. This might cause sparks
or short-circuit the battery or other electrical part, which can cause an explosion.
7. Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces and watches when working with
a lead-acid battery. A lead-acid battery can produce a short-circuit current high enough to cause a
severe burn.
VEC012BBD_ManualEN_020106 2/1/06 3:13 PM Page ii
