The RTIC-2120-WP is short circuit protected. Batteries are
a high current source and additional protection is needed
in the event of physical damage to the DC cables or the
charger, or electrical damage that may be externally induced.
Do not remove the in-line fuse. A fuse (ATO mini/32V/30A)
connected between the positive battery charger lead and the
battery positive terminal is required for maximum safety. If the
fuse ever blows, please consult the factory before replacing
it.
For a single 12 volt battery, connect the charger DC cable to
the battery as follows: the red lead is connected to positive
terminal of the battery and the black lead is connected to
the negative terminal of the battery. When charging two 6
volt batteries connected in a series, connect the red lead of
the charger to the positive terminal of battery #1. Connect
the negative terminal of battery #1 to the positive terminal
of battery #2. Connect the black lead of the charger to the
negative terminal of battery #2. All connections should be
clean and tight. See installation diagrams below.
When connecting two batteries in a series, it is imperative
that the amount of charge and discharge be equal for both
batteries. If there is an imbalance during charge or discharge,
excessive battery voltage will occur. This will result in an
overvoltaged battery and will cause dangerous battery out
gassing and destruction. For accurate charge balancing, use
one of our dual output chargers, such as the CT500 or TPRO
series.
Safety instructions
CAUTION: The following are important safety instructions.
Save these instructions.
Charge only lead acid, maintenance free, refillable, or “gel-
cell” rechargeable batteries. Other types of batteries may
burst causing personal injury or damage.
Never smoke or allow sparks or flame in the vicinity of a
battery.
Someone should be within the range of your voice and close
enough to come to your aid when you are working near a
battery.
Wear eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching
your eyes while working near a battery.
Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery
acid contacts your skin, clothing or eyes.
If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately
with soap and water. If acid enters your eyes, immediately
flood them with cold running water for at least ten minutes
and get immediate medical attention.
Never operate a charger with a damaged cord or plug.
Degradation of AC and DC cords, accidentally nicking or
cutting the cords could result in sparking and cause injury.
Never operate a charger that has been damaged in any way
or try to disassemble it. Return it to the factory when service
or replacement is required. Incorrect reassembly may result
in an electrical shock or fire.
Become familiar with all instructions, specifications and
cautionary markings on chargers, batteries and equipment
used. Only adults should install and operate the charger.
The charger and batteries should be kept out of the reach of
children.
When using an extension cord, the RTIC-2120-WP requires a
quality grounded extension cord of at least 16 awg wire size
for cords up to 50 feet and a minimum of 14 awg for cords
up to 150 feet.
Never unplug a cord by pulling on the cord itself. Always
grasp the plug when disconnecting the charger.
The RTIC-2120-WP is waterproof and designed for harsh
environments. It is not designed to be submerged. Please
consult the factory if there are any questions.
Never charge a frozen battery. If the battery has an odor or
is visibly damaged, disconnect the charger and consult the
factory.
Study the battery manufacturer’s precautions such as
removing or not removing cell caps while charging.
Keep batteries full. Add distilled water in each cell until it
reaches the levels specified by the battery. Check battery
fluid levels regularly.
Good battery maintenance procedures dictate that the battery
fluid levels be checked on a regular basis, especially in high
ambient temperatures.
Keep the battery terminals clean. Always unplug the charger
before cleaning. Keep corrosion from coming into contact
with your eyes.
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 high
enough to weld objects to metal, causing a severe burn.
Three stage charging curve
Three stage charge cycle
The RTIC-2120-WP employs a three stage charge routine. This
is the charging procedure most lead-acid battery manufactur-
ers recommend to return full capacity efficiently and extend
battery life.
Stage 1: Constant current or bulk charge mode
Assuming that the battery is starting in a discharged state, the
charger is operating in constant current mode. The charger
current is maintained at a constant value and the battery voltage
is allowed to rise as it is being recharged. Approximately 80%
of battery capacity is returned in the constant current region.
Stage 2: Absorption mode
When the battery voltage reaches approximately 2.4 volts per
cell, or 14.4 volts for a 12V battery, the charger voltage is held
constant at this level and the battery current is allowed to reduce.
This voltage is maintained until the charging current reduces
substantially indicating a full charge. At this point, the battery
is fully charged.
Stage 3: Float mode
Float mode is the final stage of the charging routine. During float
mode, the voltage on the battery is maintained at approximately
13.5 volts for a 12V battery. This voltage will maintain the full
charge condition of the battery without boiling out electrolyte or
overcharging the battery. When the charger is in this mode, all
lights on the RTIC-2120-WP should be green.
Installation
Location
Do not mount directly over or under a battery or onto a
carpeted, upholstered or varnished surface.
Install in an area where all charger electrical cords will avoid
hot surfaces such as exhaust pipes and moving parts such
as fan wheels.
Operating temperature is -10°C to 55°C (-14°F to 131°F).
Storage temperature is -30°C to 80°C (-22°F to 176°F).
Provide as much surrounding cooling clearance as possible
for maximum efficiency, safety, and shortest recharge times.
At a minimum, maintain an 8 inch clearance around the pe
-
rimeter and top side of the charger.
Never mount in the vicinity of explosives, pressurized cans
or other flammable material.
Mounting
Wear safety goggles, gloves and a long sleeve shirt when
drilling mounting holes near a battery.
In most cases, #10 stainless steel mounting bolts with aircraft
nuts, nylocks or #10 screws provide for solid mounting.
Electrical
AC wire connections
The RTIC-2120-WP is equipped with a factory installed 6 foot
AC cord with a ground connection. The ground connection
is the round pin on the AC plug.
It is extremely important
that only grounded electrical outlets or extension cords
with a ground connection should be used when operating
this charger.
Never connect the AC plug into an electrical outlet if you
are wet or barefoot.
Ensure that the AC cord cannot reach moving parts, lids,
hoods, etc. Secure with a cable tie to solid anchor point if
necessary.
The charger will operate properly with 220VAC 50/60Hz.
DC wire connections
DC wire connections must be made before plugging in the
AC cord.
The charger should only be used with lead-acid type batteries
such as AGM, SLA, flooded or maintenance free. If there is
any question, please contact the factory.
Do not remove DC connections while the AC cord is plugged
in.
When installing in the bilge of boats or any battery
compartment, ensure that hatches are open and bilge blowers
are operating for ten minutes to remove any fumes and
hydrogen gas. Be certain the area is ventilated for personal
health and safety.
Keep wire routing from the charger to the battery neat and
secure by anchoring with cable tie to a solid surface every
few inches, not to exceed 18 inch intervals.
Ensure that cables have sufficient clearance from moving
parts and hot surfaces such as exhaust components.
Battery
voltage
Stage 1: Bulk
(constant current)
Stage 2: Absorption
(constant voltage)
Voltage constant,
current decreasing
Battery
current
Absorption
Voltage constant,
full charge maintained
Stage 3: Float
(constant voltage)
Float
Bulk
Two 6V battery connection
One 12V battery connection
