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Before Charging Your Battery
NOTE: We recommended that the battery is disconnected from the vehicle. This will avoid any
possible damage to the alternator. Loss of codes for audio and security systems can be avoided
by connecting a Draper Memory Saver (Part No. CMS1 -Stock No.38330) or similar product before
disconnecting the battery. Check the car battery voltage matches that of the charger.
Before connecting the battery charger to the battery, ensure that the charger and battery are on a
level surface. If the battery has cell filler caps loosen or remove them to assist the escape of
charging gases. (If battery being charged is a maintenance free, gel filled or sealed battery, refer
to the appropriate section below). Once the cell caps have been loosened, it is advisable to check
the level of the electrolyte.
If the level is below the mark on the side of the battery, this should be topped up using distilled
water (under no circumstances use tap water).
Maintenance Free Batteries (Low Maintenance Batteries).
These batteries often have cells with no filler caps and therefore cannot be topped up with
distilled water. For charging these types of batteries we strongly advise the use of a Draper
Automatic Charger (Part No. BC8A) or Draper Intelligent Charger (Part No.BCI). These chargers
have been designed to monitor the status of the battery during charging. Once the battery has
reached its full capacity the chargers automatically switch to a trickle charge to maintain the
batteries full capacity with out overcharging.
Gel Filled and Other Sealed Batteries (Use BCI model Only)
This type of battery normally contains gel electrolyte and may be referred to as “Dry Fit”. They
are most commonly used in applications such as, electric golf trolleys, mobility wheelchairs,
camping, caravanning and marine activities, etc, (see below). To charge this type of battery we
strongly advise you only use the Draper intelligent Charger (BCI), which is fitted with temperature
sensor compensation which allows continuous adjustment of the unsupervised charge to ovoid
overcharging and loss of electrolyte by ‘gassing’ which can shorten the life of the battery.
OPERATION & USE