Operating Instructions
4
01825E
utilized. Once sulfation is allowed to take
place, it may be partially reduced by
returning, temporarily, to daily charging.
3. A decrease in equipment range where the
battery loses power earlier and earlier in the
day indicates one of the following:
a. The electrolyte level in conventional liquid
electrolyte lead-acid batteries was allowed
to drop below the top of the battery plates.
Add distilled water to just cover the top of
the plates immediately upon discovery and
fill to the proper level with distilled water at
the completion of the very next charge
cycle. Battery capacity lost in this manner
is permanent and is not recovered with
additional charge cycles.
b. Use of the equipment before the batteries
have been fully charged and the charger
turns off. This shortens battery life and
hastens the onset of reduced daily range.
Battery capacity lost in this manner is
permanent and is not recovered with
additional charge cycles.
c. This is the normal wearout process for all
types of deep-cycle motive power
batteries.
4. The charger runs 18 hours before turning off.
This indicates one of the following:
a. Batteries larger than 225 amp-hour
capacity (6 hr. rate) can require more than
18 hours to charge.
b. New batteries (5 cycles or less) can
require more than 18 hours to charge.
5. The charge rate remains at 20 amps. A
battery system fault exists if the charger does
not decrease below 20 amps. This is caused
when the battery system voltage remains too
low. Measure the battery system voltage
while charging. If the charging voltage does
not increase to 2.3 volts per cell (13.6 VDC for
6 cell 12 volt systems), the battery system
voltage is too low, failed or incorrect and must
be corrected before using the charger.
PROPER CARE OF MOTIVE POWER
BATTERIES
Motive power batteries are subjected to severe
deep cycle duty on a daily basis. Although these
batteries are designed to withstand such duty, the
following precautions must be observed to obtain
good performance and maximum cycle life.
CAUTION: ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE
EYE SHIELDS AND CLOTHING WHEN
WORKING WITH BATTERIES. BATTERIES
CONTAIN ACIDS WHICH CAN CAUSE BODILY
HARM. DO NOT PUT WRENCHES OR OTHER
METAL OBJECTS ACROSS THE BATTERY
TERMINAL OR BATTERY TOP. ARCING OR
EXPLOSION OF THE BATTERY CAN RESULT.
1. When installing new batteries, be sure the
polarity of each battery and overall battery
pack is correct. Due to the electrical
characteristics of this charger, it is possible to
improperly hook up the batteries and not blow
the fuse when charging. Battery and/or
charger damage can result.
2. Always observe the following personal safety
precautions when working with lead acid
batteries:
a. Someone should be within range of your
voice or close enough to come to your aid
when you work near a battery.
b. Have plenty of fresh water and soap
nearby in case battery acid contacts skin,
clothing or eyes.
c. Wear complete eye protection and
clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes
while working near battery.
d. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing,
wash immediately with soap and water. If
acid enters eye, immediately flood eye
with running cold water for at least 10
minutes and get medical attention
immediately.
e. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in
vicinity of batteries.
f. Be extra cautious to reduce risk of
dropping a metal tool onto battery. It
might spark or short-circuit battery or other
electrical part that may cause explosion.
g. 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 weld a ring
or the like to metal, causing a severe burn.
h. NEVER charge a frozen battery.
DANGER: TO REDUCE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, ALWAYS DISCONNECT
THE AC SUPPLY CORD FROM ITS OUTLET
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY MAINTENANCE
OR CLEANING OF THE BATTERY.
3. New batteries should be given a full charge
before their first use because it is difficult to
know how long batteries have been stored.
4. Limit use of new batteries for first 5 cycles.
New batteries are not capable of their rated
