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35827_A
INTRODUCTION
This battery charger is designed to recharge deep-cycle, wet lead-acid batteries. A
ferroresonant transformer is used to provide a highly reliable, AC line voltage-compensating
unit with a minimum of moving parts, designed for long, trouble-free service. An electronic
charge controller turns the charger on and off automatically. This controller determines full
charge of the batteries by measuring the rate at which the battery voltage increases. When
the battery is fully charged, the charger turns off.
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 hook up the batteries improperly and not blow the
fuse when charging. Battery and/or charger damage can result.
2. New batteries should be given a full charge before their first use because it is difficult to know how long the
batteries have been stored. New batteries and older batteries that have been in storage are not capable of
their rated output until they have been discharged and charged a number of times.
3. Limit the use of new batteries for the first 20 cycles until the have been broken in. Heavily discharging (over
60%) new batteries before they have been broken in can cause permanent cell damage, resulting in reduced
energy capacity and shortened life.
4. DO NOT EXCESSIVELY DISCHARGE THE BATTERIES. Excessive discharge can cause polarity reversal
of individual cells resulting in complete failure shortly thereafter.
5. Maintain the proper electrolyte level by adding water when necessary. Distilled or de-ionized water is free of
contaminants and preferred for this use. Never allow the electrolyte level to fall below the top of the battery
plates. Electrolyte levels lower during discharge and rise during charge. Therefore, to prevent the overflow of
electrolyte when charging, it is mandatory that water be added to cells AFTER they have been fully charged;
do not overfill. Old batteries require more frequent additions of water than do new batteries.
6. Hard crystalline sulfates form when batteries in storage are not maintained in a charged active state. Internal
self-discharge can bring about the start of this condition in as little as three days in warm temperatures.
Batteries allowed to sit unmaintained in storage will self-discharge, sulfate to various degrees and lose
capacity. Repeated charging without using the batteries between charges can recover some of the lost
power, range, and life, but some permanent loss should be expected.
7. When the temperature falls below 65
°
F, the batteries should be placed on charge as soon after use as
possible. Cold batteries require more time to fully recharge.
8. The tops of the batteries and battery hold-downs must be kept clean and dry at all times to prevent excessive
self-discharge and flow of current between the battery posts and frame. Electrolyte spilled on the batteries
never dries or evaporates.
9. All connections to batteries that are bolted must be maintained clean and tight. Due to heating and vibration,
bolted connections may loosen over time. Re-tighten the connections twice yearly to the manufacturer's
specified torque.
10. Follow all operating instructions, cautions, and warnings as specified in this manual, on the charger, and in
your vehicle owner’s manual.
