9
8. Safety Recommendations
1. Read & completely understand this instruction manual before use. Always keep this manual in
a convenient location.
2. To reduce the risk of injury, charge only 12V lead acid batteries, AGM & GEL batteries. Other
types of batteries may be subject to bursting which can lead to personal injury & property
damage. If uncertain about types and/or charging procedures contact the battery
manufacturer 6V batteries wired for 12V operation are permitted.
3. Always use a well-ventilated space. Batteries emit explosive gases. These explosive gases
can be ignited by a spark, cigarette or naked flame such as a cigarette lighter or matches.
4. Make sure the voltage of the battery being connected is the same as the output voltage of the
solar controller.
5. Make sure to connect with correct polarity (positive pole to the positive post, negative pole to t
he negative post).
6. It is generally considered ‘good practice’ to remove the batteries from the vehicle when
charging. This is because dangerous Hydrogen gas, given off by many types of batteries while
they are being charged, can build up inside confined spaces which could explode under certain
conditions. However, removal of the battery from the vehicle is not necessary provided the
battery is being charged in a well ventilated area. A well ventilated compartment, or a battery
bank tray that has good ventilation to the outside air, is adequate for charging the battery while
installed.
7. Keep away from explosive gases, flames, smoke & sparks.
8. Keep away from any flammable substances.
9. Always adhere to battery manufacture’s recommendation when charging batteries.
10. Given sufficient light, solar panels always generate energy even when they are disconnected.
Accidental ‘shorting’ of the terminals or wiring can result in spark causing personal injury or a
fire hazard.
11. This unit is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision. Do not
allow unsupervised young children to play with this unit.
12. Always avoid charging an old, damaged, overly discharged, defective battery.
13. When testing or working on or around a battery it is advisable to wear protective eye glasses.
14. Have plenty of fresh water & soap available in case battery acid comes into contact with skin,
eyes or clothing.
15. If the battery acid makes contact with skin or clothing, flush immediately with large amounts of
water. In case of accidental eye contact with battery acid, flush eyes for at least 15 minutes
with clean water. The eyes should be submerged under water & kept open. See a doctor
immediately. Do not use eye drops or other medication unless instructed by a doctor.
16. When working with a lead-acid type battery, be careful not to short-out the battery with a metal
tool or object. Remove all personal items such as watches, rings, bracelets and necklaces.
The possibility of a short circuit exists, which can damage such items & cause severe burns
and/or personal injury.
17. It is important that the battery gets fully charged frequently (at least once per week). Otherwise
the battery can become permanently damaged. Partially charged batteries, especially in hot
weather, can quickly sulfate internally which is an irreversible condition. It is good practice to
prevent a battery from being discharged below 50%. Deeper discharging severely shortens
battery life.
18. Keep the surface of solar panels clean from dust & clean with a soft cloth. Do not walk on
modules.
18. Avoid solar panel contact with water, acid or alkali.
19. Do not scratch or bend solar panels.
20. Do not disassemble or open the solar panels & the solar controller. There are no
user-serviceable parts in this unit.
21. When mounting solar panels on a high location, adhere to all relevant safety regulations.
22. Do not pack heavy items on top the solar panels when storing or transporting.
23. High temperatures will reduce the performance of solar panels, and other solar components,
lowering power output. High quality solar cells, efficient Charge Controllers, proper wiring and
connectors, and good ventilation help mitigate these effects. Operating at cold temperatures
has the opposite, positive effects on your Portable Solar System and helps increase the power
output. Remember: Colder is better.
