PROCEDURE 8 | FWD WHEELCHAIRS |
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C H A I R S
WHEN TO CHARGE BATTERIES (FIGURE 17)
It is advantageous to recharge frequently rather than only when necessary. In fact, a battery’s life is extended if the charge level is maintained well above a low condition.
BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR (BDI) is located at the rear of the joystick housing and provides information on the remaining charge in the batteries. At FULL charge the BDI will be GREEN. As the battery becomes discharged, the BDI indicator will turn AMBER (YELLOW), then RED and finally FLASHING RED. If the BDI is FLASHING RED, the user should charge the batteries as soon as possible.
NOTE: Accurate readings are displayed when in neutral.
Battery Discharge |
Indicator |
FIGURE 17 - WHEN TO CHARGE BATTERIES
CHARGING BATTERIES (FIGURE 18)
WARNING
Never attempt to recharge the batteries by attaching cables directly to the battery termi- nals or clamps. Always use the recharging plug located on the side of the wheelchair frame.
DO NOT attempt to recharge the batteries and operate the power wheelchair at the same time.
During use and charging, unsealed batteries will vent hydrogen gas which is explosive in the right concentration with air.
CAUTION
Always charge new batteries fully BEFORE initial use or battery life will be reduced.
NOTE: As a general rule, batteries should be recharged daily to assure the longest possible life and minimize the required charging time. Plan to recharge the batteries when it is anticipated the wheelchair will not be used for a long period of time.
The range per battery charge using recommended batteries should be approximately 5 to 9 hours of typical operation. Extensive use on inclines may substantially reduce per charge mileage.
Description and Use of Battery Chargers
The charger automatically reduces the charge from an initially high rate to a zero reading at a fully charged condition. If left unattended, the charger should automatically
There are some basic concepts which will help you understand this automatic process:
The amount of electrical current drawn within a given time to charge a battery is called “charge rate”. If, due to usage, the charge stored in the battery is low, the charge rate is high, as indicated by the green light on the charger. Initially, the green light will stay illuminated for a short period of time followed by a longer period of off time. As a charge builds up, the charge rate is reduced, and the green light will stay illuminated for a longer period of time followed by a shorter off time.
NOTE: If performing the charging procedures indepen- dently, READ and CAREFULLY follow the individual instructions for each charger (supplied or purchased).
NOTE: If charging instructions are not supplied, consult a qualified service technician for proper procedures.
Required Items:
TOOL | QUANTITY | COMMENTS |
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Battery Charger | 1 | Supplied |
✪ Extension Cord | 1 | Not Supplied |
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✪
1.If necessary, remove the rear shroud. Refer to REMOVING/INSTALLING SHROUDS in this procedure of the manual.
2.Attach the battery charger connector to the charger cable/battery harness.
3.Plug the charger’s AC power cord, or extension, into the grounded 120 VAC wall outlet.
4.Wait until charging is complete.
NOTE: Allow eight (8) hours for normal charging. Larger batteries (greater than 55
NOTE: If the batteries need to be charged more often or take longer to charge than normal, they may need to be replaced. Contact an authorized dealer for service.
5.If necessary, install the rear shroud. Refer to REMOVING/INSTALLING SHROUDS in this proce- dure of the manual.
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