When to Charge Batteries Figure | Invacare Wheelchair guide

RWD WHEELCHAIRS

PROCEDURE 11

WHEN TO CHARGE BATTERIES (FIGURE 2)

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 front of the joystick housing and provides information on the remaining charge in the batteries. At FULL charge theBDIwillbeGREEN.Asthebatterybecomesdischarged, 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 (BDI)

FIGURE 2 - WHEN TO CHARGE BATTERIES

CHARGING BATTERIES (FIGURE 3)

WARNING

Never attempt to recharge the batteries by at- taching cables directly to the battery terminals or clamps. Use the recharging plug located on either the side of the wheelchair frame or on the front of the joystick.

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 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 bat- teries 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 con- dition. If left unattended, the charger should automatically shut-off when full charge is obtained.

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 char- ger. 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 in- structions 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

Battery Charger	1	Supplied
✪ Extension Cord	1	Not Supplied

✪3-prong plug, 15 ampere current rating; industrial type

Wheelchairs Equipped With MCC-Mark IV Joystick (Detail "A" of FIGURE 3)

1.Attach the battery charger connector to the charger cable/battery harness.

2.Plug the charger’s AC power cord, or extension, into the grounded 120 VAC wall outlet.

3.Wait until charging is complete.

NOTE: Allow eight (8) hours for normal charging. Larger batteries (greater than 55 ampere-hours) or severely dis- charged batteries may require up to sixteen (16) hours to be properly charged and equalized. If the charger op- erates for sixteen (16) hours and is unable to fully charge the batteries, an internal timer turns the charger off and begins to fast blink the green light.

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 Invacare dealer for service.

Wheelchairs Equipped With Mark IV RII Joystick (Detail "B" of FIGURE 3)

1.Attach the battery charger connector to the charger port on the FRONT of the joystick.