Before Using Your Battery Charger

It is important to understand the charger’s requirements. This section explains the charger’s electrical requirements and how to prepare a battery for charging.

PLUGGING IT IN

Your charger requires a 120V AC receptacle installed according to all local codes and ordinances.

extension cord, please make sure that you follow these guidelines:

•Make sure that pins on plug of extension cord are the same number, size, and shape as those of plug on charger.

•Check that the extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.

•Make sure that the wire size is large enough for its length and for the AC ampere rating, as specified in the chart below.

USING AN EXTENSION CORD

The use of an extension cord is not recommended. If you must use an

MINIMUM RECOMMENDED EXTENSION CORD

Length of Cord, in Feet	25	50	100	150

AWG* Size of Cord	18	16	12	10

*AWG=American Wire Gauge

PREPARING YOUR BATTERY TO BE CHARGED

It is important that you read and follow these guidelines while you are preparing to charge the battery.

•Make sure that you have a 12 volt lead-acid battery. Determine voltage of battery by referring to vehicle owner’s manual. Charge battery initially at charger’s lowest rate.

•Clean the battery terminals. Be care- ful to keep corrosion from getting in or around your eyes.

•Wear safety glasses. See additional “Personal Safety Precautions” on page 4.

•For batteries with removable vent caps, if required, add distilled water to each cell until the battery acid reach- es the level recommended by the manufacturer. This will help purge excessive gases from the cells. Be careful not to overfill. If you have a sealed battery with non-removable vent caps, no action is necessary.

•Take time to read all of the battery manufacturer’s specific precautions, such as removing or not removing vent caps while charging, and recommended rates of charge.

•Be sure that the area around the bat- tery is well ventilated while it is being charged. Gas can be forcefully blown away by using a piece of cardboard or other nonmetallic material as a fan.

•If it is necessary to remove the battery from the vehicle to charge it, always remove the grounded terminal from the battery first. Turn off all vehicle accessories to avoid sparks from occurring.

•NOTE: A marine (boat) battery installed in a boat must be removed and charged on shore.