FWD WHEELCHAIRS

PROCEDURE 11

 

 

 

 

CHARGING BATTERIES (FIGURE 4)

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 several days.

The range per battery charge using recommended bat- teries should be approximately 5 to 9 hours of typical op- eration. Extensive use on inclines or age of batteries may substantially reduce per charge mileage.

Description and Use of Battery Chargers

The charger automatically reduces the amount of charge from an initially high rate to a zero reading at a fully charged condition.

SHUTOFF PROCEDURE.

A.For Models RANGER IIBASIC and RANGER IISTANDARD -If left unattended, the charger will auto- matically shut-off when full charge is obtained.

B.For RANGER II250 SERIES -The Charger output and green light will stay ON until the power switch on the battery charger is moved to the OFF position.

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. (FOR MODELS RANGER IIBASIC and RANGER

IISTANDARD - thisisindicatedbythegreenlightonthecharger. 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 following will occur:

A.For Models RANGER IIBASIC and RANGER IISTANDARD- the green light will stay illuminated for a longer period of time followed by a shorter off time.

B.For Model RANGER II250 SERIES - the battery charger rate decreases to a "trickle charge".

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

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.

NOTE: RANGER IIBASIC and RANGER IISTANDARD ONLY

-If the charger operates 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 a qualified technician for service.

Battery Charger

Connector (on side

of Wheelchair)

From Battery Charger

NOTE: Position of Battery Charger Connector may vary depending on wheelchair options.

FIGURE 4- CHARGING BATTERIES

REPLACING BATTERIES

WARNING

Most batteries are not sold with instructions. How- ever, warnings are frequently noted on the cell caps. Read them carefully, otherwise injury or damage can occur.

NOTE: Invacare recommends that both batteries be re- placed if one (1) battery is defective.

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Invacare IIBASIC Charging Batteries Figure, Replacing Batteries, Description and Use of Battery Chargers, Required Items