Using the Battery Voltage Tester

Overview

This battery charger has a built-in voltmeter to test your battery’s state of charge. The charger does not have a built in load tester. As such, a recently charged battery could have a temporarily high voltage due to what is known as “surface charge”. The voltage of such a battery will gradually drop during the period immediately after the charging system is disengaged. Consequently, the tester could display inconsistent values for such a battery. For a more accurate reading, the surface charge should be removed by temporarily creating a load on the battery, such as by turning on lights or other accessories for a couple of minutes before you read the display. Read it a couple of minutes after you have shut the headlights off.

Testing Sequence: There are four basic steps required to test the battery state of charge:

1.With the charger unplugged from the AC outlet, connect the charger to the battery following the instructions given in Sections 5 and 6.

2.Set the charge rate switch and the timer to the OFF position.

3.Plug the charger AC power cord into the AC outlet, following the instructions given in Section 7.

4.Read the voltage on the voltmeter.

General Charging Notes

Fan: The charger is designed to control its cooling fan for efficient operation. It is normal for the fan to start and stop when maintaining a fully charged battery. Keep the area near the charger clear of obstructions to allow the fan to operate efficiently.

Voltage: The voltage displayed during charging is the charging voltage and is usually higher than the battery’s resting voltage.

12.CALCULATING CHARGE TIME

Use the following table to determine the time it will take to bring a battery to full charge.

First, identify where your battery fits into the chart.

NR means that the charger setting is NOT RECOMMENDED.

Find your battery’s rating on the chart below, and note the charge time given for each charger setting. The times given are for batteries with a 50% charge prior to recharging. Add more time for severely discharged batteries.

BATTERY SIZE/RATING

CHARGE RATE/CHARGING TIME

4 AMP

20 AMP

40 AMP

70 AMP

 

 

 

SMALL

Motorcycle,

6 - 12 AH

1 - 2 hrs

NR

NR

NR

garden,

 

 

 

 

 

BATTERIES

12 - 32 AH

2 - 5 hrs

NR

NR

NR

tractor, etc.

 

200 - 315 CCA

40 - 60 RC

5½ - 7¼ hrs

1 - 1½ hrs

½ - ¾ hr

20 - 30 min

CARS/

315 - 550 CCA

60 - 85 RC

7¼ - 9¼ hrs

1½ - 2 hrs

¾ - 1 hr

30 - 40 min

TRUCKS

 

 

 

 

 

 

550 - 1000 CCA

80 - 190 RC

9¼ - 17½

2 - 3½ hrs

1 - 1¾ hrs

40 min - 1 hr

 

 

hrs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

80 RC

8¾ hrs

1¾ hrs

NR

NR

MARINE/DEEP-CYCLE

140 RC

13½ hrs

2¾ hrs

NR

NR

160 RC

15 hrs

3 hrs

NR

NR

 

 

 

 

180 RC

16½ hrs

3½ hrs

NR

NR

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Schumacher PWI70300A Using the Battery Voltage Tester Overview, General Charging Notes, Calculating Charge Time
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PWI70300A specifications

The Schumacher PWI70300A is a versatile and powerful 7 Amp fully automatic battery maintainer and charger that has been designed to cater to the needs of both everyday drivers and automotive enthusiasts. This model stands out for its blend of advanced technology and user-friendly features, making it suitable for various battery types, including 6V and 12V lead-acid batteries.

One of the main features of the PWI70300A is its automatic multi-stage charging system. This technology helps in optimizing battery performance and lifespan by delivering the appropriate charge based on the battery's condition. It automatically switches from bulk charge to absorption and then to maintenance mode once the battery reaches full charge, ensuring that there is no overcharging, which can cause damage.

The lightweight and compact design of the PWI70300A enhances its portability, allowing users to easily carry it around or store it in tight spaces. Additionally, the unit comes equipped with a user-friendly LED indicator, which provides real-time feedback about the charging status. This feature simplifies the charging process, as users can easily gauge whether the battery is charging, fully charged, or requires attention.

Notably, the PWI70300A is designed with safety as a priority. It includes built-in protections against reverse polarity, short circuit, and over-temperature, which significantly reduces the risks associated with battery charging. This makes it an ideal choice for those who may not have extensive experience with battery maintenance.

The Schumacher PWI70300A also shines in its versatility, as it is compatible with a wide range of electrical vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and ATVs. This makes it a valuable addition to the toolkit of any vehicle owner. The inclusion of clamps and ring terminals ensures flexible connectivity options, allowing users to choose the most convenient way to connect the charger.

In summary, the Schumacher PWI70300A is a robust and dependable battery maintainer and charger, ideal for anyone looking to extend the life of their batteries while still being easy to use. With its automatic charging capabilities, safety features, portability, and compatibility with various vehicles, it presents an excellent investment for maintaining battery health and performance. Whether for professional use or personal convenience, the Schumacher PWI70300A delivers on quality and reliability.
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