XI. BATTERIES
A. INTRODUCTION
1. Notes:
•Batteries supply the power for your chair. They contain a finite amount of energy and
have limits on how long they can store and supply energy.
• You can charge batteries only a certain number of times before they will fail and no
longer hold a charge.
• For answers to questions about batteries, consult your supplier.
2. Use Proper Batteries:
Your chair operates on two 12 volt batteries.
• They should be GP 24 or 22NF size for the F11 and 40 AMP or U1 for the M11. Only
deep cycle sealed case construction batteries should be used in this device.
• When you buy a replacement, insist on a deep cycle sealed case. Do not use a car
starter battery.
3. Breaking In:
• A battery requires “breaking-in” for the first 6 to 12 charges. It will not accept a full
charge for this period.
• It is best to limit the length of your trips until you break the batteries in and you
know the range of your chair.
4. Discharged Batteries:
•Never allow a battery to completely discharge. If you operate your wheelchair until it
has almost stopped, you will greatly reduce the life of yourbatteries.
•Never let a battery sit in a discharged condition. Give unused or stored batteries a
full charge once per month.
•Always fully charge the batteries. Avoid “topping off” with frequentcharges.
Never connect a life support or auxiliary device to a wheelchair battery. The elec-
trical system may fail and result in severe injury to or death of rider.
B. BATTERY CHARGER
A battery charger produces a direct current (DC). When applied to a discharged battery,
this reverses the chemical reaction that led to its discharge.
1. Charge Rate. How fast a battery will charge depends on:
• Its electrical capacity, state of charge, electrolyte temperature, and internal condition.
• The DC output of the charger. (The charge rate will vary if the alternating current
(AC) supply is higher or lower than 110 volts).
2. CAUTION– To Avoid Damage to the Charger
•Never expose charger to rain or snow.
•Never unplug charger by pulling on the electrical cord. This will damage the cord.
•Never open a charger or attempt to repair it yourself. Return charger to Sunrise or
have repairs made only by a qualified person.
•Keep cord out of the way, where it will not be stepped on, tripped over, or damaged.
3. CAUTION– To Avoid Damage to the Battery
• Make sure you use the correct setting for sealed (gel) batteries (located on the off-
board charger).
•Never charge a frozen battery. A fully charged battery will rarely freeze, but the fluid
in a discharged battery can freeze at 16 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 9 degrees
Centigrade). If you suspect a battery is frozen, thaw it before charging.
Lead acid batteries generate explosive gas while charging. Completely read and
follow all warnings about the batteries in this user instruction manual and any
labels applied to the product. Failure to do so could result in fire, explosion,
injury and/or death.
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28 English XI. Batteries