this battery charger to charge nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH), lithium (Li) and dry cell batteries commonly used with home appliances and electronic equipment. These batteries may burst and cause injury to persons and damage to property. The charger is not intended to supply power to an extra-low voltage electrical system without a battery.

•NEVER charge a frozen battery. Charging a battery when its tem- perature is below 32 °F (0 °C) is inefficient and ineffective. If possible, warm the battery above 32 °F (0 °C) before charging.

Preparing to Charge

1)If it is necessary to remove the battery from its installed position to charge, always remove the grounded terminal from the battery first. Make sure all loads connected to the battery are off, so as not to cause an arc.

2)Be sure the area around the battery is well ventilated while the battery is being charged. Gas can be forcefully blown away by using a piece of cardboard or other non-metallic material as a fan.

3)Clean the battery terminals and ensure that connections are secure. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming in contact with eyes.

4)If you are charging a flooded battery, add distilled water to each cell until battery acid reaches level specified by battery manufacturer. This helps purge excessive gas from cells. Do not overfill. Never allow battery acid to drip on charger when reading specific gravity or filling battery. For a battery without cell caps, carefully follow the manufacturer's recharging instructions.

5)Study and follow all battery manufacturer's specific precautions such as removing or not removing cell caps while charging, and recom- mended rates of charge.

6)Ensure that battery voltage is 12 volts (nominal) by referring to battery manufacturer's information, or manual for equipment in which battery is installed. Do not attempt to charge a battery which is not rated at 12 volts.

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