Arlec BC591 User manual
Switch Mode Smart Charger
Charges 12 Volt Batteries
BC591
Important! Please read these instructions carefully before use.
Due to continuous research and development the specifications herein are subject to change without notice.
Operating Instructions
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This Arlec battery charger is designed to charge 12 Volt lead-acid batteries.
It is an easy charger to use, the circuit is all electronic and it will charge your flat battery to
get your car, boat or motorcycle going again. The charger is protected internally to cut off the
current in the event of a short circuit, an overload or reversed connection to the battery, and is
double insulated for added safety.
Before using this charger it is essential that you read important safety information
on page 3.
The LED Meter
The Meter is comprised of three Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) which illuminate to register
Power on, charging and battery charged.
As the battery is charging the red and yellow LEDs will illuminate to indicate that the battery is
being charged. When the green LED is illuminated your battery is in a charged state. The green
LED should be used as a guide only to the charge status of your battery. The output leads are
fitted with coloured clips for easy identification of polarity.
Red for positive (+) and black for negative (-).
1. Before connecting or disconnecting the charger to a battery, ensure that the charger is
switched ‘OFF’ at power point
2. Ideally, disconnect and remove the battery from the vehicle. It is advisable to disconnect the
battery leads to protect the electronic systems within the vehicle.
(Refer also to “Important Notes Section).
3. Remove the battery filler caps and check the level of the liquid in the cells.
If necessary, top up with distilled water and ensure that the liquid is 6mm (1/4”) above the top
of the plates. Do not replace the filler caps until the charging program has been completed.
4. Connect the clips to the battery terminals ensuring they bite firmly and the polarity is correct.
If the red LED does not illuminate when the charger is switched on, check the following
points.
•Ensurethatthepositive(red)clipisconnectedtothepositive(+)batteryterminal.
•Theredorblackclipsmaynotbemakinggoodelectricalcontact.Twisttheclipstoensure
good electrical contact on battery terminals.
•Yourbatterymaybecompletelyatorhavedamagedcells.Careshouldbetakenwhen
attempting to charge a damaged or completely flat battery. Refer to section headed
“Overload”.
5. Plug the battery charger into a regular household power point (240 Volt), and switch power
‘ON’. The red and yellow LEDs will illuminate to indicate that the battery is being charged.
Note: During the charging process the battery will be gassing (bubbling quite freely) and
emitting hydrogen gas. Do not use a naked flame near the battery.
6. When the green LED is illuminated the battery is charged. Switch power ‘OFF’ before
removing the clips from the battery.
Charging Time
1. If the battery is in reasonable condition, it should be sufficiently charged to start a vehicle
when the green LED indicator is illuminated.
2. Charging the battery overnight (12-15 hours) is usually enough to fully charge a flat car
battery, although a vehicle may start after only a short period of charging. Do not charge your
battery for more than 24 hours as this may cause deterioration of the battery cells.
3. Smaller capacity motorcycle batteries may only need 4-6 hours to restore the battery to peak
condition.
If your battery is flat and all three LED’s illuminate when you first switch the charger ‘on’ it is
acceptable to continue charging your battery for several hours. This indicates that the battery
is in a really flat condition. The green ‘charged’ LED should eventually switch ‘off’, when the
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charger has delivered enough trickle charge to commence normal operation. The green LED
will illuminate again when the battery is charged.
This situation generally occurs when the battery has been neglected and not charged for several
months, or has been completely discharged.
If all three LED’s are illuminated for several hours when the battery is first connected and the
green LED does not switch ‘off’ it is recommended that your battery is tested by an automotive
electrician.
Overload
Prolonged charging of very flat or damaged batteries is not recommended. If the green LED fails
to illuminate after extended charging time you should have the battery checked by a automotive
electrician and cease charging to avoid any further damage to the battery.
When the liquid in the battery starts gassing (bubbling) freely, the battery is well charged and
ready for use.
Low Maintenance
Low maintenance batteries should not be overcharged. It is advisable to disconnect the charger
as soon as the green LED on the meter becomes illuminated.
NOTE: Sealed or low maintenance type batteries are easily recognisable as they do not have
removable filler caps. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to recharge
this type of battery.
Safety Information
WARNING Working in the vicinity of a lead acid battery is dangerous due to
the emission of explosive gases. These explosive gases can be ignited by a spark,
cigarette or naked flame such as a cigarette lighter or matches.
•Keepsparksandnakedamesawayfrombatteryatalltimes.
•Neversmokeorlightacigarettenearabattery.
•Donotusechargerindirectsunlight.
•Donotusechargerinambienttemperaturesover35°C.
•Takeextremecarewithmetalobjectsandtoolsincludingitemsofjewellerysuchasringsand
watch bands. Metal objects touching the battery terminals may cause sparks or serious heat
burns to the user or wearer.
•Donotallowtoolstodroponthebatteryandnevertemporarilyplacetoolsontopofabattery.
•Whentestingorworkingonoraroundaleadacidbatteryitisadvisabletowearprotectiveeye
glasses.
•Whentestingorchargingaleadacidbattery,ensurethattheareayouareworkinginhas
plenty of ventilation. Never test or charge a battery in a confined area.
•Donotusethechargerintherainorexposeittowaterfromhosesorsprinklers.Leadacid
batteries contain Sulphuric Acid. If acid contacts the skin or clothing, flush immediately with
large amounts of water.
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In Case Of Accidental Eye Contact With Battery Acid, Flush Eyes For At Least Five
Minutes With Clean Water. The Eyes Should Be Submerged Under Water And Kept
Open. See A Doctor Immediately. Do Not Use Eye Drops Or Other Medication Unless
Instructed By A Doctor.
•Thischargerisdesignedtocharge12voltautomotivelead-acidbatteriesofcapacityinthe
range 10 to 60 amp-hours. Most small motor car batteries are in this range.
•Donotattempttochargebatteriesofothertypes.
•Thischargerisnottobeusedbyyoungchildrenorinrmpersonswithoutsupervision.Donot
allow young children to play with the charger.
•Ideally,disconnectthebatteryandremovefromthevehiclebeforecharging.Ifthisisnot
practical, ensure that the battery terminal not connected to the chassis is connected first to
the charger. The other connection is then made to the chassis, keeping away from the battery
and fuel line.
•Switchonthemainssupplytothechargeronlyafterconnectingbothclipstothebattery.
•Aftercharging,switchoffthemainssupply.Thenremovethechassisconnectionandthe
battery connection, in this order.
GUARANTEE
Arlec guarantees this product against defects of materials and workmanship for a period of
24 months from the date of purchase provided that the product is used in accordance with
Arlec’s recommendations and within such voltage and current limits as are specified by Arlec
in relation to the product. Arlec will at its own option make good, replace with the same or
similar product, or provide credit for any product manufactured or supplied by it, which proves
to be defective within the limits set out above provided always that no repairs, alterations or
modifications to the product have been undertaken or attempted, other than by the company
or its authorised agents. Should the purchaser wish to make a claim under the guarantee, the
product should be returned pre-paid to the place of purchase.
To obtain warranty the purchase receipt must be returned with the product. This guarantee is in
addition to and does not take away from any rights available to the consumer under the Trade
Practices Act and the State consumer protection legislation.
Proof of Purchase
Please retain your receipt for all service or warranty claims.
For all sales enquiries:
Phone (03) 9727 8860
Fax 1300 360 650
© This instruction leaflet is subject to
copyright and must not be reproduced,
copied or otherwise used in any way or for
any purpose without the consent in writing
of the owner, Arlec Australia Pty Ltd.
ACN 109 322 105 CPIN1099
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