Clarke LA4 Instruction Manual

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
LS1214
LEAD ACID BATTERY CHARGER
MODEL NO: LA4 & LA6

2
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE Battery Charger.
Please read this manual thoroughly, before attempting
to operate, and carefully follow all instructions given.
It is vitally important that ALL precautions are taken, as
specified, which will not only provide protection for
yourself and that of others around you, but will also
ensure that the Battery Charger will give you long and
satisfactory service.
This Battery Charger is limited to use with 12V Lead Acid
Batteries ONLY.
DO NOT attempt to charge other types of battery
GUARANTEE
This CLARKE product is guaranteed against faulty
manufacture for a period of 12 months from the date of
purchase. Please keep your receipt as proof of
purchase.
This guarantee is invalid if the product is found to have
been abused or tampered with in any way, or not used
for the purpose for which it was intended.
Faulty goods should be returned to their place of
purchase, no product can be returned to us without
prior permission.
This guarantee does not effect your statutory rights

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• IMPORTANT: ALWAYS disconnect the battery from the
vehicle BEFORE connecting the charger leads. This is
to prevent damage being caused to the vehicles
electronic systems.
• This battery charger is designed for INDOOR use ONLY.
Do not use outdoors, exposed to the elements.
• This battery charger is for charging I2V Lead-Acid
type batteries only. Do not use for any other type of
battery, or supply power to low voltage electrical
systems.
• Do not attempt to charge a battery with a capacity
exceeding that indicated in the ‘Specifications’.
• Do not operate the charger if any of the cables are
damaged. Consult your Clarke dealer for repair or
replacement of the parts.
• Do not operate the charger if the case is damaged.
Consult your Clarke dealer for inspection and repair.
• Do not disassemble the charger, incorrect reassembly
may result in electric shock or fire.
• Ensure the battery posts and battery clamps are
perfectly clean before use.
• Connect the battery clamps to the battery terminals
before plugging the charger in to the mains power
supply.

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• Disconnect from the mains power supply before
making or breaking connections to the battery.
• Make sure the battery is topped up with distilled
water, (where applicable), to its proper level, before
connecting the charger.
• Unscrew the battery filler caps fully, (where
applicable), and leave them loose for the duration of
charge, to ensure that gases are allowed to escape.
NOTE: ALWAYS clean around the filler caps
thoroughly before unscrewing, to ensure
that no dirt can enter the battery cell.
Ensure the breather holes, in the caps, are
perfectly clear before screwing in again.
• When charging is complete, disconnect the negative
cable first and then the positive cable.
• Always place the charger in an environment which is
- well ventilated
- out of the reach of children
- not exposed to direct sunlight or heat source
- not exposed to rain or other adverse conditions
- away from water / moisture, oil and grease
- away from explosive gases, flames, and sparks
- away from any flammable substance

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ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
THIS APPLIANCE IS DOUBLE INSULATED
This appliance is fitted with a 13 amp, BS 1363 plug which
should be connected to a standard 230 VAC (50Hz)
electrical supply. If the plug is replaced, the
replacement must be to the same specification and
wired in accordance with the following code:
Blue - Neutral
Brown - Live
As the colours of the flexible cord of this appliance may
not correspond with the coloured markings identifying
terminals in your plug proceed as follows:
• Connect BROWN cord to terminal marked with a
letter “L” or coloured RED
• Connect BLUE cord to terminal marked with a letter
“N” or coloured BLACK
If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.
In the event a moulded plug is fitted, and is subsequently
cut from the electric cable, the replacement plug MUST
be an approved 13 amp, BS 1363 plug and wired in
accordance with the above instructions. Additionally,
please note:

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1. The discarded plug must be thrown away as
there is a danger of electric shock if it is
subsequently inserted into a socket outlet.
2. Never use the plug without the fuse cover fitted.
3. Should you wish to replace a detachable fuse
carrier, ensure that the correct replacement is
used (as indicated by marking or colour code).
4. Replacement fuse covers can be obtained from
your local dealer or most electrical stockists.
FUSE REPLACEMENT
The fuse in the plug must be replaced with one of the
same rating (5 amps) and this replacement must be
ASTA or BSI approved to BS1362.
EXTENSION CABLES
If an extension cable is used, the conductors in the
cable MUST be a minimum 1.5mm
2
. Additionally, ensure
the cable is completely unwound from the drum.

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USING THE CHARGER
Ensure the battery to be charged is rated at 12V and
that it is not damaged or in an overly discharged state,
otherwise it may draw too much current from the
charger and damage may result.
DISCONNECT THE BATTERY FROM THE VEHICLE
If the battery is still in the vehicle, ensure the battery
terminals are disconnected from the vehicles electrical
system. Disconnect the negative (EARTH) terminal first,
followed by the positive terminal. (When reconnecting,
do so in reverse order).
CONNECT THE CHARGER TO THE BATTERY
1. Connect the red battery clamp to the positive
(+ve) battery terminal.
2. Connect the black clamp to the negative (-ve)
terminal,
• Make sure that both connections are secure and NOT
touching each other.
CHARGE THE BATTERY
3. Plug in the charger and switch ON at the mains
supply.
4. Set the ON/OFF switch to ON to commence
charging.

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WHEN CHARGING IS COMPLETE
5. When charging is complete (charger display
needle goes fully to the left), set the ON/OFF
switch to OFF.
• Damage to the battery could occur should the
charger be left connected for a prolonged period.
6. Disconnect the charger from the battery.
• Remove the black clamp from the negative (-ve)
terminal first.
• Then remove the red clamp from the positive (+ve)
terminal.
7. Reconnect the battery to the vehicle.

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SAFETY FEATURES
Whenever a fault condition exists, the circuitry
automatically disengages the normal operation of the
charger.
THERMAL OVERLOAD
The thermal overload protector provides a safeguard
against an excessively large charging current being
drawn by the battery for prolonged periods.
SHORT CIRCUIT
The charger is fully protected against short circuits, i.e.
the clamps coming into contact with each other
(directly or indirectly) when the unit is switched ON.
If a short circuit does occur, the fuse on the bottom of
the unit may ‘blow’ and need replacing before using
the charger again. The fuse required is a 7.5A blade fuse.
REVERSE POLARITY
The charger is fully protected against the possibility of
the clamps being incorrectly connected.

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SPECIFICATIONS
Model LA4 LA6
Input Voltage 230V @ ~50Hz
Battery Voltage: 12 V
IP Rating: IP20
Minimum battery
size: (Ah/CCA)
10Ah 12Ah
Maximum battery
size: (Ah/CCA)
60Ah
60Ah
Operating
Temperature
Range: (°C)
-10 to 45°C
Compatible
battery types:
Lead acid only
Dimensions
(D x W x H)
95 x 172 x 177 mm 97 x 170 x 177 mm
Weight (kg) 1.35 1.7
Part Number 6266300 6266305