INTRODUCTION
The MULTI XS 3600 is a switch mode charger with pulse mainte-
nance and is one of a series of professional chargers from CTEK
SWEDEN AB. It represents state-of-the-art technology within
battery charging. A MULTI XS 3600 will prolong the service life of
your battery. Please read this manual carefully and follow the
instructions.
CHARGING
Charging batteries in a vehicle:
1. The power cord should be removed from the power outlet before
connecting or disconnecting the battery leads.
2. Identify which of the poles is the earth (connected to the chas-
sis). The earth is normally connected to the negative terminal.
3. Charging of negative earthed battery: Connect the red wire to
the positive pole of the battery and the black wire to the vehicle
chassis. Make sure the black wire is not connected close to a fuel
hose or the battery.
4. Charging of positive earthed battery: Connect the black wire
to the negative pole of the battery and the red wire to the vehicle
chassis. Make sure the red wire is not connected close to a fuel
hose or the battery.
Charging of a battery not connected to a vehicle:
1. The power cord should be removed from the power outlet before
connecting or disconnecting the battery leads.
2. Connect the red wire to the positive pole of the battery and the
black wire to the negative pole.
Begin Charging
1. Set the correct voltage for the battery by pushing the Mode
Selector Button until the light for the correct voltage is lit (see Bat-
tery Types and Settings).
2. When you are sure the battery leads are correctly placed,
connect the power cord to the power outlet to begin charging. If the
battery leads are wrongly connected, the pole-changing switch will
ensure the battery and charger are not damaged. The fault indica-
tor will light. In which case start from the beginning again.
3. The charging lamp will now indicate charging or the mainte-
nance lamp will indicate that the battery is fully charged. If the
voltage drops the charger sends a pulse to the battery. The length
of the pulse depends on how much the voltage has dropped. The
charger can be connected for months.
4. If nothing happens:
If the voltage indicator is lit but no other
lamp is lit there could be a bad connection to the battery or chassis
or the battery could be faulty. Check the wall power outlet. If you
experience problems: start with the sensitive connection between
the battery clamps and the charger.
5. Charging can be stopped at any time by disconnecting the
supply cord or by setting the charger on Standby. Always remove
the power cord from the power outlet before disconnecting the
battery leads from a battery in a vehicle. When you stop charging
a battery in a vehicle, remove the cable from the chassis before
removing the other cable.
6. If the charger lamp and the maintenance-charger lamp are
ashing alternately, the reason for this is due to:
• An interruption during charging, due to a loose connection or
because the battery has ceased to work.
• The battery has become sulphated. If the lamps ash for more
than 30 minutes, this indicates that the battery is dead and needs
to be replaced.
• If there is an interval of more than 10 seconds between the
ashes, this indicates that the battery has a high self-discharge
rate and may need to be replaced.
SAFETY
• The charger is designed for charging 1.2-120 Ah lead-acid batter-
ies. Do not use it for any other purpose.
• Always use safety goggles and turn your face away from the
battery when turning it on and off!
• When being charged, batteries could emit explosive gases.
Prevent ames and sparks close to the battery.
• Always provide for proper ventilation during charging.
• Avoid covering the charger.
• Battery acid is corrosive. Rinse immediately with water if acid
comes into contact with skin or eyes. Seek medical advice.
• Never charge a frozen battery
• Never place the charger on top of the battery when charging.
BATTERY TYPES AND SETTINGS
The following recommendations should only be seen as
guidelines. Please consult the battery manufacturer for further
instructions.
CHARGING CYCLE
MULTI XS 3600 operates in a three step fully automatic cycle
IUoUp. It begins charging with an almost constant current (0.8
A or 3.6 A) until maximum voltage (14.4 V or 14.7 V) is reached.
The charger changes mode at this point. It locks the voltage at
maximum level and allows the current to drop. The MULTI XS
3600 switches automatically to pulse maintenance charging when
the current drops to 0.4 A. The charging cycle restarts if the battery
voltage drops to 12.8 V or 12.9 V .
Bulk - Charging where 80% of the energy is returned. The charger
delivers an almost constant current until the battery voltage
reaches maximum level.
Absorption - Charging up to almost 100%. The charge current
falls and the voltage is kept constant at the maximum level.
Pulse - Maintenance phase, where the charger delivers a pulse
if the battery voltage drops. Charging varies between 95% and
100%. The battery receives a pulse when the voltage reduces.
Keep the battery in good condition when not in use. The charger
can be connected for months.
Switch Mode
BATTERY CHARGER
For lead-acid batteries 1.2-120Ah
MULTI XS 3600
User’s Manual and a guide
to professional battery charging
For Starter/Deep Cycle batteries
Bulk
Absorption
Pulse
Time
Voltage/Current
Current
Voltage
Mode 14.4V/0.8A
This mode is normally used for <14 Ah batteries.
Mode 14.4V/3.6A Normal setting for wet batteries,
MF and for most GEL batteries.
Mode 14.7V/3.6A This setting is recommended for
many AGM batteries such as Optima, Maxxima and
Odysseys. This mode is also useful for charging bat-
teries in minus degrees.
