GS-POWER GS-12V3Ah User manual

User manual
GS-12V3Ah
GS-12V3Ah-P
GS-12V4Ah
GS-12V4Ah-P

User manual GS-series
Dear customer,
this manual contains all required information for the installation, use and
maintenance of the GS-12V3Ah / GS-12V3Ah-P and GS 12V4Ah /
GS12V4Ah-P LiFePO4 batteries. We ask you to read this manual
carefully before using the product. The GS-12V3Ah / GS-12V3Ah-P and
GS-12V4Ah / GS-12V4Ah-P are referred to as LiFePO4 batteries.
This manual is aimed for the installer and user of the LiFePO4 batteries.
Only qualified, certified personnel are allowed to install and maintain
LiFePO4 batteries. Please read the directory at the beginning of this
manual to find the relevant information. The measure of safety has to be
maintained at all times while using the product so that installers, users
and maintenance personnel can use the LiFePO4 batteries safely.
Copyright © GS-Power / GS.net GmbH & Co KG
All rights reserved. Licensed software products are the property of
GS.net GmbH & Co KG or its subsidiaries or suppliers are protected by
national copyright laws and international contractual provisions. GS-
Power products are protected, granted and registered by German and
foreign patents. The information in this publication supersedes that in
any previously published material. Specification and price change rights
reserved.
Table of Contents

1. Security guidelines and measures
1.1. General
1.2. Disposal
1.3. Safety symbols and labels on the product
2. Introduction
2.1. Product description
2.2. Intended use
2.3. Glossary of terms
2.4. Symbols used
3. Product specifications
3.1. Technical specifications
3.1.1. Electrical properties
3.1.2. Mechanical properties
3.1.3. Charging and discharging properties
3.1.4. Temperature properties
3.1.5. Compliance data
3.2. Environmental conditions
3.3. Optional components
4. Installation
4.1. General information
4.2. Unpacking
4.3. Battery commissioning
4.3.1. Battery placement
4.3.2. Connection cable
4.4. Charger connection to the battery
4.5. Disconnecting a battery

5. Battery using
5.1. Charging current
6. Inspection and cleaning
6.1. General information
6.2. Inspection
6.3. Cleaning
7. Storage
8. Transport
9. Recycling and disposal
10. Troubleshooting
11. Warranty and liability

1. Security guidelines and measures
1.1. General
• Do not short-circuit the LiFePO4 battery.
• Do not disassemble, crush, pierce, open or dismantle the LiFePO4
battery.
• Do not expose the LiFePO4 battery to heat or fire. Avoid direct sunlight
exposure.
• Do not take the LiFePO4 battery out of the original packaging until the
point of use.
• In case of an electrolyte leak, the liquid should not encounter skin or
eyes. In the case of contact, wash the affected area with water and
consult a doctor.
• Always use a class 2 charger, which is specially designed for LiFePO4
batteries.
• Pay attention to the plus (+) and minus (-) markings on the LiFePO4
battery as well as on the device and ensure correct use. First connect
the positive cable and then connect the negative cable.
• Do not mix batteries of different manufacturers, capacities, sizes or
types.
• Keep the LiFePO4 battery clean and dry.
• Secondary batteries must be charged before use. Always use the
correct charger and read this manual for correct charging instructions.
• If the battery is stored for a longer period, remove it from the
vehicle and store it in a dry and frost-free location after charging.
• Switch off all consumers connected to the battery after use, in order not
to discharge constantly.
• Do not leave the LiFePO4 battery connected to the charger for weeks.
• After long periods of storage, the battery must be charged with a class
2 charger.
• Keep the original product documentation or the link to our website
(www.gs-power.net) ready.

• Charge the battery always after use and also after a storage period.
The battery has a low self-discharge (max. 10% per year).
• Do not charge the LiFePO4 battery below 0 ° C / 32 ° F!
1.2. Disposal
Dispose of the LiFePO4 battery in
accordance with the
local, state and federal laws and
regulations.
Batteries can be returned to the
manufacturer.
Do not mix with other (industrial)
waste.
1.3. Safety symbols and labels on the product
You will find various safety symbols and labels on the product. These
markings are shown below. You must never remove these labels!
The meanings of the symbols:
Wear eye protection
Please refer to the operating instructions
Warning of caustic substances
Warning of explosive substances
Open flames, smoking and sources of ignition are prohibited
Please keep away from children!

2. Introduction
2.1. Product description
GS-Power LiFePO4 batteries are light, compact and offer a high level of
performance.
The LiFePO4 batteries were specially developed for motorsport.
Please note that LiFePO4 batteries must be treated differently from con-
ventional lead-acid batteries. We would like to ask you to pay attention to
the warnings printed on the battery:
•Improper or negligent use creates the risk of fire and burns.
•Do not disassemble, crush, heat above 60 ° C or burn.
•Follow the warnings in these instructions for use and handling.
•Jump start should be avoided, for hazard of short-circuiting the
battery, which can damage the battery.
•Only use a suitable charger for charging. e.g., IVT 3170 12V2A,
IVT 3130 12V4,5A or IVT 3150 12V10A, more on
www.GS-Power.net.
This battery must not experience any external damage. If you
notice any external damage, please do not use the battery.
•Never short-circuit the battery contacts.
•Do not connect the power cables reversed (polarity).
•Do not operate the LiFePO4 battery beyond the published
maximum specifications.

2.2. Intended Use
The LiFePO4 battery of the GS series serves as a voltage source for
starting combustion engines that use a 12 V on-board network. In
applications other than karts, external undervoltage and overvoltage
protection must be used to protect the LiFePO4 battery of the GS series
from undervoltage and overvoltage. With our models with a BMS (Battery
Management System) it is not necessary to use an external undervoltage
and overvoltage protection, as this is handeled by the BMS. The
batteries with BMS switch off automatically even if they overheat. Do not
connect multiple LiFePO4 batteries in series or in parallel.
2.3. Glossary of terms
Duration of the
life cycle
The maximum service life of the product that can be
achieved if the specifications are met
Charge cycle
A charge cycle is from fully charged to fully
discharged to fully recharged again
CCCV
Constant Current - Constant Voltage
LiFeP04
Lithium iron phosphate
DoD
Depth of Discharge
2.4. Symbols used
The following symbols are used throughout this manual:
A warning indicates that serious damage to the user and / or
product can occur if an operation is not performed as described.
A warning sign indicates that problems can arise if an operation
is not carried out as described. It can also serve as a reminder for the
user.

3. Product specifications
3.1. Technical specifications
3.1.1. Electrical properties
Designation
GS-12V3Ah
GS-12V3Ah-P
GS-12V4Ah
GS-12V4Ah-P
Rated Capacity
3 Ah
4 Ah
Energy
38,4 Wh
51,2 Wh
Nominal Voltage
12,8 V
12,8 V
Open Circuit Voltage
13,2 V
13,2 V
Self-discharge
< 10% pro Jahr
<10% pro Jahr
EqPb (equivalent to lead
acid battery)
6 Ah bis 8 Ah
8 Ah bis 10 Ah
Table 2. Electrical properties
3.1.2. Mechanical properties
Designation
GS-12V3Ah /
GS-12V3Ah-P
GS-12V4Ah /
GS-12V4Ah-P
Dimensions
(L x B x H)
150mm x 65mm x 92mm
150mm x 65mm x 92mm
Weight
0,65 kg / 0,7 kg
0,7 kg / 0,75 kg
IP Protection
IP69
IP69
Chemistry
LiFePO4
LiFePO4
Table 3. Mechanical properties
3.1.3. Charging and discharging properties
Designation
GS-12V3Ah /
GS-12V3Ah-P
GS-12V4Ah /
GS-12V4Ah-P
Charging method
CCCV
CCCV
Charging voltage
14.4V ± 0.5V
14.4V ± 0.5V
Maximum charging current
1,5A - 15.0A
1,5A - 15.0A
End-of-discharge voltage
8.2V ± 0.6V
8.2V ± 0.6V
Discharge current continuously
20A
20A
Discharge pulse current (3sec)
150A
150A
Table 4. Charge and discharge characteristics

3.1.4. Temperature properties
Designation
GS-12V3AH /
GS-12V3Ah-P
GS-12V4Ah /
GS-12V4Ah-P
Charging temperature
0°C bis 45°C
0°C bis 45°C
Discharge
temperature
-10°C bis 60°C
-10°C bis 60°C
Storage temperature
short term (<1 month)
-10°C bis 45°C
-10°C bis 45°C
Storage temperature
long term (> 1 month)
0°C bis 25°C
0°C bis 25°C
Table 5. Temperature Characteristics / Do not charge the Li-ion battery below 0 ° C below
3.1.5. Compliance data
Designation
GS - Serie
Certifications
UN 38.3
Shipping classification
UN 3480
Table 6. Compliance data
3.2. Environmental conditions
The LiFePO4 battery may only be used under the conditions
specified in this manual. If you expose the LiFePO4 battery to
conditions outside the specified limits, this can lead to serious
damage to the product and / or the user.
Use the LiFePO4 battery in a dry, clean, dust-free and well-ventilated
room. Do not expose the LiFePO4 battery to fire, water, solvents or
excessive heat.
3.3. Optional components
Designation
Ladeleistung
Battery charger IVT 3170 12V2A
2 A
Battery charger IVT 3130 12V4,5A
4,5 A
Battery charger IVT 3150 12V10A
10 A
Table 7. Optional Battery charger components

4. Installation
4.1. General information
Never install or use a damaged battery.
Do not short circuit the battery.
12V systems only.
Do not connect the power cables in reverse (polarity).
Never install multiple Li-ion batteries in series.
4.2. Unpacking
Check the LiFePO4 battery for damage after unpacking. If the Li-ion
battery is damaged, contact your specialist dealer or GS-Power. Do not
install or use the LiFePO4 battery if it is damaged!
4.3. Commissioning the battery
Do not overcharge the LiFePO4 battery.
When using the LiFePO4 battery, always stay within the limits
specified in chapter 2.
Do not operate the LiFePO4 battery beyond the published
maximum specifications.
4.3.1. Placement of the battery
Before use, the LiFePO4 battery must be positioned so that it does not
move back and forth in its housing during use.
Use suitable brackets for mounting.
4.3.2. Connection cable
Use the appropriate cable for the ports so that no overheating or
unnecessary losses occur.

4.4. Connection of a charger to the battery
Make sure you have completed all the steps described in
chapter 4 before connecting the battery to the charger.
Positive pole
Negative pole

4.5. Disconnecting a battery
•Disconnect the negative cable from the negative terminal (-) of the
battery.
•Disconnect the positive cable from the positive terminal (+) of the
battery.
•General information:
Follow the safety guidelines and measures in Chapter 1.
Never overcharge the LiFePO4 battery, as this will permanently
damage the battery, by using a class 2 LiFePO4-capable charger,
e.g., Staudte-Hirsch chargers.
(www.gs-power.net)
Charge the LiFePO4 battery before use.
Disconnect the charger from the battery, if it is not going to be
used for a long time.
•Connect the charger as described.
•Charge the battery in case of an undervoltage shutdown or when
the charge status drops below 20% to maintain the battery life.
We recommend the use of Staudte-Hirsch chargers.
The maximum charging current is 2A or 4.5 A depending on the charger.
The end-of-charge voltage is 14.4 V.
The charging status is indicated by LEDs. If all LEDs light up constantly,
the battery is fully charged.

5. Using the battery
5.1. Charging current
The LiFePO4 battery from GS-Power can be charged in about one hour
(4.5A) or in about two hours (2A), depending on the charger.
When using more powerful chargers, do not exceed the charging current
of 12 A.
6. Inspection and cleaning
6.1. General information
Never try to open or disassemble the LiFePO4 battery! The
inside of the LiFePO4 battery does not contain any serviceable
parts.
•Disconnect the LiFePO4 battery from all devices and chargers
before performing any cleaning and maintenance work.
•Before cleaning and maintenance work, place the enclosed
protective caps on the positive pole to prevent the poles from being
touched.
6.2. Inspection
•Check the cables and contacts for loose and/or damaged cables,
contacts, cracks, deformations, leaks or damage of any kind. If
damage to the LiFePO4 battery is found, it must be replaced. Do
not attempt to charge or use a damaged battery. Do not touch the
liquid from a damaged LiFePO4 battery.
•Consider replacing the LiFePO4 battery with a new one if you meet
any of the following conditions:
•The runtime of the LiFePO4 battery drops below about 80% of the
original runtime.
•The charging time of the LiFePO4 battery is significantly longer.

6.3. Cleaning
If necessary, clean the LiFePO4 battery with a soft, dry cloth. Never use
liquids, solvents or abrasives to clean the LiFePO4 battery.
7. Retention
Follow the storage instructions in this manual to optimize the life of the
LiFePO4 battery during storage. If these instructions are not followed
and the LiFePO4 battery is no longer charged when checked, consider it
damaged. Do not try to charge it or use it. Replace this with a new
LiFePO4 battery.
The self-discharge of the LiFePO4 battery is <10% per year.
•Charge or discharge the LiFePO4 battery to 50% of its capacity
before storage.
•Disconnect the LiFePO4 battery from all devices and, if present,
from the charger.
•Place the polar cap over the battery pole (+) during storage.
•Charge the LiFePO4 battery to at least 50% of its capacity every
year.
8. Transport
Always check all applicable local, national and international regulations
before transporting a lithium iron phosphate battery.
The transport of a disused, damaged or recalled LiFePO4 battery may
be specifically restricted or prohibited in certain cases.
The transport of the LiFePO4 battery falls under the hazard class
UN3480, class 9. for transport over water, in the air and over land, the
LiFePO4 battery falls into the packaging group PI965.

9. Recycling and disposal
You must always discharge the battery before disposal. Use isolating
tape or other approved covering on the battery terminals to prevent short
circuits.
Recycling of batteries is recommended. Dispose of the LiFePO4 battery
in accordance with local, state and federal laws and regulations.
Batteries can be returned to the manufacturer.
10. Troubleshooting
Problem
Possible situation
Solution
The battery can
not be charged
The battery is not
correctly installed.
__________________
The cells in the
battery are damaged
or the battery is dead.
Check the installation
of the Battery.
__________________
Contact support
from GS-Power.
The capacity of
the battery is
decreased.
The cells in the
battery are damaged
or the battery is dead.
Contact support
from GS-Power.
Table 10. Troubleshooting

11. Warranty and liability
•The customer is obliged to check immediately upon delivery
whether the products have been damaged during transport. In the
event of such damage, the customer must inform GS-Power as
soon as possible, but no later than three (3) days after delivery, by
means of a precise, written declaration stating the damage and, if
possible, a photo. Failure to check the products within the specified
time and to inform GS-Power or if the products are used at any
point in time is clear evidence that GS-Power has handed over the
delivery in a satisfactory manner.
•In the event that the customer proves that one of the delivered
products does not correspond to the agreement, GS-Power has the
option (at its own discretion after receiving the products returned by
the customer) to either repair these products with new ones
replace products or refund the invoice amount excluding shipping
costs.
•GS-Power grants a two-year limited warranty on damage caused
by manufacturing defects, starting with delivery. Damage caused
by manufacturing defects does not include damage due to (a)
general wear and tear, (b) short circuit, (c) overcharging, (d) deep
discharge, (e) overheating of GS-Power products, (f) installation of
the GS-Power product by persons who are not able to work with
electrotechnical devices or components, (g) any other improper
use contrary to the operating instructions or the safety instructions
from GS-Power, (h) any use contrary to the product specifications
of this product, (i) any act of nature beyond control.
•The warranty period for parts of the product that have been
repaired or replaced under the warranty is twelve (12) months from
the date of repair or delivery of the replacement.

•With the exception of the cases in clauses 11.3 and 11.4, GS-
Power makes no express or tacit guarantee, including without
limitation an implied guarantee of merchantability and suitability for
a particular purpose or a guarantee arising from a trading behavior,
a performance behavior or a use of the trade results. In particular,
GS-Power rejects any assurance or guarantee that the product
meets the customer's requirements, fulfills a specific function or
achieves a desired result that has not been expressly specified by
GS-Power.
•11.6 Liability towards the customer expires in any case if the
customer does not inform GS-Power in written form of the
existence of the defect within ten (10) days after discovery of the
defect so that GS-Power can investigate the damage.
•GS-Power's liability for damage suffered by the customer is in any
case limited to the invoice amount for the products concerned.
Unless this damage was caused by gross negligence or willful
misconduct on the part of GS-Power. GS-Power can never be held
liable for (a) damage caused by any of the circumstances listed in
Clause 11.3 that result in damage to the GS-Power products or to
any other device in the vicinity of these products, or (b)
Consequential damages, including, but not limited to, lost profits,
lost production, business interruption, loss of products and loss of
capacity, regardless of the cause of such consequential damage,
or (c) business value.
•If a court determines that the limitation of liability mentioned in
section 11.7 cannot be asserted against a specific claim for
damages by the customer, GS-Power is liable for property,
financial and physical damage (including death) resulting from the
application of this special GS-Power products, in any case limited
to the amount that GS-Power's insurance company has actually
paid out to GS-Power in accordance with the insurance coverage
of this insurance policy for this particular type of damage. GS-
Power has insured itself against certain risks, as described in the
respective insurance. These contracts contain a customary
restriction on the insurance benefit to be paid to GS-Power if and to
the extent that the event is a covered event.

GS-Power
Bachstr.15
63762 Großostheim
Germany