Power-Sonic PSC-124000A Installation instructions

1
Battery Chargers
Sealed or Valve Regulated
Lead Acid Batteries
Model: PSC-124000A
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT REMOVE COVER NO USER FRIENDLY PARTS
CAUTION
THIS UNIT SHOULD NOT BE USED IN OUTDOOR APPLICATIONS.
EXPOSURE TO MOISTURE MAY RESULT IN FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD
OPERATING PROCEDURES AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

2
PSC-124000A CHARGERS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
PLEASE SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
This document contains important safety and operating instructions for Model PSC-124000A battery
chargers. Before using the battery charger, please read all instructions and cautionary markings on
the battery charger, the battery, and the product using the battery.
CAUTION
To reduce the risk of electric shock:
Do not expose unit to rain or moisture - use indoors only.
Do not remove cover. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer service to qualified service
personnel. Connect the battery charger directly to a grounding receptacle. An adaptor should not
be used with this unit. This unit is equipped with a power cord having an equipment grounding
conductor and a grounding plug (3-prong). The plug must be plugged into an outlet that has been
properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local and national codes and ordinances.
Disconnect charger from AC power before attempting any maintenance or cleaning. Turning off
controls may not reduce this risk.
WARNING
Do not attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries. Charge only sealed or valve regulated,
lead-acid, non-automotive, maintenance free rechargeable batteries. Attempting to charge other
types of batteries may result in personal injury and battery damage.
The heat sink and enclosure will become hot during the charge cycle - DO NOT TOUCH!
Connect or disconnect the output connectors only when the unit is disconnected from AC power
or arcing and burning may result (due to the possible presence of explosive gases).
DANGER
Never alter power cord or plug provided. If it will not fit the outlet, replace the power cord with
the proper type of cord or have a proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician. Improper con-
nection will result in the risk of an electric shock or fire.
Make sure cords are located so that they will not be stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise sub-
jected to damage or stress. Do not operate this unit with a damaged cord or plug - replace them
immediately. To reduce the risk of damage to electric plug, pull by plug rather than cord when dis-
connecting unit.
Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in
any way. Do not disassemble charger; incorrect reassembly will result in the risk of an electric
shock or fire. Refer service to qualified service personnel.
Recharge batteries in well ventilated areas to prevent build-up of explosive gases. Allow space
around the charger and adequate air circulation to reduce internal heat buildup.

3
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This unit is a two stage, constant voltage battery charger with current limiting, current fold back, and
automatic temperature compensation of the output voltage. It is protected against shorting the out-
put terminals and reversing the output terminals on a battery. It is equipped with an IEC-320 type
power input module with fuse holder and a spare fuse. A 6' long detachable power cord with NEMA
5-15P plug is provided for use in North America. Other power cords can be ordered with plugs de-
signed to mate with receptacles in other countries. There is an input voltage selection switch located
above the input module to select between 115 V~ and 230 V~. The standard output cable is 3' long
with insulated boots and spring clips. There is one indicator light on the front panel. It lights green to
indicate when power is applied and, when a battery is attached, that the charger is in float mode. It
lights yellow when the unit is charging the battery. It lights red to indicate a fault condition (shorted
or reversed output connector). The unit has a full metal enclosure to ensure field reliability.
This unit is designed to automatically switch into a single stage, float charge mode when the battery is
charged.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Before using this battery charger, make sure it is compatible with your battery. Refer to the ratings on
the battery charger, the specifications in this manual, and your battery documentation.
Determine the battery polarity. Most batteries identify the positive terminal with a "+" sign or the
color red and identify the negative terminal with a "-" sign or the color black. Connect the red insu-
lated output clip to the positive battery terminal and connect the black insulated output clip to the
negative battery terminal. If the charger is provided with a polarized connector, make sure your bat-
tery connector is wired to match the output connector.
The input voltage setting is displayed on the selection switch on the back of the unit. If this setting
must be changed, make sure the power cord is disconnected while operating the switch. Operating
the switch while power is applied may cause damage to the switch or charger. Plug the power cord
into a properly grounded outlet which supplies the correct input voltage.
The indicator light should now be yellow, indicating that the charger is operating and in charge mode.
The yellow charge light will stay on until the battery is about 95% recharged. At this point the indica-
tor will turn green and the battery may be used. The battery should be left connected to the charger
for an additional three hours to ensure a 100% recharge. To insure a full charge and to help your bat-
tery keep its full capacity, we recommend the battery be left connected to the charger, in float charge
mode, until ready to use. The battery may be left connected to the charger indefinitely, in float
charge mode, without danger of overcharging.
CHARGING NOTES AND TIPS
For safer and more efficient charging, batteries should be charged with higher voltages when cold and
lower voltages when warm. This unit incorporates automatic temperature compensation of the out-
put voltage. It will increase the charge voltage in cold conditions and decrease charge voltage in warm

4
conditions. For this feature to work properly, the battery and charger should be located in the same
environment (allow the battery and charger to stabilize at room temperature before charging).
Initially, the charger open circuit voltage may read a little high until its internal temperature warms
during operation, thereby lowering the voltage.
Make sure that you only charge a battery with the same nominal voltage rating as the charger.
Charging a lower voltage battery will cause battery damage due to severe overcharging. Charging a
higher voltage battery may damage the charger due to overheating.
These battery chargers are designed to ideally charge a battery at the C/10 rate (capacity divided by
10 hours). Therefore, a 40 amp-hour battery would require a 4 Amp charge. Larger or smaller capacity
batteries can be charged with these chargers with the following precautions (refer to these charger
specifications and your battery documentation for proper switch and charge currents to determine
compatibility with this charger). When charging a larger capacity battery, the battery may be over-
charged due to the unit not switching into float charge mode. Holding a battery for prolonged times
at the high rate charge voltage may damage the battery. Larger capacity batteries really require a
Larger current charger or a float charger.
When charging a smaller capacity battery, the battery may be undercharged because the charger
switches into float charge mode too early (relative to capacity). Leave the battery to the charger for
several hours to finish charging in the float charge mode.
TROUBLESHOOTING
NO INDICATOR LIGHT - If the indicator light is dark, check the fuse and replace if necessary. If the fuse
is good, check the voltage switch setting and input power (is the receptacle controlled by a light
switch?). If all else appears normal then the charger probably needs repair.
NO CHARGE INDICATOR, NOT CHARGING - If the charger will not go into charge mode (yellow indica-
tor) then the battery is probably already charged. Try again with another battery which you know is
not charged.
FAULT INDICATOR - If the indicator light is red then either the outputs are hooked up in reverse or
shorted together. Make sure of the connection to the battery. Note: A nearly completely dead battery
(less than one volt) looks like a short to the charger. If you suspect the battery is dead, leave the
charger on the battery to see if it will go into charge mode. The charger will deliver a small amount of
current into a dead battery and may eventually go into normal charge mode and recover the battery.
If the charger will not go into charge mode within one hour, and then into float mode within 24 hours,
the battery is probably damaged beyond recovery.
CHARGER WILL NOT SWITCH INTO FLOAT MODE - If the charger will not switch into the float mode,
after 24 hours, then the battery is probably damaged and is not properly accepting the charge.
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
FUSE REPLACEMENT - The AC input module contains the main fuse and a spare fuse. Detach the

5
power cord. Use a flat head screwdriver or a coin to pry open the fuse drawer or holder. Replace the
blown fuse with the spare You can use the old fuse to push out the spare fuse. Now is a good time to
install a new spare fuse. Replace fuses only with the same type (as indicated in this manual) and value
(as indicated on the charger).
CLEANING - Unplug the charger before attempting any cleaning. If it becomes necessary to clean the
enclosure, wipe the exterior of the enclosure with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Do not use an
abrasive cleanser. Do not spray cleaners directly onto the charger or immerse unit in water.
BATTERY CHARGER SPECIFICATIONS
Operating temperature 0 to 35° C (32 to 95° F)
Storage temperature -40 to 80° C (-40 to 176° F)
Dimensions H 3.40” (8.6cm) x W 6.65” (16.9cm) x D 5.30” (13.5cm)
Weight About 7.4lbs. (3.4kg)
Input fuse type 5x20mm fast acting, miniature glass fuse, UL & CSA approved.
Power Requirements 115/230 V~, 50-60 Hz, .98 A RMS
OUTPUT RATING @ 25° C
Charge Amps (lmax) 4A ± 2%
Charge Voltage Load With Battery 14.70 ± 0.30
Float Voltage Load with battery 13.58± 0.12
Switch Amps (lsw) 0.3A ± 5%
CHARGING BATTERIES
Our Technical Manual provides detailed information about charging procedure. A copy can be
downloaded from our website: www.power-sonic.com (go to Technical and click on the tab at the
right hand side of the page).

6
Power-Sonic Corporation
7550 Panasonic Way
San Diego, CA 92154
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]