Schumacher Electric SC1278 User manual

0099001833-00
MODEL / MODELO:
SC1278
Automatic Battery Maintainer
Mantenedor de baterías automático
OWNERS MANUAL
MANUAL DEL USUARIO
PLEASE SAVE THIS OWNERS MANUAL AND READ BEFORE EACH USE.
This manual will explain how to use the charger safely and effectively. Please
read and follow these instructions and precautions carefully.
POR FAVOR CONSERVE ESTE MANUAL DEL USUARIO Y LEALO ANTES
DE CADA USO. En este manual le explica cómo utilizar el cargador de manera
segura y conable. Por favor, lea y siga las siguientes instrucciones y precauciones.

CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................4
PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS..........................................................................................5
PREPARING TO CHARGE............................................................................................................5
CHARGER LOCATION..................................................................................................................6
DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS..............................................................................................6
FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN VEHICLE ...................................6
FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS OUTSIDE VEHICLE...........................................7
GROUNDING AND AC POWER CORD CONNECTIONS ............................................................7
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS........................................................................................................8
LED INDICATOR............................................................................................................................8
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ......................................................................................................8
MAINTENANCE AND CARE .........................................................................................................9
TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................................................................10
BEFORE RETURNING FOR REPAIRS.......................................................................................10
SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................................... 11
LIMITED WARRANTY ................................................................................................................. 11
WARRANTY CARD .....................................................................................................................23

CONTENIDOS
INSTRUCCIONES IMPORTANTES DE SEGURIDAD ................................................................13
PRECAUCIONES DE SEGURIDAD PERSONAL .......................................................................14
PREPARACIÓN PARA LA CARGA .............................................................................................15
UBICACIÓN DEL CARGADOR ...................................................................................................15
PRECAUCIONES DE CONEXIÓN EN CC..................................................................................15
SIGA ESTOS PASOS CUANDO LA BATERÍA ESTÉ COLOCADA EN EL VEHÍCULO...............16
SIGA ESTOS PASOS CUANDO LA BATERÍA SE ENCUENTRE FUERA DEL VEHÍCULO .......17
CONEXIONES A TIERRA Y ENERGÍA DE CA............................................................................17
INSTRUCCIONES DE MONTAJE ...............................................................................................18
INDICADOR LED.........................................................................................................................18
INSTRUCCIONES DE OPERACIÓN...........................................................................................18
MANTENIMIENTO Y CUIDADO..................................................................................................20
LOCALIZACIÓN Y SOLUCIÓN DE PROBLEMAS......................................................................21
ANTES DE DEVOLVER A REPARACIONES ..............................................................................21
ESPECIFICACIONES..................................................................................................................21
GARANTÍA LIMITADA..................................................................................................................22
TARJETA DE GARANTÍA.............................................................................................................24

• 4 •
1. IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
1.1 SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual contains important safety and
operating instructions.
1.2 This charger is not intended for use by children.
1.3 Do not expose the charger to rain or snow.
1.4 Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by Schumacher®Electric
Corporation may result in a risk of re, electric shock or injury to persons.
1.5 An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use of
improper extension cord could result in a risk of re and electric shock. If an
extension cord must be used, make sure:
• That the pins on plug of extension cord are the same number, size and shape as
those of plug on charger.
• That extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition
• That wire size is large enough for AC ampere rating of charger, as specied in
section 8.
1.6 Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug – replace the cord or plug
immediately.
1.7 Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise
damaged in any way; take it to a qualied serviceman.
1.8 Do not disassemble charger; take it to a qualied serviceman when service or
repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock or re.
1.9 To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger from outlet before attempting any
maintenance or cleaning.
1.10 WARNING: RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.
a. WORKING IN VICINITY OF A LEAD-ACID BATTERY IS DANGEROUS.
BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING NORMAL BATTERY
OPERATION. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT
YOU FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EACH TIME YOU USE THE CHARGER.
b. To reduce risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those
published by battery manufacturer and manufacturer of any equipment you
intend to use in vicinity of battery. Review cautionary markings on these
products and on the engine.

• 5 •
2. PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
2.1 Consider having someone close enough by to come to your aid when you work
near a lead-acid battery.
2.2 Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin,
clothing, or eyes.
2.3 Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes while
working near battery.
2.4 If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water.
If acid enters eye, immediately ood eye with running cold water for at least 10
minutes and get medical attention immediately.
2.5 NEVER smoke or allow a spark or ame in vicinity of battery or engine.
2.6 Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping a metal tool onto battery. It might spark
or short-circuit battery or other electrical part that may cause explosion.
2.7 Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches
when working with a lead-acid battery. A lead-acid battery can produce a short-circuit
current high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal, causing a severe burn.
2.8 Use the charger for charging only 12V LEAD-ACID (STD, AGM or GEL)
rechargeable batteries with recommended rated capacities of 5-33Ah. It is not
intended to supply power to a low voltage electrical system other than in a starter-
motor application. Do not use battery charger for charging dry-cell batteries that are
commonly used with home appliances. These batteries may burst and cause injury
to persons and damage to property.
2.9 NEVER charge a frozen battery.
2.10 WARNING: This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
3. PREPARING TO CHARGE
3.1 If necessary to remove battery from vehicle to charge, always remove grounded
terminal from battery rst. Make sure all accessories in the vehicle are off, so as
not to cause an arc.
3.2 Be sure area around battery is well ventilated while battery is being charged.
3.3 Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming in contact with eyes.
3.4 Add distilled water in each cell until battery acid reaches level specied by battery
manufacturer. Do not overll. For a battery without removable cell caps, such as valve
regulated lead acid batteries, carefully follow manufacturer’s recharging instructions.
3.5 Study all battery manufacturer’s specic precautions while charging and
recommended rates of charge.

• 6 •
4. CHARGER LOCATION
4.1 Locate charger as far away from battery as DC cables permit.
4.2 Never place charger directly above battery being charged; gases from battery will
corrode and damage charger.
4.3 Never allow battery acid to drip on charger when reading electrolyte specic
gravity or lling battery.
4.4 Do not operate charger in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any way.
4.5 Do not set a battery on top of charger.
5. DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Connect and disconnect DC output clips only after removing unit from electric outlet.
Never allow clips to touch each other.
5.2 Attach clips to battery and chassis, as indicated in sections 6 and 7.
6. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN VEHICLE
WARNING! A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE A BATTERY
EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY:
6.1 Position AC and DC cords to reduce risk of damage by hood, door, or moving engine part.
6.2 Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and other parts that can cause injury to persons.
6.3 Check polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has
larger diameter than NEGATIVE (NEG, N,–) post.
6.4 Determine which post of battery is grounded (connected) to the chassis. If
negative post is grounded to chassis (as in most vehicles), see (6.5). If positive
post is grounded to the chassis, see (6.6).
6.5 For negative-grounded vehicle, connect POSITIVE (RED) clip from battery
charger to POSITIVE (POS, P, +) ungrounded post of battery. Connect NEGATIVE
(BLACK) clip to vehicle chassis or engine block away from battery. Do not connect
clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge
metal part of the frame or engine block.
6.6 For positive-grounded vehicle, connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip from battery
charger to NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) ungrounded post of battery. Connect POSITIVE
(RED) clip to vehicle chassis or engine block away from battery. Do not connect
clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge
metal part of the frame or engine block.
6.7 When disconnecting charger, turn switches to off, disconnect from AC outlet, remove
clip from vehicle chassis, and then remove clip from battery terminal.
6.8 See Operating Instructions for length of charge information.

• 7 •
7. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS OUTSIDE VEHICLE
WARNING! A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE A BATTERY
EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY:
7.1 Check polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has a
larger diameter than NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) post.
7.2 Attach at least a 24-inch-long 6-gauge (AWG) insulated battery cable to
NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) battery post.
7.3 Connect POSITIVE (RED) charger clip to POSITIVE (POS, P, +) post of battery.
7.4 Position yourself and free end of cable as far away from battery as possible – then
connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clip to free end of cable.
7.5 Do not face battery when making nal connection.
7.6 When disconnecting charger, always do so in reverse sequence of connecting
procedure and break rst connection while as far away from battery as practical.
7.7 A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore. To charge it on
board requires equipment specially designed for marine use.
8. GROUNDING AND AC POWER CORD CONNECTIONS
8.1 This battery charger is for use on a nominal 120 volt circuit. The unit must be
plugged into an outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with
all local codes and ordinances. The plug pins must t the receptacle (outlet). Do
not use with an ungrounded system.
8.2 DANGER: Never alter the AC cord or plug provided – if it does not t the outlet,
have a proper grounded outlet installed by a qualied electrician. An improper
connection can result in a risk of an electric shock or electrocution.
NOTE: Pursuant to Canadian Regulations, use of an adapter plug is not allowed
in Canada. Use of an adapter plug in the United States is not recommended and
should not be used.
8.3 USING AN EXTENSION CORD
The use of an extension cord is not recommended. If you must use an extension
cord, follow these guidelines:
• Pins on plug of extension cord must be the same number, size, and shape as
those of plug on charger.
• Ensure that the extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.
• Wire size must be large enough for the AC ampere rating of charger, as specied:
Length of cord (feet) 25 50 100 150
AWG* size of cord 18 18 18 16
*AWG-American Wire Gauge

• 8 •
9. ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
9.1 Remove all cord wraps and uncoil the cables prior to using the battery charger.
10. LED INDICATOR
Pulsing green LED: The charger is connected to AC power.
Solid green LED: The charger is charging the battery.
LED off: The battery is fully charged; the charger is in Maintain Mode.
Solid red LED: Clamps are reversed.
See Operating Instructions for a complete description of the charger modes.
11. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT: Do not start the vehicle with the charger connected to the AC outlet,
or it may damage the charger and your vehicle.
NOTE: This charger is equipped with an auto-start feature. Current is supplied
to the battery clamps before a battery is connected, and the clamps may spark if
touched together.
CHARGING A BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE
1. Turn off all the vehicle’s accessories.
2. Keep the hood open.
3. Clean the battery terminals.
4. Place the charger on a dry, non-ammable surface.
5. Lay the DC cable away from any fan blades, belts, pulleys and other moving parts.
6. Connect the battery, following the precautions listed in sections 6 and 7.
7. Connect the charger to a live grounded 120V AC outlet. The green LED will pulse.
8. The LED will change to solid green to indicate charging; the LED will turn off
when the battery is fully charged.
9. When charging is complete, disconnect the charger from the AC power,
remove the clamps from the vehicle’s chassis, and then remove the clamp
from the battery terminal.
CHARGING A BATTERY OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE
1. Place battery in a well-ventilated area.
2. Clean the battery terminals.
3. Connect the battery, following the precautions listed in sections 6 and 7.
4. Connect the charger to a live grounded 120V AC outlet. The green LED will pulse.
5. The LED will change to solid green to indicate charging; the LED will turn off

• 9 •
when the battery is fully charged.
6. When charging is complete, disconnect the charger from the AC power,
disconnect the negative clamp, and nally the positive clamp.
7. A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore.
BATTERY CHARGING TIMES
BATTERY SIZE/RATING CHARGE TIME
(0.75A)
SMALL BATTERIES
Motorcycle, garden tractor, etc.
6-12 Ah 5-10 h
12-32 Ah 10-26.5 h
CARS AND TRUCKS
200-315 CCA 40-60 RC MAINTAIN ONLY
315-550 CCA 60-85 RC MAINTAIN ONLY
550-1000 CCA 85-190 RC MAINTAIN ONLY
MARINE/DEEP-CYCLE
80 RC MAINTAIN ONLY
140 RC MAINTAIN ONLY
160 RC MAINTAIN ONLY
180 RC MAINTAIN ONLY
Times are based on a 50% discharged battery and may change, depending on age
and condition of battery.
AUTOMATIC CHARGING MODE
When an Automatic Charge is performed, the charger switches to the maintain
mode automatically after the battery is charged.
COMPLETION OF CHARGE
When the green LED turns off, the charger has switched to the maintain mode of
operation.
MAINTAIN MODE (FLOAT MODE MONITORING)
When the green LED turns off, the charger has started maintain mode. In this mode, the
charger keeps the battery fully charged by delivering a small current when necessary.
MAINTAINING A BATTERY
The SC1278 maintains 12 volt batteries, keeping them at full charge.
NOTE: The maintain mode technology allows you to safely charge and maintain a
healthy battery for extended periods of time. However, problems with the battery,
electrical problems in the vehicle, improper connections or other unanticipated
conditions could cause excessive current draws. As such, occasionally monitoring
your battery and the charging process is recommended.
12. MAINTENANCE AND CARE

• 10 •
A minimal amount of care can keep your battery charger working properly for years.
• Clean the clamps each time you are nished charging. Wipe off any battery uid that
may have come in contact with the clamps, to prevent corrosion.
• Occasionally cleaning the case of the charger with a soft cloth will keep the nish
shiny and help prevent corrosion.
• Coil the input and output cords neatly when storing the charger. This will help
prevent accidental damage to the cords and charger.
• Store the charger unplugged from the AC power outlet, in an upright position.
• Store inside, in a cool, dry place. Do not store the clamps on the handle, clipped
together, on or around metal, or clipped to the cables.
13. TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
The green LED
does not pulse
when charger is
properly connected.
AC outlet is dead.
Poor electrical connection.
Check for open fuse or circuit
breaker supplying AC outlet.
Check for a loose tting plug or
extension cord.
The red LED is lit. Reversed clamps. Unplug the charger and reverse
the clamps.
14. BEFORE RETURNING FOR REPAIRS
For information about troubleshooting,
contact customer service for assistance:
[email protected]
www.batterychargers.com
or call 1-800-621-5485, Monday-Friday 7:00am to 5:00pm CST
For REPAIR OR RETURN, contact Customer Service at 1-800-621-5485.
DO NOT SHIP UNIT until you receive a RETURN MERCHANDISE
AUTHORIZATION (RMA) number from Customer Service at Schumacher
Electric Corporation.