Schumacher Elite SE-1555A User manual

Model SE-1555A
OWNER’S MANUAL
00-99-000810/0608
Volt: 12
Amps: 2, 20, 55, 150
Automatic/Manual Battery Charger

•1 •
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS1.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual contains important safety1.1
and operating instructions for battery charger Model SE-1555A.
Do not expose charger to rain or snow.1.2
Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by the battery charger1.3
manufacturer may result in a risk of re, electric shock, or injury to per-
sons.
To reduce risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull by plug rather than 1.4
cord when disconnecting charger.
An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use of1.5
improper extension cord could result in a risk of re and electric shock. If
an extension cord must be used, make sure:
That 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 and;•
That wire size is large enough for AC ampere rating of charger as speci-•
ed in Table 8.3.
Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug; take to a qualied 1.6
service person. (Call customer service at: 800-621-5485.)
Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or 1.7
otherwise damaged in any way; take it to a qualied serviceman. (Call
customer service at: 800-621-5485.)
Do not disassemble charger; take it to a qualied serviceman when 1.8
service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of
electric shock or re. (Call customer service at: 800-621-5485.)
To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger from outlet before attempt-1.9
ing any maintenance or cleaning. Turning off controls will not reduce this
risk.
WARNING – RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.
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.
TO REDUCE RISK OF BATTERY EXPLOSION, FOLLOW THESE
INSTRUCTIONS AND THOSE PUBLISHED BY BATTERY MANUFAC-
TURER AND MANUFACTURER OF ANY EqUIPMENT YOU INTEND TO
USE IN VICINITY OF BATTERY. REVIEW CAUTIONARY MARKING ON
THESE PRODUCTS AND ON ENGINE.
IMPORTANT: READ AND SAVE THIS SAFETY AND INSTRUCTION MANUAL.

•2 •
PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS2.
Consider having someone close enough by to come to your aid when you2.1
work near a lead-acid battery.
Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts2.2
skin, clothing, or eyes.
Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching2.3
eyes while working near battery.
If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and 2.4
water. If acid enters eye, immediately ood eye with running cold water for
at least 10 minutes and get medical attention immediately.
NEVER smoke or allow a spark or ame in vicinity of battery or engine.2.5
Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping a metal tool onto battery. It2.6
might spark or short-circuit battery or other electrical part that may cause
explosion.
Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and 2.7
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.
Use charger for charging a LEAD-ACID battery only. It is not intended to2.8
supply power to a low voltage electrical system other than in a starter-mo-
tor 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.
NEVER charge a frozen battery.2.9
PREPARING TO CHARGE3.
If necessary to remove battery from vehicle to charge, always remove 3.1
grounded terminal from battery rst. Make sure all accessories in the
vehicle are off, so as not to cause an arc.
Be sure area around battery is well ventilated while battery is being3.2
charged.
Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming in con-3.3
tact with eyes.
Add distilled water in each cell until battery acid reaches level specied by 3.4
battery manufacturer. Do not overll. For a battery without removable cell
caps, such as valve regulated lead acid batteries, carefully follow manu-
facturer’s recharging instructions.
Study all battery manufacturer’s specic precautions while charging and 3.5
recommended rates of charge.
Determine voltage of battery by referring to vehicle owner’s manual and3.6
make sure that output voltage selector switch is set at correct voltage. If
charger has adjustable charge rate, charge battery initially at lowest rate.

• 3 •
CHARGER LOCATION4.
Locate charger as far away from battery as DC cables permit.4.1
Never place charger directly above battery being charged; gases from bat-4.2
tery will corrode and damage charger.
Never allow battery acid to drip on charger when reading electrolyte spe-4.3
cic gravity or lling battery.
Do not operate charger in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any4.4
way.
Do not set a battery on top of charger.4.5
DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS5.
Connect and disconnect DC output clips only after setting any charger5.1
switches to “off” position and removing AC cord from electric outlet. Never
allow clips to touch each other.
Attach clips to battery and chassis, as indicated in 6.5, 6.6, and 7.2 5.2
through 7.4.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN6.
VEHICLE.
A SPARK NEAR BATTERY MAY CAUSE BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO
REDUCE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR BATTERY:
Position AC and DC cords to reduce risk of damage by hood, door, or 6.1
moving engine part.
Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and other parts that can cause 6.2
injury to persons.
Check polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually 6.3
has larger diameter than NEGATIVE (NEG, N,–) post.
Determine which post of battery is grounded (connected) to the chassis.6.4
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).
For negative-grounded vehicle, connect POSITIVE (RED) clip from battery 6.5
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.
For positive-grounded vehicle, connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip from bat-6.6
tery charger to NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) ungrounded post of battery. Con-
nect 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.

•4 •
When disconnecting charger, turn switches to off, disconnect AC cord, 6.7
remove clip from vehicle chassis, and then remove clip from battery termi-
nal.
See OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS for length of charge information.6.8
FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS OUTSIDE VEHICLE.7.
A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE BATTERY EXPLOSION.
TO REDUCE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR BATTERY:
Check polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually 7.1
has a larger diameter than NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) post.
Attach at least a 24-inch-long 6-gauge (AWG) insulated battery cable to7.2
NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) battery post.
Connect POSITIVE (RED) charger clip to POSITIVE (POS, P, +) post of 7.3
battery.
Position yourself and free end of cable as far away from battery as pos-7.4
sible – then connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clip to free end of cable.
Do not face battery when making nal connection.7.5
When disconnecting charger, always do so in reverse sequence of con-7.6
necting procedure and break rst connection while as far away from bat-
tery as practical.
A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore. To7.7
charge it onboard requires equipment specially designed for marine use.

•5 •
BATTERY CHARGING - AC CONNECTIONS8.
For all grounded cord-connected battery chargers:8.1
GROUNDING AND AC POWER CORD CONNECTION•
INSTRUCTIONS – Charger should be grounded to reduce risk of electric
shock. Charger is equipped with an electric cord having an equipment-
grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged
into an outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with
all local codes and ordinances.
DANGER – Never alter AC cord or plug provided – if it will not t outlet,
have proper outlet installed by a qualied electrician. Improper connec-
tion can result in a risk of an electric shock.
For grounded, cord-connected battery chargers with an input rating8.2
less than 15 amperes and intended for use on a nominal 120-volt
circuit:
This battery charger is for use on a nominal 120-volt circuit, and has a •
grounding plug that looks like the plug illustrated in sketch A in Figure
8.4. A temporary adapter, which looks like the adapter illustrated in
sketches B and C, may be used to connect this plug to a two-pole recep-
tacle as shown in sketch B if a properly grounded outlet is not available.
The temporary adapter should be used only until a properly grounded
outlet can be installed by a qualied electrician.
DANGER – Before using adapter as illustrated, be certain that center
screw of outlet plate is grounded. The green-colored rigid ear or lug ex
tending from adapter must be connected to a properly grounded outlet–
make certain it is grounded. If necessary, replace original outlet cover
plate screw with a longer screw that will secure adapter ear or lug to
outlet cover plate and make ground connection to grounded outlet.

•6 •
Recommended minimum awg size for extension cords for this bat-8.3
tery charger.
Length of
Cord
feet (m)
25
(7.6) 50 (15.2) 100 (30.5) 150 (45.6)
Gauge 16 14 10 8
8.4
Grounding Methods

• 7 •
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS9.
It is important to fully assemble your charger before use. Follow these
instructions for easy assembly.
PARTS TOOLS NEEDED
Two, 10 -32 thread cutting
screws
3/8" wrench (for mounting
foot)
Four, 1/4-20 thread cutting
screws
5/16" wrench (for wheels)
Two wheels Hammer
One axle Screwdriver (for handle
assembly)
Two axle caps
Two axle brackets
One handle
One handle grip
One mounting foot
Attach Foot:9.1
Remove charger from packing materials and place charger top down. At-
tach mounting foot and secure with the four, 1/4-20 thread cutting screws
provided.

•8 •
Axle Assembly:9.2
Hold axle upright on oor or work surface. Then, using a hammer, tap one
of the axle caps onto the top end of the axle. Be sure to tap the hub on
straight. Slide both wheels onto the axle with the hubs facing inward. Tap
the other axle cap onto the opposite end of the axle and place the axle
assembly onto the bottom of the charger.
Axle Assembly:9.3
Place the charger on its side. Place one end of each bracket into slot,
then place the axle assembly under each bracket. Fasten the other side of
each bracket using the two, 10-32 thread cutting screws provided.
Handle:9.4
Turn the charger right side up onto its foot and wheels. Verify grip and
handle clamp rod are installed on the handle. Remove the two top screws
from each side of the charger. Align the handle so the screw holes are
aligned with the screw holes on each side of the wheel charger. Attach
handle using the same screws.

•9 •
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS10.
SELECT CHARGE RATE10.1
The CHARGE RATE SELECTOR allows you to select the correct amp
draw rate to match your charging needs. Read the following operating
instructions for making the proper settings for charging a battery.
When you rst start charging a battery, the amp reading will be high. As
the battery becomes charged, the reading will decrease.
To determine the amount of amps being drawn by the battery:
Press the Select Display Mode button until the AMPS LED lights.a.
When the 55A setting is used, the charger switches between 55A boost b.
mode and 10A mode. You should use a lower charge setting if the volt-
age reading is “OL” or is reading higher than 14.2 Volts for more than 3
minutes and you are not in automatic mode.
When charging at 20 amps, the display should show 20 amps for c.
a discharged battery and 7-8 amps for a fully charged battery. You
should stop charging the battery at this time if you are using the
manual mode.
At the 2 amp charge rate, little or no display change will occur.d.
TIMER10.2
The timer is designed to allow the battery to be charged for a designated
amount of time. To accurately charge your battery, you must know the size
of the battery in ampere hours or reserve capacity in units, as well as the
state of charge. Since this information is not known by the charger, the
timer limit is set at 2.25 hours to prevent the battery from overcharging to
a point where it can be severely damaged. If you do not know the charge
state of your battery, set the timer at one hour or less, or use the auto-
matic setting.
TO SET THE TIMER10.3
Press thea. symbol for less time and the symbol for more time.
The Timer LED will light and digital display will show the time in min-b.
utes.
To turn the timer off, press the c. symbol until the digital display reads
OFF.

•10 •
TIMER HOLD10.4
The Timer Hold feature overrides the timer allowing the charger to con-
tinue charging for over 135 minutes. This feature is most often used when
the charging rate is 2 amps. Using this feature requires closely monitor-
ing the charge time and turning off the charger when the battery is fully
charged.
NOTE: When the battery is fully charged, the charger and timer will not
automatically turn off. It is important to monitor the charge level. Not doing
so may cause damage to your battery.
TO ACTIVATE THE HOLD FEATURE10.5
Press thea. symbol until the Digital Display reads HLD.
To release the Timer Hold, press the b. until the digital display reads
OFF.
AUTOMATIC FEATURE10.6
In automatic mode, the charger will stop when the battery is fully charged.
After charging is complete, this unit will maintain the battery at 13.4 Volts
to prevent self discharge. To activate the automatic feature, connect to the
battery following the instructions in section 6 or 7 and select the desired
charge rate. Then, press the symbol once and “Aut” will be shown on
the display. When charging is complete, the battery % will show “100.”
BATTERY TEST10.7
The Battery Test is based on the terminal voltage of the battery. If the bat-
tery is installed in the vehicle, make sure the engine and all accessories
are turned off before testing.
Hook the battery clamps to the battery as outlined in the Charging Youra.
Battery section 6 or 7.
Plug the power cord into a 3-prong electrical wall outlet. b.
Press the SWITCH to FAST/TRICKLE CHARGE/TEST. c.
Press the SELECT DISPLAY MODE button and select CHARGE %.d.
12V Battery Voltages
100% 12.8 or more volts Charged battery
50-95% 12.8-12.2 volts Battery needs charging
<50% 12.2 or less volts Discharged battery - needs charging
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR TEST10.8
Hook the battery clamps to the battery as outlined in section 6 or 7. a.
Plug the power cord into a 3-prong electrical wall outlet. b.
Press the SWITCH to FAST/TRICKLE CHARGE/TEST. c.
Press the SELECT DISPLAY MODE button and select VOLTAGE.d.

•11 •
Start the engine, and while it is at a fast idle, read the digital display.e.
Note: The battery should be in a good state of charge before doing this
test.
12V Alternator/Generator Display
15 volts or more See vehicle owner’s manual
15-14 volts Good condition
14-12.8 volts See vehicle owner’s manual
12.8 or less volts Check with qualied technician
NOTE: If the digital display reads less than 12.8 volts, the charging sys-
tem may have loose fan belts, a defective voltage regulator or alternator.
Additional tests may be required to nd the exact cause. Take the vehicle
to a qualied service center.
ENGINE START10.9
The Engine Start is a feature to help start the engine of your vehicle.
Hook the battery clamps to the battery as outlined in section 6 or 7.a.
Plug the power cord into a 3-prong electrical wall outlet.b.
Press switch to the RAPID CHARGE/ENGINE START setting.c.
Press CHARGE RATE SELECTOR button until 150A is selected.d.
Push thee. symbol located in the Timer section until the number 5 is
displayed.
Crank the engine for no more than 3 seconds. If it does not start, wait f.
three minutes before cranking again for no more than 3 seconds.
NOTE: During extremely cold weather, or if the battery is severely
exhausted, charge the battery for about 5 minutes in the 55 amp setting
before cranking the engine.
After the engine starts, turn OFF the charger, put switch in OFF posi-g.
tion and unplug the power cord from the AC wall outlet.
Disconnect the output clamps from the battery.h.
Clean and store the unplugged charger in a dry location.i.
IMPORTANT: Do not try to start the engine without a battery in it. You
could cause damage to the electrical system.
If the engine does turn over, but never starts, there is not a problem with
the starting system. There is a problem somewhere else with the vehicle.
STOP cranking the engine until the other problem has been diagnosed
and corrected.

•12 •
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS11.
Before performing maintenance, unplug and disconnect battery charger 11.1
(see sections 6.7 or 7.6).
After use, use a dry cloth to wipe all battery corrosion and other dirt or oil 11.2
from terminals, cords, and the charger case.
Servicing does not require opening unit, as there are no user-serviceable 11.3
parts.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS12.
Store charger unplugged, in an upright condition. Cord will still conduct 12.1
electricity until it is unplugged from outlet.
Store inside, in a dry, cool place.12.2
Do not store clips on handle, clipped together, on or around metal, or 12.3
clipped to cables.

• 13 •
TROUBLESHOOTING13.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
Zero Amps on Digital
Display. Clips are not making a good connection.
2 amp charge rate being
used.
Check for poor connection
at battery. Make sure
clamps and posts are clean.
Battery may not want to
accept a charge due to
excessive run down state.
Digital Display may show no
activity at the 2 amp setting.
No reading on Digital
Display and charger fan
is not working.
AC cord and/or extension
is loose.
Poor electrical
connection.
Switch is in OFF position.
Check AC outlet and
extension cords for loose
tting plug.
Check for open fuse or
circuit breaker supplying AC
outlet.
Turn Switch on.
Circuit breaker in
charger cycles on
and off with a clicking
sound.
Shorted battery clamps.
Shorted battery.
Charger leads reversed.
CHARGE RATE
SELECTOR button set to
an incorrect range.
Circuit breaker cycles when
current draw is too high.
Separate the clamps. Check
for worn cables and replace
if needed.
Correct connections.
Correct Selector setting.
Short start cycle when
cranking engine. Drawing more than 150 amps for a period equal
to or less than 3 seconds.
Failure to wait for 3
minutes (180 seconds)
between cranks.
Crank time varies with the
amount of current drawn. If
cranking draws more than
150 amps, crank time may
be less than 3 seconds.
Wait 3 minutes before next
crank.
Digital Display reads
less than selected
charge rate when
charging a discharged
battery.
Extension cord too long
or wire gauge is too
small.
Weak cell or sulfated
plate in battery.
The battery is only
partially discharged.
Use shorter or heavier
gauge extension cord.
Sulfated battery will
eventually take a normal
charge after a period of
time. If the battery will
not take a charge, have a
qualied technician test the
battery.
Continue to charge battery.
Charger makes a loud
buzz or hum. Transformer laminations vibrate (buzz). Continue charging. Buzz is not abnormal.

•14 •
LIMITED WARRANTY14.
UNITED STATES LIMITED WARRANTY
SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC CORPORATION, 801 BUSINESS CENTER
DRIVE, MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS, 60056-2179 MAKES THIS
LIMITED WARRANTY TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER AT RETAIL OF
THIS PRODUCT. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE.
Schumacher Electric Corporation warrants this battery charger for 3 years
from date of purchase at retail against defective material or workmanship.
If such should occur, the battery charger will be repaired or replaced at the
option of the manufacturer. It is the obligation of the purchaser to forward
the battery charger together with proof of purchase, transportation and / or
mailing charges prepaid to the manufacturer or its authorized representa-
tive. This limited warranty is void if the product is misused, subjected to
careless handling, or repaired by anyone other than the factory or other
authorized factory representative. The manufacturer makes no warranty
other than this limited warranty and expressly excludes any implied war-
ranty including any warranty for consequential damages.
This is the only express limited warranty and the manufacturer neither
assumes nor authorizes anyone to assume or make any other obligation
towards the product other than this express limited warranty. The manu-
facturer makes no warranty of merchantability or tness for purpose of
this product and expressly excludes such from this limited warranty. Some
states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequen-
tial damages or length of implied warranty so the above limitations or
exclusions may not apply to you. “This warranty gives you specic legal
rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.”
Call Customer Service at: 800-621-5485 Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

•15 •

•16 •

• 17 •
Modelo SE-1555A
MANUAL DEL USUARIO
Voltios: 12
Amperios: 2, 20, 55,
150
Cargador de Baterías Automático/Manual

•18 •
IMPORTANTE: LEA Y CONSERVE ESTE MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES Y
SEGURIDAD.
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD IMPORTANTES1.
CONSERVE ESTAS INSTRUCCIONES – Este manual contiene instruc-1.1
ciones operativas y de seguridad importantes para el cargador de baterías
Modelo SSC-1500A.
No exponga el cargador a lluvia ni a nieve.1.2
El uso de un accesorio no recomendado o vendido por el fabricante del1.3
cargador de baterías podría ocasionar riesgo de incendio, descarga eléc-
trica o lesión a las personas.
Para reducir el riesgo de peligro del enchufe y cable eléctricos, cuando 1.4
desconecte el cargador, tire del enchufe y no del cable.
No se debería utilizar un alargue a menos que sea absolutamente nec-1.5
esario. El uso indebido del alargue podría ocasionar riesgo de incendio y
descarga eléctrica. Si debe utilizar un alargue, asegúrese de que:
La cantidad, tamaño y la forma de los bornes del enchufe del alargue •
coincidan con los del enchufe del cargador;
El alargue esté adecuadamente conectado y en buena condición eléc-•
trica; y
El tamaño del cable sea lo sucientemente largo para el amperaje de CA •
del cargador, según lo especicado en la Tabla 8.3.
No manipule el cargador si tiene el cable o el enchufe dañados – reemp-1.6
lácelos de inmediato. (Llame al servicio de atención al cliente: 800-621-
5485.)
No manipule el cargador si ha recibido un golpe fuerte, se ha caído o da-1.7
ñado de cualquier modo; llévelo a un técnico calicado. (Llame al servicio
de atención al cliente: 800-621-5485.)
No desarme el cargador, llévelo a un reparador calicado cuando sea 1.8
necesario algún tipo de servicio técnico o reparación. El reensamblado in-
correcto podría ocasionar riesgo de descarga eléctrica o incendio. (Llame
al servicio de atención al cliente: 800-621-5485.)
Para reducir el riesgo de descarga eléctrica, desenchufe el cargador del 1.9
tomacorriente antes de intentar realizar alguna actividad de mantenimien-
to o limpieza. Los controles de apagado no reducirán este riesgo.
ADVERTENCIA – RIESGO DE GASES EXPLOSIVOS.
ES PELIGROSO TRABAJAR CERCA DE UNA BATERÍA DE PLOMO Y
ÁCIDO. LAS BATERÍAS GENERAN GASES EXPLOSIVOS DURANTE
SU FUNCIONAMIENTO NORMAL. POR ESO, ES DE SUMA IMPOR-
TANCIA qUE SIGA LAS INSTRUCCIONES CADA VEZ qUE UTILICE
EL CARGADOR.
PARA REDUCIR EL RIESGO DE EXPLOSIÓN DE LA BATERÍA, SIGA