Schumacher SC-300A User manual

0099000507-01
Automatic Battery Charger
Cargador de batería automático
Model / Modelo: SC-300A
OWNER’S MANUAL
MANUAL DEL USUARIO
Voltage / Tensión: 12
Amperage / Amperaje: 3
READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT.
FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY
OR DEATH.
LEA EL MANUAL COMPLETO ANTES DE UTILIZAR ESTE
PRODUCTO. CUALQUIER FALLA PODRÍA RESULTAR EN SERIAS
LESIONES O PODRÍA SER MORTAL.
DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO THE STORE!
Call Customer Service for assistance: 800-621-5485
¡NO LO DEVUELVA ESTE PRODUCTO A LA TIENDA!
Llame a Servicios al Cliente para asistencia: 800-621-5485

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IMPORTANT: READ AND SAVE THIS SAFETY AND INSTRUCTION
MANUAL.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual will show you how to
use your charger safely and effectively. Please read, understand and
follow these instructions and precautions carefully, as this manual
contains important safety and operating instructions. The safety
messages used throughout this manual contain a signal word, a
message and an icon.
The signal word indicates the level of the hazard in a situation.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury to the operator
or bystanders.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury to the
operator or bystanders.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in moderate or minor injury to the
operator or bystanders.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in damage to the equipment or
vehicle or property damage.
Pursuant to California Proposition 65, this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
1. IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS –
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
This manual contains important safety and operating instructions.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE.
1.1 Keep out of reach of children.
1.2 Do not expose the charger to rain or
snow.
1.3 Use only recommended attachments.
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 or damage to property.

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1.4 To reduce the risk of damage to the electric plug or cord, pull by
the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger.
1.5 An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary.
Use of an 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 the plug of the extension cord are the same
number, size and shape as those of the plug on the charger.
• That the extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical
condition.
• That the wire size is large enough for the AC ampere rating of
the charger as specied in section 8.
1.6 To reduce the risk of electric shock, unplug the charger from the
outlet before attempting any maintenance or cleaning. Simply
turning off the controls will not reduce this risk.
1.7 Do not operate the charger with a damaged cord or plug; have the
cord or plug replaced immediately by a qualied service person.
(Call customer service at 1-800-621-5485.)
1.8 Do not operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been
dropped or otherwise damaged in any way; take it to a qualied
service person. (Call customer service at 1-800-621-5485.)
1.9 Do not disassemble the charger; take it to a qualied service
person when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly
may result in a risk of re or electric shock. (Call customer service
at 1-800-621-5485.)
RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.
1.10 WORKING IN THE 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.
1.11 To reduce the risk of a battery explosion, follow these instructions
and those published by the battery manufacturer and the
manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in the vicinity
of the battery. Review the cautionary markings on these products
and on the engine.

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1.12 This charger employs parts, such as switches and circuit breakers,
that tend to produce arcs and sparks. If used in a garage, locate
this charger 18 inches (46 cm) or more above oor level.
2. PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS
RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.
2.1 NEVER smoke or allow a spark or ame in the
vicinity of a battery or engine.
2.2 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.
2.3 Be extra cautious to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto
the battery. It might spark or short-circuit the battery or other
electrical part that may cause an explosion.
2.4 Use this charger for charging LEAD-ACID batteries only. It is not
intended to supply power to a low voltage electrical system other
than in a starter-motor application. Do not use this 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.
2.5 NEVER charge a frozen battery.
2.6 Consider having someone nearby to come to your aid when you
work near a lead-acid battery.
2.7 Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid
contacts your skin, clothing or eyes.
2.8 Wear complete eye and body protection, including safety goggles
and protective clothing. Avoid touching your eyes while working
near the battery.
2.9 If battery acid contacts your skin or clothing, immediately wash
the area with soap and water. If acid enters your eye, immediately
ood the eye with cold running water for at least 10 minutes and
get medical attention right away.
2.10 If battery acid is accidentally swallowed, drink milk, the whites of
eggs or water. DO NOT induce vomiting. Seek medical attention
immediately.

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3. PREPARING TO CHARGE
RISK OF CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID.
BATTERY ACID IS A HIGHLY CORROSIVE
SULFURIC ACID.
3.1 If it is necessary to remove the battery
from the vehicle to charge it, always remove
the grounded terminal rst. Make sure all of
the accessories in the vehicle are off to prevent arcing.
3.2 Be sure the area around the battery is well ventilated while the
battery is being charged.
3.3 Clean the battery terminals before charging the battery. During
cleaning, keep airborne corrosion from coming into contact
with your eyes, nose and mouth. Use baking soda and water to
neutralize the battery acid and help eliminate airborne corrosion.
Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
3.4 Add distilled water to each cell until the battery acid reaches the
level specied by the battery manufacturer. Do not overll. For
a battery without removable cell caps, such as valve regulated
lead acid batteries (VRLA), carefully follow the manufacturer’s
recharging instructions.
3.5 Read, understand and follow all instructions for the charger,
battery, vehicle and any equipment used near the battery
and charger. Study all of the battery manufacturer’s specic
precautions while charging and recommended rates of charge.
3.6 Determine the voltage of the battery by referring to the vehicle
owner’s manual and make sure that the output voltage selector
switch is set to the correct voltage. If the charger has an
adjustable charge rate, charge the battery in the lowest rate rst.
3.7 Make sure that the charger cable clips make tight connections.
4. CHARGER LOCATION
RISK OF EXPLOSION AND
CONTACT WITH BATTERY
ACID.
4.1 Locate the charger as far
away from the battery as the
DC cables permit.

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4.2 Never place the charger directly above the battery being charged;
gases from the battery will corrode and damage the charger.
4.3 Do not set the battery on top of the charger.
4.4 Never allow battery acid to drip onto the charger when reading the
electrolyte specic gravity or lling the battery.
4.5 Do not operate the charger in a closed-in area or restrict the
ventilation in any way.
5. DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS
5.1 Connect and disconnect the DC output clips only after setting
all of the charger switches to the “off” position (if applicable) and
removing the AC plug from the electrical outlet. Never allow the
clips to touch each other.
5.2 Attach the clips to the battery and chassis, as indicated in sections
6 and 7.
6. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS INSTALLED
IN VEHICLE.
A SPARK NEAR THE
BATTERY MAY CAUSE A
BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO
REDUCE THE RISK OF A
SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY:
6.1 Position the AC and DC
cables to reduce the risk of damage by the hood, door and moving
or hot engine parts. NOTE: If it is necessary to close the hood
during the charging process, ensure that the hood does not touch
the metal part of the battery clips or cut the insulation of the cables.
6.2 Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys and other parts that can
cause injury.
6.3 Check the polarity of the battery posts. The POSITIVE (POS, P, +)
battery post usually has a larger diameter than the NEGATIVE
(NEG, N, -) post.
6.4 Determine which post of the battery is grounded (connected) to
the chassis. If the negative post is grounded to the chassis (as in
most vehicles), see step 6.5. If the positive post is grounded to the
chassis, see step 6.6.

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6.5 For a negative-grounded vehicle, connect the POSITIVE (RED)
clip from the battery charger to the POSITIVE (POS, P, +)
ungrounded post of the battery. Connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK)
clip to the vehicle chassis or engine block away from the battery.
Do not connect the clip to the carburetor, fuel lines or sheet-metal
body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or
engine block.
6.6 For a positive-grounded vehicle, connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK)
clip from the battery charger to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -)
ungrounded post of the battery. Connect the POSITIVE (RED)
clip to the vehicle chassis or engine block away from the battery.
Do not connect the clip to the carburetor, fuel lines or sheet-metal
body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or
engine block.
6.7 Connect charger AC supply cord to electrical outlet.
6.8 When disconnecting the charger, disconnect the AC cord, remove
the clip from the vehicle chassis and then remove the clip from the
battery terminal.
7. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS OUTSIDE
VEHICLE.
A SPARK NEAR THE
BATTERY MAY CAUSE A
BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO
REDUCE THE RISK OF A
SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY:
7.1 Check the polarity of the
battery posts. The POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has
a larger diameter than the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) post.
7.2 Attach at least a 24-inch (61 cm) long 6-gauge (AWG) (13 mm2)
insulated battery cable to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) battery post.
7.3 Connect the POSITIVE (RED) charger clip to the POSITIVE
(POS, P, +) post of the battery.
7.4 Position yourself and the free end of the cable you previously
attached to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) battery post as far away
from the battery as possible – then connect the NEGATIVE
(BLACK) charger clip to the free end of the cable.
7.5 Do not face the battery when making the nal connection.

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7.6 Connect charger AC supply cord to electrical outlet.
7.7 When disconnecting the charger, always do so in the reverse
order of the connecting procedure and break the rst connection
while as far away from the battery as practical.
7.8 A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore.
To charge it onboard requires equipment specially designed for
marine use.
8. AC POWER CORD CONNECTIONS
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE.
8.1 This battery charger is for use on a
nominal 120-volt circuit. The plug must
be plugged into an outlet that is properly
installed in accordance with all local codes
and ordinances. The plug pins must t the receptacle (outlet).
8.2 Never alter the AC cord or plug provided – if it does
not t the outlet, have a proper 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 Recommended minimum AWG size for extension cord:
• 100 feet (30.5 meters) long or less - use an 18 gauge (0.82 mm2)
extension cord.
• Over 100 feet (30.5 meters) long - use a 16 gauge (1.31 mm2)
extension cord.
9. FEATURES
1. Quick-Disconnect Cable
2. Ring Terminal Cable Assembly
3. 12V Plug Cable Assembly
4. Battery Status LEDs
5. Battery Clamp Cable Assembly
4
5
1
23

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10. ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Remove all cord wraps and uncoil the cables prior to using the
battery charger.
11. CONTROL PANEL
LED Display
CHECK BATTERY (red) LED lit: Indicates that the battery is not
properly connected to the charger or the battery is bad.
CHARGING (yellow) LED lit: Indicates the charger is charging
the battery.
CHARGED (green) LED lit: Indicates the battery is fully charged and
the charger is in maintain mode.
12. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
This battery charger must be properly assembled in
accordance with the assembly instructions before it is used.
Charging
NOTE: Examine the battery for excessive wear, cracks, bulging
or damage each time you charge it. If damage is detected, do not
charge the battery, replace it immediately. If the battery is hot, allow it
to cool before charging.
1. Select the proper output cable by matching the output cable
connector to the vehicle’s battery connector.
2. Connect the battery following the connection instructions described
in Using the Quick-Disconnect Cable Connectors section.
3. Connect the AC power following the precautions listed in section 6.
4. If you’ve connected everything correctly, the CHARGING LED
should be lit indicating that the charger is charging.
Using the Quick-Disconnect Cable Connectors
Connect the output cable assembly to the charger. Make sure to place
the charger on a dry, non-ammable surface like metal or concrete.
• With the charger disconnected from the wall outlet, connect the
supplied harness assembly by connecting the black connector
to the black connector on the end of the charger cable. Connect
the other end of the cable assembly to the battery.

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NOTE: Never connect the output cable assemblies together for use
in other applications, such as external battery or other power source
charging, or to extend the output cable length, as reverse polarity
and/or overcharge conditions will occur.
Completed Charge
When the CHARGED LED is lit and the CHARGING LED turns
off, the battery is completely charged and the charger has stopped
charging and switched to the Maintain Mode of operation. When
ready to use, unplug the charger from the wall outlet and then
disconnect the charger from the battery.
Aborted Charge
If charging can not be completed normally, charging will abort. When
charging aborts, the charger’s output is shut off, and the CHECK
BATTERY LED is lit. To reset after an aborted charge, unplug the
charger from the AC outlet, wait a few moments and plug it back in.
13. MAINTENANCE/STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
13.1 After use and before performing maintenance, unplug and
disconnect the battery charger.
13.2 Use a dry cloth to wipe all battery corrosion and other dirt or oil
from the connector, cords and the charger case.
13.3 Servicing does not require opening the unit, as there are no user-
serviceable parts.
13.4 All other servicing should be performed by qualied service
personnel.
13.5 Store the charger unplugged, inside, in a cool, dry place.