Vector Jump 'n Charge VEC12B User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL AND
WARRANTY INFORMATION
THIS MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING SAFETY,
OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE OF THIS PRODUCT. READ
CAREFULLY BEFORE USE, AND RETAIN FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
4140 S.W. 28th Way, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312
Toll Free: [phone]
IF YOU SHOULD EXPERIENCE A PROBLEM WITH YOUR VECTOR
PURCHASE CALL TOLL FREE [phone]. IN MOST CASES A
VECTOR SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE CAN RESOLVE YOUR PROBLEM
OVER THE PHONE.
BEFORE RETURNING THIS PRODUCT FOR ANY REASON,
PLEASE CALL TOLL FREE [phone]
KEY INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW:
• BUILT-IN 12V BATTERY CHARGER
•PORTABLE, CORDLESS, RECHARGEABLE
• SAFETY WARNING ALARM SYSTEM
• ULTRA BRIGHT LED AREA LIGHT
Jump ‘n Charge™
12V Battery Charger and Jump Start System
VEC012B

1
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING - RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES
1. 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 EACH TIME BEFORE
USING YOUR CHARGER, YOU READ THIS MANUAL AND FOLLOW THE
INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY.
2. To reduce risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those
published by the battery manufacturer and manufacturer of any equip-
ment you intend to use in vicinity of battery. Review cautionary markings
on these products and on engine.
GENERAL BATTERY SAFETY
1. Use the charger for charging a 12 V LEAD-ACID battery only. It is not
intended to supply power to a low voltage electrical system other than in
automotive applications. Do not use this battery charger for other types
of batteries, these may burst and cause injury to persons and damage
to property.
2. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by the battery charger
manufacturer may result in a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to per-
sons and will void warranty.
3. To reduce risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull by plug rather
than cord when disconnecting charger.
4. Use of an improper extension cord could result in a risk of fire and elec-
tric shock.
When using an extension cord make sure:
a. Pins on plug of extension cord are the same number, size, and
shape as those of plug on charger.
b. Extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.
Use of an improper extension cord could result in a risk of fire and
electric shock.
c. The wire size is AWG #16 (16 gauge) up to 100 feet and AWG
#14 for distances over 100 feet.
d. Pull extension cord by plug rather than cord when disconnecting
from the charger.
5. Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug - replace immedi-
ately.
6. Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped,
or otherwise damaged in any way; take it to a qualified service techni-
cian.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

2
7. Do not disassemble charger; take it to a qualified service technician when serv-
ice or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric
shock or fire and will void warranty.
8. To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger from outlet before attempting
any maintenance or cleaning. Turning off controls will not reduce this risk.
9. Do not expose charger to rain, snow or use when wet.
10. Never charge a frozen battery.
PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY
1. Another person should be within range of your voice or close enough to come to
your aid when you work near a lead-acid battery.
2. Fresh water and soap should be nearby in case battery acid contacts skin,
clothing or eyes.
3. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes while
working with a battery. Acid, acid particles or corrosion may get into eyes.
Immediately flood eye with cold water (Eye Wash Station) for at least 10 minutes
and seek medical attention immediately.
4. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water.
5. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of battery or engine.
CAUTION: Dropping a metal tool onto battery might spark or short-circuit the battery
or other electrical part that may cause explosion.
6. 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 cause a severe burn.
CAUTION:
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruc-
tions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installa-
tion. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the fol-
lowing measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
- Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

AC POWER CORD CONNECTION
This charger is equipped for use with an extension cord. The extension cord must be
first connected to the charger’s polarized plug. Only then should the extension cord
be plugged into a properly installed 110/120VAC outlet in accordance with all local
codes and ordinances. This battery charger plug is for use with 110/120VAC ONLY.
DANGER: NEVER alter the extension cord or plug – if it will not fit an outlet, have a
proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician. An improper connection
may result in electric shock and will void warranty.
INTRODUCTION AND FEATURES
Use the Jump-Start/12 Volt DC Battery Charger System:
•To jump-start any engine system with a standard 12 volt DC battery: boat; truck; car; air-
plane; RV; personal watercraft; snowmobile; garden tractor; gasoline engine gener-
ator, etc.
•As a 12 Volt DC Power Supply: Operate 12 volt DC fans, inflators, fluorescent worklights,
cellular phones (can quick-charge a cellular phone by using the phone’s 12 volt DC
adapter cord), spotlights, TVs, portable radios, cassette or CD players, and more.
•As a 12 Volt DC Battery Charger: The Jump ‘n Charge system has an easy-to-read series of
LED (Light Emitting Diode) charge indicators that show when the unit is fully charged, or
the level of charge in the battery. Charge level can be viewed when the charge status
pushbutton is pressed. A 12 volt DC power accessory outlet is provided for use with appli-
ances that can operate from a vehicle 12 volt DC accessory outlet. This allows maxi-
mum portability and utility when the Jump-Start System is used in remote locations.
The Jump ‘n Charge system can be recharged from any standard 110/120 volt AC
power source using a household extension cord.
A built-in 12 volt DC appliance outlet and the appropriate DC/DC charging/adapter
cord is used to recharge the battery from another 12 volt DC source. When pressed, the
CHARGE STATUS button will show the battery power level status (from LOW to HIGH).
The green LED full indicator illuminates when the unit is fully recharged and charging can
be discontinued. An ON/OFF switch operates the built-in work/emergency light.
FEATURES
• Exclusive automatic ON/OFF power control ensures safety and resists sparking
• Reverse polarity warning alarm sounds to alert a reverse polarity connection
• Ultra bright LED emergency area light
• 12 volt DC charging cord for charging from vehicle
• High-density, 19Ah, sealed, non-spillable battery
• 12 volt DC power outlet for accessories and appliances
• Heavy duty welder-type cable and clamps
• Clamps power-on only with proper polarity connection
• Digital display shows charge rate, operating mode, fault codes and FUL when
charged
• Instant Start capability
• Three-stage automatic rapid charging
• Compensate for low AC from extension cord use
3

SMART BATTERY CHARGER
The charger portion of the system is microprocessor-based and has three charge rate set-
tings, controlled by one switch. (See Figure 1).
1. Stage One- Rapid Start Charge- delivers maximum charging amperage to “wake
up” any serviceable 12 volt battery. When battery reaches a maximum safe prede-
termined voltage, the charger will automatically move into Stage 2 of the charging
process.
2. Stage Two- Absorption Charge maintains the maximum possible charge at a con-
stant, safe, predetermined voltage. During the phase, voltage absorption regula-
tion charge, the charging voltage remains constant, while the actual charging cur-
rent is reduced to allow for the maximum proper internal chemical energy transfer.
3. Stage Three- Top-Off Charge voltage is automatically maintained and reduced to
a predetermined level while current is adjusted for a safe, effective 100% battery
charge (step-down regulation mode). This is ideal for topping off batteries that have
been in storage.
Stage One
BEEP BEEP
OFF
Stage Two
Stage Three
CHARGING COMPLETE
Amps Size
2 amps smaller batteries as in lawn mowers, snowmobiles,
motorcycles, etc.
4 amps mid sized batteries as in watercraft and motorcycles
6 amps automobile batteries
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BATTERY STATUS DISPLAY
To check the battery status press the PUSH button ‘For Battery Low Level Battery Status’.
1. If all 4 indicators light (1 green light and 3 red lights) the battery is fully charged.
2. If 3 red indicators light, the battery is useable.
3. If 2 red indicators light, the battery is 1/2 discharged. Recharging is
recommended.
4. If 1 red indicator lights, the battery needs a full recharge.
Figure 1

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PREPARING TO CHARGE
1. Determine voltage of battery by referring to car owner's manual.
2. If it is necessary to remove battery from vehicle to charge, or to clean terminals,
always remove grounded terminal from battery first. Make sure all accessories in
the vehicle are off, so as not to cause an arc.
3. Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming in contact with
eyes.
4. Add distilled water in each cell until battery acid reaches level specified by bat-
tery manufacturer. This helps purge excessive gas from cells. Do not overfill. For
a battery without cell caps (maintenance free), carefully follow
manufacturer's charging instructions.
5. Study all battery manufacturers' specific precautions such as removing or not
removing cell caps while charging and recommended rates of charge.
6. Area around battery should be well ventilated while battery is being charged.
7. Make sure the initial charging rate does not exceed battery manufacturers
requirement.
CHARGER LOCATION
1. Locate charger as far away from battery as cables permit.
2. NEVER place charger directly above battery being charged; gases from battery
will corrode and damage charger.
3. NEVER allow battery acid to drip on charger when reading specific gravity or fill-
ing battery.
4. NEVER operate charger in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any way.
5. Marine batteries must be removed and charged on shore.
6. Do not set a battery on top of charger.
DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS
1. Connect and disconnect DC output clamps only after removing AC cord from
electric outlet.
2. Never allow clamps to touch each other.
3. Attach clamps to battery posts and check for secure connection. This will hold
clamps securely on terminals and helps to reduce risk of sparking.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN VEHICLE. A SPARK NEAR THE
BATTERY MAY CAUSE A BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR
THE BATTERY:
1. Position AC and DC cords to reduce risk of damage by hood, door, or moving
engine part.
2. Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and other parts that can cause injury to
persons.
3. Check polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has
larger diameter than NEGATIVE (NEG, N,-) post.
4. Determine which post of battery is grounded (connected) to the chassis. If nega-
tive post is grounded to chassis as in most vehicles), see (5). If positive post is
grounded to the chassis, see (6).

6
5. For negative grounded vehicle, connect POSITIVE (RED) clamp from battery
charger to POSITIVE (POS, P, +) post of battery. Connect NEGATIVE (BLACK)
clamp to vehicle chassis or engine block away from the battery. Do not connect
clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet metal body parts. Connect to heavy gauge
metal part of frame or engine block.
6. For positive-grounded vehicle, connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clamp from battery
charger to NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) ungrounded post of the battery. Connect POS-
ITIVE (RED) clamp to vehicle chassis or engine block away from battery. Do not
connect clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet metal body parts. Connect to heavy
gauge metal part of frame or engine block.
7. When disconnecting charger, turn switches off, disconnect AC cord, remove
clamp from vehicle chassis, and then remove clamp to battery terminal.
8. See operating instructions for length of charge information.
9. Do not charge the battery while engine is operating.
CHARGING THE BATTERY IN A VEHICLE
1. Check polarity of battery posts - For top-mounted battery posts, the Positive post
(marked POS, P, +) usually has a larger diameter than the Negative battery post
(marked NEG, N, -). For side-mounted battery terminals, the terminals are
marked Positive -red and Negative -black.
2. Attach charger clamps to battery connections, as follows, ensuring a good con-
nection (if there is a mistake, the Reverse Polarity Indicator will light): NEGATIVE-
GROUNDED VEHICLE: Connect the POSITIVE (RED) charger clamp to the POSI-
TIVE (POS, P, +) battery post.
3. Connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clamp to the vehicle chassis, or the
engine block (away from the battery). Do not connect the clamp to the carbure-
tor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts: connect only to a heavy gauge metal
part of the frame or engine block.
NOTE: The NEGATIVE-GROUNDED system is the most common in today's
vehicles.
4. Set charger's Charge Rate 2/4/6 Amp to appropriate setting according to bat-
tery size.
5. Plug battery charger power cord into grounded AC power outlet and refer to
page 8 for approximate charging times.
6. When charging is completed, disconnect cables and clamps in reverse order from
which they were connected.
CHARGING THE BATTERY OUTSIDE A VEHICLE:
1. Check polarity of battery posts- For top-mounted battery posts, the Positive bat-
tery post (marked POS, P, +) usually has a larger diameter than the Negative bat-
tery post (marked NEG, N, –). For side-mounted battery terminal connections the
Positive terminal is red, the Negative terminal is black.
2. Attach a 24-inch (minimum length) #6 AWG insulated battery cable to the
Negative battery post (marked NEG, N, -).
3. Connect the Positive (RED) battery clamp to the Positive battery terminal (marked
POS, P, + or red).
4. Stand as far back from battery as possible, and do not face battery when mak-
ing final connection.

7
5. Carefully connect Negative (BLACK) charger clamp to the free end of the bat-
tery cable connected to the negative terminal. Connect the charger's power
cord to a grounded 110/120VAC power outlet.
6. Set charger's charge rate to appropriate setting according to battery size.
7. When charging is complete, disconnect cables and clamps in reverse order from
which they were connected.
OPERATION
This Jump ‘n Charge system has three user selected charge rates; 2, 4 and 6 amps.
Pressing the 2/4/6 Amp button selects the desired charge rate. The selected Charge
Rate is indicated by a lit vertical LED bar.
Once clamps are connected, AC is connected and there is no reverse polarity condi-
tion, press the 2/4/6 Amp button and the charger will begin charging at 2 Amps
after the “battery condition pre-test” is complete. Pressing the 2/4/6 Amp button a
second time will advance the charge rate to 4 Amps, a third time to 6 Amps. Pressing
the button a forth time will turn OFF the charger output and display 000. To return to
2 Amps press the Charge Rate button.
Digital Display ON/OFF
2/4/6
Amp
Polarized Plug
Alternator
Check
Fault
Power Alternator
Good
Figure 3 - Charger Controls and Indicators

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CHARGING TIMES
The Charger will automatically adjust the charge rate as the battery charges and stops
charging when the battery is fully charged. If you require some estimate of the time it
takes to charge a battery refer to the chart below.
PERCENT OF CHARGE 75% 50% 25% 0%
2 AMPS 7 HRS 13 HRS NR* NR*
4 AMPS 3.5 HRS 6 HRS 9 HRS 12 HRS
6 AMPS 2.5 HRS 5 HRS 7 HRS 9 HRS
* Not recommended.
The times shown in the chart above are approximate and refer to an average auto-
motive battery. For smaller batteries, the charge time should be adjusted using the for-
mula shown below and adding 1 hour to the time calculated. To estimate charging
time for a discharged battery, divide the amp hour (AH) rating of the battery by the
charge rate selected. This is the number of hours required to recharge the battery. For
example, a 50 Ah (12 volt) battery is discharged (10 volts).
Question: How long should it be charged at the 6 Amp rate?
Divide the 50 Ah by 6.
Answer: Approximately 8 hours. Always round up charge time by 10% to ensure full
charge. In most cases, battery charge times will vary depending on age and condi-
tion of battery. Smaller batteries should be charged at the lower rate (2 Amps) and
add an extra hour to charge time.
NOTE: Deep cycle batteries may need longer charging time. It is recommended to
repeat the charging cycle a second time beginning with the 2 Amp rate.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
With minimal maintenance, the Jump ‘n Charge system will provide years of depend-
able service.
•After each use, clean the battery charger clamps - be sure to remove any battery
fluid that will cause corrosion of the copper clamps.
•Clean the outside case of the charger with a soft cloth and, if necessary, mild soap
solution.
•Do not use charger if cords or clamps have been damaged in any way - call
Vector Technical Support Department toll-free: [phone] for replacement
cords/clamps.
TROUBLESHOOTING
NOTE: Charger will NOT operate on batteries below 4.0 volts. If a 12 volt battery is
below 4.0 volts, it is probably shorted, open or sulfated. Replace the battery.
The following conditions may light the FAULT LED:
•Charging too fast - Decrease Charge Rate - Press 2/4/6 Amp pushbutton to
select lower rate.

Try charging another battery, if the FAULT LED does not light, then one of the above
problems exists with the initial battery. Charger will not charge and the fan will not
operate if there is a fault. Call Vector Technical Support toll free: [phone].
SULFATED BATTERY
Batteries left in a discharged state for a long period of time are likely to become "sul-
fated". Sulfated batteries cannot accept a high rate of charge since the internal plates
are coated with lead sulfate. To see if a battery in this condition can be "saved", take
it to a service station or battery distributor for professional evaluation and service.
INTERNAL SHORT CELL BATTERY
•If the battery being charged has an internal shorted cell, the FAULT LED will light.
•If FAULT LED light comes on, we recommend that you take your battery to a cer-
tified automotive service center for evaluation.
BATTERY NOT ACCEPTING A CHARGE
•Make sure that the charger is plugged into a "live" 110/120VAC outlet and
POWER LED is lit.
•Unplug charger and check battery connections - ensure there is a good connec-
tion with battery terminal and/or vehicle chassis.
•Have the battery checked for sulfated condition (qualified service station or bat-
tery distributor).
•Check that the correct charge rate has been selected for the battery being
charged.
•Ensure that enough charging time has been allowed for-check table for approx-
imate charging times.
VERY COLD BATTERY
If the battery to be charged is extremely cold (in temperatures less than freezing - 0º
C/32º F) it cannot accept a high rate of charge, so the initial charge rate will be slow.
The rate of charge will increase as the battery warms.
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