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If a properly grounded outlet is not available, a temporary adapter (like the adapter shown in Figure1B)
may be used to connect this plug to a two-pole receptacle. The temporary adapter should be used ONLY
until a properly grounded outlet can be installed by a qualified electrician.
DANGER — Before using an adapter as illustrated, make certain that the center screw
of outlet plate is grounded.
The green-colored rigid ear or tab extending 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 ground tab to outlet cover plate and connect to grounded outlet.
WARNING
NEVER alter AC cord or plug. If it will not fit, have a proper outlet installed by a
qualified electrician. Improper connection may result in an electric shock.
Note: Use of an adapter is not allowed in Canada. If a grounding type receptacle is
not available, do not use this appliance until the proper outlet has been
installed by a qualified electrician.
Preparing to Charge
1. Determine voltage of battery to be charged by referring to the vehicle 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. Do not allow corrosion to come in contact with eyes.
4. Add distilled water in each cell until battery acid reaches level specified by battery 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 manufacturer’s 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. Gas can be forcefully
blown away by using a piece of cardboard or other nonmetallic material as a fan.
7. Make sure the initial charging rate does not exceed battery manufacturer’s 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 gravity or filling 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 chassis as indicated in “Battery Installed in Vehicle” steps 5 and 6, and
in “Battery Outside of Vehicle” steps 2, 4 and 5.
Follow these steps when the battery is installed in a vehicle. A spark near the battery
may cause an 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 NEGATIVE post is
grounded to chassis (as in most vehicles), see 5. If POSITIVE post is grounded to the chassis, see 6.
GROUNDING
PIN (A)
GROUNDING
MEANS
METAL SCREW
ADAPTER (B)
Figure
1A
Figure
1B
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNINGS
1. RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GAS MIXTURES — 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 equipment you intend to use in
vicinity of battery. Review cautionary markings on these products and on engine.
3. This equipment employs parts (switches, relays, etc.) that produce arcs or sparks.
Therefore, if used in a garage or enclosed area, the unit MUST be placed not less
than 18 inches above the floor.
Battery Safety
1. 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 persons.
2. To reduce risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull by plug rather than cord when
disconnecting charger.
3. An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use of an improper extension
cord could result in a risk of fire and electric shock, and will void warranty.
If an extension cord must be used, make sure:
a. that pins on plug of extension cord are the same number, size, and shape as those of plug on
charger;
b. that extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition; and
c. that wire size is AWG#16 (16 gauge) for 100 feet and AWG#14 for distances over 100 feet.
4. Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug — take to a qualified technician for
replacement of the plug or cord immediately.
5. 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 technician.
6. Do not disassemble charger; take it to a qualified service technician when service or repair is
required. Incorrect re-assembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire, and will void warranty.
7. To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger from outlet before attempting any maintenance or
cleaning. Turning off controls without unplugging will not reduce this risk.
8. Do not expose charger to rain, snow or use when wet.
Personal 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 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately.
4. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If redness, pain or
irritation occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
5. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of battery or engine.
6. Be extra cautious to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto battery. This might cause sparks
or short-circuit the battery or other electrical part, which can cause an explosion.
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 cause a
severe burn.
8. Use charger for charging a LEAD-ACID battery only. It is not intended to supply power to a low-
voltage electrical system other than in a starter-motor application. Do not use the 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 property.
9. NEVER ATTEMPT TO CHARGE A FROZEN BATTERY.
Power Cord Safety
Charger should be grounded to reduce risk of electric shock. Charger is equipped with an AC cord having
equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into a properly installed
and grounded 110/120 volt AC outlet in accordance with all local codes and ordinances (see Figure 1A).
VEC1089ABD_Manual_042805 5/9/05 2:40 PM Page ii