Schumacher XC75 12V Battery Charger Owners Manual

Schumacher XC75 12V Battery Charger

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.

Dangers

• Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury to the operator or bystanders.

WARNING

• Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury to the operator or bystanders.

CAUTION

• Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in moderate or minor injury to the operator or bystanders.

IMPORTANT

• Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in damage to the equipment or vehicle, or property damage.

WARNINGS: 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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS – SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

This manual contains important safety and operating instructions

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE.

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not expose the charger to rain or snow.
• Use only recommended attachments. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by Schumacher® Electric Corporation may result in a risk of fire, electric shock injury to persons, or damage to property.
• To reduce the risk of damage to the electric plug or cord, pull by the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger.
• 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. If an extension cord must be used, make sure:
  • The pins on the plug of the extension cord are the same number, size, and shape as those of the plug on the charger.
  • The extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.
  • The wire size is large enough for the AC ampere rating of the charger as specified in section 8.
• 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.
• Do not operate the charger with a damaged cord or plug; have the cord or plug replaced immediately by a qualified service person. (Call customer service at: 1-800-621-5485.)
• Do not operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way; take it to a qualified service person. (Call customer service at: 1-800-621-5485.)
• Do not disassemble the charger; take it to a qualified service person when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of fire or electric shock. (Call customer service at: 1-800-621-5485.)

RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 or more above floor level.

PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS

RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.

• NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in the vicinity of a battery or engine.
• 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.
• 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 parts which may cause an explosion.
• 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.
• NEVER charge a frozen battery.
• NEVER overcharge a battery.
• Consider having someone close enough by to come to your aid when you work near a lead-acid battery.
• Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts your skin, clothing, or eyes.
• Wear complete eye and body protection, including safety goggles and protective clothing. Avoid touching your eyes while working near the battery.
• If battery acid contacts your skin or clothing, immediately wash the area with soap and water. If acid enters your eye, immediately flood the eye with cold running water for at least 10 minutes and get medical attention right away.
• If battery acid is accidentally swallowed, drink milk, the whites of eggs, or water. DO NOT induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.

PREPARING TO CHARGE

RISK OF CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID. BATTERY ACID IS A HIGHLY CORROSIVE SULFURIC ACID.

• If it is necessary to remove the battery from the vehicle to charge it, always remove the grounded terminal first. Make sure all of the accessories in the vehicle are off to prevent arcing.
• Be sure the area around the battery is well-ventilated while the battery is being charged.
• 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.
• Add distilled water to each cell until the battery acid reaches the level specified by the battery manufacturer. Do not overfill. For a battery without removable cell caps, such as valve-regulated lead acid batteries (VRLA), carefully follow the manufacturer’s recharging instructions.
• 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 specific precautions while charging and recommended rates of charge.
• 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 applicable). If the charger has an adjustable charge rate, charge the battery at the lowest rate first.
• Make sure that the charger cable clips make tight connections.

CHARGER LOCATION

RISK OF EXPLOSION AND CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID.

• Locate the charger as far away from the battery as the DC cables permit.
• Never place the charger directly above the battery being charged; gases from the battery will corrode and damage the charger.
• Do not set the battery on top of the charger.
• Never allow battery acid to drip onto the charger when reading the electrolyte specific gravity or filling the battery.
• Do not operate the charger in a closed-in area or restrict the ventilation in any way.

DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS

• 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.
• Attach the clips to the battery and chassis, as indicated in sections 6 and 7.

FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN VEHICLE

SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE A BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY

• 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.
• Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and other parts that can cause injury.
• Check the polarity of the battery posts. The POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has a larger diameter than the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) post.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Connect the charger AC supply cord toan  electrical outlet.
• When disconnecting the charger, turn all switches off (if applicable), disconnect the AC cord, remove the clip from the vehicle chassis, and then remove the clip from the battery terminal.
• See CALCULATING CHARGE TIME for length of charge information.

CHARGER CONTROL

1. Charge Rate Button
2. Battery Type Button
3. Digital Display

LED Indicators

• CONNECTED (red) LED lit: Indicates that the charger is properly connected to the battery.
• CHARGING (yellow) LED lit: Indicates the charger has detected a battery and is charging it.
• CHARGED (green) LED lit: Indicates the battery is fully charged and the charger is in maintenance mode.
  NOTE: See the Operating Instructions section for a complete description of the charger modes.

Digital Display
The Digital Display gives a digital indication of voltage, % of charge, or time. The display will show the battery VOLTAGE when the charger is not charging a battery. When it goes into charging mode, the display will automatically change to ON (to show charging has started) and then show the percent-of-charge of the battery being charged and either 6 or 12 (the voltage the charger determined the battery is). If you manually stop the charging process (by pressing the CHARGE RATE button) before the battery is fully charged the display will show OFF.

• Battery % – The digital display shows an estimated charge percentage of the battery connected to the charger battery clips.
• Voltage – The Digital Display shows the voltage at the charger battery clips in DC volts.

Battery Type Button
Use this button to set the type of battery to be charged.

• Regular – Set the button to
• AGM – Set the button to
• GEL – Set the button to

Charge Rate Button
Use this button to set the maximum charge rate to one of the following:

• Maintain – Used to keep stored, lead-acid batteries charged. Charges and maintains small batteries. Maintains large batteries that are already fully charged.
• Slow Charge Rate – Intended for charging small batteries such as those commonly used in garden tractors, snowmobiles, and motorcycles. Also used to completely charge deep-cycle batteries.
• Fast Charge Rate – Used for charging automotive, marine, and light truck batteries.

Not intended for industrial applications.

• Engine Start – Provides high amperage for cranking an engine with a weak or run-down battery. Always use it in combination with a battery.
  NOTE: Once the charger has started charging the battery; if you press the Charge Rate button once, the output current is shut off the display with show OFF, and then the battery voltage. If you press the Charge Rate button again, the current will go back on at the same setting it was when it was turned off. For example: The charger is charging a battery at the slow charge rate setting. If you press the Charge Rate button, the output is turned off. If you press the Charge Rate button again, the output will turn back on at the slow charge rate setting.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

This battery charger must be properly assembled in accordance with the assembly instructions before it is used.

Charging

1. Ensure that all of the charger components are in place and in good working condition, for example, the plastic boots on the battery clips.
2. Connect the battery following the precautions listed in sections 6 and 7.
3. Connect the AC power following the precautions listed in section 8. Make sure to place the charger on a dry, non-flammable surface like metal or concrete.
4. Select the appropriate settings for your battery.

Startup Defaults: When first turned on, the charger will default to the following startup settings:

• Battery Type: Standard
• Charge Rate: OFF (No charge rate selected)

After 10 minutes, if no charge rate is selected, the charger will automatically start charging at the following defaults:

• Charge Current: The lowest charge rate setting available, usually 2 amps.
• Charge Voltage: The lowest charge rate voltage available, is usually 14.7 volts (Gel Cell), if not, then 15.4 volts (AGM), otherwise it will be 16.0 volts (Standard battery).

Battery Connection Indicator
If the charger does not detect a properly connected battery, the CONNECTED LED will not light. Charging will not begin if the CONNECTED LED is not on.

Automatic Charging Mode
When an Automatic Charge is performed, the charger switches to the Maintain Mode (see below) automatically after the battery is charged.

Aborted Charge
If charging cannot be completed normally, charging will abort. When charging aborts, the charger’s output is shut off, all of the LEDs are turned off and the digital display will show an error code (see Troubleshooting for a list of error codes). In that state, the charger ignores all buttons. To reset after an aborted charge, unplug the charger.

Completion of Charge
Charge completion is indicated by the CHARGED LED. When lit, the charger has switched to the Maintain Mode of operation.

Maintain Mode (Float-Mode Monitoring)
When the CHARGED LED is lit, the charger has started to Maintain Mode. In this mode, the charger keeps the battery fully charged by delivering a small current when necessary. The voltage is maintained at a level determined by the BATTERY TYPE selected. If the charger has to provide its maximum maintain current for a continuous 12-hour period, it will go into Abort Mode (see Aborted Charge section). This is usually caused by a drain on the battery, or the battery could be bad. Make sure there are no loads on the battery. If there are, remove them. If there are none, have the battery checked or replaced.

NOTE: For 12V AGM and 12V GEL CELL battery types, the CHARGED LED might be lit before the Maintain Mode starts.

Maintaining a Battery (3A Charge Rate)
The Schumacher XC75 and XC103 are battery chargers with a maintenance setting that maintains both 6 and 12-volt batteries, keeping them at full charge. In this setting, it can charge small batteries and maintain both small and large batteries. If you are maintaining a fully charged large battery, you will properly utilize the maintenance setting. However, if you use the maintenance setting to charge a large battery, such as a marine deep cycle battery, that was not fully charged, you may lose some of the battery’s capacity. This would cause the large battery to be unable to hold a charge and become useless. Therefore, we do not recommend charging a large battery in the maintenance setting.

NOTE: The maintain mode technology utilized in Schumacher’s chargers 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.

Using the Battery Voltage Tester

1. With the charger unplugged from the AC outlet, connect the charger to the battery following the instructions given in sections 6 and 7.
2. Plug the charger AC power cord into the AC outlet, following the instructions given in section 8.
3. If necessary, press the BATTERY TYPE button until the correct type is indicated.
4. Read the voltage on the digital display. Compare the readings to the chart below.
   NOTE: After 10 minutes, the charger will automatically switch from tester to charger.

Tester and Charger: When first turned on, the unit operates only as a tester, not as a charger. Selecting a charge rate activates the battery charger and deactivates the tester. Pressing the CHARGE RATE button when the ENGINE START LED is lit (except during the 180-second cooldown) will shut off the charger and activate the tester.

Power-Up Idle Time Limit: If no button is pressed within 10 minutes after the battery charger is first powered up, the charger will automatically switch from tester to charger if a battery is connected. In that case, the charger will be set to the start-up default settings.

Testing After Charging: After the unit has been changed from tester to charger (by selecting a charge rate), it remains a charger. To change the battery charger back to a tester, press the CHARGE RATE switch until all charge rate LEDs are off.

NOTE: The battery tester is only designed to test batteries. Testing a device with a rapidly changing voltage could yield unexpected or inaccurate results.

Using the Alternator Performance Tester

1. With the charger unplugged from the AC outlet, connect the charger to the battery following the instructions given in Sections 6 and 7.
2. Plug the charger AC power cord into the AC outlet, following the instructions given in section 8.
3. Start the vehicle, and turn on the vehicle’s headlights. Read the voltage on the digital display. If you get a reading between 13.4 volts and 14.6 volts, the alternator is working properly. If the reading is less than 13.4 volts or more than 14.6 volts, have the charging system checked by a qualified technician.

Calculating charge time

Find your battery’s rating on the chart below, and note the charge time given for each charger setting. The times given are for batteries with a 50% charge prior to recharging. Add more time for severely discharged batteries. NR means that the charger setting is NOT RECOMMENDED.

MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

• After use and before performing maintenance, unplug and disconnect the battery charger (see sections 6, 7 and 8).
• Use a dry cloth to wipe all battery corrosion and other dirt or oil from the terminals, cords, and the charger case.
• Ensure that all of the charger components are in place and in good working condition, for example, the plastic boots on the battery clips.
• Servicing does not require opening the unit, as there are no user-serviceable parts.
• All other servicing should be performed by qualified service personal.

Moving and STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

• Store the charger unplugged, in an upright position. The cord will still conduct electricity until it is unplugged from the outlet.
• Store inside, in a cool, dry place (unless you’re using an on-board Marine Charger).
• Do not store the clips on the handle, clipped together, on or around metal, or clipped to cables.
• If the charger is moved around the shop or transported to another location, take care to avoid/prevent damage to the cords, clips and charger. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or property damage

Troubleshooting and failure codes

Failure Codes

If you get a failure code, you have to check the connections and settings and/or replace the battery.

Troubleshooting

BEFORE RETURNING FOR REPAIRS

• When a charging problem arises, make certain that the battery is capable of accepting a normal charge. Use a good battery to double-check all connections, the AC outlet for a full 120 volts, the charger clips for correct polarity, and the quality of the connections from the cables to the clips and from the clips to the battery system. The clips must be clean.
• When a battery is very cold, partially charged, or sulfated, it will not draw the full-rated amperes from the charger. It is both dangerous and damaging to a battery to force higher amperage into it than it can effectively use in recharging.
• When an UNKNOWN OPERATING PROBLEM arises, please read the complete manual and call the customer service number for information that will usually eliminate the need for a return.

LIMITED WARRANTY

SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC CORPORATION, 801 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE, MOUNT PROSPECT, IL 60056-2179, MAKES THIS LIMITED WARRANTY TO THE ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASER OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE OR ASSIGNABLE.

Schumacher Electric Corporation (the “Manufacturer”) warrants this battery charger for 5 years from the date of purchase at retail against defective material or workmanship that may occur under normal use and care. If your unit is not free from defective material or workmanship, the Manufacturer’s obligation under this warranty is solely to repair or replace your product with a new or reconditioned unit at the option of the Manufacturer. It is the obligation of the purchaser to forward the unit, along with mailing charges prepaid to the Manufacturer or its authorized representatives in order for repair or replacement to occur. The manufacturer does not provide any warranty for any accessories used with this product that are not manufactured by Schumacher Electric Corporation and approved for use with this product. This Limited Warranty is void if the product is misused, subjected to careless handling, repaired, or modified by anyone other than the Manufacturer or if this unit is resold through an unauthorized retailer.

Manufacturer makes no other warranties, including, but not limited to, express, implied, or statutory warranties, including without limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability or implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose. Further, the Manufacturer shall not be liable for any incidental, special or consequential damage claims incurred by purchasers, users, or others associated with this product, including, but not limited to, lost profits, revenues, anticipated sales, business opportunities, goodwill, business interruption and any other injury or damage. Any and all such warranties, other than the limited warranty included herein, are hereby expressly disclaimed and excluded. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or length of an implied warranty, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and it is possible you may have other rights that vary from this warranty.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY 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 WARRANTY.

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Schumacher XC75 12V Battery Charger-FAQs