User Manual
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CHARGING YOUR BATTERY
CHARGING YOUR BATTERY
Using Reconditioning Mode
1. Connect the charger clamps to the battery
(following the steps outlined in “Connecting
Your Battery”).
2. Plug the charger AC plug into an electrical
outlet.
NOTE: If a fault or error is detected, the will
illuminate (see Charge Status Indicators).
3. Press the MODE button to select a regular
charging program.
NOTE: If no selection is made within 5 seconds,
the charger will default to the last selection in
memory and automatically begin charging.
4. Once the battery reaches full charge, the
charger will automatically move into Maintain
mode to safely keep your battery topped up
without risk of overcharging.
5. Stop charging at any time by disconnecting
the charger AC plug from the electrical outlet.
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Model no. 011-1967-8 Questions? Contact us 1-888-942-6686
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UNDERSTANDING FACTORS THAT AFFECT CHARGING TIME
UNDERSTANDING THE MULTI-STAGE CHARGING PROCESS
®
UNDERSTANDING FACTORS THAT
AFFECT CHARGING TIME
If a lead-acid battery is left sitting in a low state of
charge, or is deeply discharged, or is never given
the opportunity to fully charge, it can suffer
capacity loss due to sulphation and/or stratifica-
tion. Such a battery can appear to have a normal
open circuit voltage and yet it will have a notice-
able drop in performance. Using Reconditioning
mode may help to reverse the effects of sulphation
and stratification, restoring lost battery capacity.
To maximize battery life and performance,
recondition your battery once per year or after
deep discharges. For best results, take the battery
through a normal full charge cycle before using
this mode. A Reconditioning charge can take up to
4 hours to complete.
CAUTION: USE THIS MODE WITH CARE. RECON-
DITIONING USES A HIGH CHARGING VOLTAGE
AND MAY CAUSE WATER LOSS IN THE BATTERY.
IT IS BEST SUITED FOR WET (FLOODED) BATTER-
IES WITH REMOVABLE VENT CAPS WHICH ALLOW
FOR WATER LEVELS TO BE TOPPED UP. RECON-
DITIONING IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR AGM OR
GEL BATTERIES. TO MINIMIZE RISK OF HIGH
VOLTAGE TO SENSITIVE ELECTRONICS, DISCON-
NECT THE BATTERY FROM THE VEHICLE (OR ANY
OTHER EQUIPMENT) WHEN USING THIS MODE.
The time it takes to fully recharge a battery
depends on several factors including:
1. Battery Depth of Discharge
The greater the depth of discharge, the longer it
will take to fully charge a battery. For example, a
battery discharged to a level of 50% will take
about twice as long to fully charge than a battery
discharged only 25%.
2. Battery Size
If charged at the same current, a larger (higher
capacity) battery will require more time to fully
charge than a smaller (lower capacity) battery.
This difference can be overcome by charging
larger batteries at a higher current.
3. Battery Age and Condition
As a battery ages, its internal resistance willl
increase, impacting its ability to accept current.
This effect is particularly noticeable in batteries
that have not been well-maintained over their life.
4. Battery Type
Some battery chemistries, such as AGM and gel,
have lower internal resistance which means
they can accept charge better without generat-
ing damaging heat. Such batteries can charge
up to 2 times faster than traditional wet battery
types.
5. Charge Rate
The charge rate is measured in amperes (A). A
battery charged at a lower rate will take longer
to fully charge than a battery charged at a
higher rate. This does not mean that one should
always charge a battery at the highest ampere
available as this can cause overheating and
premature battery failure. A battery should be
charged at a rate appropriate for its size—a good,
safe rule of thumb is about 1/10 its Amp-hour
capacity (e.g., 100 Ah battery x 1/10=10 A).
6. Cold Temperature
Cold temperatures slow down the chemical
reaction that takes place inside a battery when it is
charging. Charging a battery at a cold temperature
can greatly increase the amount of time required
to charge the battery. Ideal charging temperature
is between 10 to 25ºC (50 to 77ºF).
UNDERSTANDING THE MULTI-STAGE CHARGING PROCESS
* *
* *
STAGE 1 DESULPHATION*
Pulses of voltage and current help recover
sulphated or deeply discharged batteries.
STAGE 2 SOFT START*
Gently introduces current to condition deeply
discharged batteries and prevent overheating
that could damage the battery.
STAGE 3 BULK
Charging with maximum current to bring the
battery to about 80% capacity.
STAGE 4 ABSORPTION
Charging with constant voltage while reducing
current to safely bring the battery to 100%
capacity. This stage is key to maximizing
battery performance and battery life.
STAGE 5 ANALYZE
Tests if battery is holding charge.
STAGE 6 MAINTENANCE
Monitors battery voltage and provides top-up
charging when necessary to keep battery fully
charged.
* If necessary
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CHARGING YOUR BATTERY
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