Schumacher SC1360 Fully Automatic Battery Charger and Maintainer Guide

Schumacher SC1360 Fully Automatic Battery Charger and Maintainer

The Schumacher SC1360 Fully Automatic Battery Charger and Maintainer allows you to effectively monitor the condition of your car’s battery. Your battery will always be fully charged and ready to go thanks to the quick charging and maintenance features of this multipurpose gadget.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS of SC1360 Battery Charger

PLEASE SAVE THIS OWNER MANUAL AND READ BEFORE EACH USE.
This manual will explain how to use the charger safely and effectively. Please read and follow these instructions and precautions carefully.

1. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual contains important safety and operating instructions.
2. Keep out of reach of children.
3. Do not expose the charger to rain or snow.
4. 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.
5. To reduce the risk of damage to the electric plug and cord, pull by the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger.
6. An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. The use of improper extension cords could result in a risk of fire and electric shock. If an extension cord must be used, make sure:
   1. The pins on the plug of the extension cord are the same number, size and shape as those of the plug-on charger.
   2. The extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.
   3. The wire size is large enough for AC ampere rating of the charger as specified in section 8.
7. Do not operate charger with a damaged cord or plug – replace the cord or plug immediately.
8. Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way; take it to a qualified serviceperson.
9. Do not disassemble charger; take it to a qualified serviceman when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire.
10. To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger from outlet before attempting any maintenance or cleaning. Turning off controls will not reduce this risk.
11. 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 YOU FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EACH TIME YOU USE THE CHARGER.
    2. To reduce risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by battery manufacturer and manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in vicinity of battery. Review cautionary markings on these products and on engine.

PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Consider having someone close enough by to come to your aid when you work near a lead-acid battery.
2. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing, or eyes.
3. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes while working near battery.
4. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enters eye, immediately flood eye with running cold water for at least 10 minutes and
   get medical attention immediately.
5. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of battery or engine.
6. Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping a metal tool onto battery. It might spark or short-circuit battery or other electrical part that may cause 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 weld a ring or the like to metal, causing a severe burn.
8. Use charger for charging LEAD-ACID (STD, AGM, GEL or deep-cycle) rechargeable batteries. It is not intended to supply power to a low voltage electrical system other than in
   a starter-motor application. Do not use 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.
9. NEVER charge a frozen battery.

PREPARING TO CHARGE

1. If necessary to remove the battery from the vehicle to charge, always remove the grounded terminal from the battery first. Make sure all accessories in the vehicle are off, so as not to
   cause an arc.
2. Be sure the area around the battery is well-ventilated while the battery is being charged.
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 the level specified by the battery manufacturer. Do not overfill. For a battery without removable cell caps, such as valve-regulated lead acid batteries, carefully follow manufacturer’s recharging instructions.
5. Study all battery manufacturer’s specific precautions while charging and recommended rates of charge.
6. Determine voltage of battery by referring to car owner’s manual and make sure that output voltage selector switch is set at correct voltage. If charger has adjustable charge
   rate, charge battery initially at lowest rate.

CHARGER LOCATION

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

DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS

Connect and disconnect DC output clips only after setting any charger switches to the “off” position and removing the AC cord from the electric outlet. Never allow clips to touch each other. 5.2 Attach clips to battery and chassis, as indicated in sections 6 and 7.

FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN THE BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE

WARNING: A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE A BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE THE 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 the battery is grounded (connected) to the chassis. If the negative post is grounded to chassis (as in most vehicles), see (6.5). If a positive post is grounded
   to the chassis, see (6.6).
5. For a negative-grounded vehicle, connect the POSITIVE (RED) clip from battery charger to the POSITIVE (POS, P, +) ungrounded post of the battery. Connect a NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip to
   the vehicle chassis or engine block away from the battery. Do not connect clip to the carburettor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
6. For a positive-grounded vehicle, connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip from battery charger to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) ungrounded post of the battery. Connect POSITIVE (RED) clip to vehicle chassis or engine block away from battery. Do not connect clip to carburettor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.
7. When disconnecting charger, turn switches to off, disconnect AC cord, remove clip from vehicle chassis, and then remove clip from battery terminal. 6.8 See Operating Instructions for length of charge information.

FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN THE BATTERY IS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE

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

1. Check polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has a larger diameter than NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) post.
2. Attach at least a 24-inch-long 6-gauge (AWG) insulated battery cable to NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) battery post.
3. Connect POSITIVE (RED) charger clip to POSITIVE (POS, P, +) post of battery.
4. Position yourself and free end of cable as far away from battery as possible – then connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clip to free end of cable.
5. Do not face battery when making final connection.
6. When disconnecting charger, always do so in reverse sequence of connecting procedure and break first connection while as far away from battery as practical.
7. A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore. To charge it on board requires equipment specially designed for marine use.
8. GROUNDING AND AC POWER CORD CONNECTIONS
   1. This battery charger is for use on a nominal 120 volt circuit and has a grounded plug. The charger must be grounded, to reduce the risk of electric shock. The plug must be
      plugged into an outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances. The plug pins must fit the receptacle (outlet). Do not use
      with an ungrounded system.
   2. DANGER: Never alter the AC cord or plug provided – if it does not fit the outlet, have a proper grounded outlet installed by a qualified electrician. An improper connection
      can result in a risk of an electric shock or electrocution.
9. USING AN EXTENSION CORD
   The use of an extension cord is not recommended. If you must use an extension cord, follow these guidelines:
   1. The pins on the plug of the extension cord must be the same number, size, and shape as those of the plug-on charger.
   2. Ensure that the extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.
   3. Wire size must be large enough for the AC ampere rating of the charger, as specified:

Length of cord (feet)	25	50	100	150
AWG* size of cord	18	18	16	14

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Remove all cord wraps and uncoil the cables prior to using the battery charger.

CONTROL PANEL

DIGITAL DISPLAY

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 of the battery, determined by the charger). If you manually stop the charging process (by pressing the Rate Selection button) before the battery is fully charged, the display will show OFF.
NOTE: During charging, the display will go into sleep mode and will not show the percentage of charge or voltage of the battery. To turn the display back on, press any button.
Battery % – The digital display shows an estimated charge percentage of the battery connected to the charger’s battery clamps.
Voltage – The digital display shows the voltage at the charger battery clamps, in DC volts.

BATTERY TYPE BUTTON
Use this button to select the battery type.
NOTE: Batteries should be marked with their type. If charging a battery that is not marked, check the manual of the item that uses the battery. If the battery type is unknown, use the AGM setting.
STD – Used in cars, trucks and motorcycles, these batteries have vent caps and are often marked “low maintenance” or “maintenance-free”. This type of battery is designed to deliver quick bursts of energy (such as starting engines) and has a greater plate count. The plates are thinner and have somewhat different material composition. Regular batteries should not be used for deep-cycle applications.
AGM – The Absorbed Glass Mat construction allows the electrolyte to be suspended in close proximity with the plate’s active material. In theory, this enhances both the discharge and recharge efficiency. The AGM batteries are a variant of Sealed VRLA (valve regulated lead-acid) batteries. Popular uses include high-performance engine starting, power sports, deep-cycle, solar and storage batteries.
GEL – The electrolyte in a GEL cell has a silica additive that causes it to set up or stiffen. The recharge voltages on this type of cell are lower than those for other styles of lead-acid battery. This is probably the most sensitive cell in terms of adverse reactions to overvoltage charging. Gel batteries are best used in VERY DEEP cycle application and may last a bit longer in hot weather applications. If the wrong battery charger is used on a gel cell battery, poor performance and premature failure will result.

LED INDICATORS

CLAMPS REVERSED (red) LED flashing: The connections are reversed.
CHARGING (yellow/orange) LED lit: The charger is charging the battery.
CHARGED/MAINTAINING (green) LED lit: The battery is fully charged and the charger is in maintain mode.
NOTE: See Operating Instructions for a complete description of the charger modes.

RATE SELECTION BUTTON

Use this button to set the maximum charge rate. Press the button until the desired charge rate is selected.
CHARGE/MAINTAIN – For charging small batteries, such as those commonly used in garden tractors, snowmobiles and motorcycles. Also used to maintain fully charged large batteries.
RAPID CHARGE – For charging automotive, marine and light truck batteries. Not intended for industrial applications.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE AN EXPLOSION.
IMPORTANT: Do not start the vehicle with the charger connected to the AC outlet, or it may damage the charger.
NOTE: This charger is equipped with an auto-start feature. Current will not be supplied to the battery clamps until a battery is properly connected. The clamps will not spark if touched together.

CHARGING A BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE

1. Turn off all the vehicle’s accessories.
2. Keep the hood open.
3. Clean the battery terminals.
4. Place the charger on a dry, non-flammable surface.
5. Lay the AC/DC cables away from any fan blades, belts, pulleys and other moving parts.
6. Connect the battery, following the precautions listed in sections 6 and 7.
7. Connect the charger to an electrical outlet.
8. Select the battery type and charge rate.
9. When charging is complete, disconnect the charger from the AC power, remove the clamp from the vehicle’s chassis, and then remove the clamp from the battery terminal.

CHARGING A BATTERY OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE

1. Place the battery in a well-ventilated area.
2. Clean the battery terminals.
3. Connect the battery, following the precautions listed in sections 6 and 7.
4. Connect the charger to the electrical outlet.
5. Select the battery type and charge rate.
6. When charging is complete, disconnect the charger from the AC power, disconnect the negative clamp, and finally the positive clamp.
7. A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore.

BATTERY CHARGING TIMES

Times are based on a 50% discharged battery and may change, depending on age and condition of battery.

AUTOMATIC CHARGING MODE

When an Automatic Charge is performed, the charger switches to the maintain mode 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 and the display will show “bad / bat” and an error code. Do not continue attempting to charge this battery. Check the battery and replace, if necessary.

DESULFATION MODE

The display will show “SUL” when a sulfated battery is detected, and the charger will go into desulfation mode. If the desulfation is not successful after 10 hours, the charger will go into abort mode. The display will show “bAd / bAt / F02”.

COMPLETION OF CHARGE

Charge completion is indicated by the Charged/Maintaining (green) LED. When lit, the charger has switched to the maintain mode of operation.

MAINTAIN MODE (FLOAT MODE MONITORING)

When the Charged/Maintaining (green) LED is lit, the charger has started maintain mode. In this mode, the charger keeps the battery fully charged by delivering a small current when necessary. 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.

MAINTAINING A BATTERY

This charger maintains both 6 and 12 volt batteries, keeping them at full charge.
NOTE: The maintain mode technology 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 required.

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 previous sections.
2. Plug the charger AC power cord into the AC outlet.
3. If necessary, press the Battery Type button until the correct type is indicated.
4. Read the voltage on the digital display. Keep in mind that this reading is only a battery voltage reading; a false surface charge may mislead you. Compare the reading to the following chart.

6V Battery Voltage Reading	12V Battery Voltage Reading	Battery Condition
6.4 or more	12.8 or more	Charged
6.1 to 6.3	12.2 to 12.7	Needs charging
Less than 6.1	Less than 12.2	Discharged

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 Charge/Maintain rate and GEL battery type.

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 Rate Selection button 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.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

A minimal amount of care can keep your battery charger working properly for years.

• Clean the clamps each time you are finished charging. Wipe off any battery fluid that may have come in contact with the clamps to prevent corrosion.
• Occasionally cleaning the case of the charger with a soft cloth will keep the finish shiny and help prevent corrosion.
• Coil the input and output cords neatly when storing the charger. This will help prevent accidental damage to the cords and charger.
• Store the charger unplugged from the AC power outlet in an upright position.
• Store inside, in a cool, dry place. Do not store the clamps clipped together, clipped to the handle, on or around metal, or clipped to the cables.

TROUBLESHOOTING AND ERROR CODES

Error Codes

CODE	DESCRIPTION	REASON/SOLUTION
bAd bAT F01	The battery voltage is still under 10V (for a 12V battery) or 5V (for a 6V battery) after 2 hours of charging.	The battery could be bad. Have it checked or replaced.
bAd bAT F02	The charger cannot desulfate the battery.	The battery could not be desulfated; have it checked or replaced.
bAd bAT F03	The battery was unable to reach the “full charge” voltage.	May be caused by trying to charge a large battery or bank of batteries on too low of a current setting. Try again with a higher current setting or have the battery checked or replaced.
F04	The connections to the battery are reversed.	The battery is connected backwards. Unplug the charger and reverse the connections to the battery.
bAd bAT F05	The charger was unable to keep the battery fully charged in maintain mode.	The battery won’t hold a charge. May be 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.
bAd bAT F06	The charger detected that the battery may be getting too hot (thermal runaway).	The charger automatically shuts the current off if it detects the battery may be getting too hot. Have the battery checked or replaced.

If you get an error code, check the connections and settings and/or replace the battery.

Troubleshooting

PROBLEM	POSSIBLE CAUSE	SOLUTION
Battery clamps do not spark when touched together.	The charger is equipped with an auto-start feature. It will not supply current to the battery clamps until a battery is properly connected. The clamps will not spark if touched together.	No problem; this is a normal condition.
Three LEDs come on for 2 seconds, then turn off.	The charger is plugged into an AC outlet.	No problem; this is normal.
The charger will not turn on when properly connected.	AC outlet is dead. Poor electrical connection. Battery is defective.	Check for open fuse or circuit breaker supplying AC outlet. Check power cord and extension cord for loose fitting plug. Have battery checked.
I cannot select a 6V or 12V setting.	The charger is equipped with Auto Voltage Detection, which automatically detects the voltage and charges the battery.	No problem; this is normal.
The display shows “bAD / bAt / F01 ”.	The battery voltage is still below 10V (for a 12V battery) or 5V (for a 6V battery) after 2 hours of charging.	The battery may be defective. Make sure there are no loads on the battery. If there are, remove them. If there are none, have the battery checked or replaced.

PROBLEM	POSSIBLE CAUSE	SOLUTION
The display shows “SUL”.	The charger has detected a sulfated battery.	The charger will go into desulfation mode. If the desulfation is not successful after 10 hours, the charger will go into abort mode.
The display shows “bAD / bAt / F02”.	Desulfation was unsuccessful, after 10 hours.	The battery may be defective. Have battery checked or replaced.
The display shows “bAD / bAt / F05”.	Lack of progress is detected after 12 hours in Maintain mode.	The battery won’t hold a charge. May be 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.

BEFORE RETURNING FOR REPAIRS

For information about troubleshooting, contact customer service for assistance: services@schumacherelectric.com | www.batterychargers.com | or call 1-800-621-5485
For REPAIR OR RETURN, contact Customer Service at 1-800-621-5485. DO NOT SHIP UNIT until you receive a RETURN MERCHANDISE AUTHORIZATION (RMA) number from Customer Service at Schumacher Electric Corporation.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Go to www.batterychargers.com to register your product online.
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 charger for two (2) 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 proof of purchase and 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 which 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.

WARRANTY CARD

SAVE ON POSTAGE! ACTIVATE YOUR WARRANTY ONLINE – THE QUICK AND EASY WAY
Go to www.batterychargers.com to register your product online.
(No internet access? Send in the completed warranty card.)

Schumacher SC1360 FAQs