Read Rules for
Safe Operation
and Instructions
Carefully
MODEL MKC-10P
10 AMP 12 VOLTS
BATTERY CHARGER
WARNING: 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 each time
before using your charger, you read this manual and follow the instructions exactly.
GENERAL BATTERY SAFETY
1. Before you use your battery charger, be sure to read all
instructions and cautions printed on:
10. Do not use an extension cord unless absolutely necessary.
Use of an improper extension cord could result in fire or
electric shock. If an extension cord must be used, make
sure that:
• Battery Charger
• Battery
• Pins on plug of extension cord are the same number, size,
and shape as those of plug on charger.
2. Use battery charger on LEAD ACID type rechargeable bat-
teries only, such as used in autos, trucks, tractors, airplanes,
vans, RV's, trolling motors, etc. Charger is not intended to
supply power to low-voltage electrical system other than in
an automotive or boat/marine application.
• Extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical
condition.
• Wire size is large enough for AC ampere rating of charger,
as specified below:
WARNING: 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.
Length of cord (feet):
AWG size of cord:
25
18
50
18
100
16
150
14
3. Use only attachments recommended or sold by manufac-
turer. Use of non-recommended attachments may result in
fire, electric shock, or injury.
11. Always charge battery in a well ventilated area.
NEVER operate in a closed-in or restricted area without
adequate ventilation.
4. When disconnecting the battery charger, pull by the plug
not by the cord. Pulling on the cord may cause damage to
cord or plug.
WARNING: Risk of explosive gas.
12. Locate charger as far away from battery as DC charger
cables permit.
5. Locate battery power cord so it cannot be stepped on, tripped
over, or subjected to damage or stress.
13. Do not expose charger to rain or snow.
6. Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug. Have
cord replaced immediately.
14. NEVER charge a frozen battery. If battery fluid (electrolyte)
is frozen, bring into a warm area to thaw before charging.
7. Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow, been
dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way. Take it to a
qualified professional for inspection and repair.
15. NEVER allow battery acid to drip on charger when reading
specific gravity or filling battery.
16. NEVER set a battery on top of charger.
8. Do not disassemble charger. Take it to a qualified profes-
sional when service or repair is required. Incorrect reas-
sembly may result in electric shock or fire.
17. NEVER place charger directly above battery being charged.
Gases from battery will corrode and damage charger.
18. NEVER touch the battery clips together when the charger
9. To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger from outlet
before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
is energized.
19. NEVER crank engine with charger attached to battery.
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
• SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS •
00-99-000344/0503
1
BATTERY CHARGER CONTROLS
FIGURE 3 - CHARGER CONTROLS
MANUAL-AUTOMATIC SWITCH
Charging may be either Manual or Automatic.
NOTE: Some batteries, especially those with a built in state of
charge indicator and have been deeply discharged, may require
the use of the MANUAL position in order to obtain full charge.
The AUTOMATIC position may be used to maintain the full
charge state.
MANUAL
When the Manual position is selected the charger will continue
to charge and will not shut off. You must keep a visual check on
the ammeter or the green LED to determine when the battery is
charged. When the ammeter reads around 5Amps and the green
LED is on the battery is charged.
METER/LED INDICATOR
The meter gives a reading of the AMP draw on the charger.
When a fully discharged battery is connected to the charger, the
meter will read the maximum output rating of the charger. The
charge current will gradually taper down as the battery ap-
proaches full charge. As the charge current tapers, the meter
needle will also move down.
WARNING: In the Manual position, the charger will continue to
charge even after the battery is fully charged.
WARNING: Overcharging will damage the battery.
AUTOMATIC CHARGING
When full charged, the meter needle will suddenly drop to 0 and
a green LED will turn on. The 0 is not printed on the meter
scale, the LED is located in its place. As a visual aid, the meter
scale has been divided into 2 zones, CHARGED and CHARG-
ING.
When the battery reaches the full charge state, charge current
is turned off and the charger switches to the maintainer mode of
operation. This action occurs when the ammeter tapers down to
approximately 5 Amps. In this state the battery voltage is con-
stantly being monitored. When the battery voltage drops to a
predetermined value charge will turn on for a few seconds re-
placing the small amount of energy that was lost while the charge
current was at 0 Amps.
NOTE: As the battery approaches the full charge state the meter
needle and LED will fluctuate back and forth between CHARG-
ING and CHARGED. For the average size automotive battery,
allow 5 to 10 minutes for the battery to stabilize.
MANUAL VS AUTOMATIC CHARGING
NOTE: A buzz or hum is normal when the output cables have
been disconnected and the AC power cord is still connected to
an electrical source (i.e. wall outlet).
For your safety, in the AUTOMATIC position this charger will
only turn on when properly connected to a 12 volt battery with a
voltage over .7 volts. In the MANUAL position the charger will
turn on for any condition. If a battery is so depleted of charge
that it's voltage is less than .7 volts, switch to MANUAL until the
ammeter begins to move up scale, than switch back to the de-
sired AUTOMATIC position.
These types of noises will also occur when the green light comes
on indicating the battery is "Completely Charged". At this point,
the charger has stopped charging the battery, but still hums or
buzzes until the electrical power is shut off.
READING METERS
D C AMPS
CHARGED CHARGING
D C AMPS
CHARGED CHARGING
D C AMPS
CHARGED CHARGING
2
4
6
8
10
12
2
4
6
8
10
12
2
4
6
8
10
12
CHARGE COMPLETE
CHARGE COMPLETE
CHARGE COMPLETE
FULLY DISCHARGED BATTERY
Initial charge current to the battery
is typically 10 Amps.
APPROACHING FULL CHARGE
Charge current to the battery is typi-
cally 6 Amps.
FULLY CHARGED BATTERY
Charge current to the battery is 0
Amps and the green LED is on.
3
CIRCUIT BREAKER
This battery charger is equipped with a self-resetting circuit
NOTE: Clicking sound is normal. Wait until charger automati-
breaker. This device protects the charger from temporary over-
loads. In the event of an overload, the circuit breaker will trip
open and after a short cooling off period will reset automatically.
This process is known as cycling and can be recognized by an
audible clicking sound.
cally resets itself.
CAUTION: Persistent clicking (more than 30 minutes) may in-
dicate reverse connection or shorted battery cells. (See
TROUBLESHOOTING)
BATTERY TYPES
Three basic types of lead-acid batteries can be given a charge with this charger: (1) Conventional and Low Maintenance, (2) Mainte-
nance Free, (3) Deep Cycle / Marine.
Conventional and Low Maintenance Batteries. These are the
antimony/lead batteries. Conventional/Low Maintenance batter-
ies require periodic addition of water to the acid solution (elec-
trolyte). Additional water may be added by removing the filler
caps located on the top of the battery.
ing of electrolyte level and provides access to the battery for
water additions, the battery is probably a Low Maintenance/
Conventional type.
Maintenance Free Batteries. These are calcium/lead batteries
and normally do not require water additions. Therefore, filler
caps have been removed from the battery surface. These bat-
teries will have a smooth or sealed appearance.
IMPORTANT: When antimony is known to be one of the mate-
rials used in the battery's construction, that battery is a Low
Maintenance/Conventional type.
Deep Cycle Batteries. These heavy duty batteries are used in
boats, construction equipment, sump pumps, etc. They are nor-
mally marked DEEP CYCLE on the outside of the case.
CAUTION: Some Low Maintenance batteries have a relatively
smooth top without any apparent battery filler caps. If, however,
the battery manufacturer/distributor recommends periodic check-
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS: CHARGING BATTERY OUT OF THE VEHICLE
When charging battery, take care to determine the battery type.
To reduce risk of a spark near battery, follow these steps.
battery when making final connection. Rock clip back and
forth to make a good connection.
FIGURE 7 shows the connection.
5. Plug charger AC cord into 120 volt grounded outlet.
6. Turn switch from off to on.
WARNING: A spark near battery may cause battery explosion.
WARNING: When removing battery from vehicle or boat, dis-
connect grounded pole first. When disconnecting, make sure
the engine/motor and all accessories are off, so as not to cause
an arc.
7. When battery is fully charged, unplug charger fromAC power
source.
8. When battery is fully charged and charger is unplugged,
(1) remove clip from end of Negative end of cable, and (2)
remove clip from Positive battery post, in that order.
(NOTE: BOAT BATTERIES MUST BE REMOVED AND
CHARGED ON SHORE. (TO SAFELY CHARGE ON BOARD
REQUIRES SPECIAL EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY DESIGNED
AND UL LISTED FOR MARINE USE. THIS CHARGER IS
NOT WATER RESISTANT AND SHOULD NOT BE EXPOSED
TO WET CONDITIONS.)
9. Clean and store battery charger.
POSITIVE
BATTER
NEGATIVE
WARNING: When reinstalling battery, attach the ground post
first.
HARGER
1. Check polarity of battery posts. Battery case will be marked
by each post: POSITIVE (POS, P, +) and NEGATIVE (NEG,
N, -). NOTE: The positive battery post usually has a larger
diameter than the negative post.
POWER
CORD
2. Attach a 24-inch long (or longer) 6-gauge (AWG) insu-
lated battery cable to NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) battery post.
3. Connect POSITIVE (RED) charger clip to POSITIVE (POS,
P, +) post battery. Rock clip back and forth to make good
connection.
TO GROUNDED
POWER OUTLET
4. Position yourself and free end of 24 inch cable as far away
from battery as possible. Then connect NEGATIVE (BLACK)
charger clip to free end of cable. WARNING: Do not face
FIGURE 7 CONNECT NEGATIVE BATTERY CLIP
TO 24 INCH CABLE END
4
TROUBLESHOOTING
The battery charger is designed to work automatically. However, If a problem does occur, check the following:
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE
SOLUTION
No meter reading.
Charger is not plugged in.
Connections are reversed.
Plug in
With charger unplugged, reverse clamps and
reconnect (rock back and forth to bite in).
Poor electrical connection.
AC outlet is dead.
Clean clamps and battery poles and
reconnect (rock back and forth to bite in).
Plug in a lamp or other appliance to check for
voltage.
Battery is defective (will not accept
charge).
Have battery checked.
Charger will not turn on when
properly connected to power.
Battery recently used in vehicle and is
fully charged.
Battery does not need changing.
(If battery is in vehicle, turning on headlights
will lower battery voltage in a few seconds and
charger should then turn on.)
Battery has less than .7 volts, set to Manual
and retry.
Charger will not turn OFF.
Battery has a problem and will not
take a full charge.
Have battery checked.
(If in MANUAL, switch to AUTOMATIC).
Meter needle pulses (fluctuates)
every few seconds AFTER THREE
HOURS without slowing down.
Two or more batteries connected in
parallel.
Requires more time to charge: continue
charging.
Battery of 200 ampere hours or larger.
Requires more time to charge: continue
charging.
Battery is connected to application that
draws a small current (such as a
vehicle's dome light).
Requires more time to charge: continue
charging.
Charging current is less than full
output rating of charger.
Battery is partially charged.
Continue charging.
Battery is defective (battery plates are
crusted) and will not accept a full
Have checked and replace battery.
charge.
AC power supply is low.
Plug charger into another grounded AC outlet.
Meter needle moves to extreme
right, remains a short time, then
returns to zero, accompanied by a
clicking sound.
Severely discharged battery (but
otherwise good battery).
Allow charging to continue until battery has
recovered sufficiently to take a charge (Circuit
breaker will continue to cycle and needle will
swing side to side until battery has recovered).
In MANUAL with battery connections
reversed.
Unplug charger and change to correct
connections.
Battery is defective (will not accept
charge)
Have battery checked.
Charger is cycling after circuit breaking
overload.
Wait until charger automatically resets itself
(DO NOT RETURN FOR SERVICE).
NOTE:
This product is manufactured for Minn Kota by Schumacher Electric Corporation. If you have any questions regarding the operation of
this charger please contact Schumacher Electric technical service at 1-800-621-5485, Ext. 322.
5
MAINTENANCE/CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
Very little maintenance is required for the battery charger. Follow common sense in wiping the charger clean and store in a clean,
dry area.
3. Have any cracked or frayed cords replaced by a qualified
professional.
4. Store battery charger in a clean, dry area.
1. After use, wipe all battery corrosion and other dirt or oil
from clip, cord, and the charger case. Use a dry cloth.
2. Coil charger cords to prevent damage.
LIMITED WARRANTY
SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC CORPORATION, 801 BUSINESS CENTER
DRIVE, MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS 60056-2179 MAKES THIS LIM-
ITED WARRANTYTOTHE ORIGINALPURCHASERAT RETAILOF THIS
PRODUCT. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE.
THIS IS THE ONLY EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTYAND THE MANU-
FACTURER NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANYONE TO
ASSUME OR MAKEANY OTHER OBLIGATION TOWARDS THE PROD-
UCT OTHER THAN THIS EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY. THE MANU-
FACTURER MAKES NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FIT-
NESS FOR PURPOSE OF THIS PRODUCT AND EXPRESSLY EX-
CLUDES SUCH FROM THIS LIMITED WARRANTY.
Schumacher Electric Corporation warrants this battery charger for one year
from date of purchase at retail against defective material or workmanship. If
such should occur, the unit will be repaired or replaced at the option of the
manufacturer. It is the obligation of the purchaser to forward the unit to-
gether with proof of purchase, transportation and/or mailing charges pre-
paid to the manufacturer or its authorized representative.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITA-
TION OF INCIDENTALOR CONSEQUENTIALDAMAGES OR LENGTH
OF IMPLIED WARRANTY SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLU-
SIONS MAY NOTAPPLY TO YOU.
This limited warranty is void if the product is misused, subjected to careless
handling, or repaired by anyone other than the manufacturer or its autho-
rized representative.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND
YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE
TO STATE.
The manufacturer makes no warranty other than this limited warranty and
expressly excludes any implied warranty including any warranty for conse-
quential damages.
6
NOTES
7
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
• SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS •
Minn Kota Battery Charger
Manufactured by
Schumacher Electric Corporation
1-800-621-5485
8
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