Battery
Charger
Models:
SF-125A, SF-1275A,
SF-5212A, SF-520MA
Battery Charger
Owner's Manual
–Save–
Important Safety Instructions
Read Rules for Safe Operation and Instructions Carefully
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.
WARNING: Handling the cord on this product or cords associated with accessories sold with this product, will expose you to lead, a
chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
A.
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
• Vehicle or unit using battery
• Pins on plug of extension cord are the same number,
size, and shape as those of plug on charger.
• Extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical
condition.
• Wire size is large enough forAC ampere rating of charger,
as specified below:
2. Use battery charger on LEAD ACID type rechargeable
batteries 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 application.
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
16
50
14
100
10
150
8
3. Use only attachments recommended or sold by
manufacturer. Use of non-recommended attachments may
result in fire, electric shock, or injury.
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.
5. Locate battery power cord so it cannot be stepped on, tripped
over, or subjected to damage or stress.
6. Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug. Have
cord replaced immediately.
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.
8. Do not disassemble charger. Take it to a qualified
professional when service or repair is required. Incorrect
reassembly may result in electric shock or fire.
9. To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger from outlet
before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
11. Always charge battery in a well ventilated area.
NEVER operate in a closed-in or restricted area without
adequate ventilation.
WARNING: Risk of explosive gas.
12. Locate charger as far away from battery as DC charger
cables permit.
13. Do not expose charger to rain or snow.
14. NEVER charge a frozen battery. If battery fluid (electrolyte)
is frozen, bring into a warm area to thaw before charging.
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.
17. NEVER place charger directly above battery being charged.
Gases from battery will corrode and damage charger.
18. NEVER touch the battery clamps together when the charger
is energized.
SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC CORPORATION
801 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE • MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS 60056-2179
Send Warranty Product Repairs to: 1025 E. Thompson, Hoopeston, IL 60942-0280
Call Customer Service if you have questions: 1-800-621-5485
In Canada, for warranty claims and replacement, please return item to place of purchase during warranty period with receipt of purchase.
00-00-000634/0103
1
D.
METER AND SWITCH FUNCTIONS
TYPICAL DISPLAY FOR A FULLY
CHARGED BATTERY AT THE 15
AMP CHARGE RATE
TYPICAL DISPLAY FORA
DISCHARGED BATTERY
AT THE 15 AMP RATE
MODEL: SF-125A
12 VOLT
2 AMP
Ä
12 VOLT
125 AMP
ENGINE
6 VOLT
15 AMP
MANUAL
START
Percent % 100 75 50 25
0
START
REVERSED
FULL
HOOKUP
(RED
INDICATOR)
CHARGE
(GREEN
INDICATOR)
©
©
METER: The meter indicates the amount of current measured
in amperes that is being drawn from the charger by a battery. In
the 15 Amp charge rate a typical discharged battery may ini-
tially draw more than 15 Amps during the first few minutes of
charge. As the battery continues to charge current should gradu-
ally taper to within 6 to 8 amps at full charge.
12 VOLT
15 AMP
OFF
6 VOLT
125 VOLT ENGINE START
The START area of the meter is reserved to indicate when a
high rate of current is being drawn from the charger. It is normal
for the meter pointer to be in this area while cranking a vehicle.
VOLT/AMP SELECTOR FOR MANUAL OPERATION
(For Automatic operation, set dial to any
position except (OFF.)
When using the 2 amp charge rate the meter may indicate some
activity but doesn’t have the resolution to accurately display the
battery’s state of charge. For this reason you should depend on
the full charge light indicator.
OFF: This position disconnects AC power supplied by your out-
let from the rest of the charger.
6 VOLT 15 AMP: Used for charging medium and large size 6
volt batteries, typical application are for crank starting of farm
equipment and antique automobiles. Do not charge small bat-
teries such as used in motorcycles, lawn and garden equip-
ment.
ENGINE START:
1. Set 3-way switch to “MANUAL” setting.
2. Connect the battery charger as outlined in Section H.
3. For best results charge the battery for 10 minutes before
cranking the engine at 15 amp setting.
12 VOLT 2 AMP: The 2 Amp charge rate is recommended for
small batteries, motorcycles etc. If used for maintaining the full
charge level of larger batteries, limit the charge period to a few
days at a time. This amperage setting is both automatic or
manual. See switch below.
4. Set the rotary charge rate selector switch to the 125 Amp
start position that matches the voltage of the vehicle’s battery
– 6 or 12 volt.
5. Crank the engine for 5 seconds, if the engine fails to start,
set the charge rate switch to the 15 Amp rate and charge
the battery for the next 5 to 10 minutes before cranking
again.
12 VOLT 125 AMP START: Used for crank starting of 12 volt
vehicles. The engine start position should not be used for bat-
tery charging, doing so will cause the charger to over heat and
thus protect itself by cycling off and on.
6. If the engine fails to start after several tries, there maybe a
problem elsewhere in the vehicle.
12 VOLT 15 AMP: Use for charging medium and large size
batteries. This most popular charge rate can operate in either
the Automatic or Manual mode of charging. See Automatic/
Manual 3-way Switch.
6 VOLT 125 AMP START: Used for crank starting of 6 volt ve-
hicles.
NOTE: Not recommended for use on 8 volt systems.
BATTERY TYPE SWITCH
2 AMP, 12 VOLT AUTOMATIC
L
L
L
15 AMP, 12 VOLT
AUTOMATIC
MANUAL
3
E.
BATTERY CHARGER CONTROLS
OPERATION – Model SF-1275-A
Two switches permit Battery Type and Charge Rate selection.
OPERATION – SF-520-MA
This charger has two switches.
Switch #1 permits selection of either Conventional or Mainte-
nance Free and Deep Cycle batteries. If you are not sure of your
battery type, use the (Regular) Conventional Setting.
Switch #1
Mode 1--Manual Position: Use for charging in 2 amp or 10 amp
Charge Rates on 12 volt batteries only. This charging must be
monitored and charging manually stopped when the battery is
charged. Overcharging will damage the battery.
Switch #2 (3 Charge Rate Modes)
Mode 1 -- Select the 2 amp automatic setting for 12 volt smaller
(<31 AH (Ampere Hour)) or to warm larger lead-acid batteries.
Mode 2--Automatic Position for Conventional Batteries. If you
are not sure of your battery type, use the (Regular) Conven-
tional Setting.
Mode 2 -- Select 12 amp automatic for larger 12 volt batteries
for a faster charge.
Mode 3--Automatic Position for Maintenance Free and Deep
Cycle batteries.
Mode 3 -- Select 75 amp Engine Start to assist in engine crank-
ing of 12 volt systems. DO NOT use on 6 volt systems. Use the
75 amp engine start position for cranking automobiles or light
trucks. Use only with battery in the vehicle. This will reduce the
chance of damaging sensitive electronic equipment in the ve-
hicle.
Switch #2 (2 Charge Rate Modes)
Select either 2 amp Charge Rate for small batteries or 10 amp
Charge Rate for larger batteries.
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).
BATTERY TYPE
CHARGE RATE
(SWITCH #1)
(SWITCH #2)
AUTOMATIC FOR
MANUAL
CHARGE RATE
(SWITCH #2)
L
L
L
2 AMP
L
75 AMP
ENGINE START
L
12 AMP
M
M
MAINTENANCE
FREE AND
REGULAR
BATTERIES
DEEP CYCLE
BATTERIES
DEEP CYCLE
BATTERIES
(SWITCH #1)
L
10 AMP
L
L
2 AMP
AUTOMATIC FOR CONVENTIONAL
LOW MAINTENANCE BATTERIES
OPERATION – Model SF-5212-A
Two switches permit Battery Type and Charge Rates selection
Switch #1 permits selection of either Conventional or Mainte-
nance Free and Deep Cycle batteries. If you are not sure of your
battery type, use the (Regular) Conventional Setting.
Switch #2 (3 Charge Rate Modes)
Mode 1 -- Select the 2 amp automatic setting for 12 volt smaller
(<31 AH (Ampere Hour)) or to warm larger lead-acid batteries.
Mode 2 -- Select 10 amp automatic for larger 12 volt batteries
for a faster charge.
Mode 3 -- Select 50 amp Engine Start to assist in engine crank-
ing of 12 volt systems. DO NOT use on 6 volt systems. Use the
50 amp engine start position for cranking automobiles or light
trucks. Use only with battery in the vehicle. This will reduce the
chance of damaging sensitive electronic equipment in the ve-
hicle.
CHARGE RATE
(SWITCH #2)
BATTERY TYPE
(SWITCH #1)
L
2 AMP
L
10 AMP
L
L
L
50 AMP
ENGINE
START
CONVENTIONAL
AND LOW
MAINTENANCE
FREE AND
DEEP CYCLE
BATTERIES
MAINTENANCE
BATTERIES
4
F.
READING METER
FOR: SF-1275A, SF-5212A, SF-520MA
CHARGE % 100 75 50 25 0
CHARGE % 100 75 50 25 0
CHARGE % 100 75 50 25 0
FULL CHARGE
POWER ON
FULL CHARGE
POWER ON
FULL CHARGE
POWER ON
FULLY DISCHARGED BATTERY
Initial charge current to the battery is
typically 10 amps. The needle points
toward the 25% mark.
APPROACHES FULL CHARGE
Charge current to the battery is
typically 5 amps. The needle points
toward the 100% mark.
FULLY CHARGED BATTERY
Charge current to the battery is 0
amps.And, the Full Charge
green LED glows. The needle points
toward the Full Charge LED.
(SF-520MA has one LED, Full Charge)
G.
DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS
1. Connect and disconnect DC output camps only after setting
any charger switches to off position and removing AC cord
from electric outlet. Never allow clamps to touch each other.
2. Attach clamps to battery posts and twist or rock back and
forth several times to make a good connections This tends
to keep clamps from slipping off terminals and helps to
reduce risk of sparking.
H.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN VEHICLE
A SPARK NEAR BATTERY MAY CAUSE BATTERY EXPLO-
SION TO REDUCE RISK OF SPARK NEAR 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 No. 5. If positive post is grounded to
the chassis, see No. 6.
5. For a negative-grounded vehicle, connect POSITIVE (RED)
clamp from battery charger to POSITIVE (POS, P,+)
ungrounded post of battery. Connect NEGATIVE (BLACK)
clamp to vehicle chassis or engine block away from battery.
Do not connect clamp to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-
metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gage metal part of
the frame or engine block. (Figure 7)
FIGURE 7 CONNECTION TO NEGATIVE
GROUNDED BATTERY
6. For a positive-grounded vehicle, connect NEGATIVE
(BLACK) clamp from battery charger to NEGATIVE (NEG,
N, -) ungrounded post of battery. Connect POSITIVE (RED)
clip to vehicle chassis or engine block away from battery.
Do not connect clamp to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-
mebl body parts. Connect to a heavy gage metal part of the
frame or engine block. (Figure 8)
7. When disconnecting charger, disconnect AC cord, remove
clamp from vehicle chassis, and then remove clamp from
battery terminal, in that order.
8. See charge period for length of charge information.
5
I.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS OUTSIDE VEHICLE
POSITIVE
NEGATIVE
A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE BATTERY EX-
PLOSION. TO REDUCE RISK Of A SPARK NEAR 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 ( not
provided).
CHARGER
BATTERY
3. Connect POSITIVE (RED) charger clamp 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 clamp to free end of cable.
24" 6 GAUGE
CABLE
POWER
CORD
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 a battery on the boat requires equipment
specially designed for marine use.
TO GROUNDED
POWER OUTLET
FIGURE 8 CONNECT NEGATIVE BATTERY
CLIP TO 24 INCH CABLE END
J.
AC POWER CORD CONNECTION INSTRUCTIONS
DANGER - Never alter AC cord or plug provided - if it will not fit outlet, have proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician. Improper
connection can result in a risk of an electric shock.
This battery charger is for use on a nominal 120-volt 60 HZ circuit.
K.
OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. These battery chargers are equipped with a self-resetting
circuit breaker. This device protects the charger from
temporary overloads. 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.
2. These battery chargers are equipped with an electronic
control circuit which automatically governs the charge rate
to your battery. The charger will satisfactorily charge
Maintenance Free and Conventional batteries.
L.
OUTPUT VOLTAGE
These chargers are for use with 12 volt lead-acid batteries only except for the SF-125A.
M.
CHARGE RATE SWITCH
For smaller batteries, 30 AH (ampere hour) or less, use 2 AMP setting. Small batteries may not be able to accept the potential of the 10
AMP setting. Unconverted energy will result in excess heat which the battery may not be able to dissipate, thus resulting in damage to
the battery.
For larger batteries either setting may be used.
6
N.
INDICATION OF PROPER OPERATION TO A DISCHARGED BATTERY
BUT OTHERWIDE IN GOOD CONDITION
1. 12 AMP setting: The initial charge current should be 12
AMP’s gradually tapering throughout the charge cycle to 5
Amp’s. Though not indicated, battery voltage will gradually
rise to approximately 15 volts, then hold constant throughout
remainder of charge cycle. When the battery reaches 15
volts and charge current drops to 5 AMP’s the charger will
turn off. Initially the battery voltage will drop from its 15 volt
level fairly quickly. When 13 volts is reached, the charger
will again turn on, until the 15 volt, 5 AMP condition is met.
As this action continues, ON time will decrease to a few
seconds while OFF time increases to a range of several
minutes to an hour. ON/OFF times vary with size, type and
condition of battery.
2. 2AMP setting ON/OFF action is a function of battery voltage
only, otherwise identical to 12 AMP setting.
3. At no time during the charge cycle should there be any sign
of vigorous bubbling of the battery fluid.
O.
CHARGE PERIOD
The approximate required time to bring a battery to full charge
state depends upon the number of ampere-hours (AH) depleted
from the battery. AH’s are determined by multiplying the num-
ber of hours by the number of AMPS supplied to a load.
2. A hydrometer reading of the specific gravity of the electrolyte
(fluid) of a battery in good condition should be between
1.250 and 1.285.
3. When a battery reaches 80-85% of full charge, bubbles will
appear on the surface of the fluid. As the battery nears full
charge, bubbling will become more noticeably active.
4. The time required to charge two 6-volt batteries connected
in series will be the same as for one 12-volt battery of
equivalent size.
For example - If a load was connected to a battery, which drew
7 AMPS for a period of 5 hours, the battery will have supplied 35
AH . The approximate recharge time would then be calculated
by dividing the 35 AH depleted from the battery, by the ampere
charge rate of the charger. To allow for tapering off of the charge
rate, add 25 percent to the charge time.
NOTE: This charger will shut off when the battery is fully
charged and will turn back on automatically when the battery
needs to be charged again.
Indications of a fully charged battery are:
5. Do not charge two 12-volt batteries in parallel.
1. When the meter indicates an intermittent current flow to
the battery.
P.
STORAGE
Store battery charger in a dry area.
7
Q.
TROUBLESHOOTING
The battery charger is designed to work automatically. However, If a problem does occur, check the following:
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
SOLUTION
No meter reading.
Connections are reversed.
With charger unplugged, reverse clips and
reconnect (rock back and forth to bite in).
Poor electrical connection.
AC outlet is dead.
Clean clips and battery posts and reconnect
(roll 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 charging.
(If battery is in vehicle turning on headlights
will lower battery voltage in a few seconds and
charger should then turn on.)
Charger will not turn OFF.
Battery has problem and will
not take full charge.
Have battery checked.
Do not parallel charge.
Meter needle pulses (fluctuates)
every few seconds AFTER THREE
HOURS without slowing down.
Two or more batteries connected
in parallel.
Battery of 200 ampere hours or
larger.
Requires more time to charge: continue
charging.
Battery is connected to applicaton that
draws a small current (such as an
autodome light).
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).
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).
LIMITED WARRANTY
SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC CORPORATION, 801 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE,
MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS 60056-2179 MAKES THIS LIMITED WARRANTY
TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER AT RETAIL OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS LIM-
ITED WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE.
THIS IS THE ONLY EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY AND THE MANUFAC-
TURER NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANYONE TO ASSUME OR
MAKE ANY OTHER OBLIGATION TOWARDS THE PRODUCT OTHER THAN
THIS EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER MAKES NO
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PURPOSE OF THIS
PRODUCTAND EXPRESSLY EXCLUDES SUCH FROM THIS LIMITED WAR-
RANTY.
Schumacher Electric Corporation warrants this battery charger for two years
from date of purchase of retail against defective material or workmanship. If
such should occur the unit will be repaired or replaced at the option of the manu-
facturer. It is the obligation of the purchaser to forward the unit together with
proof of purchase, transportation and/or mailing charges prepaid to the manu-
facturer or its authorized representative.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCI-
DENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LENGTH OF IMPLIED WAR-
RANTY SO THEABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOTAPPLYTO
YOU.
This limited warranty is void if the product is misused, subjected to careless
handling, or repaired by anyone other than the factory or other authorized factory
representative.
THIS WARRANTYGIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGALRIGHTS,AND YOU MAYALSO
HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
The manufacturer makes no warranty other than this limited warranty and ex-
pressly excludes any implied warranty including any warranty for consequential
damages.
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