Schumacher Battery Charger SF 125A User Guide

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.  
8
 

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