Schumacher XC6 - Manual (Page 8)

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AGM • – Set the button to . The Absorbed Glass Matt 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. Actually, 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 battery.
GEL
• – Set the button to . The Gel Cell is similar to the AGM style because the electrolyte is suspended, but different
because technically the AGM battery is still considered to be a wet cell. 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 the other styles of lead acid
battery. This is probably the most sensitive cell in terms of adverse reactions to over-voltage charging. Gel batteries are
best used in VERY DEEP cycle application and may last a bit longer in hot weather applications. If the incorrect battery
charger is used on a Gel Cell battery, poor performance and premature failure is certain.
Deep-Cycle
• – Set the button to . Deep-cycle batteries are usually marked as “Deep-Cycle” or “Marine”. Deep-cycle
batteries are usually larger than the other types. This type of battery has less instant energy but somewhat greater
long-term energy delivery than regular batteries. Deep cycle batteries have thicker plates and can survive a number of
discharge cycles.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 11.
This battery charger must be properly assembled in accordance with the assembly instructions before it is
used.
The charger does not have an ON/OFF switch. The On and Off commands are controlled by plugging the charger into a 120V
AC electrical wall outlet only after the battery connections have been made.
Automatic Voltage Detection
When the charger is connected to a battery, it will automatically determine whether the connected battery is a 6 volt battery or
a 12 volt battery. This eliminates the possibility of using the wrong voltage setting.
For the XC12 and XCS15; the display will show either 6 or 12 depending on what battery voltage the charger detects.
Thermal Runaway
As a safety precaution, the charger will automatically reduce the output current if it detects the battery may be getting too hot.
Charging
Ensure that all of the charger components are in place and in good working condition, for example, the plastic boots on 1.
the battery clips.
Connect the battery following the precautions listed in sections 6 and 7.
2.
Connect the AC power following the precautions listed in section 8. 3.
Select the appropriate settings for your battery. 4.
NOTE: This charger is equipped with an auto-start feature. It will not supply current to the battery clips until a battery is
properly connected. Meaning, the clips will not spark if touched together.
Battery Connection Indicator
If the charger does not detect a properly connected battery, the CONNECTED LED will not light. Charging will not begin if
the CONNECTED LED is not on.
Automatic Charging Mode
When a charge rate is selected, the charger is set to perform an automatic charge. When an automatic charge is performed,
the charger switches to the maintain mode (see below) automatically after the battery is charged.
Aborted Charge
Models XC6 and XC10: If charging cannot be completed normally, charging will abort. When charging aborts, the charger’s
output is shut off and the CHARGING LED will flash. In that state, the charger ignores all buttons. To reset after an
aborted charge, unplug the charger from the AC outlet, wait a few moments and plug it back in.
Aborted Charge
Models XC12 and XCS15: If charging cannot be completed normally, charging will abort. When charging aborts, the
charger’s output is shut off and the digital display will show an error code (see the Troubleshooting section for a description of
the error codes). In that state, the charger ignores all buttons. To reset after an aborted charge, unplug the charger from the
AC outlet, wait a few moments and plug it back in.
Desulfation Mode
If the battery is left discharged for an extended period of time, it could become sulfated and not accept a normal charge. If
the charger detects a sulfated battery, the charger will switch to a special mode of operation designed for such batteries.
The display will start counting up from 1, increasing every hour. If successful, normal charging will resume after the battery is
desulfated. Desulfation could take up to 8 hours. If desulfation fails, charging will abort. See Aborted Charge section.
Completion Of Charge
Charge completion is indicated by the CHARGED LED . When lit, the charger has stopped charging and switched to the
Maintain Mode of operation.
Maintain Mode (Float-Mode Monitoring)
When the CHARGED 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 battery voltage drops below a preset level, the charger will
go back into Charge Mode until the battery voltage returns to the full charge level, at which point the charger will return to
Maintain Mode. The voltage is maintained at a level determined by the battery type selected.
NOTE: The charger automatically switches between Charge Mode and Maintain Mode as necessary. The CHARGED LED
will cycle on when the battery is at full charge and off when the voltage drops below a preset level and the charger goes
into Charge Mode. This cycle will continue, and the CHARGED LED will stay on for longer periods of time as the battery
becomes more fully charged.
NOTE: The maintain mode technology utilized in Schumacher’s chargers 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 recommended.