Schumacher XC6 User Manual
Page 9
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6
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Using the Battery Voltage Tester (Models XC12 and XCS15 only)
Overview
This battery charger has a built-in voltmeter to test your battery’s state of charge. The charger does not have a built in load
tester. As such, a recently charged battery could have a temporarily high voltage due to what is known as “surface charge”.
The voltage of such a battery will gradually drop during the period immediately after the charging system is disengaged.
Consequently, the tester could display inconsistent values for such a battery. For a more accurate reading, the surface
charge should be removed by temporarily creating a load on the battery, such as by turning on lights or other accessories for
a couple of minutes before you read the display. Read it a couple of minutes after you have shut the headlights off.
Testing Sequence: There are four basic steps required to test the battery state of charge:
With the charger unplugged from the AC outlet, connect the charger to the battery following the instructions given in
1.
sections 6 and 7.
Plug the charger AC power cord into the AC outlet, following the instructions given in section 8.
2.
If necessary, press the BATTERY TYPE button until the correct type is indicated.
3.
Read the voltage on the digital display. Keep in mind that this reading is only a battery voltage reading; a false surface
4.
charge may mislead you. We suggest that you turn on the headlights for a couple of minutes before you read the display.
Read it a couple of minutes after you have shut the headlights off. Compare the reading to the chart below.
6 Volt Battery Voltage
Reading
12 Volt 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
Tester and Charger: When first turned on, the unit operates only as a tester, not as a charger. To continue to use it only as a
tester, avoid pressing the CHARGE RATE button. Selecting a charge rate activates the battery charger and deactivates the
tester.
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 charge at the
maintain mode and gel cell 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 CHARGE RATE button until all charge rate LEDs are off.
Tester Status LED’s: When the unit is operating as a battery tester, the status LED’s light under the following conditions:
The CHARGED LED
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does not light in the Battery Test Mode.
The CHARGING LED
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does not light in the Battery Test Mode.
The CONNECTED LED
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will light if a properly connected battery is detected.
General Charging Notes:
Fan: The charger is designed to control its cooling fan for efficient operation. Consequentially, it is normal for the fan to start
and stop when maintaining a fully charged battery. The fan does not run in Tester Mode. Keep the area near the charger clear
of obstructions to allow the fan to operate efficiently.
CALCULATING CHARGE TIME
12.
Use the following table to more accurately determine the time it will take to bring a battery to full charge. First, identify where
your battery fits into the chart.
NR means that the charger setting is NOT RECOMMENDED.
Find your battery’s rating on the chart below, and note the charge time given for each charger setting. The times given are for
batteries with a 50% charge prior to recharging. Add more time for severely discharged batteries.
Model XC6
BATTERY SIZE/RATING
CHARGE RATE/CHARGING TIME
2 AMP
4 AMP
6 AMP
SMALL
BATTERIES
Motorcycle,
Garden
Tractor, etc.
6 – 12 Ah
2 - 3 ¾ hrs
1 - 2 hrs
45 min - 1 ¼ hrs
12 – 32 Ah
3 ¾ - 10 hrs
2 - 5 hrs
1 ¼ - 3½ hrs
CARS/
TRUCKS
200-315 CCA
40 – 60 RC
11 ¼ - 14 ½ hrs
5 ¾ - 7 ¼ hrs
3 ¾ - 4 ¾ hrs
315-550 CCA
60 – 85 RC
14 ½ - 18 ¼ hrs
7 ¼ - 9 ¼ hrs
4 ¾ - 6 hrs
550-1000 CCA
85 – 190 RC
18 ¼ - 34 ¾ hrs
9 ¼ - 17 ½ hrs
6 - 11 ½ hrs
MARINE/ DEEP-CYCLE
80 RC
17 ½ hrs
8 ¾ hrs
6 hrs
140 RC
27 hrs
13 ½ hrs
9 hrs
160 RC
30 hrs
15 hrs
10 hrs
180 RC
33 hrs
16 ½ hrs
11 hrs