15A Automatic Battery Charger

260-9511

To Reduce The Risk Of Injury, User Must Read And Understand Operator’s Manual. Save These Instructions For Future Reference. 0099002171-00 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Symbols...... Page 3 Safety Information...... Page 4 Important Safety Instructions ...... Page 5 Personal Safety Precautions...... Page 5 Preparing To Charge...... Page 6 Charger Location...... Page 6 Dc Connection Precautions...... Page 6 Follow These Steps When Battery is Installed in Vehicle...... Page 6 Follow These Steps When Battery is Outside Vehicle...... Page 7 Grounding and AC Power Cord Connections...... Page 7 Assembly Instructions...... Page 8 Control Panel...... Page 8 Operating Instructions...... Page 9 Maintenance and Care...... Page 11 Error Codes...... Page 11

Troubleshooting...... Page 12 Specifications...... Page 12 Warranty...... Page 13 SAFETY SYMBOLS

Some of the following symbols may be used on your charger. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow better and safer operation of the charger.

Symbol Name Designation/Explanation V Volts Voltage A Amperes Current Hz Hertz Frequency W Watts Power ~ Alternating current Type of current Direct current Type or characteristic of current Class II construction Double-insulated construction Read the operator’s To reduce the risk of injury, read and manual understand the operator’s manual Operation of the charger can result in Wear safety glasses damage to unprotected eyes Warning symbol Alerts user to warning message Connect only to properly grounded Electric shock symbol outlets. Replace defective cords or wire immediately. Risk of explosive gases during normal Explosive gas symbol operation of a lead-acid battery

This symbol designates that this charger is listed by Underwriters Laboratories

Page 3 SAFETY INFORMATION

The purpose of safety symbols is to attract our attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and the explanations with them, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The symbol warnings do not by themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions and warnings they give are no substitutes for proper accident pre- vention measures.

Be sure to read and understand all safety instructions in this manual, including all safety alert symbols, such as “DANGER”, “WARNING” and “CAUTION” before using this battery charger. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.

SYMBOL MEANING

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: Indicates DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.

Failure to obey this safety warning WILL result in death or serious injury to yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.

Failure to obey this safety warning CAN result in death or serious injury to yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.

Failure to obey this safety warning MAY result in personal injury to yourself or others, or property damage. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.

Page 4 1. IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1.1 SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This or otherwise damaged in any way; manual contains important safety and take it to a qualified serviceman. operating instructions. 1.9 Do not disassemble charger; take it 1.2 Do not expose the charger to rain or to a qualified serviceman when ser- snow. vice or repair is required. Incorrect 1.3 Use of an attachment not recom- reassembly may result in a risk of mended or sold by the battery electric shock or fire. charger manufacturer may result in a 1.10 To reduce risk of electric shock, risk of fire, electric shock or injury to unplug charger from outlet before persons. attempting any maintenance or 1.4 To reduce the risk of damage to elec- cleaning. Turning off controls will not tric plug and cord, pull by the plug reduce this risk. rather than the cord when disconnecting charger. 1.11 RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES. 1.5 An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. a. WORKING IN VICINITY OF A LEAD- Use of improper extension cord ACID BATTERY IS DANGEROUS. could result in a risk of fire and elec- BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLO- tric shock. If an extension cord must SIVE GASES DURING NORMAL be used, make sure: BATTERY OPERATION. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS OF UTMOST 1.6 The pins on plug of extension cord IMPORTANCE THAT YOU FOL- are the same number, size and shape LOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EACH as those of plug on charger. TIME YOU USE THE CHARGER. • The extension cord is properly wired b. To reduce risk of battery explo- and in good electrical condition. sion, follow these instructions • The wire size is large enough for and those published by battery AC ampere rating of charger as manufacturer and manufacturer specified in section 8. of any equipment you intend to use in vicinity of battery. Review 1.7 Do not operate charger with dam- cautionary markings on these aged cord or plug – replace the cord products and on engine. or plug immediately. 1.12 Keep out of reach of children. 1.8 Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped,

2. PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

2.1 Consider having someone close at least 10 minutes and get medical enough by to come to your aid when attention immediately. you work near a lead-acid battery. 2.5 NEVER smoke or allow a spark or 2.2 Have plenty of fresh water and soap flame in vicinity of battery or engine. nearby in case battery acid contacts 2.6 Be extra cautious, to reduce risk of skin, clothing, or eyes. dropping a metal tool onto battery. 2.3 Wear complete eye protection and It might spark or short-circuit bat- clothing protection. Avoid touching tery or other electrical part that may eyes while working near battery. cause explosion. 2.4 If battery acid contacts skin or cloth- 2.7 Remove personal metal items such ing, wash immediately with soap and as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and water. If acid enters eye, immediately watches when working with a lead- flood eye with running cold water for acid battery. A lead-acid battery can

Page 5 produce a short-circuit current high than in a starter-motor application. Do enough to weld a ring or the like to not use battery charger for charging metal, causing a severe burn. dry-cell batteries that are commonly 2.8 Use charger for charging only 6V and used with home appliances. These 12V LEAD-ACID (STD, AGM, GEL or batteries may burst and cause injury deep-cycle) rechargeable batteries. to persons and damage to property. It is not intended to supply power to 2.9 NEVER charge a frozen battery. a low voltage electrical system other

3. PREPARING TO CHARGE

3.1 If necessary to remove battery from For a battery without removable cell vehicle to charge, always remove caps, such as valve regulated lead grounded terminal from battery first. acid batteries, carefully follow manu- Make sure all accessories in the vehi- facturer’s recharging instructions. cle are off, so as not to cause an arc. 3.5 Study all battery manufacturer’s spe- 3.2 Be sure area around battery is well cific precautions while charging and ventilated while battery is being recommended rates of charge. charged. 3.6 Determine voltage of battery by 3.3 Clean battery terminals. Be careful to referring to car owner’s manual and keep corrosion from coming in con- make sure that output voltage selec- tact with eyes. tor switch is set at correct voltage. If 3.4 Add distilled water in each cell until charger has adjustable charge rate, battery acid reaches level specified by charge battery initially at lowest rate. battery manufacturer. Do not overfill.

4. CHARGER LOCATION

4.1 Locate charger as far away from bat- charger when reading electrolyte tery as DC cables permit. specific gravity or filling battery. 4.2 Never place charger directly above 4.4 Do not operate charger in a closed-in battery being charged; gases from area or restrict ventilation in any way. battery will corrode and damage 4.5 Do not set a battery on top of charger. charger. 4.3 Never allow battery acid to drip on

5. DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Connect and disconnect DC output allow clips to touch each other. clips only after setting any charger 5.2 Attach clips to battery and chassis, switches to “off” position and remov- as indicated in sections 6 and 7. ing AC cord from electric outlet. Never

6. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN VEHICLE

6.1 Position AC and DC cords to reduce A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY risk of damage by hood, door, or mov- CAUSE A BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO ing engine part. REDUCE THE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR 6.2 Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, THE BATTERY: and other parts that can cause injury to persons.

Page 6 6.3 Check polarity of battery posts. POS- 6.6 For positive-grounded vehicle, con- ITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually nect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip from has larger diameter than NEGATIVE battery charger to NEGATIVE (NEG, (NEG, N, –) post. N, –) ungrounded post of battery. 6.4 Determine which post of battery is Connect POSITIVE (RED) clip to grounded (connected) to the chas- vehicle chassis or engine block away sis. If negative post is grounded to from battery. Do not connect clip to chassis (as in most vehicles), see carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal (6.5). If positive post is grounded to body parts. Connect to a heavy the chassis, see (6.6). gauge metal part of the frame or engine block. 6.5 For negative-grounded vehicle, connect POSITIVE (RED) clip from battery 6.7 When disconnecting charger, turn charger to POSITIVE (POS, P, +) switches to off, disconnect AC cord, ungrounded post of battery. Connect remove clip from vehicle chassis, NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip to vehicle and then remove clip from battery chassis or engine block away from terminal. battery. Do not connect clip to carbu- 6.8 See Operating Instructions for length retor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body of charge information. parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.

7. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS OUTSIDE VEHICLE

cable as far away from battery as A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY possible – then connect NEGATIVE CAUSE A BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO (BLACK) charger clip to free end of REDUCE THE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR cable. THE BATTERY: 7.5 Do not face battery when making 7.1 Check polarity of battery posts. POS- final connection. ITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually 7.6 When disconnecting charger, always has a larger diameter than NEGATIVE do so in reverse sequence of con- (NEG, N, –) post. necting procedure and break first 7.2 Attach at least a 24-inch-long 6-gauge connection while as far away from (AWG) insulated battery cable to battery as practical. NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) battery post. 7.7 A marine (boat) battery must be 7.3 Connect POSITIVE (RED) charger removed and charged on shore. To clip to POSITIVE (POS, P, +) post of charge it on board requires equipment battery. specially designed for marine use. 7.4 Position yourself and free end of

8. GROUNDING AND AC POWER CORD CONNECTIONS

8.1 This battery charger is for use on a 8.2 Never alter the AC nominal 120 volt circuit and has a cord or plug provided – if it does not grounded plug. The charger must be fit the outlet, have a proper grounded grounded, to reduce the risk of electric outlet installed by a qualified elec- shock. The plug must be plugged into trician. An improper connection can an outlet that is properly installed and result in a risk of an electric shock or grounded in accordance with all local electrocution. codes and ordinances. The plug pins NOTE: Pursuant to Canadian Regu- must fit the receptacle (outlet). Do not lations, use of an adapter plug is not use with an ungrounded system. allowed in Canada. Use of an adapter plug in the United States is not recommended and should not be used.

Page 7 8.3 USING AN EXTENSION CORD properly wired and in good electrical condition. The use of an extension cord is not recommended. If you must use an • Wire size must be large enough for extension cord, follow these guide- the AC ampere rating of charger, lines: as specified: • Pins on plug of extension cord must Length of cord (feet) 25 50 100 150 be the same number, size, and AWG* size of cord 18 18 16 14 shape as those of plug on charger. *AWG-American Wire Gauge • Ensure that the extension cord is

9. ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

9.1 Remove all cord wraps and uncoil the cables prior to using the battery charger.

10. CONTROL PANEL

LED INDICATORS BATTERY % – The digital display shows CLAMPS REVERSED (red) LED flashing: an estimated charge percentage of the The connections are reversed. battery connected to the charger’s battery clamps. CHARGING (yellow/orange) LED lit: The charger is charging the battery. VOLTAGE – The digital display shows the voltage at the charger battery clamps, in CHARGING (yellow/orange) LED flash- DC volts. ing: The charger is in abort mode. CHARGED/MAINTAINING (green) LED RATE SELECTION BUTTON pulsing: The battery is fully charged and Use this button to select one of the fol- the charger is in maintain mode. lowing: NOTE: See the Operating Instructions 3A MAINTAIN – For charging small bat- section for a complete description of the teries, such as those commonly used in charger modes. garden tractors, snowmobiles and motorcycles. Also used to maintain fully charged DIGITAL DISPLAY large batteries. The display will show the battery VOLTAGE 15A RAPID CHARGE – For charging auto- when the charger is not charging a battery. motive, marine and light truck batteries. When it goes into charging mode, the dis- Not intended for industrial applications. play will automatically change to ON (to show charging has started) and then show BATTERY TYPE BUTTON the percent-of-charge of the battery being Use this button to set the type of battery. charged and either 6 or 12 (the voltage of the battery, determined by the charger). If • STANDARD – Used in cars, trucks and you manually stop the charging process motorcycles, these batteries have vent (by pressing the Rate button) before the caps and are often marked “low main- battery is fully charged, the display will tenance” or “maintenance-free”. This show OFF. type of battery is designed to deliver quick bursts of energy (such as starting NOTE: During charging, the display will engines) and has a greater plate count. go into sleep mode and will not show the The plates are thinner and have some- percentage of charge or voltage of the what different material composition. battery. To turn the display back on, press Standard batteries should not be used any button. for deep-cycle applications.

Page 8 • AGM – The Absorbed Glass Mat con- • GEL – The electrolyte in a GEL cell has struction allows the electrolyte to be a silica additive that causes it to set suspended in close proximity with up or stiffen. The recharge voltages on the plate’s active material. In theory, this type of cell are lower than those for this enhances both the discharge and other styles of lead-acid battery. This is recharge efficiency. The AGM batter- probably the most sensitive cell in terms ies are a variant of Sealed VRLA (valve of adverse reactions to overvoltage regulated lead-acid) batteries. Popular charging. Gel batteries are best used in uses include high-performance engine VERY DEEP cycle application and may starting, power sports, deep-cycle, last a bit longer in hot weather appli- solar and storage batteries. cations. If the wrong battery charger is used on a gel cell battery, poor performance and premature failure will result.

11. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

CHARGING A BATTERY A SPARK NEAR BATTERY MAY CAUSE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AN EXPLOSION. 1. Place battery in a well-ventilated area. IMPORTANT: Do not start the vehicle with 2. Clean the battery terminals. the charger connected to the AC outlet, or it could damage the charger. 3. Connect the battery, following the precautions listed in sections 6 and 7. NOTE: This charger is equipped with an auto-start feature. Current will not be 4. Connect the charger to the electrical supplied to the battery clamps until a bat- outlet. tery is properly connected. The clamps 5. Select the battery type and charge will not spark if touched together. rate. CHARGING A BATTERY 6. When charging is complete, discon- IN THE VEHICLE nect the charger from the AC power, 1. Turn off all the vehicle’s accessories. disconnect the negative clamp, and finally the positive clamp. 2. Keep the hood open. 7. A marine (boat) battery must be 3. Clean the battery terminals. removed and charged on shore. 4. Place the charger on a dry, non-flam- CHARGE RATE mable surface. The charger will automatically adjust the 5. Lay the AC/DC cables away from any charging current, based on battery size, fan blades, belts, pulleys and other in order to charge the battery completely, moving parts. efficiently and safely. 6. Connect the battery, following the precautions listed in sections 6 and 7. BATTERY CHARGING TIMES 7. Connect the charger to an electrical outlet. 8. Select the battery type and charge rate. 9. When charging is complete, disconnect the charger from the AC power, remove the clamps from the vehicle’s chassis, and then remove the clamp from the battery terminal.

Times are based on a 50% discharged battery and may change, depending on age and condition of battery.

Page 9 AUTOMATIC CHARGING time. However, problems with the bat- When an Automatic Charge is performed, tery, electrical problems in the vehicle, the charger switches to the maintain mode improper connections or other unantici- automatically after the battery is charged. pated conditions could cause excessive current draws. As such, occasionally ABORTED CHARGE monitoring your battery and the charging If charging cannot be completed normally, process is required. charging will abort. When charging aborts, USING THE BATTERY the charger’s output is shut off and the display will show “bad / bat” and an error VOLTAGE TESTER code. Do not continue attempting to charge 1. With the charger unplugged from the this battery. Have it checked or replaced. AC outlet, connect the charger to the battery following the instructions given DESULFATION MODE in previous sections. The display will show “SUL” when a sul- 2. Plug the charger AC power cord into fated battery is detected, and the charger the AC outlet. will go into desulfation mode. If the desulfation is not successful after 10 hours, the 3. If necessary, press the Battery Type but- charger will go into abort mode. The dis- ton until the correct type is indicated. play will show “bAd / bAt / F02”. 4. Read the voltage on the digital display. Keep in mind that this reading is only a COMPLETION OF CHARGE battery voltage reading; a false surface Charge completion is indicated by the charge may mislead you. Compare the green Charged/Maintaining LED. When lit, reading to the chart below. the charger has switched to the maintain mode of operation. 6V Battery 12V Battery Battery Voltage Voltage Condition MAINTAIN MODE Reading Reading (FLOAT MODE MONITORING) 12.8 or 6.4 or more more Charged When the green Charged/Maintaining LED is lit, the charger has started maintain Needs 6.1 to 6.3 12.2 to 12.7 charging mode. In this mode, the charger keeps the battery fully charged by delivering a Less than Less than Discharged small current when necessary. If the char- 6.1 12.2 ger has to provide its maximum maintain current for a continuous 12 hour period, POWER-UP IDLE TIME LIMIT it will go into abort mode (see Aborted If no button is pressed within 10 minutes Charge section). This is usually caused by after the battery charger is first powered a drain on the battery or the battery could up, the charger will automatically switch be bad. Make sure there are no loads on from tester to charger if a battery is con- the battery. If there are, remove them. If nected. In that case, the charger will be there are none, have the battery checked set to charge at the 3A Maintain rate and or replaced. gel cell battery type. MAINTAINING A BATTERY TESTING AFTER CHARGING The 260-9511 maintains both 6 and 12 volt After the unit has been changed from tes- batteries, keeping them at full charge. ter to charger (by selecting a charge rate), it remains a charger. To change the battery NOTE: The maintain mode technology charger back to a tester, press the Rate allows you to safely charge and maintain button until all charge rate LEDs are off. a healthy battery for extended periods of

Page 10 12. MAINTENANCE AND CARE

A minimal amount of care can keep your when storing the charger. This will help battery charger working properly for years. prevent accidental damage to the cords • Clean the clamps each time you are and charger. finished charging. Wipe off any battery • Store the charger unplugged from the fluid that may have come in contact AC power outlet in an upright position. with the clamps to prevent corrosion. • Store the clamps on the storage areas • Occasionally cleaning the case of the provided on the handle. Do not store charger with a soft cloth will keep the the clamps clipped together, on or finish shiny and help prevent corrosion. around metal, or clipped to the cables. • Coil the input and output cords neatly

13. ERROR CODES CODE DESCRIPTION REASON/SOLUTION bAd The battery voltage is still The battery could be bad. Have it checked or under 10V (for a 12V battery) replaced. bAT or 5V (for a 6V battery) after 2 F 01 hours of charging. The charger has detected a The charger will go into desulfation mode. If the SUL sulfated battery. desulfation is not successful after 10 hours, the charger will go into abort mode. bAd The charger cannot desulfate The battery could not be desulfated; have it bAT the battery. checked or replaced. F02 bAd The battery was unable May be caused by trying to charge a large battery to reach the “full charge” or bank of batteries on too low of a current setting. bAT voltage. Try again with a higher current setting or have the F03 battery checked or replaced. The connections to the The battery is connected backwards. Unplug the F04 battery are reversed. charger and reverse the connections to the battery. The charger was unable to The battery won’t hold a charge. May be caused by bAd keep the battery fully charged a drain on the battery or the battery could be bad. bAT in maintain mode. Make sure there are no loads on the battery. If there F05 are remove them. If there are none, have the battery checked or replaced. bAd The charger detected that the The charger automatically shuts the current off if bAT battery may be getting too hot it detects the battery may be getting too hot. Have F06 (thermal runaway). the battery checked or replaced. If you get an error code, check the connections and settings and/or replace the battery.

Page 11 14. TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE REASON/SOLUTION Battery clamps do not The charger is equipped No problem; this is a normal spark when touched with an auto-start feature. It condition. together. will not supply current to the battery clamps until a battery is properly connected. The clamps will not spark if touched together. Three LEDs come on The charger is plugged into an No problem; this is normal. for 2 seconds, then AC outlet. turn off. The charger will not AC outlet is dead. Check for open fuse or circuit turn on when properly breaker supplying AC outlet. connected. Poor electrical connection. Check power cord and extension cord for loose fitting plug. Battery is defective. Have battery checked. I cannot select a 6V or The charger is equipped No problem; this is normal. 12V setting. with Auto Voltage Detection, which automatically detects the voltage and charges the battery. I press the display When first connected to a This is normal. The percentage button, but do not battery, the display shows of charge is only displayed see the percentage of voltage only. during charging. charge. The display shows The battery voltage is still The battery may be defective. “bAd / bAt / F 01 ”. below 10V (for a 12V battery) Make sure there are no or 5V (for a 6V battery) after 2 loads on the battery. If there hours of charging. are, remove them. If there are none, have the battery checked or replaced. The display shows Desulfation was The battery may be defective. “bAd / bAt / F02”. unsuccessful, after 10 hours. Have battery checked or replaced. The display shows Lack of progress is detected The battery won’t hold a “bAd / bAt / F05”. after 12 hours in Maintain charge. May be caused by mode. a drain on the battery or the battery could be bad. Make sure there are no loads on the battery. If there are remove them. If there are none, have the battery checked or replaced.

15. SPECIFICATIONS

Input Voltage...... 120V AC @ 60Hz, 3.6A Output Voltage...... 6V or 12V, with Auto Voltage Detection Output Current Rating...... 2A DC @ 6V DC; 15A DC @ 12V DC

Page 12 1. WARRANTY

15A Automatic Battery Charger WARRANTY

90-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE This MASTERFORCE™ brand battery charger carries our 90-Day Money Back Guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your MASTERFORCE™ brand product for any reason within ninety (90) days from the date of purchase, return the item with your original receipt to any MENARDS® retail store, and we will provide you a refund – no questions asked.

3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY This MASTERFORCE™ brand battery charger carries our famous No Hassle 3-Year Limited Warranty to the original purchaser. If, during normal use, this MAS- TERFORCE™ product breaks or fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within three (3) years from the date of original purchase, simply bring the item with the original sales receipt back to your nearest MENARDS® retail store. At its discretion, MASTERFORCE™ agrees to have the item or any defective part(s) repaired or replaced with the same or similar MASTERFORCE™ product or part free of charge, within the stated warranty period, when returned by the original purchaser with original sales receipt. Not withstanding the foregoing, this limited warranty does not cover any damage that has resulted from abuse or misuse of the Merchandise. This warranty: (1) excludes expendable parts including but not limited to blades, brushes, belts, bits, light bulbs, and/or batteries; (2) shall be void if this product is used for commercial and/or rental purposes; and (3) does not cover any losses, injuries to persons/property or costs. This warranty does give you specific legal rights and you may have other rights, which vary from state to state. Be careful, battery chargers are dangerous if improperly used or maintained. Seller’s employees are not qualified to advise you on the use of this merchandise. Any oral representation(s) made will not be binding on seller or its employees. The rights under this limited warranty are to the original purchaser of the merchandise and may not be transferred to any subsequent owner. This limited warranty is in lieu of all warranties, expressed or implied including warranties or merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Seller shall not be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages. The sole exclusive remedy against the seller will be for the replacement of any defects as provided herein, as long as the seller is willing or able to replace this product or is willing to refund the purchase price as provided above. For insurance purposes, seller is not allowed to demonstrate any of these products for you.

For questions/comments, technical assistance or repair parts— Please call toll free at: 1-800-621-5485.

Page 13 NOTES

Page 14 NOTES