OptiMATE7 TM260 (v3) Automatic Charger User Guide

OptiMATE7 TM260 (v3) Automatic Charger

Product Information

Specifications

• Input Voltage: 240VAC (0.66A) / 100VAC (1.59A)
• DC Output: 120W
• Charging Current:
  • 12V: 10A (Thermally adjusted, suitable for 10 – 240Ah batteries)
  • 24V: 5A (Thermally adjusted, suitable for 5 – 120Ah batteries)
• Battery Types: STD, AGM-MF, GEL, Ca-Ca

Product Usage Instructions

Important Safety Instructions

SAVE THESIS INSTRUCTIONS
This portion of the manual contains important safety instructions for the product. It is essential to read and follow these instructions carefully before using the product.

Load Compatibility
The product is an automatic charger designed for lead-acid batteries of 12V and 24V. Do not use it for NiCd, NiMH, Li-Ion, or non-rechargeable batteries.

General Safety Precautions

1. Do not connect to the ground.
2. Avoid exposure to rain or snow.
3. Use only recommended attachments.
4. Avoid pulling the cord when disconnecting the charger.
5. Avoid using extension cords unless necessary.

Charging Precautions

1. Always unplug the charger before maintenance or cleaning.
2. Avoid disassembling the charger; seek professional help when needed.
3. Clean the charger with a slightly moist cloth; do not use solvents.
4. Avoid working in the vicinity of lead-acid batteries due to explosive gases.

Battery Charging Process

1. If removing the battery for charging, disconnect the grounded terminal first.
2. Ensure all vehicle accessories are turned off to prevent arcing.

FAQs

• Q: What types of batteries are compatible with this charger?
  A: The charger is compatible with STD, AGM-MF, GEL, and Ca-Ca lead-acid batteries for both 12V and 24V systems.

• Q: Can I use an extension cord with this charger?
  A: It is recommended to avoid using an extension cord unless necessary. If needed, ensure that the extension cord meets the specified requirements detailed in the manual to prevent any risks of fire or electric shock.

• Q: How should I clean the charger?
  A: Use a slightly moist cloth to clean the charger. Do not use solvents as they may damage the device.

Specifications

• MODEL:
  • TM260 (v3) / TM261 (v3)
  • TM262 (v3) / TM267
  • TM268 (v3)
• AC: 100 – 240VAC 50-60Hz 0.66A @ 240VAC 1.59A @ 100VAC
• DC: 120W = > 12V 10A / 24V 5A Thermally adjusted
• 1 x 12V : 10 – 240Ah
• 1 x 24V : 5 – 120AH
• STD / AGM-MF / GEL / Ca-Ca (max. Ah rating based on 48-hour charge).
• Automatic charger for 12V & 24V lead-acid batteries

LEDs/SELECT

State of Health/S.O.H.

IMPORTANT SAFETY

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. THIS PORTION OF THE MANUAL CONTAINS IMPORTANT.

Automatic charger for 12 & 24V lead-acid batteries
DO NOT USE FOR NiCd, NiMH, Li-Ion OR NON-RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES.

1. CAUTION: DO NOT CONNECT TO GROUND.

2. Do not expose the charger to rain or snow.

3. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by the battery charger manufacturer may result in a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

4. To reduce the risk of damage to the electric plug and cord, pull by the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger.

5. An extension cord should not be used unless necessary. The use of improper extension cords could result in a risk of fire and electric shock. If an extension cord must be used make sure that :

   • pins on the plug of the extension cord are the same number, size and shape as those of the plug-on the charger.
   • the extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition, and
   • the conductor wire size is large enough for the AC ampere rating of the charger as specified in the table below.

6. Do not operate the charger with a damaged cord or plug – replace the cord or plug immediately.

7. Do not operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way; take it to a qualified serviceman.

8. Do not disassemble the charger; take it to a qualified serviceman when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire.

9. To reduce the risk of electric shock, unplug the charger from the outlet before attempting any maintenance or cleaning. Turning off controls will not reduce this risk. Clean only with a slightly moist, not wet, cloth. Do not use solvents.

10. WARNING – RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.

    • WORKING IN THE 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 YOU FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EACH TIME YOU USE THE CHARGER.
    • To reduce the risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by the battery manufacturer and manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in the vicinity of the battery. Review cautionary markings on these products and the engine.

11. PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS.

    • Someone should be within range of your voice OR close enough to come to your aid when you work near a lead-acid battery.
    • Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing or eyes.
    • Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching your eyes while working near the battery.
    • If battery acid contacts or enters the eye, flood the eye with cold running water for at least 10 minutes and get medical attention immediately. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enters an eye, immediately flood the eye with running cold water for at least 10 minutes and get medical attention immediately.
    • NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in the vicinity of the battery or engine.
    • Be extra cautious to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto the battery. It might spark or short-circuit the battery or another electrical part may cause an explosion.
    • Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches when working with a lead-acid battery. A lead-acid battery can produce a short-circuit current high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal, causing a severe burn.
    • NEVER charge a frozen battery.

12. PREPARING TO CHARGE

    • If necessary to remove the battery from the vehicle to charge, always remove the grounded terminal from the battery first. Make sure all accessories in the vehicle are off, so as not to cause an arc.
    • Be sure the area around the battery is well-ventilated while the battery is being charged. Gas can be forcefully blown away by using a piece of cardboard or other non-metallic material as a fan.
    • Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming in contact with eyes.
    • Add distilled water in each cell until battery acid reaches the level specified by the battery manufacturer. This helps purge excessive gas from cells. Do not overfill. For a battery without cell caps, such as valve-regulated lead acid (VRLA) or absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries, carefully follow the manufacturer’s recharging instructions.
    • Study all battery manufacturer’s specific precautions such as removing or not removing cell caps while charging and recommended rates of charge.
    • Determine the voltage of the battery by referring to the vehicle or other user’s manual and BEFORE MAKING THE BATTERY CONNECTIONS, MAKE SURE THAT THE VOLTAGE OF THE BATTERY YOU ARE GOING TO CHARGE MATCHES THE OUTPUT VOLTAGE OF THE CHARGER. NOTE: This charger has an automatic safety feature that will not allow charging if the battery voltage exceeds 15V when 12V charging mode is selected or battery voltage is below 18V if 24V charging is selected.

13. CHARGER LOCATION.

    • Locate the charger as far away from the battery as DC cables permit.
    • Never place the charger directly above the battery being charged; gases from the battery will corrode and damage the charger.
    • Never allow battery acid to drip on the charger when reading gravity or filling the battery. Do not operate the charger in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any way.
    • Do not set a battery on top of the charger. IMPORTANT  Place the harger on a hard flat surface or mount it to a vertical surface. Do not place on plastic, leather or textile surfaces

14. DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS

    • Connect and disconnect DC output clips only after setting any charger switches to the off position and removing the AC cord from the electric outlet. Never allow clips to touch each other. However, should this happen, no damage will result to the charger circuit & the automatic charging program will just reset to «start».
    • Attach clips to battery and chassis as indicated in 15(e), 15(f), and 16(b) through 16(d).
      NOTE: This battery charger has an automatic safety feature that will prevent it from operating if the battery has been inversely connected. Set the charger switches to the off position and/or remove the AC cord from the electrical outlet, disconnect the battery clips, and then reconnect correctly according to the instructions below.

15. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN THE BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. A SPARK NEAR A BATTERY MAY CAUSE BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR BATTERY:

    • Position AC and DC cords to reduce the risk of damage by the hood, door or moving engine part.

    • Stay clear of fan -blades, belts, pulleys, and other parts that can cause injury to persons.

    • Check the polarity of battery posts.POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has a larger diameter than NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) post.

    • Determine which post of the battery is grounded (connected) to the chassis. If the negative post is grounded to chassis (as in most vehicles), see (e). If the positive post is grounded to the chassis, see (f).

    • For a negative-grounded vehicle, connect the POSITIVE (RED) clip from the battery charger to the POSITIVE (POS, P, + ) ungrounded post of the battery. Connect a NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip to the vehicle chassis or engine block away from the battery. Do not connect clip to carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.

    • For a positive-grounded vehicle, connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip from the battery charger to the NEGATIVE (NEG. N, -) ungrounded post of the battery. Connect POSITIVE (RED) clip to vehicle chassis or engine block away from battery.
      Do not connect the clip to the carburettor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.

    • When disconnecting the charger, turn the switches off, disconnect the AC cord, remove the clip from the vehicle chassis, and then remove the clip from the battery terminal.

    • See operating instructions for length of charge information.

16. FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS OUTSIDE VEHICLE. A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR BATTERY:

    • Check the polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has a larger diameter than NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) post.
    • This battery charger has an automatic safety feature that will prevent it from operating if the battery has been inversely connected. The charger does not allow charge current unless a voltage of at least 2V is sensed for a 12V battery and 4V for a 24V battery.
    • Connect the POSITIVE (RED) charger clip to the POSITIVE (POS, P, +) post of the battery.
    • Position yourself and free the end of the cables as far away from the battery as possible. Then connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clip to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, -) battery post of the battery.
    • Do not face the battery when making the final connection.
    • When disconnecting the charger, always do so in the reverse sequence of the connecting procedure & break the first connection while as far away from the battery as practical.
    • A marine (boat) battery must be removed & charged on shore. To charge it on board requires equipment specially designed for marine use.

AUTOMATIC DIAGNOSTIC CHARGER FOR 12V LEAD-ACID BATTERIES FROM 10Ah TO 240Ah or 24V LEAD-ACID BATTERIES FROM 5Ah TO 120Ah. DO NOT USE FOR NiCd, NiMH, Li-Ion OR NON-RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES.

IMPORTANT:
READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE CHARGER

This appliance can be used by children aged 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given supervision or instruction concerning the use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved. Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be done by children without supervision.

SAFETY WARNING AND NOTES:
Batteries emit EXPLOSIVE GASES – prevent flame or sparks near batteries. Disconnect the AC power supply before making or breaking DC/battery connections. Battery acid is highly corrosive. Wear protective clothing and eyewear and avoid contact. In case of accidental contact, wash immediately with soap and water. Check that the battery posts are not loose; if so, have the battery professionally assessed. If the battery posts are corroded, clean them with a copper wire brush; if greasy or dirty, clean them with a rag dampened in detergent. Use the charger only if the input and output leads and connectors are in good, undamaged condition. If the input cable is damaged, it is essential to have it replaced without delay by the manufacturer, his authorised service agent or a qualified workshop, to avoid danger. Protect your charger from acid and acid fumes and damp and humid conditions both during use and in storage. Damage resulting from corrosion, oxidation or internal electrical short-circuiting is not covered by warranty. Distance the charger from the battery during charging to avoid contamination by or exposure to acid or acidic vapours. If using it in the horizontal orientation, place the charger on a hard, flat surface, but NOT on plastic, textile or leather. Use the fixing holes provided in the enclosure base to attach the charger to any convenient, sound vertical surface.

EXPOSURE TO LIQUIDS:
This charger is designed to withstand exposure to liquids accidentally spilled or splashed onto the casing from above, or to light rainfall.  Prolonged exposure to falling rain is inadvisable and longer service life will be obtained by minimizing such exposure. Failure of the charger due to oxidation resulting from the eventual penetration of liquid into the electronic components, connectors or plugs, is not covered by warranty.

CONNECTING THE CHARGER TO THE BATTERY

1. Disconnect the AC power supply before making or breaking DC/battery connections.

2. If charging a battery in the vehicle or craft with the battery clips, before making connections, first check that the battery clips can be safely and securely positioned clear from surrounding wiring, metal tubing or the chassis. Make connections in the following order:
   First, connect to the battery terminal not connected to the chassis (normally positive), then connect the other battery clip (normally negative) to the chassis well away from the battery and fuel line. Always disconnect in reverse sequence.

3. When charging a battery out of the vehicle or craft with the battery clips, place it in a well-ventilated area. Connect the charger to the battery: RED clamp to POSITIVE (POS, P or +) terminal and BLACK clamp to NEGATIVE (NEG, N or –) terminal. Make sure the connections are firm and secure. Good contact is important.

4. If the battery is deeply discharged (and possibly sulphated), remove it from the vehicle or craft and inspect the battery before connecting the charger for a recovery attempt. Visually check the battery for mechanical defects such as a bulging or cracked casing, or signs of electrolyte leakage. If the battery has filler caps and the plates within the cells can be seen from the outside, examine the battery carefully to try to determine if any cells seem different to the others (for example, with white matter between the plates, and plates touching). If mechanical defects are apparent do not attempt to charge the battery, have the battery professionally assessed.

5. If the battery is new, before connecting the charger read the battery manufacturer’s safety and operational instructions carefully. If applicable, carefully and exactly follow acid-filling instructions.

PROCEEDING TO CHARGE

CHARGING TIME

• Charge time on a flat but otherwise undamaged battery: a 100Ah 12V / 50Ah 24V battery should take no more than about 24 hours to progress to the self-discharge check.
• Deep-discharged batteries may take significantly longer, and a full charge may not be achieved within the 72-hour charge safety limit.
  • °t: The charge voltage is inversely regulated according to ambient temperature i.e. voltage is increased at lower temperatures, and decreased at higher temperatures. Adjustment: -0.004V / cell / °C above or below 20°C (68°F).

If voltage selection in STEP 1 matches the expected battery voltage and there are no connection errors as described in STEP 2, then fully automatic operation starts from STEP 3.

MAINTAINING A BATTERY FOR EXTENDED PERIODS

For accurate temperature-regulated charging and long-term maintenance place OptiMate as close as possible to the battery under charge. For example, if the battery is within a vehicle or craft stored outside in direct sun or cold, place the OptiMate inside the vehicle or craft (or its battery compartment) so that charge voltage is adjusted according to the same environment temperature that the battery would experience.

The OptiMate will maintain a battery whose basic condition is good, for months at a time. At least once every two weeks, check that the connections between the charger and battery are secure, and, in the case of batteries with filler caps on each cell, disconnect the battery from the charger, check the level of the electrolyte and if necessary, top up the cells (with distilled water, NOT acid), then reconnect. When handling batteries or in their vicinity, always take care to observe the SAFETY WARNINGS above.

VERY FLAT NEGLECTED BATTERIES

If the battery is deeply discharged (and possibly sulphated), remove it from the vehicle or equipment and inspect the battery before connecting the charger for a recovery attempt. The charger’s recovery mode may not engage if it senses that the battery is still connected to a circuit that effectively offers a lower electrical resistance than the battery on its own. However, if the deep-discharged battery is not removed for recovery, neither the battery nor the vehicle or equipment electronics will be damaged. Pay particularly close attention to the following A battery left deep-discharged for an extended period may develop permanent damage in one or more cells. Such batteries may heat up excessively during high-current charging. Monitor the battery temperature during the first hour, then hourly thereafter. Check for unusual signs, such as bubbling or leaking electrolytes, heightened activity in one cell compared to others, or hissing sounds. If at any time the battery is uncomfortably hot to touch or you notice any unusual signs, DISCONNECT THE CHARGER IMMEDIATELY.

NOTES ON TEST RESULTS:

1. For any test result other than green #6 (or green #6 and yellow #7 together if the battery is an STD type with filler caps), disconnect the battery from the electrical system it supports and reconnect the OptiMate. If a better test result is now obtained, this suggests that the power losses are partly due to an electrical problem in the electrical system and not in the battery itself.
2. If the red LED #8 alone, or the yellow #7 and red LED #8 indicate together, or the yellow #7 LED alone for a sealed battery, a significant problem exists. The battery is unable to retain sufficient charge or is losing charge very fast due to connected circuitry. A sudden load being switched on while the charger is connected can also cause the battery voltage to dip significantly.
3. GOOD TEST RESULT, but the battery cannot deliver sufficient power: Degraded inter-cell connections or poor external connection at battery posts may cause severe voltage drop when high current is demanded from the battery. Check external battery connections or have the attery professionally assessed (load tested).

ECO POWER SAVING MODE WHEN THE CHARGER IS CONNECTED TO AC SUPPLY:
The power converter switches to ECO mode when the charger is not connected to a battery resulting in a very low power draw of less than 0.5W, equivalent to power consumption of 0.012 kWh per day. When a battery is connected to the charger power consumption depends on the current demand of the battery and its connected vehicle/electronic circuitry. After the battery has been charged and the charger is in long-term maintenance charge mode (to keep the battery at 100% charge) the total power consumption is estimated to be 0.024kWh or less per day.

MOUNTING NOTICE

LIMITED WARRANTY

TecMate (International) SA, B-3300 Tienen, Belgium, offers this limited warranty to the original purchaser at retail of this product. This limited warranty is not transferable. TecMate (International) warrants this battery charger for three years from the date of purchase at retail against defective material or workmanship. If such should occur the unit will be repaired or replaced at the option of the manufacturer. It is the obligation of the purchaser to forward the unit together with proof of purchase (see NOTE), transportation or mailing costs prepaid, to the manufacturer or its authorized representative. This limited warranty is void if the product is misused, subjected to careless handling, or repaired by anyone other than the factory or its authorized representative. The manufacturer makes no warranty other than this limited warranty and expressly excludes any implied warranty including any warranty for consequential damages.

THIS IS THE ONLY EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY AND THE MANUFACTURER NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANYONE TO ASSUME OR MAKE ANY OTHER OBLIGATION TOWARDS THE PRODUCT OTHER THAN THIS EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY. YOUR STATUTORY RIGHTS ARE NOT AFFECTED.

NOTE:
Details at www.tecmate.com/warranty.

WARRANTY in Canada, USA, Central America and South America:
TecMate North America, Oakville, ON, Canada, as a wholly owned subsidiary of TecMate International, assumes the responsibility for product warranty in these regions.

optimate1.com/om7-1224v.

References

• http://18v.de/
• Home - OptiMate
• テックメイトジャパン㈱ 公式HP OptiMate充電器 – TecMate社製 オプティメイト バッテリー充電器・アクセサリ
• TecMate – High Performance Battery Chargers, Tools & Accessories
• Service and Warranty – TecMate

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