Schumacher 12-Volt 15 Onboard Marine Battery Charger Owner’s Manual

: June 5, 2024
: Schumacher

Schumacher 12-Volt 15 Onboard Marine Battery Charger

Schumacher 12-Volt 15 Onboard Marine Battery Charger
product

PLEASE SAVE THIS OWNERS MANUAL AND READ BEFORE EACH USE. This manual will explain how to use the charger safely and effectively. Please read and follow these instructions and precautions carefully.

QUICK INSTRUCTIONS

Connect black ring terminal to negative battery post, and red ring terminal to positive battery post. Plug charger into live AC power outlet.
The Power On and (last used) Battery Type LEDs will light (when used the first time, the factory default setting is AGM).
If battery type is not changed, charging starts automatically (for previously selected battery type) after 30 seconds, if connected to a battery.
To change battery type, press and hold Select button for 3 seconds and then toggle to STD, AGM or GEL (OFF = bank is turned off). The LED flashes for 3 seconds and then turns solid. Charging begins automatically in 5 seconds, if connected to a battery.
The LEDs indicate charging status. When battery is fully charged, all four LEDs will be solid.
Red LED flashing = Reversed connections.
Red LED lit = Aborted charge (or) “OFF” is selected (or) Battery not connected

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS – SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual contains important safety and operating instructions.
This charger is not intended for use by children.
Do not expose the charger to rain or snow.
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.
To reduce the risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull by the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting charger.
An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use of improper extension cord could result in a risk of fire and electric shock. If an extension cord must be used, make sure:
- The pins on plug of extension cord are the same number, size and shape as those of plug on charger.
- The extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.
- The wire size is large enough for AC ampere rating of charger as specified in section 5.
Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug – replace the cord or plug immediately.
Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way; take it to a qualified serviceman.
Do not disassemble 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.
To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger from outlet before attempting any maintenance or cleaning. Turning off controls will not reduce this risk.
WARNING: RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.
- 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 YOU FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EACH TIME YOU USE THE CHARGER.
- To reduce risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by battery manufacturer and manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in vicinity of battery. Review cautionary markings on these products and on engine.
EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS TO CHARGER SHALL COMPLY WITH THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ELECTRICAL REGULATIONS (33CFR183, SUB PART 1).

PERSONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Consider having someone close enough by 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 eyes while working near battery.
If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enters eye, immediately flood eye with running cold water for at least 10 minutes and
get medical attention immediately.
NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of battery or engine.
Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping a metal tool onto battery. It might spark or short-circuit battery or other electrical part that may cause 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.
Use charger for charging only 12V LEAD-ACID (STD, AGM, gel or deep-cycle) rechargeable batteries. It is not intended to supply power to a low voltage electrical system other
than in a starter-motor application. 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.
NEVER charge a frozen battery.
NOTE : This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this device.

PREPARING TO CHARGE

If necessary to remove battery from vehicle to charge, always remove grounded terminal from battery first. Make sure all accessories in the vehicle are off, so as not to cause an arc.
Be sure area around battery is well ventilated while battery is being charged.
Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming in contact with eyes.
Add distilled water in each cell until battery acid reaches level specified by battery manufacturer. Do not overfill. For a battery without removable cell caps, such as valve
regulated lead acid batteries, carefully follow manufacturer’s recharging instructions.
Study all battery manufacturer’s specific precautions while charging and recommended rates of charge.
Determine voltage of battery by referring to car owner’s manual and make sure that output voltage selector switch is set at the correct voltage.

CHARGER LOCATION

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

GROUNDING AND AC POWER CORD CONNECTIONS

This battery charger is for use on a nominal 120 volt circuit. The plug must be plugged into an outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes
and ordinances. The plug pins must fit the receptacle (outlet). Do not use with an ungrounded system.
DANGER: Never alter the AC cord or plug provided – if it does not fit the outlet, have a proper grounded outlet installed by a qualified electrician. An improper connection can
result in a risk of an electric shock or electrocution.
NOTE: Pursuant to Canadian Regulations, use of an adapter plug is not allowed in Canada. Use of an adapter plug in the United States is not recommended and should not be used.
USING AN EXTENSION CORD
The use of an extension cord is not recommended. If you must use an extension cord, follow these guidelines:
- Pins on plug of extension cord must be the same number, size, and shape as those of plug on charger.
- Ensure that the extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition.
- Wire size must be large enough for the AC ampere rating of charger, as specified:
  Length of cord (feet)| 25| 50| 100
  ---|---|---|---
  AWG* size of cord| 18| 18| 16

AWG-American Wire Gauge

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

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

MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS

The charger may be permanently mounted and connected in three different ways:
- Flat mount (floor)
- Wall mount, horizontal position
- Wall mount, vertical position
When choosing a location:
- Do not restrict the airflow under the charger. Do not mount the charger next to fuel tanks or below the waterline of the boat. The charger is rainproof and is approved for mounting on the weather deck.
- To allow for proper air circulation, a minimum of four inches of the unobstructed area must be permitted on all sides of the charger.
- Chose a location such that the six-foot cables can reach the battery(ies).
Four mounting holes have been provided for secure installation. Using the charger as a template, place the charger in the selected location and mark each of the four holes with a pencil. In a well-ventilated environment, drill the four holes using a #9 (7/32˝) drill bit for use with nuts and bolts OR with a 5/32˝ drill bit for use with #10 self tapping screws. Use caution when drilling, to avoid drilling into wires or other components. Using #10 bolts, nuts and lock washers, mount the charger with the LEDs facing up on a flat vertical surface, to allow for ventilation. Route the AC and DC cords to either end and avoid pinching them under the base. A sealant may be used to waterproof the screw holes.

DC WIRING DETAIL

When connecting the ring terminals to the battery, remove nuts on battery posts, place the ring terminal on the corresponding positive and negative post, and replace each nut tightly to ensure a good connection.
When connecting the ring terminals, connect the black lead to the negative battery post and the red lead to the positive battery post.
For 2 and 3-bank chargers: When connecting the charger to TWO and THREE batteries, connect the positive lead from charging bank one to the positive post of battery one. Connect the negative lead from charging bank one to the negative post of battery one. Connect the leads from charging bank two to battery two, and three to battery three in the same fashion.
NOTE: Removal of a strap between two batteries in a 24- or 36-Volt system is not necessary. Schumacher 12-Volt 15 Onboard Marine Battery Charger fig
4

INLINE FUSES

Inline fuses, located close to the ends of the red leads, protect the charger from extremely high voltage surges, lightning strikes or other high current surges. If a fuse blows, replace only with an ATC-30 30A 32V blade fuse.

CONTROL PANEL

SELECT BUTTON – Press to select battery type or check battery type during charging.
LED INDICATORS
POWER ON (green) – The charger is connected to AC power.
CHARGING STATUS/BATTERY TYPE (green) –

Charging status:
After battery type has been selected and charging has begun, charging status is indicated from right to left, in 25% increments. The LEDs will blink and then turn solid, as charging progresses. The LEDs of other banks which are not charging will be solid on, to show the percentage of those batteries.

Battery type:

To change the battery type, press and hold the ****Select button for 3 seconds, and then toggle the button to select the desired battery type. For a deep-cycle battery, refer to the battery manufacturer’s specifications to determine the battery type. The LED will flash for 3 seconds, and then turn solid. If no battery type is selected, the “OFF” LED will light and the bank will turn off. To check the battery type setting during charging, press the Select button.

(FLASHING RED) – The connections are reversed.
(SOLID RED) – The charger has detected one of the following problems:

Aborted charge
“OFF” is selected
Battery not connected

See Troubleshooting for more information.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: A spark near the battery may cause an explosion.

CHARGING A BATTERY INSIDE THE BOAT

Turn off all the boat’s accessories.
Clean the battery terminals.
Make sure the charger is unplugged from the AC power outlet.
Lay the AC/DC cables away from any fan blades, belts, pulleys and other moving parts.
Connect the charger to up to three batteries, following the instructions listed in section 8.
Connect the charger to an electrical outlet.
The Power On LED will light and the battery type LED for the previously selected type will be lit (the factory default battery type is AGM). If the battery type is not changed, charging will start in 30 seconds, if connected to a battery.
To change the battery type, press and hold the **Select button for 3 seconds, and then toggle the button to select the desired battery type. The LED will flash
for 3 seconds, and then turn solid. NOTE: If no battery type is selected, the “OFF” LED and the red **LED will be lit (the bank is turned off).
If there is a battery connected to that bank, charging will begin in automatically, and the percentage LEDs will light, to indicate charging status.
NOTE: If a battery type is selected and no battery is connected, the battery type LED and the red ****LED will be lit.
During charging, the four green LEDs will blink and then turn solid, from right to left, to indicate the progress of the charge. The higher percentage LED is blinking (the charger is working to reach that percentage), and the lower percentage LEDs are solid on (the battery has reached that percentage of charge). When the battery is fully charged, all four LEDs will be solid.
NOTE: To check the battery type setting during charging, press the Select button.
When the battery is fully charged, the charger will go into Maintain mode.
For 2 and 3-bank chargers: when charging multiple batteries, the charger will employ one bank at a time, with 15 minutes of charging for each bank.
When charging is complete, disconnect the charger from the AC power, remove the red (positive) ring terminal from the battery post, and then the black (negative) ring terminal from the battery post.

REVERSED CONNECTIONS
If the connections are reversed, the red ****LED will flash. When the connections are corrected, charging will begin automatically. If the connections are not corrected after 15 minutes, the charger will switch to the next bank in line and begin charging.

ABORTED CHARGE

If the charger has detected a problem with the battery and charging cannot be completed normally, charging will abort. When charging aborts, the charger’s output is shut off and the red ****LED will light. Do not continue attempting to charge the battery. Have the battery checked and replaced, if necessary.

COMPLETION OF CHARGE
When the green 100% LED is lit, the battery is fully charged and the charger has switched to the Maintain Mode of operation.

MAINTAIN MODE (Float Mode Monitoring)
When the green 100% 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 charger has to provide its maximum maintain current for a continuous 12-hour period, it will go into Abort mode. This is usually caused by 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.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

A minimal amount of care can keep your battery charger working properly for years.

Clean the ring terminals each time you are finished charging. Wipe off any battery fluid that may have come in contact with them, to prevent corrosion.
Occasionally cleaning the case of the charger with a soft cloth will keep the finish shiny and help prevent corrosion.
Coil the input and output cords neatly when storing the charger. This will help prevent accidental damage to the cords and charger.
Store the charger unplugged from the AC power outlet in an upright position.
Store inside, in a cool, dry place. Do not store the ring terminals on or around the metal.

SPECIFICATIONS

Input …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 120V AC/60Hz, 3.7A
Output …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12V DC@15A
Ingress protection rating …………………………………………………………………………………………………………IP65

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM	POSSIBLE CAUSE	SOLUTION
Correctly connected to the battery, but not charging.	Battery voltage is too

low.

The bank is turned off (indicated by lit “OFF” and ****LEDs). Bad fuse on the leads.

| The battery may be defective. Have the battery checked and replace, if necessary.

Press the ****Select button to select battery type; charging will then start.

Replace the fuse.

The red LED is flashing.| Connections are reversed.| Reverse the connections.
The red LED is solid; no charging status/battery type LEDs lit.| The charger has detected a problem with the battery.| The battery may be defective. Have the battery checked and replaced, if necessary.
The red LED is solid and OFF LED is lit.| No battery type is selected; the bank has turned off.| Press the Select button to activate the bank and select battery type.
The red LED is solid and battery type LED is lit.| Battery not connected.

Bad fuse on the leads.

| Connect the battery.

Replace the fuse.

BEFORE RETURNING FOR REPAIRS

For REPAIRS OR RETURNS, visit 365rma.com
Visit schumacherelectric.com for Replacement Parts.

LIMITED WARRANTY

For information on our one-year limited warranty, please visit schumacherelectric.com or call 1-800-621-5485 to request a copy. Go to schumacherelectric.com to register your product online.

The Schumacher logo is a registered trademark of Schumacher Electric Corporation.