Schumacher ‎SC1282 Automatic Battery Charger OWNERS MANUAL

: June 10, 2024
: Schumacher

Schumacher ‎SC1282 Automatic Battery Charger

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

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. 1.5 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 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; and
- The wire size is large enough for AC ampere rating of charger as specified in section 8.
Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug – replace the cord or plug immediately.
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.
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 LEADACID 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.

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 shortcircuit current high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal, causing a severe burn.
Use charger for charging only LEAD-ACID (STD or AGM) rechargeable batteries with recommended rated capacities of 12 Ah (6V) and 44-68Ah (12V). It is not intended to supply power to a low voltage electrical system other than in a startermotor 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.
WARNING: This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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 correct voltage. If charger has adjustable charge rate, charge battery initially at lowest rate.

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 charger.
Never allow battery acid to drip on charger when reading electrolyte-specific gravity or filling 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.

DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS

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

FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS INSTALLED IN VEHICLE

WARNING: A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE A BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY:

Position AC and DC cords to reduce risk of damage by hood, door, or moving engine part.
Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and other parts that can cause injury to persons.
Check polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has larger diameter than NEGATIVE (NEG, N,–) post.
Determine which post of battery is grounded (connected) to the chassis. If negative post is grounded to chassis (as in most vehicles), see (6.5). If positive post is grounded to the chassis, see (6.6).
For negative-grounded vehicle, connect POSITIVE (RED) clip from battery charger to POSITIVE (POS, P, +) ungrounded post of battery. Connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip to vehicle chassis or engine block away from 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 positive-grounded vehicle, connect NEGATIVE (BLACK) clip from battery charger to NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) ungrounded post of battery. Connect POSITIVE (RED) clip to vehicle chassis or engine block away from 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.
When disconnecting charger, turn switches to off, disconnect AC cord, remove clip from vehicle chassis, and then remove clip from battery terminal.
See Operating Instructions for length of charge information.

FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN BATTERY IS OUTSIDE VEHICLE

WARNING: A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE A BATTERY EXPLOSION. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A SPARK NEAR THE BATTERY:

Check polarity of battery posts. POSITIVE (POS, P, +) battery post usually has a larger diameter than NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) post.
Attach at least a 24-inch-long 6-gauge (AWG) insulated battery cable to the NEGATIVE (NEG, N, –) battery post.
Connect the POSITIVE (RED) charger clip to the POSITIVE (POS, P, +) post of battery.
Position yourself and the free end of cable as far away from battery as possible – then connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) charger clip to free end of cable.
Do not face the battery when making final connection.
When disconnecting the charger, always do so in reverse sequence of connecting procedure and break first connection while as far away from battery as practical.
A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore. To charge it on board requires equipment specially designed for marine use.

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: Under 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	150
AWG* size of cord	18	18	16	14

AWG-American Wire Gauge

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

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

CONTROL PANEL

START/STOP BUTTON
Press to immediately begin charging your properly connected battery. If the button is not pressed, charging should begin in ten minutes.

LED INDICATORS

POWER (green) LED: The charger is connected to an AC outlet.
CHARGING (yellow/orange) LED lit: The charger is charging the battery.
CHARGED/MAINTAINING (green) LED pulsing: The battery is fully charged and the charger is in maintain mode.
CLAMPS REVERSED (red) LED flashing: The connections are reversed.
BAD BATTERY (red) LED lit:
The charger has detected a problem with the battery. See Troubleshooting for more information.
NOTE: See Operating Instructions for a complete description of the charger modes.
RATE SELECTION
The charge rate is measured in amps. The charger will automatically adjust the charging current, based on battery size, to charge the battery completely, efficiently and safely. Do not use for industrial applications.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: A spark near the battery may cause an explosion.
IMPORTANT: Do not start the vehicle with the charger connected to the AC outlet, or it could result in damage to the charger.
NOTE: This charger is equipped with an auto-start feature. Current will not be supplied to the battery clamps until a battery is properly connected. The clamps will not spark if touched together.

CHARGING A BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE

Turn off all the vehicle’s accessories.
Keep the hood open.
Clean the battery terminals.
place the charger on a dry, nonflammable surface.
Lay the AC/DC cables away from any fan blades, belts, pulleys and other moving parts.
Connect the battery, following the precautions listed in sections 6 and 7.
Connect the charger to an electrical outlet.
select the battery type.
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.

CHARGING A BATTERY OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE

Place battery in a well-ventilated area.
Clean the battery terminals.
Connect the battery, following the precautions listed in sections 6 and 7.
Connect the charger to the electrical outlet.
Select the battery type.
When charging is complete, disconnect the charger from the AC power, disconnect the negative clamp, and finally the positive clamp.
A marine (boat) battery must be removed and charged on shore.

POWER-UP AUTO-START
This charger is equipped with an AUTOSTART feature that will automatically begin and finish the charging process. After the unit is first powered up, if the charger detects a battery that is properly connected, but no button is pressed within 10 minutes, the unit will automatically launch the charging process. The current will not be supplied automatically to the clamps unless a battery is properly connected.
WARNING: Pressing the START/STOP button forces the charging process to begin immediately. In this case, the clamps will be energized and will spark if touched together, whether a battery is connected or not.
AUTOMATIC CHARGING MODE
When an Automatic Charge is performed, the charger switches to the maintain mode automatically after the battery is charged.
ABORTED CHARGE
If charging cannot be completed normally, charging will abort and the BAD BATTERY (red) LED will light. Do not continue attempting to charge this battery. Have it checked or replaced.
DESULFATION MODE
Desulfation could take 8 to 10 hours. If desulfation fails, charging will abort and the BAD BATTERY (red) LED will light.
COMPLETION OF CHARGE
Charge completion is indicated by the CHARGED/MAINTAINING green) LED. When pulsing, the charger has switched to the maintain mode of operation.
BATTERY CHARGING TIMES
Times are based on a 50% discharged battery and may change, depending on age and condition of the battery.
MAINTAIN MODE (FLOAT MODE MONITORING)
When the CHARGED/MAINTAINING (green) LED is pulsing, 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 be provided its maximum maintain current for a continuous 12 hour period, it will go into abort mode (see Aborted Charge section). 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.
MAINTAINING A BATTERY
The SC1282 charges and maintains 12-volt batteries, keeping them at full charge.
NOTE: The maintenance mode technology 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 required.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

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

Clean the clamps each time you are finished charging. Wipe off any battery fluid that may have come in contact with the clamps 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 clamps clipped together, clipped to the handle, on or around metal, or clipped to the cables.

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM	POSSIBLE CAUSE	SOLUTION
Battery clamps do not spark when touched together.	The charger is equipped

with an auto-start feature. It will not supply current to the battery clamps until a

battery is properly connected. The clamps will not spark if touched together.

| No problem; this is a normal condition.
Three LEDs come on for 2 seconds, then turn off.| The charger is plugged into an AC outlet.| No problem; this is normal.
The charger will not turn on when properly connected.| AC outlet is dead.

Poor electrical connection.

Battery is defective.

| Check for open fuse or circuit breaker supplying AC outlet.

Check power cord and extension cord for loose fitting plug.

Have the battery checked.

I cannot select a 6V or 12V setting.| The charger is equipped with Auto Voltage Detection, which automatically detects the voltage and charges the battery.| No problem; this is normal.
PROBLEM| POSSIBLE CAUSE| SOLUTION
---|---|---
Battery clamps do not spark when touched together.| The charger is equipped with an auto-start feature. It will not supply current to the battery

clamps until a battery is properly connected. The clamps will not spark if touched together.

| No problem; this is a normal condition.
The LED does not light when charger is properly connected.| AC outlet is dead.

Poor electrical connection. Battery is defective.

| Check for open fuse or circuit breaker supplying AC outlet.

Check power cord and extension cord for loose fitting plug.

Have battery checked.

The battery is correctly connected, but the CHARGING LED did not light immediately.| If the Start/Stop button is not pressed, charging should begin in ten minutes.| No problem; this is normal.
The battery is properly connected, but the CHARGING LED never lit.| The battery voltage is low.| Press the Start/Stop button to start charging.

BEFORE RETURNING FOR REPAIRS

If these solutions do not eliminate the problem, or for more troubleshooting information, contact customer service for assistance:
services@schumacherelectric.com /www.batterychargers.com or call 1-800-621-5485
Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 5:00pm CST
For REPAIR OR RETURN, contact Customer Service at 1-800-621-5485. DO NOT SHIP UNIT until you receive a RETURN MERCHANDISE AUTHORIZATION (RMA) number from Customer Service at Schumacher Electric Corporation.

SPECIFICATIONS

Input…………………………………………………………120V AC, 0.6A Continuous, 3A Intermittent
Output…………………………………………………………. 12V DC, 2A Continuous, 10A Intermittent 55 Seconds Maximum On, 120 Seconds Minimum Off

LIMITED WARRANTY

THE WARRANTY IS NOT VALID IN MEXICO. SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC CORPORATION, 801 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE, MOUNT PROSPECT, IL 60056-2179, MAKES THIS LIMITED WARRANTY TO THE ORIGINAL RETAIL PURCHASER OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE OR ASSIGNABLE.
Schumacher Electric Corporation (the “Manufacturer”) warrants this battery charger for two (2) years from the date of purchase at retail against defective material or workmanship that may occur under normal use and care. If your unit is not free from defective material or workmanship, the Manufacturer’s obligation under this warranty is solely to repair or replace your product with a new or reconditioned unit at the option of the Manufacturer. The purchaser should forward the unit, along with proof of purchase and mailing charges prepaid to the Manufacturer or its authorized representatives for repair or replacement to occur.

The manufacturer does not provide any warranty for any accessories used with this product that are not manufactured by Schumacher Electric Corporation and approved for use with this product. This Limited Warranty is void if the product is misused, subjected to careless handling, repaired, or modified by anyone other than the Manufacturer or if this unit is resold through an unauthorized retailer. The manufacturer may void this Limited Warranty if a “warranty void if removed” label is removed from the product. Manufacturer makes no other warranties, including, but not limited to, express, implied or statutory warranties, including without limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability or implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose. Further, Manufacturer shall not be liable for any incidental, special or consequential damage claims incurred by purchasers, users or others associated with this product, including, but not limited to, lost profits, revenues, anticipated sales, business opportunities, goodwill, business interruption and any other injury or damage. Any such warranties, other than the limited warranty included herein, are hereby expressly disclaimed and excluded. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or length of an implied warranty, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from this warranty. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY AND THE MANUFACTURER NEITHER ASSUMES OR AUTHORIZES ANYONE TO ASSUME OR MAKE ANY OTHER OBLIGATION TOWARDS THE PRODUCT OTHER THAN THIS WARRANTY.
Schumacher® and the Schumacher logo are registered trademarks of Schumacher Electric Corporation.

WARRANTY CARD

SAVE ON POSTAGE! ACTIVATE YOUR WARRANTY ONLINE – THE QUICK AND EASY WAY!
Go to www.batterychargers.com to register your product online. (No internet access? Send in the completed warranty card.)

2 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PROGRAM REGISTRATION

MODEL: _____
DESCRIPTION: ____

This is the only express limited warranty, and the manufacturer neither assumes nor authorizes anyone to assume or make any other obligation. There is no other warranty, other than what is described in the product owner’s manual. The warranty card should be submitted within 30 days of purchase. The customer must keep the ORIGINAL receipt because it will be required for any warranty claims. This warranty is not transferable. Send warranty card only. DO NOT SEND UNIT TO THIS ADDRESS FOR REPAIR.
Mail this card to Schumacher Electric Corporation 801 Business Center Drive Mount Prospect, IL 60056-2179

Name__
Street Address___
City ____
State _____
Zip Code _____
Phone _____
Email ___
Store Name Where Purchased ___
Date of Purchase _____
Store Location ____
UPC Number ____
Serial Number __ (SEE PRODUCT)
For faster warranty activation, go to www.batterychargers.com to register your product online.

FAQs

What are the key features of the Schumacher SC1282 Automatic Battery Charger?

The Schumacher SC1282 Automatic Battery Charger features automatic charging, microprocessor control, and multi-stage charging for optimal battery maintenance and performance.

What is the maximum output current of the Schumacher SC1282 charger?

The Schumacher SC1282 charger has a maximum output current of 10 amps.

What is the input voltage of the Schumacher SC1282 charger?

The Schumacher SC1282 charger has an input voltage of 120V AC.

What is the output voltage of the Schumacher SC1282 charger?

The Schumacher SC1282 charger has an output voltage of 12V.

What is the continuous output current of the Schumacher SC1282 charger?

The Schumacher SC1282 charger has a continuous output current of 2 amps.

What is the weight of the Schumacher SC1282 charger?

The Schumacher SC1282 charger weighs 4.2 lb.

What is the depth of the Schumacher SC1282 charger?

The Schumacher SC1282 charger has a depth of 4.75 inches.

What is the height of the Schumacher SC1282 charger?

The Schumacher SC1282 charger has a height of 9.63 inches.

What is the width of the Schumacher SC1282 charger?

The Schumacher SC1282 charger has a width of 8.75 inches.

What is the continuous input current of the Schumacher SC1282 charger?

The Schumacher SC1282 charger has a continuous input current of 0.6 amps.

What is the intermittent input current of the Schumacher SC1282 charger?

The Schumacher SC1282 charger has an intermittent input current of 3 amps.

How does the Schumacher SC1282 differ from traditional battery chargers?

Unlike traditional chargers, the Schumacher SC1282 utilizes advanced microprocessor control technology to automatically adjust the charging process for different battery types and conditions, ensuring efficient and safe charging.

What is the charging capacity of the Schumacher SC1282?

The Schumacher SC1282 Automatic Battery Charger has a charging capacity of up to 100 amps for 12-volt batteries and up to 40 amps for 6-volt batteries.

How does the multi-stage charging process benefit the battery?

The multi-stage charging process used by the Schumacher SC1282 helps to maximize battery life and performance by conditioning the battery through various charging stages, including bulk, absorption, and float modes.

How does the Schumacher SC1282 handle overcharging?

The Schumacher SC1282 is equipped with overcharge protection circuitry that automatically detects and prevents overcharging, helping to prolong battery life and prevent damage.