How to Use a Schumacher SE Battery Charger
by Steven Douglas
12-volt lead acid cells play an important role in everyday life by providing the energy needed to start and run vehicles like cars and boats. However, these batteries will lose their charge through a variety of circumstances. When this occurs, it is common to "jump-start" a vehicle so it can then charge its own battery. When another vehicle is not available, the common solution to this is a battery charger. The procedures needed to charge a 12-volt lead acid cell (battery) using a Schumacher SE-series battery charger are similar to other manufacturers suggested procedures.
Step 1
Identify the polarity of the terminals of the battery to be charged. It is vital that you know the negative and positive sides of the battery or personal injury and equipment damage could result. This is designated by "pos" or "+" for positive and "neg" or "-" for negative.
Step 2
Plug the charger into a 120 volt grounded electrical outlet and select the proper charge settings based on the type and size battery being charged. For example, a typical automobile battery may be charged with a 12 volt supply delivered at 40 amps for a period of 30 minutes. Available charge settings are: voltage (6 or 12 volts); amperage (2, 10, 30, 40, 60 amps); charge time (0 to 160 minutes).
Step 3
Connect the terminals of the battery to the corresponding terminals of the charger using heavy-gauge leads at least 2 feet long (usually supplied with the charger). Face away from the battery when connecting the last lead as a spark could potentially cause gas in the battery to explode.
Step 4
Wait for the battery to charge while monitoring the ammeter on the battery charger, which will indicate the level of charge (0 to 100 percent). Some batteries will require a specific charge time, but most will charge at their own rate until fully recharged.
Step 5
Disconnect the battery charger from the battery when the ammeter reads that the battery has been fully charged (100 percent). After making sure the charger has been disconnected on both leads from the battery, unplug the battery charger from its electrical outlet. Replace the charged battery to its original location.
Step 6
Store the charger in a location free of excessive dirt, dust and moisture since these contaminants can damage the electronic equipment contained inside.
References
Tips
- Most batteries have printed amperage ratings located on the outside of the battery case.
Things You'll Need
- Clean rags
- Open end wrenches (to disconnect battery terminals)
Writer Bio
Residing near the Central Florida beaches, Steven Douglas has written extensively on resolving small-business issues since 1990 in publications such as ForexFactory, Forex-Tsd, FxStreet and FxFisherman. After earning a master's degree in administration from the University of Maryland, his primary focus has been on international currency trade and how it can be effectively utilized by small businesses across the United States.
