Schumacher SCHUMAKER SOLAR BATTERY CHARGER SP-400 - Manual (Page 3)

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2. PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS
RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.
2.1
NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in the vicinity of a battery or engine.
2.2 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.
2.3 Be extra cautious to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto the battery. It might
spark or short-circuit the battery or other electrical part that may cause an explosion.
2.4 Use this solar panel for maintaining and charging LEAD-ACID batteries only. It is not
intended to supply power to a low voltage electrical system other than in a starter-motor
application. Do not use this solar panel for maintaining or charging dry-cell batteries that
are commonly used with home appliances. These batteries may burst and cause injury
to persons and damage to property.
2.5 NEVER maintain or charge a frozen battery.
2.6 Consider having someone close enough by to come to your aid when you work near a
lead-acid battery.
2.7 Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts your skin,
clothing or eyes.
2.8 Wear complete eye and body protection, including safety goggles and protective
clothing. Avoid touching your eyes while working near the battery.
2.9 If battery acid contacts your skin or clothing, immediately wash the area with soap and
water. If acid enters your eye, immediately flood the eye with cold running water for at
least 10 minutes and get medical attention right away.
2.10 If battery acid is accidentally swallowed, drink milk, the whites of eggs or water. DO NOT
induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
3. PREPARING TO MAINTAIN OR CHARGE
RISK OF CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID. BATTERY ACID
IS A HIGHLY CORROSIVE SULFURIC ACID.
3.1
If it is necessary to remove the battery from the vehicle
to maintain or charge it, always remove the grounded terminal
first. Make sure all of the accessories in the vehicle are off to
prevent arcing.
3.2 Be sure the area around the battery is well ventilated while the battery is being
maintained or charged.
3.3 Clean the battery terminals before maintaining or charging the battery. During cleaning,
keep airborne corrosion from coming into contact with your eyes, nose and mouth.
Use baking soda and water to neutralize the battery acid and help eliminate airborne
corrosion. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
3.4 Add distilled water to each cell until the battery acid reaches the level specified by the
battery manufacturer. Do not overfill. For a battery without removable cell caps, such
as valve regulated lead acid batteries (VRLA), carefully follow the manufacturer’s
recharging instructions.
3.5 Read, understand and follow all instructions for the solar panel, battery, vehicle and any
equipment used near the battery and solar panel. Study all of the battery manufacturer’s
specific precautions while in use.
3.6 Determine the voltage of the battery by referring to the vehicle owner’s manual and
make sure that the output voltage of the solar panel is the correct voltage.
3.7 Make sure that the solar panel cable clips make tight connections.