Napa Essentials 85-2500 - Manual (Page 8)

6. DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS
6.1 All switches should be set in OFF (O) position and the AC cord should be
disconnected from the electrical outlet before you connect and disconnect
the charger clamps. Never allow the clamps to touch each other.
6.2 When attaching the charger clamps, be certain to make the best possible
mechanical as well as electrical connection. This will tend to prevent the
clamps from slipping off connections, avoid dangerous sparking, and as-
sure safer and more efficient charging. Keep the clamps clean.
CAUTION: SETTING SWITCHES TO OFF (O) DOES NOT ALWAYS
DISCONNECT THE CHARGER ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FROM THE AC
POWER CORD OR DC CHARGER CLAMPS.
7. BATTERY IN VEHICLE OR CONNECTION TO ENGINE
7.1 Before working on the vehicle, firmly apply the emergency brake and place
the gearshift to NEUTRAL. Shift an automatic transmission to PARK.
7.2 Locate the charger as far away from the battery as the charger cords per-
mit, and position the AC and DC cords to avoid stepping on or tripping over
them and to prevent damage by hood, doors, or moving engine parts.
7.3 Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and any other parts that can cause
physical injury.
7.4 Turn OFF all vehicle loads, including door lights, and correct any defects in
vehicle’s electrical system that may have caused low battery.
7.5 Check the polarity of battery posts. The POSITIVE (POS., P, +) post usu-
ally has larger diameter than NEGATIVE (NEG., N,–) post.
7.6 Determine which post of the battery is grounded (connected) to the chas-
sis. If the negative post is grounded (as in most vehicles), see paragraph
7.7. If the positive post is grounded, see paragraph 7.8.
7.7 For a negative-grounded vehicle, first connect the POSITIVE (red) clamp
from the charger to the POSITIVE (POS., P, +) ungrounded post of battery.
Then connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) clamp to vehicle chassis or engine
block away from battery. Do not connect the clamp to the carburetor, 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 switch
to OFF (O), disconnect the AC cord, remove the clamp from the vehicle
chassis, and then remove the clamp from the battery terminal.
7.8 For a positive-grounded vehicle, connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) clamp
from the charger to the NEGATIVE (NEG., N, –) ungrounded post of the
battery. Then connect the POSITIVE (RED) clamp to the vehicle chassis
or engine block away from the battery. Do not connect the clamp to the
carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy-gauge
metal part of the frame or engine block.
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