Battery charging and care – Activeforever Image EC Mid Wheel Drive Reclining Power Wheelchair User Manual
Page 19
18
6. BATTERY CHARGING AND CARE
BATTERIES
◆
The Image EC Power Chair uses two long- lasting, 12 volt, deep-cycle batteries. These batteries are
sealed and maintenance free. Since they are sealed, there is no need to check the electrolyte (fluid)
level. Deep-cycle batteries are designed to handle a longer and deeper discharge. Though they are
similar in appearance to automotive batteries, they are not interchangeable. Automotive batteries
are not designed to handle a long, deep discharge and are unsafe for use in powered power chairs.
◆
These batteries are maintenance free and there is no need to refill with water.
◆
Do not expose the battery to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 122°F (50°C) when
charging or storing the power chair. Under the above temperature range can cause the battery either
to freeze or overheat, causing damage and shortening its life.
Warning
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling!
▇ Use proper batteries
◆
You r power chair operates on two 12 volt batteries.
◆
They should be U1 size with minimum of 36amp hour rating . Only deep cycle sealed case
construction batteries should be used in the power chair.
◆
When you buy a replacement, insist on a deep cycle sealed case. Do not use any other type.
CHARGING THE BATTERIES
The battery charger is essential in providing long battery life. Located underneath the utility tray, it is
designed to optimize your Image EC performance by charging safely, quickly and easily. The power
chair (optional) amp meter and charger plug are located on the utility tray for easy viewing. The Amp
meter indicates the rate of charge being administered to fully recharge the batteries. It is also a good
indication of whether or not the charger is working. The Amp meter and the charger are only functional
when the charger power cord is plugged into a wall outlet.
▇ To charge the batteries using the onboard charger
◆
Position the rear of Image EC close to a standard wall outlet
.
◆
Be certain the controller power is turned off and the freewheel levers are in the engaged position.
◆
Slide the cover of charger plug.
◆
Extend the charger power cord and plug it into the wall outlet.
◆
The (optional) Amp meter indicates how much charge is needed to fully charge the batteries. Wait
about a minute for the charger to warm up. The Amp meter may move as high as 3 amps, then
gradually move back down to 0 amps as the batteries charge.
We recommended you charge the batteries for 8 to 14 hours. As the batteries charge, the Amp
meter needle slowly drops to zero. When the batteries are fully charged, the needle vibrates on or
near the zero mark on the Amp meter scale.
◆
When the batteries are fully charged, unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
◆
Replace the cover of charger plug.