Alpha Technologies Spectra Series - Manual (Page 9)

Preliminary Operating Instructions 9 of 62 AIP SERVICE NUMBER 1-800-863-3364
1. INTRODUCTION
This single-phase battery charger is convection cooled, microprocessor controlled, and SCR regulated. The
charger has an “l-E” profile, which is high rate constant current (start region), and constant voltage (plateau
region). The plateau region is defined by one voltage point (knee) where the start region changes into the
plateau region. This plateau voltage point is called the “Float Voltage” and it is factory set at 2.25 volts per cell
for charging lead acid batteries.
The charger has an equalize feature used to perform an equalize charge of the battery. An equalize charge is
periodically used to change the voltage set point above the normal float voltage. This increases the gassing to
mix the electrolyte in a battery and charge all of the cells to a uniform level. The equalize charge voltage is
factory set to 2.32 volts per cell. Contact your battery manufacturer’s authorized service technician for
information on how often your batteries should be equalized.
CAUTION: This charger is factory set to charge only lead-acid type rechargeable batteries. Other
types of batteries may burst causing personal injury and damage. Before charging any other type of
rechargeable battery, change the charger settings as recommended by that battery manufacturer.
The charger settings can be changed by following the instructions in SECTION 11, “CONTROL BOARD
OPERATION”, of this manual.
2. RECEIVING CHARGER
Unpack the charger and examine it for possible shipping damage. If any damage is found, report it
immediately as a claim to the carrier.
3. STORING CHARGER
When the charger is stored prior to being installed and powered up, it should be stored upright, bolted to the
shipping pallet, and covered by the plastic wrap and shipping carton it was shipped in. This will help protect it
from dust and abrasion. It should be stored in an area where it is not likely to be damaged. Do not stack
anything on top of the charger.
It must be stored indoors in a clean and dry environment where the temperatures will not exceed a range of
32º F to 120ºF (0°C to 49°C).
The charger should not be stored more than two years before it is powered up. If the charger capacitors are
not powered up, they will lose their effectiveness over time and may need to be replaced.
4. LOCATION FOR CHARGER INSTALLATION
WARNING: DO NOT INSTALL THE CHARGER ON OR NEAR COMBUSTIBLES OR EXPLOSIVES.
INSTALL THE CHARGER ON A FIRE RESISTANT FOUNDATION OF STONE, BRICK, CONCRETE OR
GROUNDED METAL.
The charger should be located in a clean, cool, dry and well-ventilated area. To permit ample airflow for
convection cooling, allow 4” (102mm) minimum clearance on both the right and left sides of the charger. Allow
more space for cooling and convenience of service and maintenance if possible. Do not obstruct the airflow
space provided behind and underneath the charger.
Allow 36” (914mm) minimum clear space in front of the charger for ease of operation, maintenance and
service.
WARNING: DO NOT INSTALL THE CHARGER ABOVE OR NEAR THE BATTERIES. The batteries give
off hydrogen gas, which rises upward and can be explosive and also produce acid fumes, which may harm the
charger.
Do not install the charger in an area where conditions may be below freezing, above 105° Fahrenheit (40°C) or
above 95% relative humidity. These extreme temperatures will reduce the current capacity and possibly the