TecMate Optimate6 - Manual (Page 3)

3
AUTOMATIC DIAGNOSTIC CHARGER FOR 12V LEAD-ACID BATTERIES
FROM 15Ah TO 240Ah, AS FOUND IN:
DO NOT USE FOR NiCd, NiMH, Li-Ion OR NON-RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES.
Charge rate: 5 Ah / hour, will recharge a 240Ah battery in 48 hours.
Input: 220-240V
maximum 0,85A. The maximum output current is automatically adjusted according to the
characteristics of the connected battery, in the range of 0,4A to 5A, by the ampmatic ™ output control circuit (see
§4.1 below).
IMPORTANT: READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE CHARGER
This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory
or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision
or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Children
should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
SAFETY WARNING AND NOTES: Batteries emit EXPLOSIVE GASES - prevent fl ame or sparks near batteries.
Disconnect AC power supply before making or breaking DC/battery connections. Battery acid is highly corrosive. Wear
protective clothing and eyewear and avoid contact. In case of accidental contact, wash immediately with soap and water.
Check that the battery posts are not loose; if so, have the battery professionally assessed. If the battery posts are corroded,
clean with a copper wire brush; if greasy or dirty clean with a rag damped in detergent. Use the charger only if the input and
output leads and connectors are in good, undamaged condition. If the input cable is damaged, it is essential to have it replaced
without delay by the manufacturer, his authorised service agent or a qualifi ed workshop, to avoid danger. Protect your charger
from acid and acid fumes and from damp and humid conditions both during use and in storage. Damage resulting from
corrosion, oxidation or internal electrical short-circuiting is not covered by warranty. Distance the charger from the battery
during charging to avoid contamination by or exposure to acid or acidic vapours. If using it in the horizontal orientation, place
the charger on a hard, fl at surface, but NOT on plastic, textile or leather. Use the fi xing holes provided in the enclosure base to
attach the charger to any convenient, sound vertical surface.
EXPOSURE TO LIQUIDS: This charger is designed to withstand exposure to liquids accidentally spilled or splashed onto the
casing from above, or to light rainfall. Prolonged exposure to falling rain is inadvisable and longer service life will be obtained
by minimizing such exposure. Failure of the charger due to oxidation resulting from the eventual penetration of liquid into the
electronic components, connectors or plugs, is not covered by warranty.
BATTERY CONNECTIONS: 2 interchangeable connection sets are available, supplied with the charger is a set of battery
clips for charging the battery off-vehicle, the other connection set comes with metal eyelet lugs for permanent connection to
the battery posts, and re-sealable weatherproof cap on the connector that connects to the charger output cable. This
connection set allows easy and sure connection of the charger to maintain the battery on-vehicle. The resealable weatherproof
cap is designed to protect the connector from dirt and damp whenever the charger is not attached. Consult a professional
service agent for assistance in attaching the metal eyelets to the battery posts. Secure the connector with weatherproof cap so
that it cannot foul any moving part of the vehicle or the cable can be pinched or damaged by sharp edges. The in-line fuse in
the eyelets connection set protects the battery against such accidental shorting across positive and negative conductors.
Replace any burnt fuse only with a similar new fuse of 15A rating.
CONNECTING THE CHARGER TO THE BATTERY
1. Disconnect AC power supply before making or breaking DC / battery connections.
2. If charging a battery in the vehicle with the battery clips, before making connections, fi rst check that the battery clips can
be safely and securely positioned clear from surrounding wiring, metal tubing or the chassis. Make connections in the
following order: First connect to the battery terminal not connected to the chassis (normally positive), then connect the
other battery clip (normally negative) to the chassis well away from the battery and fuel line. Always disconnect in reverse
sequence.
3. When charging a battery out of the vehicle with the battery clips, place it in a well ventilated area. Connect the charger to
the battery: RED clamp to POSITIVE (POS, P or +) terminal and BLACK clamp to NEGATIVE (NEG, N or –) terminal. Make
sure the connections are fi rm and secure. Good contact is important.
4. If the battery is deeply discharged (and possibly sulphated), remove from the vehicle and inspect the battery
before connecting the charger for a recovery attempt. Visually check the battery for mechanical defects such as a
bulging or cracked casing, or signs of electrolyte leakage. If the battery has fi ller caps and the plates within the cells can
be seen from the outside, examine the battery carefully to try to determine if any cells seem different to the others (for