TecMate Accumate PRO - Manual (Page 3)

3
LED indicator information panel
Models without 12/24V selection switch have no 24V selection LED.
Charging procedure
1) For chargers with 12V/24V selectable output first make sure whether the battery to be charged is a 12V battery
(6 cells) or a 24V battery (12 cells or 2 x 12V batteries connected in series) and place the small charging out-
put voltage selection switch in the correct position, refer to the above panel. It is essential to do this before
making any battery or AC mains connections.Consult a specialist if unsure.
2) Distance the charger from the battery as far as reasonably possible to avoid any possible acid vapour damage to the
charger. Connect the charger to the battery :RED clamp to POSITIVE (POS, P, +) terminal and BLACK clamp to NEGATIVE
(NEG,N,-) terminal.
3) Connect the charger to a mains supply socket providing AC supply of 110 to 120V. The «POWER ON» LED (this LED
serves also as the charging output voltage selection for the 12V/24V model) should illuminate. If not, check your AC
supply connections.
4) Once all connections are correct,the yellow «BULK» charging LED should light, even if only briefly, together with the
«POWER ON» LED.When the battery is close to being fully charged, the green ABSORB LED will light.A battery already
fully charged or badly sulfated or damaged when connected will cause the green «MAINTAIN» LED to light immediately
when the charger is activated.
NOTE : If the battery connections are inverted,or if the initial battery voltage is below 2V for a 12V battery or below 4V for
a 24V (or 2 x 12V series connected) battery, charging will not start and only the «POWER ON» LED will light.Otherwise,for
as long as the charger is connected to AC supply and battery, the status and condition will be indicated by a LED as per
panel above.
5) The charger will automatically charge, then maintain the battery very close to fully charged unless the battery is
defective.During the BULK CHARGING cycle («BULK» LED) the battery is charged at the maximum constant current output
until the monitored voltage rises to 14,4V (at 20°C or 68°F) for 12V charging,or 28,8V for 24 Volts.The «ABSORB» LED
now lights and charging then changes automatically to ‘float’ mode,with the voltage limited at 14,4V (12V charging),or
28,8V (24V),so that the continuously monitored current will gradually reduce.When the current falls to a sixth of the rated
charging current,the charging voltage is then limited to 13,7V (at 20°C or 68°F) for 12V charging,(27,4V for 24V) and the
«MAINTAIN» LED will indicate the battery is ready for use. For as long as the charger remains connected it will continue
to maintain the battery with a charge voltage limited at 13,7V (27,4V for 24V),thus allowing the battery to draw a small
current to compensate for any slight discharge,whether self-discharge or due to any alarm system or other current loss
in the vehicle or other circuit.
6) Should any factor place a load on the battery such that the battery’s need for charging exceeds a sixth of the rated
current,the circuit will automatically revert to the «ABSORB» cycle.The maximum constant current will be applied if the
battery voltage reduces below the constant voltage parameters set for the «ABSORB» cycle.The charging program will
again proceed to the «MAINTAIN» cycle once the current reduces below a sixth of the maximum current.
7) Disconnect the AC mains before disconnecting the battery connections.The circuit will instantly disable the charging
output on disconnection of the batter y, in any event.
8) Refer to the following section on application hints and interpretation of LED indications to obtain the most effective use
of this advanced charger.
APPLICATION HINTS AND INTERPRETATION OF ‘LED’ INDICATIONS OF BATTERY STATUS
General hints : this charger has been designed to charge lead-acid batteries that have been discharged during normal
operation and that have not been damaged through extended non-use,physical misuse or internal defects. Non-use of a
battery for an extended period during which the battery is left to self-discharge without being re-charged causes internal
chemical change (‘sulfation’) which may be irreversible. Failure to maintain the correct electrolite levels within batteries
requiring occasional topping up with distilled water is also likely to result in irreversible battery damage.
All unused batteries will maintain their charge best when stored in a cold or cool environment (but do not freeze).
The warmer the surroundings the faster the battery will self-discharge.
(yellow) (green) (green)
Bulk charging
stage
Absorption stage
to assure
full charge
Float charge mode.
Battery charged
and ready
Power on,
24V battery
selection
Power on,
12V battery
selection
24V
12V
POWER