Sears 200.71310 - Manual (Page 5)

Before Using Your Battery Charger
It is important to understand your charger's requirements. This section will tell you about your charger's electrical
requirements and how to prepare a battery for charging.
Plugging it in
A
warning
®]
Electrical Shock Hazard
Be sure that power cord fits properly into outlet.
If not, have a qualified technician install a proper
outlet. Never alter the AC cord or plug provided.
Improper connection can result in electrical shock.
•
Your charger requires a 120V receptacle installed
according to all local codes and ordinances.
Using an extension cord
The use of an extension cord is not recommended. If
you must use an extension cord, please make sure
that you follow these guidelines:
• Make sure that the pins on charger's power cord fit
firmly into the extension cord, and that the extension
cord fits firmly into the receptacle.
• Check that the extension cord is properly wired and
in good electrical condition
• Make sure that the wire size is large enough for its
length and for the AC ampere rating as specified in
the accompanying chart.
MINIMUM RECOMMENDEDE^ENSION CORD
Length of Cord, in Feet 25 50 100 150
AWG* Size of Cord 18 16 12 10
•AWG*American Wire Gmjge
Preparing your battery to be charged
It is important that you read and follow these guidelines
while you are preparing to charge your battery.
• Make sure that you have a 12 volt or 6 volt lead-acid
battery.
•Clean the battery terminals. Be careful to keep
corrosion from getting in or around your eyes.
• If you have a battery with removable cell caps. If
required, add distilled water to each cell until the
battery acid reaches the level recommended by the
manufacturer. This will help purge excessive gases
from the cells. Be careful not to overfill. If you have a
sealed battery without cell caps, no action is neces­
sary. Continue to the next step listed below.
• Take time to read all battery manufacturer's specific
precautions, such as removing or not removing
cell caps while charging, and recommended rates
of charge.
• Wear safety glasses. See additional "Personal
Safety Precautions" on page 2.
• Be sure that the area around the battery is well
ventilated while it is being charged. If ventilation is
poor, gas can be manually blown away by using a
piece of cardboard or other non-metallic material as
a fan.
• If it is necessary to remove the battery from the
vehicle to charge it, always remove the grounded
terminal from the battery first. A spark may be
caused if all accessories in the vehicle are not
completely turned off.
NOTE: A marine battery installed in a boat must be
removed and charged on shore.