Napa Essentials 85-303 - Manual (Page 8)

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6. DC CONNECTION PRECAUTIONS
6. All switches should be set in OFF (O) position and the AC cord should be
disconnected from the electrical outlet before you connect and disconnect
the charger clamps. Never allow the clamps to touch each other.
6.2 Attach clamps to battery posts and twist or rock back and forth several
times to make a good connection. This will tend to prevent the clamps
from slipping off terminals, avoid dangerous sparking, and assure safer
and more efficient charging. Keep the clamps clean.
CAUTION: SETTING SWITCHES TO OFF (O) DOES NOT ALWAYS
DISCONNECT THE CHARGER ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FROM THE AC
POWER CORD OR DC CHARGER CLAMPS.
7. CHARGING BATTERY IN VEHICLE OR EqUIPMENT, OR CONNECTED
TO ENGINE
7.1 Before working on the vehicle, firmly apply the emergency brake and place
the gearshift to NEUTRAL. Shift an automatic transmission to PARK.
7.2 Locate the charger as far away from the battery as the charger cords
permit, and position the AC and DC cords to avoid stepping on or tripping
over them and to prevent damage by hood, doors, or moving engine parts.
7.3 Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and any other parts that can cause
physical injury.
7.4 Turn OFF all vehicle loads, including door lights, and correct any defects
in vehicle’s electrical system that may have caused low battery.
7.5 Check the polarity of battery posts. The POSITIVE (POS., P, +) post
usually has larger diameter than NEGATIVE (NEG., N,–) post.
7.6 Determine which post of the battery is grounded (connected) to the
chassis. If the negative post is grounded (as in most vehicles), see
paragraph 7.7. If the positive post is grounded, see paragraph 7.8.
7.7 For a negative-grounded vehicle, first connect the POSITIVE (red)
clamp from the charger to the POSITIVE (POS., P, +) ungrounded post
of battery. Then connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) clamp to vehicle
chassis or engine block away from battery. Do not connect the clamp to
the carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy-
gauge metal part of the frame or engine block. When disconnecting the
charger, turn the switch to OFF (O), disconnect the AC cord, remove the
clamp from the vehicle chassis, and then remove the clamp from the
battery terminal.
7.8 For a positive-grounded vehicle, connect the NEGATIVE (BLACK) clamp
from the charger to the NEGATIVE (NEG., N, –) ungrounded post of the
battery. Then connect the POSITIVE (RED) clamp to the vehicle chassis
or engine block away from the battery. Do not connect the clamp to the
carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to a heavy-
gauge metal part of the frame or engine block.