Associated Equipment US20 - User Manual

ASSOCIATED
MODEL US20
6/12 VOLT, 40/40/10 AMP BATTERY CHARGER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. This manual contains important safety and operating instructions for battery charger
model US20. You may need to refer to these instructions at a later date.
2.
CAUTION. To reduce risk of injury, charge only wet cell, lead-acid, automotive type rechargeable batteries. Other types of batteries
may burst causing personal injury and property damage.
3. Do not expose the charger to rain or snow if specifically warned on the unit not to do so.
4. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by the battery charger manufacturer may result in a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to
persons.
5. To reduce the risk of damage to the electric plug and cord, pull by the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger.
6. Make sure the cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected to damage or stress.
7. An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use of an improper extension cord could result in a risk of fire and electric
shock. If an extension cord must be used, make sure:
a. That the pins on the plug of extension cord are the same number, size, and shape as those of the plug on the charger;
b. That the extension cord is properly wired and in good condition; and
c. If the length of the extension cord is less than 25 feet, use a 16AWG cord, If 50 feet- 12AWG, 100 feet-10AWG, 150 feet-8AWG.
8. Do not operate the charger with a damaged cord or plug, replace them immediately.
9. Do not operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way; take it to a qualified serviceman.
10. Do not disassemble the charger; take it to a qualified serviceman when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in risk of
electric shock or fire.
11. To reduce the risk of electric shock, unplug the charger form the outlet before attempting any maintenance or cleaning. Turning off the
controls will not reduce this risk.
12.
WARNING - RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES
a. WORKING IN VICINITY OF A LEAD-ACID BATTERY IS DANGEROUS. BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING
NORMAL BATTERY OPERATION. FOR THIS REASON IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT EACH TIME BEFORE USING YOUR
CHARGER, YOU READ THIS MANUAL AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY.
b. To reduce the risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by the battery manufacturer and manufacturer of
any equipment you intend to use in vicinity of the battery. Review cautionary markings on these products and on the engine.
13.
PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS
a. Someone should be within range of your voice or close enough to come to your aid when you work near a lead-acid battery.
b. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing, or eyes.
c. Wear complete eye protection, and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes while working near battery.
d. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enter eyes, immediately flood eyes with running
cold water for at least 10 minutes and get medical attention immediately.
e. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of the battery or engine.
f. Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping a metal tool onto the battery. It might spark or short circuit the battery or other electrical
parts that may cause an explosion.
g. Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches when working with a lead-acid battery. A lead-acid
battery can produce a short circuit current high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal, causing a severe burn.
h. Use this charger for charging a LEAD-ACID battery only. It is not intended to supply power to a low-voltage electrical system other than
in an automotive application. Do not use this battery charger for charging dry-cell batteries that are commonly used with home
appliances. These batteries may burst and cause injury to persons and damage to property.
i. NEVER charge a frozen battery.
14.
PREPARING TO CHARGE
a. If necessary to remove battery from vehicle to charge, always remove the grounded terminal from the battery first. Make sure all
accessories in the vehicle are off, so as not to cause an arc.
b. Be sure the area around the battery is well ventilated while the battery is being charged. Gas can be forcefully blown away by using a
piece of cardboard or other non-metallic material as a fan.
c. Clean the battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming in contact with eyes.
d. Add distilled water in each cell until battery acid reaches level specified by the battery manufacturer. This helps purge excessive gas
from cells. Do not overfill. For a battery without cell caps, carefully follow the manufacturer's recharging instructions.
e. Study all battery manufacturers’ specific precautions such as removing or not removing the cell caps while charging and the
recommended rates of charge.
f. Determine voltage of the battery by referring to the car owner's manual and make sure that the output voltage selector switch is set at the
correct voltage. If the charger has adjustable charge rate, charge the battery initially at the lowest rate.
1

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

Battery Type Caution

Only charge specified battery types to avoid injury and property damage.

Approved Attachments

Do not use unapproved attachments due to risks of fire, shock, or injury.

Extension Cord Usage

Use extension cords only when necessary, ensuring correct type, condition, and gauge.

Damaged Cord or Plug

Replace damaged cords or plugs immediately to avoid hazards.

Damaged Charger Operation

Do not operate damaged chargers; seek qualified service.

Charger Disassembly

Do not disassemble the charger; seek qualified repair to avoid shock or fire.

Maintenance Safety

Unplug charger before maintenance/cleaning; controls do not eliminate shock risk.

Risk of Explosive Gases

Batteries generate explosive gases; follow instructions carefully.

Battery Proximity Danger

Working near lead-acid batteries is dangerous due to explosive gases; read and follow manual instructions.

Battery Explosion Prevention

Reduce explosion risk by following manual, battery, and equipment manufacturer instructions.

Personal Precautions

Safety precautions for working near lead-acid batteries.

Acid Contact Response

Wash skin with soap/water; flush eyes with water for 10 mins and seek medical help for acid contact.

No Smoking or Flames

Do not smoke or allow sparks/flames near batteries or engines.

Tool Dropping Hazard

Avoid dropping metal tools on battery to prevent sparks or explosions.

Remove Metal Items

Remove metal jewelry when working with batteries due to short circuit burn risk.

Battery Type Compatibility

Use charger only for lead-acid batteries; not for dry-cell or low-voltage systems.

Frozen Battery Warning

Never attempt to charge a frozen battery.

Preparing to Charge

Steps to prepare for charging a battery.

Battery Removal

Remove grounded terminal first when removing battery; turn off accessories to prevent arcs.

DC Connection Precautions

Disconnecting Procedure

Disconnect DC clamps only after setting switches to OFF and removing AC cord.

Battery Installation Charging

Negative Ground Connection

Connect POSITIVE clamp to ungrounded post; NEGATIVE clamp to chassis away from battery.

Positive Ground Connection

Battery Out of Vehicle Charging

Final Connection Safety

Marine Battery Charging

Grounding and AC Power

Grounding Requirement

Plug and Outlet Compatibility

Adapter Grounding

Length of Charge

Discontinuation Criteria

Overcharging Warning

Operating Instructions

Assembly Check

Charging Procedure

12 Volt Engine Start

Cranking Limits

Charging Sulfated Batteries

Special two-stage method for charging sulfated batteries; watch for overheating.

Sulfated Battery Precautions

Read and follow all precautions before charging sulfated batteries.

Recharging a Sulfated Battery

Initial Charge Rate

Overheating Caution

Monitor amperage constantly as sulfation breaks down to prevent overheating.

Unrestorable Batteries

Maintenance Instructions

Qualified Serviceman

Associated Equipment US20 Specifications

General

Brand	Associated Equipment
Model	US20
Category	Battery Charger
Language	English