Clarke Start N Charge WIBC200

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Summary

ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING POLICY

DISPLAY & CONTROL PANEL

DISPLAY BUTTON FUNCTIONS

Explains the different readouts available via the DISPLAY button: Voltage, Battery %, and Alternator %.

BUTTONS FOR BATTERY TYPE, RATE, AND FUNCTION

Guides on selecting battery type, charging rate, and initiating the charging function.

GENERAL PREPARATION

CHARGER LOCATION

Specifies optimal placement of the charger for safe and effective operation, emphasizing ventilation.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

CONNECTING TO A BATTERY INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE

Details the procedure for connecting the charger to a battery that remains installed in a vehicle.

FUSES

REPLACING THE FUSE

Provides clear, step-by-step instructions for safely and correctly replacing the charger's fuse.

MAINTENANCE

STORAGE

Gives instructions on how to properly store the charger and its leads when not in use.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY - UKCA

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY - CE

The Clarke WIBC200 is an intelligent battery charger-starter designed for a variety of battery types and applications, offering both charging and engine starting capabilities. It is suitable for use with 12V and 24V WET, MF, EFB, STD, GEL, and AGM batteries, making it a versatile tool for automotive and commercial use.

Function Description:

The primary function of the WIBC200 is to charge and maintain lead-acid batteries and to provide a boost start for vehicles with low batteries. It incorporates an advanced multi-stage charging process to ensure optimal battery health and longevity. This includes stages like analyzing battery connection, desulphation (pulsing charging to remove sulphate), soft start (gradually increasing charging current), controlled current charge (intelligently adjusting current), a second analysis to test charge absorption, constant output charge (constant voltage, compensating for fake full charge), recovery cycle charge (absorbing more charge and compensating for reduced current effects), absorption (constant trickle current for maximum voltage), a third analysis to test charge retention, and a maintenance mode (continuously monitoring and trickle charging when voltage drops).

Beyond charging, the device offers an engine start (boost) function, allowing it to provide a high current to help start an engine with a discharged battery. It also includes an alternator check feature to assess the vehicle's charging system. A "Repair Function" is available for recovering old, idle, stratified, or sulfated batteries, utilizing a high charging voltage.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model Number: WIBC200
Dimensions (D x W x H): 300 x 300 x 850 mm
Weight: 16.5 kg
IP Rating: IP20 (indicating protection against solid objects larger than 12.5mm, but no protection against liquids)
Suitable Battery Type: 12V & 24V WET, MF, EFB, STD, GEL & AGM
Min. Charging Battery Size: 4 Ah
Max. Charging Battery Size: 400 Ah
Operating Temp. Range: 0°C to 40°C
Input Voltage @50Hz: 230 V AC
Boost Duty Cycle: 5 sec On / 240 sec Off (This refers to the engine start function, indicating it can deliver a boost for 5 seconds, followed by a mandatory 240-second cool-down period).

Charging/Starting Output Specifications:

Charge-12V-40A: Max. Input Power 840W, Max. Input Current 5.3A, Output (Charging/Starting) 41A, Charging Voltage 12V
12V-Start(6V): Max. Input Power 3778W, Max. Input Current 19.4A, Output (Charging/Starting) 200A, Charging Voltage 6V
12V-Start(3V): Max. Input Power 4680W, Max. Input Current 24A, Output (Charging/Starting) 250A, Charging Voltage 3V
Charge-24V-40A: Max. Input Power 1360W, Max. Input Current 8.5A, Output (Charging/Starting) 40A, Charging Voltage 24V
24V-Start(10V): Max. Input Power 6450W, Max. Input Current 36A, Output (Charging/Starting) 200A, Charging Voltage 10V
24V-Start(8V): Max. Input Power 6580W, Max. Input Current 38A, Output (Charging/Starting) 230A, Charging Voltage 8V

The device is equipped with a 50A safety fuse to protect against overload, short circuits, and prolonged starting attempts.

Usage Features:

The WIBC200 features a display and control panel with several buttons and LEDs for easy operation.

Display Button: Allows users to cycle through different display modes:
- VOLTAGE (V): Shows battery voltage when not charging.
- BATTERY (%): Displays estimated charge percentage during charging.
- ALTERNATOR (%): Shows estimated output percentage of the vehicle's charging system.
BATTERY TYPE Button: Used to select the type of battery to be charged (STD, GEL, or AGM).
RATE SELECTION Button: Used to choose the desired charging current (5A, 15A, 30A, or 40A).
FUNCTION Button: Activates or deactivates charging mode (CHARGING LED lit/off) and the engine start (START LED lit) or repair (REPAIR LED lit) functions.

For connecting to a battery, the charger has separate connectors on the rear for 12V and 24V batteries. Safety precautions emphasize connecting leads only after switching off the charger to prevent sparking, especially with highly inflammable hydrogen gas released during charging. When connecting to a battery installed in a vehicle, users must identify the battery's voltage and polarity, connect the positive (RED) lead to the appropriate terminal on the charger and battery, and then connect the negative (BLACK) lead to the vehicle frame or engine block away from the battery (for negative earth vehicles). For positive earth vehicles, the negative (BLACK) lead connects to the battery's negative terminal, and the positive (RED) lead to the vehicle frame or engine block. It is recommended to disconnect the non-earthed lead on the battery before charging to protect vehicle electronics.

When using the engine start (boost) function, the charger goes through three states:

START-READY: Waits for ignition activation.
CRANKING: Delivers maximum output for up to 5 seconds upon ignition detection.
COOL DOWN: A mandatory 240-second cool-down period after cranking, indicated by a countdown on the digital display.

The repair function is an advanced recovery mode for specific battery issues, but it's advised to disconnect the battery from the vehicle before use due to high charging voltages that might affect some electronics or cause water loss in WET cell batteries.

Maintenance Features:

The WIBC200 requires minimal maintenance.

Cleaning: The case and leads should be cleaned with a moist cloth. Corrosion on the clamps can be cleaned with a solution of water and baking soda.
Inspection: Leads should be regularly examined for damage and replaced if necessary.
Storage: When not in use, the connecting leads and power cable should be wound onto the cable rack, and the unit stored in a clean, dry area.
Repairs: All servicing and repairs should only be performed by qualified service personnel.
Fuse Replacement: The 50A fuse is located behind a clip-on cover on the rear of the charger. To replace, the unit must be switched off, disconnected from the mains, allowed to cool, and the cause of failure identified. Only an identical fuse with the same rating should be used.

The manual also provides a comprehensive list of error messages and troubleshooting steps for common issues like lack of AC input power, faulty battery connections, wrong charge voltage selection, low battery voltage, or charging a very cold battery.