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katbo KTB-BC1801 - User Manual

katbo KTB-BC1801
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Model : KTB-BC1801
Model : KTB-BC1806
Model : KTB-BC1803
Automatic Battery Charger/Maintainer
OWNERS MANUAL
KTB-BC1801/1806 KTB-BC1803
PLEASE SAVE THIS OWNERS MANUAL AND READ BEFORE EACH USE. This manual
will explain how to use the battery charger safely and effectively. Please read and follow these
instructions and precautions carefully.

Questions and Answers

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

Risk of Explosive Gases Warning

Crucial instructions to follow when working with batteries to prevent explosions and chemical hazards.

Personal Safety Precautions

Guidelines for personal protection, handling battery acid, and preventing severe burns from battery short circuits.

Assembly and Features Overview

Assembly Instructions

Steps to prepare the battery charger for use by removing cord wraps and uncoiling cables.

Control Panel Features

Details on LED indicators, the digital display, and the switch button for operating the charger.

Grounding and Power Cord

Information on connecting the charger to a proper electrical outlet and grounding requirements.

Operating Instructions

Using an Extension Cord

Guidelines for safely using an extension cord with the battery charger, including proper wire size.

Charging a Battery

Detailed steps for charging batteries either inside or outside of a vehicle, including clamp connections.

Charge Rate and Modes

Explanation of automatic charge rate adjustment, automatic charging mode, and aborted charge scenarios.

Advanced Charging and Testing

Special Charging Modes

Information on Desulfation Mode, Charge Completion, and Maintain Mode for battery care.

Maintaining a Battery

Guidance on maintaining 6V, 12V, and 24V batteries using the charger's maintain mode technology.

Battery Voltage Tester Function

Instructions for using the charger as a voltage tester, including idle time and testing after charging.

Maintenance and Care

Tips for keeping the battery charger in good condition, including cleaning clamps and proper storage.

Troubleshooting and Specifications

Troubleshooting and Error Codes

Guidance on diagnosing problems and understanding error codes for charger malfunctions.

Specifications

Technical details including input/output voltage and current ratings for different charger models.

Limited Warranty Information

Details of the manufacturer's limited warranty, coverage, exclusions, and contact information.

Overview

This document is the owner's manual for the KTB-BC1801, KTB-BC1806, and KTB-BC1803 Automatic Battery Charger/Maintainers. It provides essential information on the device's function, safety instructions, technical specifications, usage, and maintenance.

Function Description:

The KTB-BC series are automatic battery charger/maintainers designed to safely and effectively charge and maintain lead-acid, GEL, and AGM-type rechargeable batteries. These chargers are suitable for batteries used in automobiles, trucks, tractors, airplanes, vans, RVs, and trolling motors. They are not intended to supply power to low-voltage electrical systems other than for motor-starting applications, nor should they be used with dry cell batteries. The chargers feature an auto-start function, meaning current is only supplied to the battery clamps when a battery is properly connected, preventing sparks if the clamps touch. They also include an automatic charging mode that switches to maintain mode once the battery is fully charged.

Important Technical Specifications:

The manual details different input and output specifications for various models, suggesting variations in regional compatibility (100-130V AC for North America, 210-240V AC for other regions) and battery voltage support.

For models operating on 100-130V AC @ 50/60Hz, 1.5A input:

  • Output Voltage: 6V or 12V, with Auto Voltage Detection.
  • Output Current Rating: 2A DC @6VDC; 2A/6A DC @ 12V DC.

For models operating on 210-240V AC @ 50/60Hz, 1.0A input:

  • Output Voltage: 6V or 12V, with Auto Voltage Detection.
  • Output Current Rating: 2A DC @6VDC; 2A/6A DC @ 12V DC.

For models operating on 100-130V AC @ 50/60Hz, 1.0A input:

  • Output Voltage: 6V, 12V or 24V, with Auto Voltage Detection.
  • Output Current Rating: 2A DC @6V; 2A/6A DC @12V; 2A/4A DC @ 24V DC.

For models operating on 210-240V AC @ 50/60Hz, 1.5A input:

  • Output Voltage: 6V, 12V or 24V, with Auto Voltage Detection.
  • Output Current Rating: 2A DC @6V; 2A/6A DC @12V; 2A/4A DC @ 24V DC.

The KTB-BC1801 charges and maintains 6V and 12V batteries, while the KTB-BC1806 and KTB-BC1803 models support 6V, 12V, and 24V batteries. Recommended battery capacities are 4.5-32 Ah (6V), 4.5-120 Ah (12V), and 4.5-75Ah (24V, KTB-BC1806).

Usage Features:

The charger features a control panel with LED indicators and a digital display.

  • LED Indicators:
    • CLAMPS REVERSED (red) LED flashing: Indicates incorrect connections.
    • CHARGING (yellow) LED lit: Charger is actively charging.
    • CHARGING (yellow) LED flashing: Charger is in abort mode.
    • FULL (green) LED pulsing: Battery is fully charged, and the charger is in maintain mode.
    • MAINTAINING (red) LED: Indicates Desulfation mode for sulfated batteries.
  • Digital Display: Shows battery voltage when not charging. During charging, it displays "ON," then the estimated percent-of-charge, and the battery voltage (6, 12, or 24V). If charging is manually stopped, it shows "OFF." The display enters sleep mode during charging but can be reactivated by pressing any button.
  • SWITCH BUTTON: Used to set the maximum charge rate (2A SLOW or 6A FAST) and to turn on the display from Dormancy mode.
    • 2A (SLOW): For small batteries (garden tractors, snowmobiles, motorcycles) and maintaining large, fully charged batteries.
    • 6A (FAST): For automotive, marine, and light truck batteries. Not for industrial applications.
  • Charging Modes:
    • Automatic Charging Mode: Automatically adjusts charging current based on battery size and switches to maintain mode after full charge.
    • Desulfation Mode: A special operation for sulfated batteries, which can take 8-10 hours. If it fails, charging aborts, and the yellow CHARGING LED flashes.
    • Maintain Mode (Float-Mode Monitoring): Keeps the battery fully charged by delivering a small current. If the maximum maintain current is supplied for 12 continuous hours, the charger enters abort mode, indicating a battery drain or a bad battery.
  • Battery Voltage Tester: Allows users to check battery voltage. The charger must be unplugged from AC, connected to the battery, then plugged into AC. The SWITCH button can be used to select the correct battery type. A chart is provided to interpret voltage readings (Charged, Needs Charging, Discharged).
  • Power-Up Idle Time Limit: If no button is pressed within 5 minutes of power-up, the charger automatically switches from tester to charger (if a battery is connected) and defaults to a 2A charge rate.
  • Aborted Charge: If charging cannot be completed, the output shuts off, the yellow CHARGING LED flashes, and an error code appears on the digital display. To reset, unplug the charger, wait, and plug it back in.

Safety Instructions:

The manual emphasizes critical safety precautions due to the risk of explosive gases from lead-acid batteries.

  • Always follow instructions from the battery and equipment manufacturers.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
  • Charge in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials.
  • NEVER smoke or allow sparks/flames near the battery.
  • Operate the charger as far from the battery as DC cables allow.
  • Do not expose to rain or snow.
  • NEVER charge a frozen battery or place the charger on top of or directly above a battery.
  • Avoid touching battery clamps together when energized.
  • Disconnect by pulling the plug, not the cord.
  • Do not operate with a damaged cord or plug.
  • NEVER allow battery acid to drip onto the charger.
  • NEVER overcharge a battery.
  • Wear complete eye protection and protective clothing.
  • Have fresh water, soap, and baking soda nearby for acid contact.
  • Remove all personal metal items before working with batteries.
  • Do not drop metal tools onto the battery.
  • When removing a battery from a vehicle, always remove the grounded terminal first.
  • Grounding and AC power cord connections: The charger is for nominal 120 or 220 volt circuits and must be plugged into a properly installed and grounded outlet. Extension cords are not recommended; if used, they must be properly wired, in good electrical condition, and have a wire size large enough for the charger's AC ampere rating.

Charging Procedures:

  • In-Vehicle Charging: Turn off vehicle accessories, keep the hood open, clean terminals, place the charger on a dry, non-flammable surface, route cables away from moving parts. For negative-ground vehicles, connect the RED clamp to the POSITIVE battery post, then the BLACK clamp to the vehicle chassis/engine block away from the battery. For positive-ground vehicles, connect the BLACK clamp to the NEGATIVE battery post, then the RED clamp to the vehicle chassis/engine block away from the battery. Avoid connecting to the carburetor, fuel lines, or sheet-metal body parts. Connect to an electrical outlet, select battery type/charge rate. Disconnect in reverse order: AC power, chassis clamp, battery terminal clamp.
  • Outside-Vehicle Charging: Place the battery in a well-ventilated area, clean terminals. Connect a 24-inch, 6-gauge insulated battery cable (not provided) to the NEGATIVE battery post. Connect the RED clamp to the POSITIVE battery post. Position yourself and the "negative post extension" cable as far away from the battery as possible, and connect the BLACK clamp to the cable's free end. Connect to an electrical outlet, select battery type/charge rate. Disconnect in reverse order: AC power, negative clamp, positive clamp. Marine batteries must be removed and charged on shore.

Maintenance Features:

Minimal care is required to keep the charger working properly.

  • Clean the clamps after each use to prevent corrosion from battery fluid.
  • Occasionally clean the charger case with a soft cloth to maintain its finish and prevent corrosion.
  • Coil input and output cords neatly when storing to prevent accidental damage.
  • Store the charger unplugged from the AC power outlet, in an upright position, in a cool, dry place.
  • Do not store clamps clipped together, on or around metal, or clipped to the cables.

Troubleshooting:

The manual includes a troubleshooting section for error codes (F01-F06) and common problems. Error codes indicate issues like low battery voltage, desulfation failure, inability to reach full charge, reversed connections, inability to maintain charge, or thermal runaway. Solutions typically involve checking/replacing the battery, adjusting current settings, or correcting connections. Common problems like clamps not sparking, LEDs turning on briefly, or the charger not turning on are also addressed, with solutions ranging from confirming normal operation to checking AC outlets, electrical connections, or the battery itself. The auto-voltage detection feature means 6V, 12V, or 24V settings cannot be manually selected, which is noted as normal.

katbo KTB-BC1801 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Brandkatbo
ModelKTB-BC1801
CategoryBattery Charger
LanguageEnglish