Schumacher Electric SA1589

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Solar Battery Charger/Maintainer

OWNERS MANUAL

READ THE ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

1. IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS – SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

1.1 SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS – This manual contains important safety and operating instructions.

WARNING: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE.

1.2 Keep out of reach of children.

1.3 Use only recommended attachments. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by the battery charger manufacturer may result in a risk of re, electric shock or

injury to persons or damage to property.

1.4 To reduce the risk of electric shock, disconnect the clamps from the solar charger before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.

1.5 Do not operate the solar charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped or otherwise damaged in any way; take it to a qualied service person.

1.6 Do not disassemble the solar charger; take it to a qualied service person when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of re or electric shock.

WARNING: RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.

1.7 WORKING IN THE 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 YOU FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EACH TIME YOU USE THE SOLAR CHARGER.

1.8 To reduce the risk of a battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by the battery manufacturer and the manufacturer of any equipment you intend to

use in the vicinity of the battery. Review the cautionary markings on these products and on the engine.

1.9 Locate this solar charger 18 inches (45.72 cm) or more above oor level. Do not place on wet ground, anywhere it could be accidently stepped on or in a place or position

where it could fall while being used.

2. PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS

WARNING: RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES.

2.1 NEVER smoke or allow a spark or ame in the vicinity of a battery or engine.

2.2 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.

2.3 Be extra cautious to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto the battery. It might spark or short-circuit the battery or other electrical part that may cause an explosion.

2.4 Use this solar charger for charging LEAD-ACID batteries only. It is not intended to supply power to a low voltage electrical system other than in a starter-motor application.

Do not use this solar panel for maintaining or charging dry-cell batteries that are commonly used with home appliances. These batteries may burst and cause injury to

persons and damage to property.

2.5 NEVER charge a frozen battery.

2.6 Consider having someone close enough by to come to your aid when you work near a lead-acid battery.

2.7 Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts your skin, clothing or eyes.

2.8 Wear complete eye and body protection, including safety goggles and protective clothing. Avoid touching your eyes while working near the battery.

2.9 If battery acid contacts your skin or clothing, immediately wash the area with soap and water. If acid enters your eye, immediately ood the eye with cold running water for

at least 10 minutes and get medical attention right away.

2.10 If battery acid is accidentally swallowed, drink milk, the whites of eggs or water. DO NOT induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.

3. PREPARING TO CHARGE

WARNING: RISK OF CONTACT WITH BATTERY ACID. BATTERY ACID IS A HIGHLY CORROSIVE SULFURIC ACID.

3.1 If it is necessary to remove the battery from the vehicle to charge it, always remove the grounded terminal rst. Make sure all of the accessories in the vehicle are off to

prevent arcing.

3.2 Be sure the area around the battery is well ventilated while the battery is being charged.

3.3 Clean the battery terminals before charging the battery. During cleaning, keep airborne corrosion from coming into contact with your eyes, nose and mouth. Use baking

soda and water to neutralize the battery acid and help eliminate airborne corrosion. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

3.4 If appicable, add distilled water to each cell until the battery acid reaches the level specied by the battery manufacturer. Do not overll. For a battery without removable

cell caps, such as valve regulated lead acid batteries (VRLA), carefully follow the manufacturer’s recharging instructions.

3.5 Read, understand and follow all instructions for the solar charger, battery, vehicle and any equipment used near the battery and solar charger. Study all of the battery

manufacturer’s specic precautions while in use.

3.6 Determine the voltage of the battery by referring to the vehicle owner’s manual and make sure that the output voltage of the solar charger is the correct voltage.

3.7 Make sure that the solar charger cable clamps make tight connections.

0099002367-01

MODEL

SA1589

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Summary

Important Safety Instructions

Risk of Electric Shock or Fire Precautions

Follow safety guidelines to prevent electric shock, fire, or injury when using the solar charger.

Risk of Explosive Gases Precautions

Handle batteries carefully due to explosive gases; follow instructions to prevent explosion.

Personal Precautions

Battery Handling and Personal Safety

Detailed precautions for working near batteries, including avoiding sparks, removing metal items, and protective gear.

Preparing to Charge

Battery Acid Contact Warning

Warning about battery acid being corrosive sulfuric acid and necessary precautions.

Pre-Charge Procedures

Steps for preparing to charge a battery, including ventilation, cleaning terminals, and checking voltage.

Solar Charger Location

Optimal Placement and Ventilation

Guidelines for locating the solar charger to avoid damage from battery gases and ensure proper ventilation.

DC Connection Precautions

Clamp Handling and Connection

Instructions on how to properly connect and handle the DC clamps to the battery and vehicle.

Connecting Battery Inside Vehicle

Spark Prevention During Connection

Steps to reduce the risk of sparks and explosions when connecting to a battery inside a vehicle.

Connecting Battery Outside Vehicle

Spark Prevention and Connection Order

Steps to connect to a battery outside a vehicle, focusing on spark prevention and correct connection sequence.

Assembly and Mounting Instructions

Charger Preparation and Securing

Instructions on unrolling, uncoiling cables, and securing the solar charger for use or storage.

Features

Component Identification

Identification of key components of the solar charger, including USB cable and clamps.

Operating Instructions

Charger Activation and Usage

Instructions on how the solar charger operates, including connection and disconnection from the battery.

Charging a Vehicle Battery

Step-by-step guide for charging a vehicle battery, including panel orientation and potential capacity loss.

Using Quick-Connect Battery Clamps

Specific instructions for using the quick-connect clamps to attach the solar charger to the battery.

Maintenance Instructions

Cleaning and Servicing

Guidance on cleaning the solar charger components and precautions regarding servicing.

Moving and Storage Instructions

Storage and Handling

Instructions for unplugging, folding, storing, and moving the solar charger to prevent damage or injury.

Specifications

Technical Details

Technical specifications of the solar charger, including power output, temperature range, and dimensions.

Limited Warranty

Warranty Information and Registration

Information on the one-year limited warranty and how to register the product.

The Solar Battery Charger/Maintainer (Model SA1589) is a monocrystalline solar panel designed to charge and maintain 12-volt lead-acid batteries. It functions as a manual charger, meaning it requires user monitoring to prevent overcharging, which could damage the battery or cause personal injury. The device does not have an ON/OFF switch; its operation is controlled by exposure to sunlight after battery connections are made.

Function Description:

The primary function of the SA1589 is to provide a trickle charge to 12-volt lead-acid batteries, keeping them at full charge. It can charge small batteries and maintain large batteries. The unit is not intended to supply power to low-voltage electrical systems other than in a starter-motor application and should not be used for maintaining or charging dry-cell batteries, as these may burst. The solar charger includes quick-connect battery clamps for easy attachment to battery terminals and a USB cable for charging compatible devices. However, the USB output and battery clamp outputs cannot be used simultaneously. The manufacturer strongly recommends using a solar charge controller (p/n 940261073, sold separately) in tandem with this solar charger for optimal results and to avoid overcharge or discharge of the battery.

Important Technical Specifications:

Solar technology: Monocrystalline
Power output: 5W max @ 5-16V
Tested under standard conditions: AM1.5, 1000W/m², 25°C
Operating temperature: -4°F to 185°F (-20°C to 85°C)
USB port: One, 1A
Dimensions, folded: 7.28 x 4.53 x 0.79 inches
Dimensions, unfolded: 15.35 x 7.09 x 0.12 inches
Accessories (sold separately): Solar charge controller (p/n 940261073)

Usage Features:

Connection: The charger connects to the battery using quick-connect battery clamps. For vehicles, the positive (RED) clip connects to the positive battery post, and the negative (BLACK) clip connects to the vehicle chassis or engine block, away from the battery. For batteries outside a vehicle, a 6-gauge insulated battery cable should be attached to the negative battery post, and the negative (BLACK) solar panel clip then connects to the free end of this cable, away from the battery.
Placement: For optimal solar panel output, the panel should be faced towards the sun, ensuring no shadows are cast on it by the vehicle or other objects. The best orientation is generally south to north, with the panel tilted at an angle suitable for the local latitude. The charger should be located as far away from the battery as the DC cables permit, never directly above the battery, and not on wet ground or where it could be accidentally stepped on or fall.
Safety Precautions:
- Always ensure the area around the battery is well ventilated.
- Never smoke or allow sparks/flames near the battery or engine.
- Remove personal metal items (rings, bracelets, necklaces, watches) when working with a lead-acid battery to prevent short-circuits and severe burns.
- Avoid dropping metal tools onto the battery, which could cause sparks or short-circuits.
- Wear complete eye and body protection, including safety goggles and protective clothing.
- In case of battery acid contact, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water, or flood eyes with cold running water for at least 10 minutes and seek medical attention. If swallowed, drink milk, egg whites, or water, and seek medical attention immediately without inducing vomiting.
- Never charge a frozen battery.
- Disconnect the solar charger from the battery when starting the engine or driving the vehicle to prevent damage from electrical surges.
Mounting: The solar charger can be secured by tying a cord through its grommets to prevent loss or damage from high winds.

Maintenance Features:

Cleaning: After use and before maintenance, the solar charger should be unplugged and disconnected. Use a dry cloth to wipe off battery corrosion, dirt, or oil from the battery clamps, cords, and solar panels.
Panel Care: The solar panels use a glass substrate and should be handled with care. The glass surface should be kept clean with a soft cloth to ensure maximum output.
Inspection: Ensure all solar charger components, including plastic boots on the battery clamps, are in place and in good working condition.
Servicing: The unit does not require opening for servicing, as there are no user-serviceable parts. All other servicing should be performed by qualified service personnel.
Storage: Unplug the solar charger and fold it before storing. Store it inside, in a cool, dry place. Do not store the clamps clipped together, on or around metal, or clipped to cables. When moving or transporting the charger, take care to avoid damaging the cords, clamps, and solar panels.