Shell SBC400 - User Manual

This document describes the Shell SBC400 Battery Charger & Maintainer, a versatile device designed for charging and maintaining various types of vehicle batteries.

The primary function of the SBC400 is to charge and maintain both 12V Li-ion batteries (including lithium iron phosphate, LiFePO4) and all types of 6V/12V lead-acid batteries. This includes Wet, Gel, MF, VRLA, EFB, and AGM battery types. It is suitable for charging batteries with capacities ranging from 2 to 120 Ah and for maintaining batteries of any capacity. The device incorporates an 11-step charging cycle that optimizes charging efficiency and extends battery life. A dedicated maintenance mode ensures that batteries of any capacity are always ready for use. For safety, the SBC400 is equipped with 7 levels of safety protection.

Usage Features:

The SBC400 offers 10 distinct charging modes, some of which require manual selection. It's crucial for the user to understand the purpose and differences of each mode to select the appropriate one for their battery. The device automatically detects the voltage, so only the battery type and charging rate need to be selected.

Before connecting the charger to a battery, users should check the battery's chemistry and voltage, typically found in the vehicle's owner's manual. It's also recommended to turn off all power loads in the vehicle, such as headlamps, air-conditioning, and radio, before initiating the charging process.

For charging setup, the battery clamps or eyelet terminal connectors are first connected to the DC connector of the battery charger. Then, the charger is plugged into an AC outlet, at which point the LCD display will turn on and show "ON".

The SBC400 offers both manual and auto-selection for charging. For manual selection:

• Battery type selection: The "BATTERY" button is pressed to select between LEAD ACID, AGM, or LI-ION.
• Charging rate selection: The "MODE" button is used to toggle to the appropriate charging rate (e.g., 4A Fast or 1A Slow). For 6V batteries, it is explicitly stated to always select 1A to prevent damage.

For auto-selection:

• The charger automatically detects the battery voltage.
• It has a memory function, returning to the last selected battery type and charging rate.
• For first-time use, the charger defaults to LEAD ACID and 1A.
• To change the battery type or voltage, the user can follow the "Mode change" instructions.

Once connected and a mode is selected, the charger proceeds through its pre-programmed charging steps, with charging information and status displayed on the LCD.

Charging Modes in Detail:

• ON (Standby): The charger is connected to the AC supply but not to a battery. No power supply is active.
• LEAD ACID 12V FAST (4A): Suitable for 8-120 Ah Lead Acid batteries. Users press the "BATTERY" button until "Lead Acid" shows on the LCD, then press "MODE" until "4A" appears.
• LEAD ACID 12V SLOW (1A): Suitable for 2-20 Ah Lead Acid batteries. Similar selection process, but toggling to "1A".
• AGM 12V FAST (4A): This is also a cold weather mode for charging 12V batteries below 10°C/50°F. Suitable for 8-120 Ah AGM batteries. Users press the "BATTERY" button until "AGM" shows, then "MODE" until "4A" appears.
• AGM 12V SLOW (1A): Also a cold weather mode for 12V batteries below 10°C/50°F. Suitable for 2-20 Ah AGM batteries.
• LI-ION 12V FAST (4A): For charging 12V lithium-ion batteries, including LiFePO4. Caution: This mode should only be used with 12-volt lithium batteries that have a built-in Battery Management System (BMS). Users must consult the lithium battery manufacturer before charging if the battery lacks a BMS. Suitable for 8-120 Ah batteries.
• AS 12V (Auto Self Repair): An auto self-repair mode for restoring damaged, stratified, or sulfated batteries. It starts automatically when deemed necessary and works for any battery capacity.
• LEAD ACID 6V SLOW (1A): For charging 6V Wet Cell, Gel Cell, MF, VRLA, and other Maintenance-Free batteries. Suitable for 2-20 Ah batteries. Important: Always select 1A for charging 6V batteries to prevent damage.
• AGM 6V SLOW (1A): Also a cold weather mode for charging 6V batteries below 10°C/50°F. Suitable for 2-20 Ah batteries.
• FORCE MODE: For charging Lead Acid batteries with a voltage between 0.35V and 2V. To activate, users press and hold both the "BATTERY" and "MODE" buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. The charger operates in Force Mode for 5 minutes before returning to standard charging. Extreme Caution: Clamps must be tightly connected to the correct polarities before selecting Force Mode. Spark proof and other safety protections are disabled in this mode, and sparks may generate, potentially damaging the product or vehicle's electrical system if not used properly.

Mode Change:

• Voltage selection: If the charger fails to detect a 12V battery, pressing and holding the "MODE" button for 3 seconds will switch the charging mode from 6V to 12V.
• Battery type selection: Pressing and holding the "BATTERY" button for 3 seconds allows changing the battery type. If in 6V mode, it switches between LEAD ACID and AGM. If in 12V mode, it switches between LEAD ACID, AGM, or LI-ION.

Charging Steps (11-step smart charging cycle):

The charger is programmed to go through some or all of these steps to extend battery life and maximize performance:

1. Standby: Charger is ready to charge.
2. Qualification: Checks battery condition (voltage, state-of-charge, health) to determine if it's suitable for charging. If slightly sulfated, it will attempt rejuvenation. Charging only begins if the battery is above 2V.
3. Soft Start: For very low state-of-charge batteries, small charging voltage and current are applied to prepare for the next step.
4. Pulse: Desulfation process to break down sulfate and restore battery capacity.
5. Recondition: Reactivates the battery for bulk charging after desulfation.
6. Bulk Charging 1: Charges the battery at a constant current of 4A to approximately 75% of full charge.
7. Bulk Charging 2: Charges the battery at a constant current of 3A to approximately 80% of full charge.
8. Bulk Charging 3: Charges the battery at a constant current of 2A (or 1A if slow charging rate is selected) to approximately 85% of full charge.
9. Absorption: Switches to constant voltage charging. Current gradually reduces, allowing the battery to absorb more power until 100% charged.
10. Analysis: Charging stops, and the charger checks if the process was successful. A voltage test determines the state of charge, and the charger decides whether to proceed to maintenance or if the battery is dead.
11. Maintenance: Charges the battery at constant voltage to maintain its full charged state without overcharging or damaging it.

Maintenance Features:

Once charging is complete and the battery is confirmed to be in good condition, the display will show "FL" (Battery fully charged), and the charger will enter the maintenance step, trickle charging the battery as needed. The charger can be disconnected from the battery at any time.

When disconnecting the battery charger, the user should first unplug the charger from the outlet. Then, remove the black clamp, followed by the red clamp, or directly remove the eyelet terminal connectors.

Safety Instructions and Personal Precautions:

The manual emphasizes several safety instructions to prevent serious injury, death, or property damage, particularly regarding electric shock, explosion, and fire risks associated with lead-acid batteries.

• The product is compatible with 12V Li-ion (LiFePO4) batteries and 6V & 12V lead-acid batteries. It should not be used to charge other battery types.
• Disconnect battery clamps/eyelet terminals only after disconnecting the AC power cord.
• Do not use adapter plugs or extension cords with this product.
• The product may become warm during extended high-power operation.
• Do not disassemble, modify, or repair the product.
• Do not destroy the product by crushing or cutting.
• Avoid exposing the product to fire, rain, snow, sunlight, or heat.
• Keep the product away from water and other liquids and ensure it is kept in a dry place.
• Use the product in a well-ventilated area, avoiding explosive atmospheres (flammable gas, dust, liquid).
• Do not overcharge the battery.
• Handle the product with care; do not use if damaged or if cables/clamps are damaged.
• Clean the product only with a dry cloth, avoiding rough or chemical substances.
• The product should not be charged in contact with flammable materials like textiles.
• Use only accessories provided in the package.
• Connect the charger only with the clamps or eyelet terminal connectors provided.

Personal precautions include:

• Wearing adequate eye protection and protective clothing when working near a car battery.
• Not smoking or allowing sparks/flames near the battery or engine.
• Removing all metal objects (rings, bracelets, watches).
• Having plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case of battery acid contact. If acid contacts skin/clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If it enters the eye, flush with cold water for at least 10 minutes and seek medical attention.
• Being careful not to drop metal items on the battery, as this could cause sparks or short-circuits.
• Considering having someone nearby for assistance in an emergency.
• Being cautious not to drop metal tools onto the battery, which could cause sparks, short-circuits, or explosions.
• Incompatible or damaged car batteries may explode when used with this product.

The SBC400 is designed to be a reliable and safe battery charging and maintenance solution, provided the user adheres to the detailed instructions and safety warnings.