Schumacher 815G Battery Charger Manual

The Schumacher 815G is a fully automatic battery charger designed for 6V and 12V lead-acid batteries, including standard, AGM, and gel cell types. It features automatic voltage detection, multi-stage charging (bulk, absorption, float), reverse hook-up protection, and a digital display showing voltage, charge rate, and battery status. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Precautions 3. Installation & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Indicators 6. Charging Procedure 7. Maintenance & Storage 8. Regulatory Information 9. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Charger unit, battery clamps (red/black), AC power cord, digital display, mode selection buttons.

Feature	Description
Automatic voltage detection	Detects 6V or 12V battery automatically
Multi-stage charging	Bulk, absorption, and float stages for optimal charging
Digital display	Shows battery voltage, charge rate (amps), and status
Reverse hook-up protection	Prevents damage if clamps are connected incorrectly
Battery type support	Standard, AGM, and gel cell batteries
Fully automatic operation	Charges and maintains battery automatically
Overcharge protection	Prevents battery damage from overcharging
Compact design	Lightweight and portable for easy storage
AC power input	Standard 120V AC, 60Hz household outlet
Charge rate	Up to 15 amps for fast charging

Safety Precautions

Read all instructions before use. Battery charging can be hazardous.

Work in well-ventilated area: Batteries produce explosive gases.
Wear eye protection: Shield eyes when working near batteries.
Remove jewelry: Avoid short circuits from metal objects.
Check battery condition: Do not charge damaged or leaking batteries.
Disconnect AC power before connecting/disconnecting clamps.

WARNING! Risk of explosion or fire. Keep sparks, flames, and smoking materials away from battery. Connect and disconnect clamps in correct order.

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure charger is on stable, dry surface.

Prepare battery: Clean battery terminals if corroded.
Connect clamps: RED clamp to POSITIVE (+) terminal, BLACK clamp to NEGATIVE (-) terminal.
Verify connections: Ensure clamps have good metal-to-metal contact.
Plug into AC power: Connect to 120V outlet after clamps are secure.
Select mode (if needed): Default automatic mode works for most applications.

CAUTION! Never connect clamps to each other. Ensure polarity is correct to avoid damage.

Specifications

Model: Schumacher 815G
Input Voltage: 120V AC, 60Hz
Output Voltage: 6V/12V DC automatic detection
Charge Rate: 15 amps maximum
Battery Types: Standard (flooded), AGM, gel cell
Charging Stages: 3-stage (bulk, absorption, float)
Display: Digital LCD showing voltage, amps, status
Protections: Reverse polarity, overcharge, short circuit
Dimensions: 10.5" x 7.5" x 4.5" (approx)
Weight: 5.5 lbs (approx)
Operating Temperature: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)

Controls and Indicators

Front Panel: Digital display, MODE button, battery type indicator lights.

Digital Display: Shows battery voltage (e.g., 12.6V), charge current (e.g., 8.5A), and status messages.

Indicator Lights: POWER (green), CHARGING (red), FULLY CHARGED (green), FAULT (red).

MODE Button: Toggles between automatic charge, maintenance mode, and battery recondition mode (if equipped).

Status Messages: "CHG" (charging), "FUL" (fully charged), "ERR" (error/fault detected).

Charging Procedure

Automatic operation simplifies charging process.

Connect clamps to battery (RED to +, BLACK to -).
Plug charger into AC outlet.
Charger automatically detects battery voltage and begins charging.
Monitor display: Shows charging progress and current.
Completion: Charger switches to float/maintenance mode when battery is full.
Disconnect: Unplug AC power first, then remove BLACK clamp, then RED clamp.

Tip: For deeply discharged batteries, charger may take several hours. Display will show progress.

Maintenance & Storage

Keep charger clean and dry. Store in cool, dry place.

Clean clamps periodically with baking soda solution to remove corrosion.
Inspect cables for damage before each use.
Store with cables neatly wrapped to prevent tangling.
Do not expose to extreme temperatures or moisture.

CAUTION! Never immerse charger in water or use with wet hands. Unplug before cleaning.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. UL listed; meets safety standards. Copyright © Schumacher Electric Corporation. For support, visit www.schumacherelectric.com or contact 1-800-621-5485.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No display/power	AC power not connected	Ensure charger is plugged into working outlet; check circuit breaker.
Display shows "ERR"	Reverse polarity or bad connection	Verify RED to +, BLACK to -; clean terminals; ensure good contact.
Not charging	Battery deeply discharged or faulty	Try battery recondition mode; test battery with voltmeter.
Charger shuts off quickly	Battery may be fully charged or defective	Check battery voltage; if below 10V, battery may be sulfated.
Clamps getting hot	Poor connection or high resistance	Disconnect and clean terminals; ensure tight connection.
Display shows 0.0A	Battery fully charged or maintenance mode	Normal operation; charger maintains battery at float voltage.

Reset: Unplug from AC and battery for 5 minutes to reset charger.

Service: 1-800-621-5485; www.schumacherelectric.com