Schumacher Battery Charger SC1308 Manual

The Schumacher SC1308 is a fully automatic 12V battery charger and maintainer with microprocessor control, automatic voltage detection, multi-stage charging, float-mode maintenance, and reverse hook-up protection. It features LED indicators for charge status, a compact design, and is suitable for charging and maintaining automotive, motorcycle, lawn tractor, and other lead-acid batteries. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. Installation & Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Indicators 6. Charging Procedure 7. Maintenance Mode 8. Care & Storage 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Microprocessor control unit, Charging clamps (red/black), AC power cord, LED status indicators.

Feature	Description
Microprocessor Control	Automatically selects optimal charge rate and mode
Automatic Voltage Detection	Detects 6V or 12V battery automatically
Multi-Stage Charging	Bulk, Absorption, Float modes for efficient charging
Float-Mode Maintenance	Maintains battery at full charge without overcharging
Reverse Polarity Protection	Alerts and prevents charging if clamps are reversed
LED Status Indicators	Shows Power, Charging, and Maintenance status
Spark-Proof Technology	Reduces risk of spark when connecting clamps
Compact & Portable	Lightweight design for easy storage and transport

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before use. Use in well-ventilated area.

Wear eye protection and avoid leaning over battery.
Do not expose charger to rain or snow.
Ensure area around battery is well ventilated while charging.
Do not charge frozen battery.
Keep charger dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.

WARNING! Risk of explosive gases. Working near lead-acid batteries is dangerous. Follow all safety instructions.

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure charger is unplugged from AC outlet before connecting to battery.

Prepare battery: Remove battery from vehicle if possible. Clean battery terminals.
Connect clamps: Connect RED clamp to POSITIVE (+) battery terminal. Connect BLACK clamp to NEGATIVE (-) battery terminal.
Connect to power: Plug charger AC cord into standard 120V outlet.
Monitor: LEDs will illuminate to indicate charging status.

CAUTION! Never connect clamps in reverse order. Ensure firm connection to battery terminals.

Specifications

Model: SC1308
Input Voltage: 120V AC, 60Hz
Output Voltage: Automatic 6V/12V DC
Charging Current: 1.5A (maximum)
Battery Types: Standard, AGM, Gel Cell, and Deep-Cycle lead-acid batteries
Charging Modes: Bulk, Absorption, Float Maintenance
Protections: Reverse polarity, short circuit, overcharge
Dimensions: Compact design for easy storage
Operating Temperature: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)

Controls and Indicators

LED Indicator Panel: POWER (Green), CHARGING (Red), MAINTENANCE (Green).

LED Status Guide:

POWER (Green): Illuminates when charger is plugged into AC outlet.
CHARGING (Red): Illuminates when battery is charging. Blinks during bulk/absorption stages.
MAINTENANCE (Green): Illuminates when battery is fully charged and charger is in float maintenance mode.

Note: If POWER LED does not illuminate, check AC power connection. If CHARGING LED does not illuminate after proper connection, check battery connections and condition.

Charging Procedure

Fully automatic operation once connected.

Ensure charger is unplugged from AC outlet.
Connect clamps to battery terminals (RED to POSITIVE, BLACK to NEGATIVE).
Plug charger into 120V AC outlet. POWER LED will illuminate.
CHARGING LED will illuminate (solid or blinking) indicating charging in progress.
When battery is fully charged, CHARGING LED will turn off and MAINTENANCE LED will illuminate.
To disconnect: Unplug charger from AC outlet, then remove BLACK clamp, then RED clamp.

Tip: For deeply discharged batteries, charging may take several hours. Charger will automatically switch to maintenance mode when complete.

Maintenance Mode

After full charge is reached, charger automatically switches to float maintenance mode.

MAINTENANCE LED illuminates green.
Charger maintains optimal battery voltage without overcharging.
Can be left connected to battery indefinitely for seasonal storage.
Ideal for maintaining batteries in vehicles, boats, RVs, and lawn equipment during periods of non-use.

Note: For long-term storage, check battery and charger connections periodically.

Care & Storage

Unplug and disconnect from battery before cleaning. Store in cool, dry place.

Clean charger with dry cloth only; do not use liquids or solvents.
Inspect clamps and cords for damage before each use.
Store in original packaging or protective case when not in use.
Keep away from children and pets.

CAUTION! Do not expose to moisture, extreme heat, or direct sunlight for extended periods.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. UL Listed. Copyright © Schumacher Electric Corporation. All rights reserved. For technical support or warranty information, visit www.schumacherelectric.com or contact 1-800-621-5485.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
POWER LED not on	No AC power	Check outlet; ensure charger is plugged in securely.
CHARGING LED not on	Poor connection/battery fault	Check clamp connections; clean battery terminals; test battery voltage.
CHARGING LED blinking rapidly	Reverse polarity detected	Disconnect immediately; reconnect RED to POSITIVE, BLACK to NEGATIVE.
Battery not holding charge	Battery may be defective	Test battery; replace if necessary. Charger cannot revive severely sulfated batteries.
Charger gets warm during use	Normal operation	Some warmth is normal. If excessively hot, unplug and allow to cool.

Reset: Unplug from AC outlet, disconnect from battery, wait 30 seconds, then reconnect.

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