Schumacher Battery Charger SC1360 Manual

The Schumacher SC1360 is a 6/2 Amp automatic battery charger and maintainer designed for 12V lead-acid batteries, including standard, AGM, gel-cell, and deep-cycle types. It features automatic voltage detection, microprocessor control, float-mode monitoring, reverse hook-up protection, and a multi-stage charging process. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to Battery 7. Charging Process 8. Maintenance Mode 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Charger unit, Battery clamps (red positive, black negative), AC power cord, Control panel with indicators and switches.

Feature	Description
Charge Rate Selector	6A for fast charging, 2A for slow/maintenance
LED Indicators	POWER, CHARGING, CHARGED/MAINTAINING
Automatic Voltage Detection	Detects battery voltage and adjusts automatically
Microprocessor Control	Manages multi-stage charging (bulk, absorption, float)
Reverse Polarity Protection	Alerts if clamps are connected incorrectly
Float-Mode Monitoring	Maintains battery after full charge without overcharging
AC Input	Standard 120V, 60Hz household outlet
Battery Type Compatibility	Standard, AGM, gel-cell, deep-cycle
Cooling Fan	Thermally controlled for quiet operation
Carrying Handle	For easy transport

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, dry, non-flammable surface.

Position charger: Ensure good ventilation, away from battery and engine.
Connect AC power: Plug cord into 120V outlet after all other connections are made.
Prepare battery: Ensure battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion.
Connect clamps: Attach RED clamp to positive (+) terminal, BLACK clamp to negative (-) terminal.

WARNING! Risk of explosive gases. Work in well-ventilated area. Keep sparks and flames away. Wear eye protection.

First-Time Setup

Power on charger; follow LED indicators.

Select charge rate: Choose 6A (fast) or 2A (slow/maintain) based on battery size/condition.
Connect to battery: Ensure proper polarity (RED to +, BLACK to -).
Plug into AC outlet: POWER LED will illuminate.
Monitor LEDs: CHARGING LED will light during charge; CHARGED/MAINTAINING will light when complete.

CAUTION! Do not connect/disconnect clamps while charger is plugged in. Ensure charger is off before moving clamps.

Specifications

Model: SC1360
Input Voltage: 120V AC, 60Hz
Output Voltage: 12V DC
Charge Rates: 6A (fast), 2A (slow/maintain)
Battery Compatibility: 12V lead-acid (standard, AGM, gel-cell, deep-cycle)
Charging Stages: Bulk, Absorption, Float
Protections: Reverse polarity, short circuit, overcharge
Dimensions: Approximately 9.5" L x 6.5" W x 4.5" H
Weight: Approximately 4.5 lbs
Operating Temperature: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)

Controls and Settings

Control Panel: Charge Rate Selector switch (6A/2A), POWER LED (green), CHARGING LED (red), CHARGED/MAINTAINING LED (green).

LED Indicators: POWER - AC power present. CHARGING - Actively charging. CHARGED/MAINTAINING - Charge complete or in float/maintenance mode.

Charge Rate: 6A for larger batteries or faster charge; 2A for smaller batteries, motorcycles, or long-term maintenance. Automatic Mode: Microprocessor selects appropriate charging algorithm based on battery condition.

Connecting to Battery

Always connect charger to battery before plugging into AC outlet.

Turn off charger and unplug from outlet.
Clean battery terminals if necessary.
Connect RED clamp to positive (+) terminal.
Connect BLACK clamp to negative (-) terminal or grounded metal part of chassis (away from battery).
Plug charger into AC outlet.
Select charge rate (6A or 2A).

Tip: For negative-grounded vehicles, connect BLACK clamp to vehicle chassis or engine block away from battery and fuel lines.

Charging Process

Automatic multi-stage charging.

Bulk Stage: Delivers maximum current (6A or 2A) until battery reaches about 80% capacity.
Absorption Stage: Voltage held constant, current tapers as battery nears full charge.
Float Stage: Maintains battery at full charge with reduced voltage, prevents overcharging.
Completion: CHARGED/MAINTAINING LED lights; charger switches to float/maintenance mode.

WARNING! Do not leave charger unattended for extended periods initially. Monitor for unusual heat, smoke, or odor.

Maintenance Mode

After full charge, charger automatically switches to float/maintenance mode, maintaining battery indefinitely. Ideal for seasonal vehicles, boats, RVs. Use 2A setting for long-term maintenance. LED will show CHARGED/MAINTAINING.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug and disconnect from battery before cleaning. Wipe exterior with dry cloth. Keep vents clear of debris. Store in dry location.

CAUTION! Do not immerse in water or use liquid cleaners. Do not open casing; no user-serviceable parts inside.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. UL and cUL listed. Copyright © Schumacher Electric Corporation. For support, 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/bad battery	Check clamps and terminals; battery may be defective or sulfated.
CHARGED LED flashes	Reverse polarity	Immediately disconnect and correct clamp connections (RED to +, BLACK to -).
Charger seems hot	Normal operation/ventilation	Ensure vents are not blocked; allow to cool if excessively hot.
Battery not holding charge	Old/damaged battery	Test battery; may need replacement.

Reset: Unplug from AC and battery for 5 minutes, then reconnect.

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