Schumacher Battery Charger SC1564 Manual

The Schumacher SC1564 is a 15 Amp 6/2 Amp manual battery charger designed for charging and maintaining 12V automotive, marine, and deep-cycle batteries. It features a 6 Amp fast charge setting and a 2 Amp slow/trickle charge setting, automatic voltage detection, reverse hook-up protection, and a multi-stage charging process for optimal battery health and longevity. 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 & Storage 8. Regulatory Information 9. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Charger unit, Battery clamps (red positive, black negative), AC power cord, Charge rate selector switch, Ammeter, Power/Charge indicator.

Feature	Description
Charge Rate Selector	6 Amp (Fast Charge) or 2 Amp (Slow/Trickle Charge)
Ammeter	Displays charging current in Amps
Power/Charge Indicator	LED lights to show power on and charging status
Automatic Voltage Detection	Detects 12V battery automatically
Reverse Hook-up Protection	Prevents damage if clamps are connected incorrectly
Multi-Stage Charging	Bulk, Absorption, Float modes for optimal charging
Heavy-Duty Clamps	Insulated, copper-alloy clamps for secure connection
Thermal Protection	Protects charger from overheating

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before use. This charger is for 12V lead-acid batteries only.

Use in well-ventilated area; keep away from sparks, flames, and smoking materials.
Wear eye protection and avoid leaning over battery during charging.
Ensure charger is unplugged from AC outlet before connecting/disconnecting clamps.
Connect positive (red) clamp to positive battery terminal first, then negative (black) to negative terminal or grounded metal.
Do not charge frozen, damaged, or non-rechargeable batteries.
Keep charger dry; do not expose to rain or moisture.

WARNING! Risk of explosive gases. Battery can explode causing severe injury. Follow all safety precautions.

Installation & Setup

Unpack charger and inspect for damage. Place on stable, dry, non-flammable surface near battery.

Set Charge Rate: Select 6A for standard charging or 2A for maintenance/trickle charging.
Connect to Battery: Ensure charger is unplugged. Connect red clamp to positive (+) terminal, black clamp to negative (-) terminal or vehicle chassis ground.
Connect to Power: Plug AC cord into 120V, 60Hz grounded outlet.
Monitor: Power/Charge indicator should light; ammeter will show charging current.

CAUTION! Do not connect clamps to each other or allow them to touch metal surfaces except as directed.

Specifications

Model: SC1564
Input Voltage: 120V AC, 60Hz
Output Voltage: 12V DC
Charge Rates: 6 Amp (Fast), 2 Amp (Slow/Trickle)
Battery Compatibility: 12V Lead-Acid (Standard, AGM, Gel, Deep-Cycle)
Charging Stages: 3-Stage (Bulk, Absorption, Float)
Protections: Reverse Polarity, Overheat, Short-Circuit
Cord Length: AC Cord: 6 ft; Clamp Cables: 3 ft
Dimensions: Approx. 8" L x 6" W x 4" H
Weight: Approx. 5 lbs

Controls and Indicators

Front Panel: Charge Rate Selector Switch (6A/2A), Analog Ammeter, Power/Charge LED Indicator.

Ammeter: Shows real-time charging current. Needle will drop as battery approaches full charge.

LED Indicator: Solid Green = Power On/Charging; Flashing Green = Charging Complete/Maintenance Mode; Red = Fault/Error.

Charge Rate Selection: Use 6A for faster charging of larger batteries (e.g., automotive). Use 2A for smaller batteries, motorcycle batteries, or long-term maintenance charging.

Charging Procedure

Preparation: Ensure battery terminals are clean. Remove battery caps (if applicable) to vent gases. Check electrolyte level; add distilled water if low.
Connection: Follow SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS for clamp connection order.
Power On: Plug into AC outlet. Select charge rate (6A or 2A).
Monitoring: Observe ammeter. Initial current will be high, then gradually decrease as battery charges.
Completion: Charging is complete when ammeter needle drops to near zero (or LED flashes green). For 2A trickle charge, charger can remain connected indefinitely for maintenance.
Disconnection: Unplug AC cord first. Then remove black (negative) clamp, followed by red (positive) clamp.

Tip: Charge time varies by battery size and discharge level. A fully discharged 50Ah battery may take ~8 hours on 6A setting.

Maintenance & Storage

Unplug and clean charger after each use. Wipe with dry cloth; do not use liquids or solvents.

Store in cool, dry place. Coil cords neatly to prevent damage. Inspect clamps and cables periodically for wear or corrosion.

CAUTION! Do not disassemble charger. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

Regulatory Information

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

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Charger not turning on	No AC power / Blown fuse	Check outlet; ensure plug is secure. Check home circuit breaker/fuse.
LED indicator red	Reverse polarity / Overheat / Short circuit	Disconnect immediately. Check clamp connections (red to +, black to -). Allow charger to cool.
Ammeter shows zero	Battery fully charged / Bad connection / Faulty battery	Check clamp connections are tight and clean. Test battery with voltmeter.
Battery not holding charge	Old/damaged battery / Sulfation	Battery may need replacement. Try desulfation mode if available on other models.
Charger gets very hot	Overheating due to high ambient temp or prolonged use	Unplug, allow to cool in well-ventilated area. Do not cover charger during use.

Reset: Unplug charger for 5 minutes to reset internal protection circuits.

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