Schumacher Battery Charger SE-60 Manual

The Schumacher SE-60 is a fully automatic 6/2 Amp battery charger and maintainer designed for 12V lead-acid batteries, including standard, AGM, and gel cell types. It features microprocessor-controlled charging, automatic voltage detection, float-mode monitoring, reverse hook-up protection, and a digital display showing charge status and battery voltage. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Instructions 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Indicators 6. Charging Procedure 7. Maintenance Mode 8. Error Codes & Diagnostics 9. Care & Storage 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Digital display, Charge Rate selector (6A/2A), Clamp cables, AC power cord, LED status indicators.

FeatureDescription
Microprocessor ControlAutomatically adjusts charge rate and switches to float mode
Digital DisplayShows battery voltage, charge status, and error codes
Charge Rate Selector6A for faster charging, 2A for maintenance/trickle charging
Automatic Voltage DetectionDetects 12V battery; will not charge 6V batteries
Reverse Polarity ProtectionAlerts if clamps are connected incorrectly
Float Mode MonitoringMaintains battery at full charge without overcharging
Spark-Proof ClampsReduces risk of spark when connecting
AGM/Gel CompatibleSafe for Absorbent Glass Mat and gel cell batteries
Compact DesignLightweight with integrated cable storage
Cooling FanThermally controlled for efficient operation

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before use. For lead-acid batteries only.

  1. Work in well-ventilated area: Batteries generate explosive gases.
  2. Wear eye protection: Shield eyes when working near batteries.
  3. Check battery condition: Do not charge damaged, leaking, or frozen batteries.
  4. Disconnect AC power before connecting/disconnecting clamps.
  5. Connect positive (red) to positive terminal first, then negative (black) to chassis ground.

WARNING! Risk of explosion or acid burn. Follow instructions precisely. Keep away from children.

First-Time Setup

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

  1. Select charge rate: Choose 6A for standard charging, 2A for maintenance/small batteries.
  2. Prepare battery: Clean terminals; ensure vent caps are secure (non-sealed batteries).
  3. Connect clamps: RED to positive (+), BLACK to negative (-) or chassis ground.
  4. Plug into 120V AC outlet: Charger will begin automatic diagnosis.
  5. Monitor display: Digital readout will show progress and final charge status.

CAUTION! Never connect to AC power before battery connections are made.

Specifications

Controls and Indicators

Front Panel: Digital Display, CHARGE RATE switch (6A/2A), Power/Status LED.

Display Codes: - "12.0" - 12.8V: Battery voltage reading - "CHARGING": Bulk/absorption stage active - "FULL": Charge complete, float mode maintaining - "ERROR": Fault condition (see Error Codes)

LED Indicators: - Green Solid: Charging - Green Blinking: Maintenance/Float mode - Red Solid: Error/fault detected - Red Blinking: Reverse polarity detected

Charging Procedure

Automatic charging for 12V batteries.

  1. Ensure battery is 12V: Charger will not operate on 6V batteries.
  2. Select rate: 6A for typical car/truck batteries, 2A for motorcycle/lawn equipment.
  3. Connect clamps: RED to positive terminal, BLACK to negative terminal or clean chassis ground.
  4. Plug into AC outlet: Display will show battery voltage, then "CHARGING".
  5. Monitor: Display updates throughout process; fan may activate during high charge.
  6. Completion: Display shows "FULL" when battery reaches full charge; charger switches to float mode.
  7. Disconnect: Unplug AC cord first, then remove BLACK clamp, then RED clamp.

Tip: For deeply discharged batteries (<10V), charger may take several minutes to begin charging.

Maintenance Mode

Float mode maintains battery indefinitely for seasonal storage.

  1. Set to 2A rate for long-term maintenance.
  2. Connect as normal; charger will charge to full, then switch to float.
  3. LED blinks green indicating maintenance mode active.
  4. Can be left connected for months; automatically monitors and tops up as needed.

Note: Ideal for vehicles in storage, boats, RVs, and seasonal equipment.

Error Codes & Diagnostics

Display shows error codes for fault conditions.

DisplayMeaningAction
ERROR 1Reverse polarity detectedCheck clamp connections; correct polarity
ERROR 2Battery voltage too low (<3V)Battery may be damaged or sulfated
ERROR 3Battery voltage too high (>18V)Disconnect; check for battery or charger fault
ERROR 4Overheat conditionAllow charger to cool; ensure ventilation
ERROR 5Internal faultUnplug; contact Schumacher support

Care & Storage

Unplug and disconnect before cleaning. Wipe with dry cloth; do not immerse.

Store in dry location, coiled cables neatly. Avoid extreme temperatures.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or water; keep vents clear of obstruction.

Regulatory Information

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

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No display/powerAC outlet dead/not connectedCheck outlet; ensure plug fully inserted; try different outlet.
Charger not startingBattery below 3V or reverse polarityCheck battery voltage; verify correct clamp connection.
Display shows ERRORFault conditionRefer to Error Codes section; disconnect and restart.
Battery not holding chargeBattery old/damagedTest battery; may need replacement.
Charger gets hotNormal during high charge rateEnsure ventilation; fan should activate. If overheating persists, disconnect.
Slow chargingLarge battery capacity or low rate selectedUse 6A rate for larger batteries; charging time varies by battery size/condition.

Reset: Unplug AC and battery connections for 2 minutes, then reconnect.

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

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