Schumacher SC 1304 Battery Charger Manual

The Schumacher SC 1304 is a fully automatic battery charger and maintainer designed for 6V and 12V lead-acid batteries, including standard, AGM, gel-cell, and deep-cycle types. It features a microprocessor control for automatic charging, float-mode monitoring, and reverse hook-up protection. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, operation, specifications, 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: Charger unit, Battery clamps (red/black), AC power cord, LED status indicators.

Feature	Description
Microprocessor Control	Automatically selects optimal charge rate; switches to float mode
Multi-Voltage	Charges 6V and 12V lead-acid batteries
Battery Type Support	Standard, AGM, Gel-Cell, Deep-Cycle
Reverse Polarity Protection	Prevents damage if clamps are connected incorrectly
Spark-Proof Technology	Reduces risk of sparking when connecting clamps
LED Indicators	Shows charging, maintenance, and fault status
Fully Automatic	No manual adjustment needed; charges and maintains automatically
Compact Design	Lightweight and portable for easy storage

Safety Instructions

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

Use in well-ventilated area; keep away from sparks, flames, and smoking materials.
Wear eye protection and protective clothing when handling batteries.
Do not charge frozen or damaged batteries.
Ensure charger is unplugged from AC outlet before connecting/disconnecting clamps.
Connect red clamp to positive (+) terminal first, then black to negative (-) or chassis ground.

WARNING! Risk of explosive gases. Battery acid can cause severe burns. Keep out of reach of children.

Installation & Setup

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

Check battery: Ensure battery is 6V or 12V lead-acid type. Clean terminals if corroded.
Connect clamps: With charger unplugged, connect red clamp to positive (+) terminal.
Connect black clamp to negative (-) terminal or clean, unpainted metal on chassis.
Plug charger into standard 120V AC, 60Hz outlet.
LED will illuminate indicating charging has begun.

CAUTION! Do not connect to AC power before connecting to battery. Ensure clamps do not touch each other or metal surfaces.

Specifications

Model: SC 1304
Input Voltage: 120V AC, 60Hz
Output Voltage: 6V / 12V DC automatic selection
Charge Rate: 1.5A (trickle charge/maintain)
Battery Types: Standard (Wet), AGM, Gel-Cell, Deep-Cycle
Protections: Reverse polarity, spark-proof, short-circuit
Indicators: LED (Charging, Maintenance, Fault)
Operating Temperature: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)
Dimensions: Compact, portable design
Warranty: Limited 1-year warranty

Controls and Indicators

Unit features simple LED indicator system. No manual controls or switches.

LED Status Lights:

CHARGING (Red): Battery is being charged at full rate.
MAINTENANCE (Green): Battery is fully charged; charger is in float/maintenance mode.
FAULT (Red Flashing): Indicates reverse polarity, bad battery, or other fault condition.

Charger automatically detects battery voltage and condition. No user adjustment required.

Charging Procedure

Fully automatic operation for charging and maintaining.

Ensure charger is unplugged from AC outlet.
Connect clamps to battery as described in Installation.
Plug charger into AC outlet. Red CHARGING LED will light.
Charger will automatically analyze battery and apply appropriate charge.
When battery reaches full charge, LED will change to green MAINTENANCE mode.
Charger can remain connected indefinitely to maintain battery charge.
To disconnect: Unplug from AC outlet first, then remove black clamp, then red clamp.

Tip: For deeply discharged batteries, charging may take several hours to complete.

Maintenance Mode

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

Green MAINTENANCE LED indicates battery is fully charged.
Changer monitors battery voltage and provides small maintenance charge as needed.
Safe for long-term connection to prevent battery discharge during storage.
Ideal for seasonal vehicles, boats, motorcycles, and lawn equipment.

Note: Maintenance mode will not overcharge the battery.

Care & Storage

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

Wipe exterior with dry cloth only. Do not use liquids or solvents.
Inspect clamps and cables periodically for damage.
Store in original packaging or protective case to prevent dust accumulation.
Keep away from moisture, heat sources, and direct sunlight.

CAUTION! Do not immerse charger in water or other liquids.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. UL Listed. Copyright © Schumacher Electric Corporation. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. For technical support or warranty service, visit www.schumacherelectric.com or contact 1-800-621-5485.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No LED lights when plugged in	No AC power / Faulty outlet	Check AC outlet; try different outlet. Ensure charger is firmly plugged in.
FAULT LED flashing (red)	Reverse polarity / Bad battery	Disconnect immediately. Check clamp connections (red to +, black to -). Test battery voltage.
CHARGING LED stays red for extended time	Deeply discharged or large battery	Allow more time for charging. If over 24 hours, battery may be defective.
Charger gets warm during use	Normal operation	Some warmth is normal. If excessively hot, unplug and allow to cool.
Battery not holding charge	Old or defective battery	Test battery with load tester. Battery may need replacement.

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

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