Schumacher SC1632 Battery Charger Manual

The Schumacher SC1632 is a fully automatic battery charger and maintainer designed for 12V lead-acid batteries, including standard, AGM, gel-cell, and deep-cycle batteries. It features microprocessor control, multiple charging modes (including a 2A trickle charge mode for maintenance), reverse hook-up protection, and a digital display showing voltage, charge status, and fault codes. Below are key sections for safety, features, operation, specifications, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: Microprocessor-controlled unit, Digital Display, Charging Clamps (Red/Black), AC Power Cord, Mode Selection Button.

Feature	Description
Microprocessor Control	Automatically selects optimal charge rate and switches to float/maintain
Digital Display	Shows battery voltage, charge status (%), and error codes
Multiple Battery Support	Charges 12V Standard, AGM, Gel-Cell, and Deep-Cycle batteries
2A Maintenance Mode	Provides trickle charge for long-term battery maintenance
Reverse Polarity Protection	Prevents damage if clamps are connected incorrectly
Spark-Proof Technology	Reduces risk of spark when connecting clamps
Compact Design	Lightweight and portable for garage or on-the-go use
AC Input	Standard 120V, 60Hz household outlet
Charge Status LEDs	Indicates Charging, Complete, and Fault conditions
Automatic Shut-off	Powers down when battery is fully charged

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before use. Charger must be used in a dry, well-ventilated area.

Personal Safety: Wear eye protection. Keep children and pets away.
Battery Safety: Ensure battery is 12V lead-acid. Do not charge frozen or damaged batteries.
Connection Safety: Connect clamps to battery terminals before plugging charger into AC outlet.
Ventilation: Charge in a well-ventilated area to disperse hydrogen gas produced during charging.
Fire Hazard: Keep sparks, flames, and smoking materials away from battery area.

WARNING! Risk of explosive gases. Working near lead-acid batteries carries risk. Follow all safety precautions.

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure charger is on a stable, dry, non-flammable surface.

Prepare Battery: For vehicle batteries, turn off ignition and all accessories. Clean battery terminals if corroded.
Connect Clamps: Connect RED clamp to POSITIVE (+) battery terminal. Connect BLACK clamp to NEGATIVE (-) terminal or a solid, unpainted metal part of the chassis (for negative-grounded systems).
Power On: Plug charger AC cord into a 120V outlet. The digital display will illuminate.
Select Mode: Press MODE button to select between Automatic Charge or 2A Maintenance mode. The display will show the selected mode.

CAUTION! Never connect clamps to each other. Ensure polarity is correct before plugging in.

Specifications

Model: SC1632
Input Voltage: 120V AC, 60Hz
Output Voltage: 12V DC
Charge Rate (Automatic): Up to 1.5A (adjusts based on battery condition)
Maintenance Rate: 2A constant trickle charge
Compatible Batteries: 12V Lead-Acid (Standard, AGM, Gel-Cell, Deep-Cycle)
Display: Digital LCD (Voltage, Charge %, Status)
Protections: Reverse Polarity, Short Circuit, Overcharge
Dimensions: Approx. 7.5" L x 3.5" W x 2.5" H
Weight: 2.2 lbs
Operating Temp: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)

Controls and Indicators

Front Panel:

Digital Display: Shows battery voltage (e.g., 12.6V), estimated charge percentage (0-100%), and error codes (e.g., E1, E2).
MODE Button: Toggles between Automatic Charge mode and 2A Maintenance mode.
Status LEDs:
- CHARGING (Red): Illuminates when actively charging.
- COMPLETE (Green): Illuminates when battery is fully charged and charger is in maintain mode.
- FAULT (Red Flashing): Indicates an error condition (see Error Codes).

Connections: Heavy-duty insulated clamps (Red-Positive, Black-Negative). 6-foot output cables. 6-foot AC input cord.

Charging Procedures

Automatic Mode (Default): For charging a depleted battery.

Follow Installation steps 1-3 to connect clamps and plug in charger.
Display will show battery voltage and begin diagnosis. The CHARGING (Red) LED will light.
The microprocessor will apply a bulk charge, then an absorption charge, and finally switch to a float/maintain charge.
When the COMPLETE (Green) LED lights, the battery is fully charged and the charger is maintaining it.
To disconnect: Unplug AC cord from outlet first, then remove BLACK clamp, then RED clamp.

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

Maintenance Mode

Use the 2A Maintenance Mode for long-term storage of vehicles (e.g., boats, RVs, seasonal vehicles).

Connect clamps to battery as described in Installation.
Press the MODE button until the display shows "2A" or "MAINT."
Plug in the AC cord. The charger will deliver a constant 2A trickle charge to keep the battery at full charge indefinitely without overcharging.
The COMPLETE (Green) LED will be lit during maintenance.

WARNING! Intended for indoor use in a dry location. Do not use Maintenance Mode on a fully depleted battery; use Automatic Mode first.

Error Codes & Diagnostics

Display Code	Meaning	Action
E1	Reverse Polarity Detected	Unplug charger. Check that RED clamp is on POSITIVE (+) and BLACK on NEGATIVE (-). Reconnect properly.
E2	Bad Battery / Cannot Charge	Battery may be damaged, have a shorted cell, or voltage is too low (<3V). Test battery. May need replacement.
E3	Over Temperature	Charger has overheated. Unplug and allow to cool in a well-ventilated area for 30 minutes before resuming.
---	No Battery Connected	Check clamp connections. Ensure they are making solid contact with clean terminals.

Care & Storage

Unplug and disconnect clamps before cleaning. Wipe exterior with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Coil cords loosely to prevent damage. Keep clamps from touching each other to avoid discharge.

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

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Schumacher Electric Corporation. All rights reserved. Schumacher® is a registered trademark. For technical support or to locate a service center, visit www.schumacherelectric.com or contact 1-800-621-5485.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Display does not turn on	No AC power / Faulty outlet	Check that AC cord is fully plugged in. Try a different outlet. Ensure outlet is live.
Charger not charging (E2)	Battery voltage too low / Bad battery	Test battery with a voltmeter. If below 3V, battery may be unusable. Try charging a known-good battery.
Charger stops quickly (Green LED on)	Battery already fully charged	This is normal. The charger detected a full charge and switched to maintain mode.
Spark when connecting clamps	Charger was plugged in first / Accessories on	ALWAYS connect clamps to battery BEFORE plugging into AC outlet. Ensure all vehicle accessories are off.
Charger gets very warm	Normal during bulk charge phase / Poor ventilation	Ensure charger is in an open area, not covered or in direct sunlight. If excessively hot, unplug and check for obstructions.

Reset: Unplug charger from AC and battery for 2 minutes to reset the microprocessor.

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