Schumacher SE50 Battery Charger Manual

The Schumacher SE50 is a fully automatic 50 Amp battery charger and engine starter designed for 12V lead-acid batteries. It features microprocessor-controlled charging, multi-stage charging (bulk, absorption, float), battery reconditioning mode, alternator check, battery and starter diagnosis, and engine start assist. 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. Engine Start Feature 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Microprocessor control unit, Digital display, Charging clamps (red/black), AC power cord, Mode selection buttons.

FeatureDescription
Fully Automatic ChargingAutomatically selects optimal charge rate for battery
50 Amp Engine StartProvides extra power to assist starting engines
Multi-Stage ChargingBulk, absorption, and float charging stages
Battery Recondition ModeHelps recover deeply discharged batteries
Alternator CheckTests vehicle alternator output
Battery DiagnosisAssesses battery condition before charging
Digital DisplayShows voltage, amperage, charging status, and error codes
Reverse Polarity ProtectionPrevents damage from incorrect clamp connections
Overheat ProtectionAutomatically reduces charge if unit overheats
Spark Proof TechnologyMinimizes sparking when connecting clamps

Installation

Unpack and inspect all components. Place charger on stable, dry surface.

  1. Select Location: Choose well-ventilated area away from flammable materials.
  2. AC Power Connection: Plug power cord into grounded 120V AC outlet.
  3. Battery Preparation: Ensure battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion.
  4. Clamp Connection: Connect red clamp to positive (+) terminal, black to negative (-) or vehicle frame.

WARNING! Always connect clamps in correct order: positive first, then negative. Disconnect in reverse order.

First-Time Setup

Power on charger; follow initial setup procedure.

  1. Battery Type Selection: Press MODE button to select battery type (Standard, AGM, Gel).
  2. Charge Rate Selection: Use CHARGE RATE button to select appropriate amperage.
  3. Diagnostic Check: Allow charger to perform automatic battery diagnosis.
  4. Start Charging: Press START button to begin automatic charging cycle.

CAUTION! Ensure proper ventilation during charging. Keep charger dry and away from battery acid.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel Controls: POWER button, MODE selector, CHARGE RATE buttons, ENGINE START button, DISPLAY button.

Display Indicators: Battery voltage, Charge current, Charge status, Error codes, Battery type icon.

Mode Settings: STANDARD (regular batteries), AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat), GEL (Gel Cell). Charge Rates: 2A (trickle/maintenance), 10A (standard charging), 50A (fast charge/engine start). Special Functions: Battery recondition mode, Alternator test, Battery diagnosis.

Connecting to Battery

Proper connection sequence is critical for safety.

  1. Turn off charger and unplug from AC power.
  2. Clean battery terminals if corroded.
  3. Connect RED clamp to POSITIVE (+) battery terminal.
  4. Connect BLACK clamp to NEGATIVE (-) terminal or clean metal on vehicle frame.
  5. Plug charger into AC outlet.
  6. Turn on charger power switch.

Tip: For engine starting, ensure vehicle is in park/neutral with parking brake engaged.

Charging Process

Automatic charging cycle monitors and adjusts throughout process.

  1. Diagnosis: Charger automatically checks battery condition before charging.
  2. Bulk Charge: Delivers maximum current until battery reaches 80% capacity.
  3. Absorption Charge: Reduces current as battery approaches full charge.
  4. Float Charge: Maintains battery at full charge without overcharging.
  5. Completion: Display shows "FULL" or "MAINTENANCE" when charging complete.
  6. Disconnect: Turn off charger, unplug AC cord, remove black clamp first, then red.

WARNING! Do not touch clamps together when charger is powered on. Keep away from children.

Engine Start Feature

Use 50A setting for engine starting assistance.

  1. Connect charger to battery following proper sequence.
  2. Select 50A charge rate.
  3. Press ENGINE START button.
  4. Attempt to start vehicle within 5 minutes of activation.
  5. If engine doesn't start within 30 seconds, wait 3 minutes before retrying.
  6. After successful start, disconnect charger following proper sequence.

CAUTION! Do not use engine start feature for more than 5 continuous minutes. Allow unit to cool between attempts.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug and disconnect from battery before cleaning. Wipe exterior with dry cloth. Store in dry location.

CAUTION! Do not use water or cleaning solvents. Check clamps and cables regularly for damage.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed and CSA Certified. Complies with FCC Part 15 Class B. Manufactured to meet industry safety standards. Copyright © Schumacher Electric Corporation. For technical support, visit www.schumacherelectric.com or contact 1-800-621-5485.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Charger won't turn onNo AC power/loose connectionCheck AC outlet; ensure power cord fully inserted; test outlet with another device.
Display shows "Error"Reverse polarity/bad connectionCheck clamp connections; ensure correct polarity; clean battery terminals.
Not chargingBattery deeply discharged/deadTry recondition mode; check battery voltage; battery may need replacement.
OverheatingPoor ventilation/high ambient tempMove to cooler location; ensure vents not blocked; allow to cool before resuming.
Engine start not workingBattery severely depletedCharge battery first; check connections; battery may be beyond recovery.

Reset: Unplug from AC power for 30 seconds to reset microprocessor.

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

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