Schumacher SEM 1562A Manual

The Schumacher SEM 1562A is a fully automatic microprocessor-controlled battery charger and maintainer designed for 6V and 12V lead-acid batteries, including standard, AGM, gel cell, and deep-cycle types. It features automatic voltage detection, multi-stage charging (bulk, absorption, float), reverse polarity protection, spark-proof technology, and a digital display showing voltage, amperage, and charge status. 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 Procedures 7. Maintenance Mode 8. Error Codes & Diagnostics 9. Care & Storage 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

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

Feature	Description
Automatic Voltage Detection	Detects 6V or 12V battery automatically
Multi-Stage Charging	Bulk, Absorption, Float modes for optimal charging
Battery Type Support	Standard, AGM, Gel Cell, Deep-Cycle
Digital Display	Shows voltage, current, charge percentage, and status
Reverse Polarity Protection	Prevents damage if clamps are connected incorrectly
Spark-Proof Technology	Safe connection to battery terminals
Maintainer Mode	Float mode maintains battery at full charge indefinitely
Desulfation Mode	Helps recover lightly sulfated batteries
Compact Design	Lightweight with integrated clamp storage
Fully Automatic Operation	Set-and-forget operation with automatic shutoff

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before use. Wear eye protection.

Work in well-ventilated area: Batteries produce explosive gases.
Check battery type: Only charge lead-acid batteries (6V/12V).
Verify polarity: Connect RED clamp to POSITIVE (+) terminal, BLACK to NEGATIVE (-).
Disconnect AC power before connecting/disconnecting clamps.
Keep away from children and flammable materials.

WARNING! Never charge frozen, damaged, or non-rechargeable batteries. Do not disassemble charger.

First-Time Setup

Unpack and inspect all components.

Select location: Dry, stable surface away from battery.
Connect to battery: Ensure charger is OFF and unplugged. Attach clamps to correct terminals.
Plug into outlet: Use grounded 120V AC outlet only.
Select mode: Press MODE button to choose battery type if needed (default: AUTO).
Monitor display: Charger will automatically detect voltage and begin charging sequence.

CAUTION! Do not connect to vehicle electrical system while engine is running.

Specifications

Input Voltage: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Output Voltage: 6V/12V DC automatic selection.
Charging Current: 1.5A (normal), 2A (boost), 0.75A (maintain).
Battery Types: Standard, AGM, Gel Cell, Deep-Cycle (flooded).
Display: LCD digital (voltage, amperage, % charge, mode).
Protections: Reverse polarity, short circuit, overheat, overcharge.
Dimensions: 7.5" x 3.2" x 2.1".
Weight: 2.2 lbs.
Operating Temp: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C).
Compliance: UL, cUL listed.

Controls and Indicators

Front Panel: MODE button, ENTER button, LCD display, STATUS LED.

Display Icons: Battery % (0-100%), Voltage (V), Current (A), Mode indicator (AUTO/AGM/GEL/DEEP), Fault indicator.

LED Indicators: Power (green), Charging (flashing green), Complete (solid green), Fault (red).

Button Functions: MODE - cycles through battery types; ENTER - selects mode/confirms.

Charging Procedures

Automatic charging for various battery conditions.

Initialization: Charger tests battery condition (3-10 seconds).
Bulk Charge: Delivers maximum current until ~80% charged.
Absorption Charge: Voltage constant, current decreases (~2 hours).
Float/Maintenance: Maintains full charge with minimal current.
Completion: LED turns solid green; charger switches to maintain mode.

Tip: For deeply discharged batteries (< 3V), charger may enter recovery mode (extended time).

Maintenance Mode

Float maintenance for seasonal or storage use.

Connect as normal to fully charged battery.
Charger automatically enters float mode after full charge.
Can remain connected indefinitely without overcharging.
Display shows "FLOAT" and maintenance voltage (13.2V-13.8V for 12V).

Note: Ideal for RVs, boats, classic cars, and seasonal equipment.

Error Codes & Diagnostics

Display shows error codes for fault conditions.

Code	Meaning	Action
E1	Reverse Polarity	Check clamp connections (red to +, black to -)
E2	Over Temperature	Allow charger to cool; improve ventilation
E3	Battery Voltage High	Check battery (may be over 16V); disconnect
E4	Battery Voltage Low	Battery below 2V; may not recover
E5	Short Circuit/ Bad Cell	Check battery connections; test battery
--	No Display	Check AC power; outlet function

Care & Storage

Unplug and disconnect from battery before cleaning.

Cleaning: Wipe with dry cloth only. Do not use liquids.
Clamp Care: Keep clamps clean; remove corrosion with wire brush.
Storage: Store in dry location at room temperature.
Cord Management: Wrap cords loosely; avoid sharp bends.

CAUTION! Do not expose to rain, snow, or excessive moisture.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device. Complies with Canadian ICES-003. UL 1236, CSA C22.2 No. 107.2. Manufactured for Schumacher Electric Corporation. Copyright © Schumacher Electric. For technical support, visit www.schumacherelectric.com or contact 1-800-621-5485.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Charger won't turn on	No AC power / Faulty outlet	Check outlet with another device; ensure plug is secure
No charging current	Bad connections / Dead battery	Clean battery terminals; ensure clamps have good contact
Display shows "0.0A"	Battery fully charged / High resistance	Normal for full battery; if battery discharged, check connections
Charger stops quickly	Battery defective / Overheated	Test battery voltage; allow charger to cool if hot
Error code displayed	See Error Codes section	Refer to Section 9 for specific code resolution
Battery not holding charge	Old battery / Sulfation	Try recovery mode; battery may need replacement

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

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