SAFETY GUIDELINES / DEFINITIONS
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION: Used without the safety alert symbol indicates potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in property
damage.
RISK OF UNSAFE OPERATION. When using tools or equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk
of personal injury. Improper operation, maintenance or modification of tools or equipment could result in serious injury and property
damage. There are certain applications for which tools and equipment are designed. Manufacturer strongly recommends that this product
NOT be modified and/or used for any application other than for which it was designed. Read and understand all warnings and operating
instructions before using any tool or equipment.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: This product or its power cord contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defect
or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: Read all instructions before operating the battery charger. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may
result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
GENERAL SAFETY WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS
• Avoid dangerous environments. Don't use the battery charger in damp or wet locations. Do not use the battery charger in the rain.
• Keep children away. Keep away from children. This is not a toy!
• Store indoors. When not in use, battery chargers should be stored indoors in dry, and high or locked-up places – out of reach of
children.
• Check for damaged parts. Any part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by manufacturer unless otherwise
indicated elsewhere in this instruction manual before further use.
• Unplug the battery charger when not in use.
SPECIFIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR POWER CORDS
• Don't abuse cord. Never carry appliance by cord or yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
Pull plug rather than cord when unplugging the unit.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should be provided on the circuits or outlets to be used. Receptacles are available
having built in GFCI protection and may be used for this measure of safety.
Extension Cords
• An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use of an improper extension cord could result in a risk of
fire and electric shock, and will void warranty.
• If an extension cord must be used, make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord, be sure to
use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss
of power and overheating. The following table shows the correct size to use depending on cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If
in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.
Recommended Minimum AWG Size for Extension Cords for Battery Chargers
AC Input Rating
Amperes
Equal to or
But less
greater than
than
0
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
8
8
10
10
12
12
14
14
16
16
18
18
20
BC8S_BC8A10_ManualENSP_061714.indd 4-5
American Wire Gage (AWG) Size of Cord
Length of Cord, feet (m)
25 (7.6)
50 (15.2)
100 (30.5)
150 (45.6)
18
18
18
16
18
18
16
14
18
18
16
14
18
18
14
12
18
16
14
12
18
16
12
10
18
14
12
10
16
14
10
8
16
12
10
8
16
12
10
8
14
12
8
8
14
12
8
6
4
4
• Power Cord Safety: This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other) as a safety feature. This plug will fit into
a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified
electrician. Do not attempt to defeat this safety feature.
SPECIFIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR BATTERY CHARGERS
• This unit was designed for household use only.
• Use of accessories and attachments: The use of any accessory or attachment not recommended by manufacturer for use with this
battery charger could be hazardous.
• Stay alert. Use common sense. Do not operate this equipment when you are tired or impaired.
• Do not operate the battery charger near flammable liquids or in gaseous or explosive atmospheres. Motors may spark, and the sparks
might ignite fumes.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK: Never immerse the battery charger in water or any other liquid, or use
when wet.
WARNING: BURST HAZARD: Do not use the unit for charging dry-cell batteries that are commonly used with home appliances. These
batteries may burst and cause injury to persons and damage property. Use the unit for charging/boosting a LEAD-ACID battery only. It is
not intended to supply power to a low-voltage electrical system other than in a starter-motor application.
WARNING: RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES:
• Working in the vicinity of a lead acid battery is dangerous. Batteries generate explosive gases during normal battery operation. For this
reason, it is of the utmost importance that each time before using the battery maintainer you read this manual and follow instructions exactly.
• To reduce the risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by the battery manufacturer and manufacturer of
any equipment you intend to use in the vicinity of the battery. Review cautionary markings on these products and on the engine.
• This equipment employs parts (switches, relays, etc.) that produce arcs or sparks. Therefore, if used in a garage or enclosed area, the unit
MUST be placed not less than 18 inches above the floor.
• THIS UNIT IS NOT FOR USE BY CHILDREN AND SHOULD ONLY BE OPERATED BY ADULTS.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE:
• Do not operate near flammable materials, fumes or gases.
• Do not expose to extreme heat or flames.
• If the vehicle accessory outlet fuse opens (blows) when plugging in this battery charger, do not use this battery charger with this vehicle
accessory outlet.
– Do not repeatedly replace the fuse.
– Do not replace the vehicle accessory outlet fuse with one of a higher amperage rating.
– Never attempt to patch the fuse with tin foil or wire.
• Any of these actions may cause serious electrical damage and/or a fire.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE:
• This charger is not designed for use with every make, manufacture or model of engine. Use only with 12 volt systems.
• NEVER ATTEMPT CHARGE A FROZEN BATTERY.
• Do not charge the battery while the engine is operating.
• Stay clear of fan blades, belts, pulleys, and other parts that can cause injury to persons.
• When working with lead acid batteries, always make sure immediate assistance is available in case of accident or emergency.
• Always have protective eyewear when using this product: contact with battery acid may cause blindness and/or severe burns. Be aware
of first aid procedures in case of accidental contact with battery acid.
• Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin.
• If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water for at least 10 minutes and get medical attention
immediately.
• Never smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of vehicle battery, engine or battery charger.
• Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces and watches when working with a lead acid battery. A lead acid battery
can produce a short circuit current high enough to weld a ring, or similar metal object, to skin causing a severe burn.
• Never allow battery acid to come in contact with this unit.
• Do not operate this unit in a closed area or restrict ventilation in any way.
• Always turn the battery charger off by unplugging it when not in use.
• Do not open the battery charger. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Opening the battery charger will void manufacturer's
warranty.
• Operate battery charger only as described in this Instruction Manual.
• Check battery charger and components periodically for wear and tear. Return to manufacturer for replacement of worn or defective
parts immediately.
Connection Precautions
• Connect and disconnect terminal rings, output clamps or DC accessory plug only after removing AC cord from electric outlet.
• Never allow terminal rings or clamps to touch each other.
• Attach clamps only as indicated in "Charging Using the Supplied Battery Clamps."
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