VC-AL1600 - Battery charger VOLTCRAFT - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL VC-AL1600 VOLTCRAFT

GB Operating Instructions

Automatic charger 12 V 16 A

Item no. 1896839 Page 2 - 15

F Notice d'emploi

1. Introduction......3
2. Explanation of symbols....3
3. Intended use....4
4. Delivery content....4
5. Features and functions .... 5
6. Safety information....5

a) General information....5
b) Connected devices....6
c) Electrical safety 6
d) Persons and product 7
e) Rechargeable batteries ....7

1. Operating elements 8
   a) Description of the LED displays....9
2. Installation and fixing 9
3. Operation....10

a) Charging a battery....10
b) Charging modes and functions....11
c) Charging time 12
d) Charger protective functions....13

1. Care and cleaning....13
2. Changing the fuse....14
3. Disposal....14

a) Product....14
b) Rechargeable batteries 14

1. Technical data....15

1. Introduction

Dear customer,

Thank you for purchasing this product.

This product complies with statutory national and European regulations.

To ensure that the product remains in this state and to guarantee safe operation, always follow the instructions in this manual.

These operating instructions are part of this product. They contain important notes on commissioning and handling. Do not give this product to a third party without the operating instructions. Therefore, retain these operating instructions for reference!

If there are any technical questions, please contact:

International: www.conrad.com/contact

United Kingdom: www.conrad-electronic.co.uk/contact

2. Explanation of symbols

The lightning symbol inside of a triangle is used when there is a potential risk of personal injury, such as electric shock.

The symbol with an exclamation mark in a triangle is used to highlight important information in these operating instructions. Always read this information carefully.

The arrow symbol indicates special information and tips on how to use the product.

This symbol indicates that this product is built according to protection class II. It is equipped with reinforced or dual insulation between the mains circuit and the output voltage.

The product must only be installed and used in dry, indoor locations. It must not become damp or wet, as this may cause a fatal electric shock!

This symbol reminds you to read the operating instructions included with the product.

3. Intended use

The compact charger is intended for charging lead-acid, calcium and lithium batteries with a 12 V terminal voltage and a capacity of 30 - 300 Ah (battery charging capacity) and up to 30 - 500 Ah (battery trickle capacity). Possible battery types are lead-acid (wet cell), lead-fleece (AGM) or gel batteries. It is possible to charge batteries mounted in vehicles. The intelligent charger recognises deeply discharged batteries and facilitates reactivation by applying increased charging voltage. It can also break down sulphate deposits in old or poorly maintained lead-acid batteries. This extends battery service life and improves performance. A trickle charging function keeps the battery voltage at an optimal level. The charger is operated with an operating button.. Operation and status are displayed by means of LED indicators. A fan automatically keeps the charger cool. The charger is protected against overload, short circuit, overheating and incorrect polarity. Coloured terminals (red +, black -) are used for connection. The charging connections are connected with a reverse-polarity protection socket system. The terminals are live above 0.6 - 0.8 V only when a connected battery is recognised. This prevents sparks from occurring when the clamps make contact unintentionally. No primary batteries (zinc-carbon, alkaline, etc.) or batteries other than the types specified (see 'Technical data') may be connected or charged.

The charger may only be connected to common household AC voltage and may only be used in well ventilated indoor areas. Power is supplied by mains voltage of 220 - 240 V/AC.

This product is intended for indoor use only. Do not use it outdoors. Contact with moisture (e.g. in a bathroom) must be avoided under all circumstances.

For safety and approval purposes, do not rebuild and/or modify this product. Using the product for purposes other than those described above may damage the product. In addition, improper use can cause hazards such as a short circuit, fire or electric shock. Read the instructions carefully and store them in a safe place. If you pass the product on to a third party, please hand over these operating instructions as well.

All company and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

4. Delivery content

• Smart charger
• 1x red and black terminal (black = negative terminal, red = positive terminal).
• Operating instructions

Up-to-date operating instructions

Download the up-to-date operating instructions at www.conrad.com/downloads or scan the QR code shown. Follow the instructions on the website.

5. Features and functions

• For charging different types of battery such as lead-acid, gel, lead-fleece (AGM), lithium (LiFePO4) and calcium batteries
  • Automatic restoration of the previously selected charging mode after a restart
• Power supply to consumers on connection of the battery possible
• Charging mode selection for AGM and low temperatures
  • Detection of functional batteries
• Compact and lightweight
• Trickle charging function.

6. Safety information

Read the operating instructions and safety information carefully. If you do not follow the safety information and information on proper handling in these operating instruction, we will assume no liability for any resulting personal injury or damage to property. Such cases will invalidate the warranty/guarantee.

a) General information

• The product is not a toy. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
• Do not leave packaging material lying around carelessly. It may become a dangerous plaything for children.
• Protect the product from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, strong jolts, high humidity, moisture, flammable gases, vapours and solvents.
• Do not place the product under any mechanical stress.

• If it is no longer possible to operate the product safely, take it out of operation and protect it from any accidental use. Safe operation can no longer be guaranteed if the product:

• is visibly damaged,

• is no longer working properly,
• has been stored for extended periods in poor ambient conditions or
• has been subjected to any serious transport-related stresses.

- Please handle the product carefully. Jolts, impacts or a fall even from a low height may damage the product.

- Contact an expert when in doubt about the operation, safety or connection of the product.

- Maintenance, modifications and repairs must only be carried out by a technician or a specialist repair centre.

- If you have any questions that are not answered in these operating instructions, please contact our technical customer service or other professionals.

b) Connected devices

• Always observe the safety information and operating instructions of any other devices (vehicle, batteries) which are connected to the product.

c) Electrical safety

- Before connecting the product to the mains, check that your local AC mains voltage matches the specifications on the nameplate.

- The product is constructed according to protection class II. Only connect the adapter plug to a standard mains socket (230 V/AC, 50 Hz) connected to the public grid.

- Never pour liquids over electrical devices or place objects filled with liquid next to the device. If liquid or an object gets into the device, power down the respective mains socket (e.g. switch off the circuit breaker), and then pull the mains plug from the mains socket. Discontinue use and take the product to a specialist repair centre.

- Never use the product immediately after it has been brought from a cold room into a warm one. The condensation generated may destroy the product. The mains adapter may also cause a fatal electric shock! Allow the product to reach room temperature before connecting it and putting it to use. This may take several hours.

- The mains outlet must be located near to the device and be easily accessible.

- Never unplug the mains plug by pulling on the cable. Always use the grips on the plug.

- Unplug the mains plug from the mains socket if you do not plan to use the appliance for an extended period of time.

- For safety reasons, disconnect the mains plug from the mains socket during thunderstorms.

- Ensure that the mains cable is not squeezed, bent, damaged by sharp edges or subjected to mechanical stress. Avoid excessive thermal stress on the mains cable from extreme heat or cold. Do not modify the mains cable. Otherwise the mains cable may be damaged. Damaged mains cables can cause a fatal electric shock.

- Do not touch the mains cable if there are any signs of damage. Power down the respective mains socket (e.g. via the respective circuit breaker), and then carefully unplug the mains plug from the mains socket. Never use the product if the mains cable is damaged.

- Damaged mains cables must be replaced by the manufacturer, an authorised repair centre or a qualified electrician.

- Never insert or unplug the mains plug when your hands are wet.

d) Persons and product

• Always comply with the accident prevention regulations for electrical equipment when using the product in commercial facilities.
• In schools, training centres, computer and self-help workshops, handling of the product must be supervised by trained personnel in a responsible manner.
• The product may not be used in areas at risk of explosion.
• Observe the safety information in each section.

• Observe the lettering on the device.

• Warning! Avoid naked flames, sparks and explosive gases.

• Remove the mains plug before connecting/disconnecting the battery.
• Read the operating instructions before recharging.

• Use only in a well ventilated area.

• Do not use the charger inside vehicles.

• Never cover the charger or the connected battery.
• Do not smoke when using the charger or handling batteries.
• Do charge batteries when the ambient temperature is higher than +40^ .
• Do not use the charger in the vicinity of flammable substances or gases.

e) Rechargeable batteries

• Ensure the correct polarity when connecting the battery.
• Keep batteries out of the reach of children. Do not leave batteries lying around, as they constitute a choking hazard for children and pets.
• Rechargeable batteries must not be dismantled, short-circuited or thrown into fire. Never charge non-rechargeable batteries. This may cause an explosion!

7. Operating elements

6789101112 Charging Status FULL Short circuit Reversed Detective POWER MODE 54321 Fricetted ACM CUL Lithium Birec

VOLTCRAFT®

VC-AL1600

1 MODE buttons
2 CAL/Boost mode indicator LED
3 AGM mode indicator LED
4 Flooded mode indicator LED
5 POWER LED
6 Charging status LED (0 - 25 %)

7 Charging status LED (25 - 50 %)
8 Charging status LED (over 50 %)
9 FULL charging status LED
10 Short circuit indicator LED
11 Reversed polarity indicator
12 Defective battery indicator LED

Three types of electrical connectors with labeled parts (1314, 15), no visible text or symbols beyond labels

13 Mains cable with mains plug
14 Charging cable connection with connection coupling
15 Red and black terminal (black = negative terminal, red = positive terminal)

a) Description of the LED displays

LED Meaning

CAL/Boost

This mode is suitable for 12 V calcium batteries or for batteries deeply discharged due to sulphate deposits.

AGM

This mode (winter mode) (14.7 V/16 A for lead) is used at low ambient temperatures. This mode is also recommended for AGM batteries.

Flooded

This mode (summer mode) is used for lead batteries (14.4 V/16 A for lead) at normal temperatures.

POWER The power LED indicates the power supply to the charger and standby mode.

Charging indicator (0 - 25 %)

Charging indicator (25 - 50 %)

Charging indicator (50 % and above)

FULL Charging indicator (fully charged)

Reversed

Short circuit indicator

Defective

The indicator lights up in the event of the polarity of the cable connection being swapped. Check the charging contacts for reverse polarity. Rectify the problem.

Flooded & AGM

The indicator lights up if the connected battery is faulty.

This mode is for charging 12 V lithium batteries.

LITHIUM

8. Installation and fixing

You can set the charger up on a level surface or at a suitable point by means of the fastening lugs on the housing, including walls, workbenches or similar. Fix with screws, if necessary. Install the charger on a stable base with the mounting brackets and suitable screws (not included).

Ensure that no existing cables or pipes (including water pipes) are damaged when drilling mounting holes or securing screws.

- Remove all connected devices and the battery before installing.

Ensure that the mains socket for connection to the grid is close to the place of installation.

Proceed as follows to fix the charger with screws:

- Position the charger in the desired installation position as a template. Use a spirit level for alignment, if necessary.

- Mark the holes for the two screws through the holes in the mounting brackets. Drill the holes. Depending on the surface, suitable screws and/or dowels may be required. Screws for wood or for screwing in the wall plugs for masonry are not included with the product and must be purchased separately.

- Align the charger after fixing it to the base and tighten the screws adequately (not over-tight). To do this, always use an appropriate screwdriver.

9. Operation

The device will warm up during operation. Ensure that there is sufficient ventilation. Do not cover the housing!

Never charge lead batteries in a closed container.

Ensure sufficient ventilation during the charging process and avoid naked flames.

Explosive gases can be generated during the charging process. Keep out of the reach of children!

Before charging batteries with liquid acid, open the inspection plugs of the single cells.

Leave the battery casing to ventilate for approx. 2 minutes for explosive gasses to volatilise!

Check the liquid level and top up if necessary.

Check the liquid level on a regular basis during longer charging periods (hibernation). Wear safety goggles.

Do not tip over lead-acid batteries. Avoid any contact with the battery fluid, as this can cause severe chemical burns.

Rinse off the contact points (skin, clothes, etc.) immediately with ample water to dilute the battery acid.

Contact a doctor immediately in case of contact with the skin.

In case of prolonged storage, charge lead-acid batteries every 3 months to prevent deep discharge.

Never short circuit the battery contacts.

When connecting batteries, always observe the polarity and charging instructions of the relevant battery manufacturer.

a) Charging a battery

- First, please ensure that your battery can be charged with this charger. The battery must be a lead, lithium or calcium battery. Refer to 'Technical data' below.

Never charge batteries of other operating voltages with this charger.

• Connect the red and black terminals (15) to the charging cable of the charger. The plugs only fit together with the right polarity. Check for firm connection. The locking mechanism must click into place.
• When releasing the adapter cable connection from the charging cable, first press lightly on the locking mechanism then pull the cable ends apart. Never pull on the cables with force before opening the locking mechanism.
• Insert the mains plug (13) of the charger into a mains socket (220 - 240 V/AC, 50/60 Hz). The charger is initialised and checks every single charging function. The indicator LEDs light up briefly.

This charger has an automatic memory function, i.e. it automatically returns to the last selected charging mode when it is connected to the AC power supply of the grid.

- Now select a charging function with the MODE button (1). Press the button until the LED or LEDs of the desired function light up. For a description of the individual charging modes, see 'b) Charging modes and functions' below.

Only connect the adapter cable to the battery to be charged. Never connect directly to other devices.

- Now connect the charger to the battery. Please observe the correct polarity. Connect the battery with the right polarity. The red adapter cable to the positive terminal, the black adapter cable to the negative terminal. Disconnect the cable of the red and black terminals (15) on the battery terminals.

If you are charging installed batteries with a connected on-board electrical system, first connect the positive terminal, and then clip the black terminal to earth (body), at some distance from the battery and the fuel pipe. Check the firm connection of the terminals.

- Disconnect all consumers from the battery. If the battery is installed in a vehicle, switch off the ignition and other consumers. You can switch it on again when you have ensured that everything is OK and that the total power consumption of the consumers does not exceed 16 A.

→ Follow the instructions and safety information of the vehicle for information on charging the vehicle battery. Modern vehicles are equipped with sensitive electronic components and sensors, all of which could be damaged if you fail to proceed with caution.

- If the polarity is incorrect, the Reversed LED (11) lights up. Check the polarity and connect the terminals with the correct polarity.

• If the charging loop is short-circuited, the Short Circuit LED (10) lights up and flashes.

- The charger detects faulty batteries automatically. In that case, the selected charging program is not started. The Defective LED indicator (12) lights up. Have the battery checked by a professional or obtain a replacement.

- Disconnect the battery and the charger from the power supply at the end of the charging process. Remove the mains plug (13) from the socket, then remove the black followed by the red terminal from the battery.

b) Charging modes and functions

1. Wet mode (14.4 V ± 0.25 V, max. 16 A) Flooded

• This mode is suitable for wet and gel-acid batteries with a capacity of more than 30 Ah at normal ambient temperatures.
  • To select this mode, press the MODE button (1) until the Flooded mode indicator LED (4) lights up.
• When the battery is fully charged (14.4 V ± 0.25 V), the FULL charging status LED (9) lights up. The device automatically switches to trickle charging.

2. AGM mode (14.7 V ± 0.25 V, max. 16 A) AGM

• This mode is suitable for lead-fleece (AGM) batteries. This mode is also suitable for wet and gel lead-acid batteries with a capacity of more than 30 Ah at low ambient temperatures.
  • To select this mode, press the MODE button (1) until the AGM mode indicator LED (3) lights up.
• When the battery is fully charged (14.7 V ± 0.25 V), the FULL charging status LED (9) lights up. The device automatically switches to trickle charging.

3. Calcium/Boost mode (16 V ± 0.25 V, max. 16 A) CAL/Boost

- This mode is suitable for calcium batteries with a capacity of more than 30 Ah at normal ambient temperatures.

→ Use this mode with extreme caution. An excessively high voltage can lead to a certain loss of water.

• This mode can also be used for the regeneration of deeply discharged or sulphated lead-acid batteries from 30 Ah.
- To select this mode, press the MODE button (1) until the CAL/Boost mode indicator LED (2) lights up. The maximum charging current is 16 A ± 10% until 16 V ± 0.25 V is reached.
- When the battery is fully charged (16 V ± 0.25 V), the FULL charging status LED (9) lights up. The device automatically switches to trickle charging.
→ You can also use this mode for batteries that, according to the manufacturer, are suitable for higher charging end voltages. Please pay attention to the battery manufacturer's instructions.

4. Lithium mode (14.4 V ± 0.25 V, max. 16 A) Fland

• Lithium mode is suitable for charging LiFePO4 batteries with integrated battery management system. Follow the battery manufacturer's instructions.
• Press the MODE button (1) until the AGM (3) and Flooded (4) mode indicator LEDs flash together. After approx. 2 seconds, the LEDs light up permanently and charging can begin. The maximum charging current is 16 A.
• When the battery is fully charged (14.4 V ± 0.25 V), the FULL charging status LED (9) lights up. The device automatically switches to trickle charging.

Power supply function (max. 16 A)

• The charger can also be used as a power supply unit (up to max. 16 A power consumption). There is no manual switching option for selecting the power supply function. This power supply function is triggered automatically by the charger when external consumers consume current via the battery. The maximum available current is 16 A.
• Ensure that consumers do not draw current while the charger is not yet connected to the battery. Do not connect any products that require a continuous/stabilised operating voltage of 12 V (e.g. a computer). Ensure that no consumers are connected to the charger before the mode can be automatically activated.

Recovery function

- This function is intended for regenerating deeply discharged batteries. It cannot be selected directly. If a deeply discharged battery is connected to the charger, recovery function starts first. A low charging current is used to bring the deeply discharged battery back to normal battery voltage. Once the battery reaches its normal voltage, the charger proceeds with normal charging.

c) Charging time

- The charging time it takes to reach the charging end voltage depends on several parameters, such as e.g.

• The capacity (Ah) (the greater the capacity, the longer the charging time)
• The type of battery
• The charge status of the battery (full, half-full or empty)
• The ambient temperature (this should ideally be 20 - 25 °C)
• The general condition (age) of the battery

The charging time focuses on the aforementioned parameters and can be roughly calculated by means of the following formula (for a rough time estimation): Charging time (in hours) = battery capacity (in Ah) x 1.2 / charging current (A)

Example: Lead-gel battery 20 Ah, empty

Charging time approx. 5 h. = 20 Ah x 1.2/5 A

d) Charger protective functions

Spark-resistant short circuit and reverse polarity protection

• These functions protect the charger from damage if the battery cables are accidentally swapped.

Overvoltage protection

- This function protects sensitive electronic components in the charger from damage caused by high-voltage spikes.

Limitation of charging current

- This function prevents overheating and damage caused by short or excessive loads.

Automatic overheating protection

• Overheating protection prevents damage to the charger due to abnormal ambient temperatures or component failure.

Please note that the in-built heat protection in the charger constantly monitors the operating temperature of the electronics. If the operating temperature exceeds the pre-set safety limit, the current is reduced in order to prevent overheating. This reduces the output current to avoid further temperature increases until the temperature has dropped sufficiently for safe, full performance.

10. Care and cleaning

Never use aggressive detergents, rubbing alcohol or other chemical solutions, as these may damage the casing or stop the product from functioning properly.

• Disconnect the product from the mains and disconnected any connected batteries before each cleaning procedure.
• Use a dry, lint-free cloth to clean the product.

11. Changing the fuse

- If the fuse in the device has burned out (there is no voltage at the charging output with a battery connected), send the charger to the technical customer service department or other specialist for repair or a fuse change. Never change the fuse yourself.

12. Disposal

a) Product

Electronic devices are recyclable waste and must not be disposed of in the household waste. At the end of its service life, dispose of the product according to the relevant statutory regulations. Remove any connected battery and dispose of it separately from the product.

b) Rechargeable batteries

You are required by law to return all used batteries. They must not be placed in household waste.

geable batteries that contain hazardous substances are labelled with this symbol to indicate that disposal in household waste is forbidden. The abbreviations for heavy metals in batteries are: Cd = Cadmium, Hg = Mercury, Pb = Lead (indicated on the battery, e.g. below the waste bin icon on the left).

Used batteries can be returned to local collection points, our stores or battery retailers.

You thus fulfil your statutory obligations and contribute to environmental protection.

13. Technical data

Input power voltage....220 - 240 V/AC, 50/60 Hz

Power consumption....max. 270 W

Output voltage/current....12 V, 16 A

Rechargeable batteries ......From 30 Ah - 300 Ah to 500 Ah (trickle charging)

Charging end voltage ....12 V lead batteries = 14.4 V or 14.7 V (±0.25 V)

12 V calcium batteries = 16.0 V (±0.25 V)

12 V lithium batteries = 14.4 V (±0.25 V)

Charging modes with voltages 12 V lead batteries: 14.4 V (wet mode)

12 V AGM batteries: 14.7 V (AGM mode)

12 V lithium batteries: 14.4 V (lithium (flooded + AGM) mode)

12 V calcium batteries: 16 V (CAL/Boost mode)

Voltages with trickle charging 13.4 V ± 0.25 V (wet mode)

13.8 V ± 0.25 V (AGM mode)

13.6 V ± 0.25 V (CAL/Boost mode)

13.4 V ± 0.25 V (lithium mode)

Cable length 1.7 m (mains cable)

Fuse....T4A

Operating conditions....0 to +40 °C

Storage conditions....-30 to +70 °C

Dimensions (L x W x H)....242 x 102 x 60 mm (device)

Weight 1 kg (total with accessories)

Page

France (email) : [e-mail]

Dimensions (L x I x H)....242 x 102 x 60 mm (appareil)

Three types of electrical connectors with labeled parts (1314, 15), no visible text or symbols beyond labels

12 V calciumaccu's = 16,0 V (±0,25 V)

12 V lithiumaccu's = 14,4 V (±0,25 V)

Laadmodi met spanningen ....12 V loodaccu's: 14,4 V (nat-modus)

12 V AGM-accu's: 14,7 V (AGM-modus)

12 V lithiumaccu's: 14,4 V (lithium (Flooded+AGM)-modus)

12 V calciumaccu's: 16 V (CAL/Boost-modus)

This is a publication by Conrad Electronic SE, Klaus-Conrad-Str. 1, D-92240 Hirschau (www.conrad.com).

All rights including translation reserved. Reproduction by any method, e.g. photocopy, microfilming, or the capture in electronic data processing systems require the prior written approval by the editor. Reprinting, also in part, is prohibited. This publication represents the technical status at the time of printing.

Copyright 2019 by Conrad Electronic SE.

Copyright 2019 by Conrad Electronic SE.

Copyright 2019 by Conrad Electronic SE.