Vector Automobile Battery Charger VEC078 User Manual

VEC0 7 8  
START- IT™  
AUTO M ATIC BATTERY CHARG ER  
OWNER’S MANUAL & WARRANTY INFORMATION  
12 VOLT 2/ 12 AMPERE WITH 100 / AMPERE START ASSIST  
AND MANUAL 6 VOLT 15 AMPERE BATTERY CHARGE  
1. WORKING IN VICINITY OF A LEAD-ACID BATTERY IS DANGEROUS. BATTERIES GENERATE  
EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING NORMAL BATTERY OPERATION. FOR THIS REASON, IT IS OF  
UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT EACH TIME BEFORE USING YOUR CHARGER, YOU READ THIS  
MANUAL AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY.  
2. To reduce risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by the battery  
manufacturer and manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in vicinity of battery.  
GENERAL BATTERY SAFETY:  
Review cautionary marking on these products and on engine.  
1. Use charger for charging a LEAD-ACID battery only. It is not intended to supply power to a low voltage  
electrical system other than in an automotive application. Do not use battery charger for charging dry-  
cell batteries that are commonly used with home and portable appliances. These batteries may burst and  
cause injury to persons and damage to property.  
2. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by the battery charger manufacturer may result in a risk  
of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.  
3. To reduce risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull by plug rather than cord when disconnecting  
charger.  
4. 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. If extension cord must be used, make sure:  
a. That pins on plug of extension cord are the same number, size, and shape as those  
of plug on charger.  
b. That extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condition; and  
c. That wire size is AWG #16 (16 gauge) for up to 25 feet; AWG #12 (12 gauge) for up to 50 feet;  
AWG # 10 (10 gauge) for up to 100 feet; and AWG # 8 (8 gauge) for up to 150 feet.  
5. Do not operate charger with damaged cord or plug - replace the cord or plug immediately.  
6. Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any  
way; take it to a qualified serviceman.  
7. Do not disassemble charger; take it to a qualified serviceman when service or repair is required.  
Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire.  
8. To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger from outlet before attempting any maintenance or  
cleaning. Turning off controls will not reduce this risk.  
9. Do not expose charger to rain or snow.  
10. Never charge a frozen battery  
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •  
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS  
-
This manual contains important safety and operating instructions for battery charger Model VEC078  
4140 S.W. 28th Way, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312  
Tel: (954) 584-4446 Fax: (954) 584-5556 Toll Free: (866) 584-5504  
 
VECTOR GOLD SEAL2/ 4 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PROGRAM  
This limited warranty program is the only one that applies to this product, and it sets forth all the responsibilities of Vector  
Manufacturing, Ltd., regarding this product. There is no other warranty, other than those described herein.  
This Vector Manufacturing, Ltd. product is warranted, to the original purchaser only, to be free of defects in materials and  
workmanship for two years from the date of purchase without additional charge. This warranty may be extended to four  
years from date of purchase by paying an Extended Warranty fee (see below). The warranty does not extend to subsequent  
purchasers or users. Vector Manufacturing, Ltd. will not be responsible for any amount of damage in excess of the retail  
purchase price of the product under any circumstances. Incidental and consequential damages are specifically excluded  
from coverage under this warranty.  
This product is not intended for commercial use. This warranty does not apply to accessories or damage to units from  
misuse or incorrect installation. Misuse includes wiring or connecting to improper polarity power sources.  
RETURN/ REPAIR POLICY: Defective products, other than accessories, may be returned postage prepaid to Vector  
Manufacturing. Any defective product, other than accessories, that is returned to Vector Manufacturing within 30 days of  
the date of purchase will be replaced free of charge. If such a product is returned more than 30 days but less than two  
years from the purchase date, Vector Manufacturing will repair the unit or, at its option, replace it free of charge. If The  
Extended Warranty was activated, this repair or replacement period extends to four years from the purchase date.  
If the unit is repaired, new or reconditioned replacement parts may be used, at Vector Manufacturings option. A unit may  
be replaced with a new or reconditioned unit of the same or comparable design. The repaired or replaced unit will then be  
warranted under the terms of the remainder of the warranty period. The customer is responsible for the shipping charges  
on all returned items. During the warranty period, Vector Manufacturing, Ltd. will be responsible for the return shipping  
charges.  
LIMITATIONS: This warranty does not cover accessories, bulbs, fuses and batteries, defects resulting from normal wear and  
tear (including chips, scratches, abrasions, discoloration or fading due to usage or exposure to sunlight), accidents,  
damage during shipping to our service facility, alterations, unauthorized use or repair, neglect, misuse, abuse, failure to  
follow instructions for care and maintenance, fire, flood, and Acts of God.  
If your problem is not covered by this warranty, call our Technical Support Department at (954) 584-4446 or Toll Free  
(866)-584-5504 for general repair information and charges if applicable.  
STATE LAW RIGHTS: This warranty gives you specific legal rights. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an  
implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the exclusions or limitations  
stated herein may not apply. This warranty gives the purchaser specific legal rights; other rights, which vary from state to  
state, may apply.  
TO REQUEST WARRANTY SERVICE FOR THIS PRODUCT: Contact Vector Manufacturing Technical Support by telephone,  
fax or mail. We suggest that you keep the original packaging in case you need to ship the unit. When returning a  
product, include your name, address, phone number, dated sales receipt (or copy), and a description of the reason for  
return and product serial number. After replacing the unit, we will return it to you within four weeks.  
WARRANTY ACTIVATION: Please complete Warranty Activation Card and mail to Vector Manufacturing. If activating  
Additional Extended Two Year Warranty, (total four years) enclose check or money order for $30.00 Enter “VEC078” as  
Model and Battery Charger as “Product Type”. All Vector Manufacturing, Ltd. products must be registered within (30) days  
of purchase. To activate this warranty, mail completed registration form, a copy of the original sales receipt and required  
fee (if activating extended warranty) to:  
All Vector Manufacturing, Ltd. products must be registered within (30) days of purchase to activate this warranty. Mail the  
completed registration form, along with a copy of the original sales receipt to:  
ATTN.: REPAIR / VECTOR MANUFACTURING, Ltd.  
4140 SW 28th Way, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312  
954-584-4446 • Toll Free 866-584-5504 • Fax:954-584-5556  
WARRANTY MUST BE PURCHASED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF PRODUCT PURCHASE DATE.  
WARRANTY IS NON-TRANSFERABLE AND NON-REFUNDABLE.  
Please activate my Limited Warranty for Model VEC078  
I have enclosed a copy of the original sales receipt.  
Name _________________________________________________________________________  
Street Address __________________________________________________________________  
City________________________________________State______________________Zip code__  
Phone________________________Fax___________________________E-mail ______________  
Item Purchased _________________________________  
Store Where Purchased __________________________  
Date of Purchase_______________  
UPC Number from package (12 digits)  
All Vector Manufacturing, Ltd. products must be registered within (10) days of purchase to activate this warranty. Mail the  
completed registration form, along with a copy of the original sales receipt, to:  
ATTN: CUSTOMER SERVICE  
VECTOR MANUFACTURING, LTD.  
4140 S.W. 28th WAY  
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33312  
 
APPENDIX A - CHARGING TIMES  
To calculate the approximate charging time required to fully charge a battery, it is necessary to determine  
the specific gravity (or, percent of battery charge) using a hydrometer. Use this technique, if battery vent  
caps can be removed. Check each cell. If there is one cell with a very low specific gravity compared to  
the other cells, there is probably a shorted cell in the battery. Replace the battery.  
The following chart converts hydrometer readings into percent of charge values.  
Specific Gravity  
Percent of Charge  
In Battery  
Percent of Charge Needed  
By Battery  
(Hydrometer Reading)  
1.265 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0%  
1.225 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25%  
1.190 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50%  
1.155 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75%  
1.120 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100%  
Refer to the chart below for approximate charging times.  
PERCEN T O F CHARGE  
2 AMPS/ 12 VOLTS  
15 AMPS/ 12 VOLTS  
15 AMPS/ 6 VOLTS  
7 5 %  
5 0 %  
2 5 %  
0 %  
6.5 HRS  
1.5 HRS  
1.8 HRS  
12 HRS  
2 HRS  
18 HRS  
3.0 HRS  
4.5 HRS  
23 HRS  
3.5 HRS  
6HRS  
3.0 HRS  
The times shown in the chart above are approximate and refer to an average automotive battery. For smaller  
batteries, the charge time should be adjusted using the formula shown below and adding 1 hour to the time  
calculated.  
To estimate charging time for a discharged battery, divide the AH rating of the battery by the charge rate  
selected. This is the number of hours required to recharge the battery. For example, a 50 AH (12 volt)  
battery is discharged to 10 volts. How long should it be charged at the 15 Amp rate? Divide the 50 AH by  
15 AH. The answer is approximately 3.5 hours. A six-volt battery is considered discharged when it reaches  
5.0 VDC. Always round up the charge time by 25% to ensure full charge. In most cases, battery recharge  
times will vary depending on the age and condition of the battery. Smaller batteries should be charged at  
the lower rate (2 Amps) and add an extra hour to charge time.  
APPENDIX B - SPECIFICATIONS  
Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.75” (14.6 cm)  
Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10.25” (26.1 cm)  
Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.25” (15.9 cm)  
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17.7 lbs, 8.0 kgs.  
Internal protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .self-resetting breaker  
Reverse Polarity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .indicator LED  
Charging complete (12 V FULL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .auto shut-off LED for 12 volt  
Convenience features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Handle  
Power Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120V AC, 60 Hz, 2.8 Amperes  
9
 
PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY  
1. Someone should be within range of your voice or close enough to come to your aid when you work near  
a lead-acid battery.  
2. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing, or eyes.  
3. Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes while working with a battery.  
Acid, acid particles or corrosion may get into eyes. Immediately flood eye with running cold water for at  
least 10 minutes and get medical attention immediately.  
4. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water.  
5. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of battery or engine.  
6. Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping a metal tool onto battery. It might spark or short-circuit battery  
or other electrical part that may cause explosion.  
7. Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches when working with a  
lead-acid battery. A lead-a