108833 Rev. A
20
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X I . B AT T E R I E S
A. INTRODUCTION
1. Notes:
• Batteries supply the power for your chair. They contain a finite amount of energy and
have limits on how long they can store and supply energy.
• You can charge batteries only a certain number of times before they will fail and no
longer hold a charge.
• For answers to questions about batteries, consult your supplier.
2. Use Proper Batteries:
Your chair operates on two 12 volt batteries.
• They should be Gp 24 size with a minimum of 40 ampere hour rating. Only
deep cycle
sealed case
construction batteries should be used in this device.
• When you buy a replacement, insist on a
deep cycle
sealed case
type. Do not use a
car starter battery.
3. Breaking In:
• A battery requires “breaking-in” for the first 6 to 12 charges. It will not accept a full
charge for this period.
• It is best to limit the length of your trips until you break the batteries in and you know
the range of your chair.
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•
Never
allow a battery to completely discharge. If you operate your wheelchair until it has
almost stopped, you will greatly reduce the life of your batteries.
•
Never
let a battery sit in a discharged condition. Give unused or stored batteries a full
charge once per month.
•
Always
fully charge the batteries.
Avoid
“topping Off” with frequent charges.
WARNING
Never connect a life support or auxiliary device to a wheelchair battery. The
electrical system may fail, and result in severe injury to or death of rider.
B. BATTERY CHARGER
A battery charger produces a direct current (DC). When applied to a discharged battery, this
reverses the chemical reaction that led to its discharge.
1. Charge Rate. How fast a battery will charge depends on:
• Its electrical capacity; state of charge; electrolyte temperature, and; internal condition.
• The DC output of the charger. (The charge rate will vary if the alternating current (AC)
supply is higher or lower than 110 volts).
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•
Never
place the charger on top of a battery during charging. (Gases from the battery
can damage the charger and may lead to an explosion or fire).
•
Never
place a battery on top of the charger.
•
Never
expose charger to rain or snow.
•
Never
unplug charger by pulling on the electrical cord. This will damage the cord.
• Never open a charger or attempt to repair it yourself. Return charger to Sunrise or
have repairs made
only
by a qualified person.
• Keep cord out of the way, where it will not be stepped on, tripped over, or damaged.
3. Caution — To Avoid Damage to the Battery:
• Make sure you use the correct setting for sealed (gel) batteries (located on the off-
board charger).
•
Never
charge a frozen battery. A fully charged battery will rarely freeze, but the fluid
in a discharged battery can freeze at 16 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 9 degrees
Centigrade). If you suspect a battery is frozen, thaw it before charging.
WARNING
Lead acid batteries generate explosive gas while charging. Completely read and
follow all warnings about the batteries in this user instruction manual and any
labels applied to the product. Failure to do so could result in fire, explosion,
injury and/or death.
