Will it be damaged if I try to start the car with the charger powered and connected to the battery?
1505167
As per instructions, you should disconnect the power cord to the charger before starting your car. Although the Schumacher SE-1 has over-load protection, it is better to disconnect the power cord. No need to have both, alternator and charger supplying current to battery at the same time. I have forgotten to unplug the power cord a couple of times and started my car. It hasn't had any negative affect on the charger. I'm sure the manufacture knew we might do this and added protection whereas the charger wouldn't get damaged.
1505168
No it has a built-in overload circuit to prevent damage. I've done it and nothing happened.
1505169
no it shuts off automatically once the battery is chargedI use this on my wholehouse diesel generator
1505170
...NO...Mine is mounted under the Hoods of my Trucks and permanently connected to the Batteries...no problem!! :-) :-)
1301385
I would not necessarily say so. Put the battery in the blower and use it. If you get 15 minutes or more of use I would say that everything is OK. I have seen this happen with my charger and everything is OK.
2219059
With the unit unplugged you can push the test button to check the status of the battery. What did you use it for? We're you trying to start a car? It is best used for small vehicles (4 or 6 cyl) or cars were the battery is not completely dead. Have you used it before to jump a vehicle? Sometimes it is a matter of making proper contact. If you see some sparks when attaching the last cable, it should be good, if not make sure you are making proper contact. I left mine in the car for a couple of months after charging it overnight and it was still good. You might want to charge it overnight.
1356579
You can't prevent this of course, and most certainly the device warning you is likely the device causing the issue. That said if this is a concern for you and you are willing to invest a bit more you can install a remote start alarm with the cellular service add-on. If I am out for an extended period of time and should I receive an alert I can remotely start the car and let the battery charge back up. Not the cheapest approach but it works.
159698
I connected mine directly on the battery but I'm sure either way would work fine.....make sure to connect the positive first (just a habit from jumper cables).....also remember that the instructions specifically say to plug in the unit AFTER it's connected (eg. don't connect it while it's powered up)!!!
1033088
More important is high amperage/voltage output to the vehicle. When in start mode the charger will output in excess of 20vdc & at least the rated amperage. Any thing that draws currant even thou the ignition switch is off such as computer- radio clock-interior lights- etc could blowout, If the battery does not absorb the high additional charger output because of problems like cable connections, corrosion & so on then the vehicle will absorb the excess & cause you additional problems. In answer to your question the only limit is the heat buildup to the charger & the starter. Recommend 2 start tries for 5 sec ea & 15min cool down. Never hook up charger start mode with out a battery installed or you will FRY everything. Hope this helps you.
543310
I know if you leave it plugged in all the time it can end up ruining the battery. But if that is not the case then I would contact the manufacturer.
29033
Hi Joe. I didn't read the Operators Manual until you asked this question. Under Maintenance and Storage, it reads "No battery pack damage will occur if the charger and battery are left plugged in." Thanks for asking.
1084452
Yes make sure when you put the battery in the charger that it is turned the right way to charge ,it will not charge if turned wrong way
284152
Just connect it to the proper terminals even with the car's terminal connected. I've been using the charger for more than a year and it really activates my car's and motorcycle's batteries.
415261
As long as you securely connect the charger leads to the battery before plugging it in, I would say yes. The battery charger itself is solid state "potted" with no exposed circuitry.
100892
I should also mention, you can not keep this or any charger connected to the battery when either cranking the starter motor or while the generator is running. While cranking the starter, the amperage required for the starter motor will burn out the charger. Additionally, if you keep the charger connected to the battery while the generator is running, you will burn out the charger and quite possibly, the charging circuit in the generator. While the generator is running, it is also charging the on board battery. The best practice is to unplug the charger connector before starting and re-connect it after you shut down. I should also mention, you can not keep this or any charger connected to the battery when either cranking the starter motor or while the generator is running. While cranking the starter, the amperage required for the starter motor will burn out the charger. Additionally, if you keep the charger connected to the battery while the generator is running, you will burn out the charger and quite possibly, the charging circuit in the generator. While the generator is running, it is also charging the on board battery. The best practice is to unplug the charger connector before starting and... » Read More I should also mention, you can not keep this or any charger connected to the battery when either cranking the starter motor or while the generator is running. While cranking the starter, the amperage required for the starter motor will burn out the charger. Additionally, if you keep the charger connected to the battery while the generator is running, you will burn out the charger and quite possibly, the charging circuit in the generator. While the generator is running, it is also charging the on board battery. The best practice is to unplug the charger connector before starting and re-connect it after you shut down. « Show Less
1357601
The battery is sufficiently charged when installed. When you start the car, the battery should charge normally. I have had no problems with the battery.
632958
Wei, the battery arrived charged, but I would still recommend throwing it on a charger for a bit- mine was at 11.8V, which is certainly enough to start most cars, but may cause issues with newer, more electronically controlled cars. Also, it will reduce the load on a starter which likely has been already strained starting on the previous, dying or dead battery- Mark W.
116895
I am not sure about this. It would probably depend on the the specific vehicle and its electrical system. I have heard that some manufacturers recommend removing the battery when charging it. I don't know if this recommendation applies to trickle charging/maintaining (like the BatteryMinder ). To be safe I would probably remove the battery unless you find information that states otherwise. Jim
2232880
Yes, it has a set of two 12Volts connections. One is specifically marked to be connected to the starting battery. The owner's manual says it IS ignition protected, and I assume the ignition protected extension is the starting battery one. Anyway, before starting the motor I allways disconect the 110Volt supply cable so as not to short the charger. Starting motors amount to a brief short circuit to the batteries, and I dont want to transfer that to the charger, protected or not. Regards
906458
Yes....be sure and use isolation diode between battery and charging system as not to run down vehicle start battery