others (for example, with white matter between the plates, plates touching). If mechanical
defects are apparent do not attempt to charge the battery, have the battery professionally
assessed.
5. If the battery is new, before connecting the charger read the battery manufacturer's safety
and operational instructions carefully.
PROCEEDING TO CHARGE
For safety reasons, the OptiMate output will only activate if a battery retaining at least
2V is connected.
VERY FLAT NEGLECTED BATTERIES: Pay particularly close attention to the following: A
battery left deep-discharged for an extended period may develop permanent damage in one
or more cells. Such batteries may heat up excessively during high current charging. Monitor
the battery temperature during the first hour, then hourly there-after. Check for unusual
signs, such as bubbling or leaking electrolyte, heightened activity in one cell compared to
others, or hissing sounds. If at any time the battery is uncomfortably hot to touch or you
notice any unusual signs, DISCONNECT THE CHARGER IMMEDIATELY.
The LED indicators referred to below, and the clauses dealing with them, are sequenced
as they may come on through the course of the program.
LED #1 Power on. Confirms AC power supply to the
charger. Light intensity is low during POWER SAVING
MODE.
LED #2 indicates inverse polarity - wrong output
connections. Swap around to activate output.
LED #3 SAVE lights if battery voltage at connection is
between 2V and 12.2V, indicating the 12V battery may
be deep discharged and possibly sulphated. Current up
to 4A is delivered in pulses up to a voltage of 14.3V to
prepare the battery to accept normal charge. Time in
SAVE mode: 15min to 2 hours.
ERROR: LED #3 flashing on / off irregularly: the
vehicle's circuitry connected to the deep discharged
battery is preventing it from receiving charge. Disconnect the battery from vehicle wiring and
try again.
LED #4 CHARGE
4.1 CHARGE: Charging starts here for batteries measuring 12.2V or more at connection. A
constant current of 4 Amps is delivered to the battery, up to a voltage of 14.3 -14.5V.
4.2 VERIFICATION / PULSE ABSORPTION: Battery charge level is verified. If the battery
requires further charging the OptiMate will deliver charge until the battery's current
demand drops below 0.4A at 13.6V. (see expected Charging time below.)
NOTE: For safety reasons there is an overall charge time limit of 48 hours.
LED #5. BATTERY READY / 24-7 Maintenance active.
The battery can be used. If the OptiMate is left connected (recommended), battery health is
confirmed, followed by the OptiMate 24-7 maintenance that maintains the battery safely at
full charge.
5.1 Health test starts immediately after LED #5 lights. Delivery of current to the battery is
interrupted for up to 12*
is not depleting the battery.
*
hours to allow the battery to settle and confirm that the vehicle circuitry
1
2
6
3
4
EFB
12V
5
24-7
24-7
7