Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Before connecting the charger
• Part 2 of 3: Connecting the charger
• Part 3 of 3: Disconnecting the Charger
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

The battery provides the car with the necessary power for the car, it also powers the electrical equipment when the car is not started. Although the car battery is usually charged while driving by the alternator, there are times when the battery is completely discharged and needs to be connected to a charger. Connecting the charger to a discharged battery requires extreme attention, otherwise you may damage the battery or get injured.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Before connecting the charger

1. 1 Check the battery and charger specifications. Read the instructions for the charger, for the battery, and the owner's manual of the car of which the battery is part.
2. 2 Choose a well-ventilated area. In a well-ventilated area, hydrogen dissipates better, which releases battery electrolyte from sulfuric acid inside its compartments. The volatility of hydrogen means that the battery could explode.
   • For this reason, always wear safety glasses when charging the battery. In addition, always keep other volatile substances such as gasoline, flammable materials, or sources of ignition (cigarettes, matches, or lighters) away from the battery.
3. 3 Determine which terminal of the battery is grounded to the vehicle. The battery is grounded by connecting it to the car chassis. In most vehicles, the negative terminal is the ground terminal. There are several ways to define the terminal type:
   • Take a look at the markings. POS, P, or + means the terminal is positive and NEG, N, or - is negative.
   • Compare the diameter of the terminals. In most cases, the positive terminal is thicker than the negative terminal.
   • If cables are connected to the terminals, take a look at their color. The cable connected to the positive terminal should be red, while the cable connected to the negative terminal should be black.
4. 4 Determine if you need to remove the battery from the vehicle to recharge it. This information should be indicated in the car's manual.
   • If the battery being charged is removed from the boat, then you must take it out and charge it on land, unless, of course, you have a charger and other equipment with which the battery can be charged inside the boat.

Part 2 of 3: Connecting the charger

1. 1 Turn off all vehicle equipment.
2. 2 Disconnect the vehicle battery cables. Before removing the battery, you must first disconnect the cable from the grounding terminal and then the cable from the power terminal.
3. 3 Remove the battery from the vehicle if necessary.
   • Use the battery carrier to carry the battery from the vehicle to the charger. This will help prevent pressure on the battery poles and battery acid spills from the vent caps that can occur if you carry the battery by hand.
4. 4 Clean the battery terminals. Use a solution of baking soda and water to clean the terminals for corrosion and neutralize any sulfuric acid that may have spilled on them. You can apply the solution with an old toothbrush.
   • Small signs of corrosion can be brushed off with a round wire brush by placing it on the battery terminals and cleaning them. You can buy such a brush at any auto parts store.
   • Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth immediately after cleaning the terminals. Do not touch the white bloom that may be on the terminals, as this is solidified sulfuric acid.
5. 5 Pour distilled water into each battery compartment until the water reaches the specified level. This will scatter the hydrogen from the compartments. Perform this step only if you have a maintenance-free battery. Otherwise, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
   • Close the compartment caps after filling them with water. Sometimes batteries can be equipped with flame arresters. If your battery does not have flame arrestor caps, take a wet cloth and place it over the caps.
   • If the battery compartment covers are sealed, then do not touch them.
6. 6 Place the charger as far away from the battery as the length of its cables will allow. Thus, you will reduce the possibility of damage to the device from airborne sulfuric acid vapors.
   • Do not place the charger directly above or below the battery.
7. 7 Set the charger output voltage switch to the desired voltage position. If there is no voltage data on the battery case, then they may be in the car's manual.
   • If your charger has a voltage regulator, set it to the lowest charge level first.
8. 8 Connect the clips of the charger to the battery. Connect the clip to the non-ground terminal first (usually the positive terminal). Connecting the clip to the grounding terminal depends on whether the battery is in the vehicle or has been removed from the vehicle.
   • If the battery is removed from the vehicle, you must connect a jumper cable or insulated battery wire at least 60 cm long to the ground terminal, and then connect the charger clip to this cable.
   • If the battery has not been removed from the vehicle, connect another cable to the thick metal part of the engine block or chassis.
9. 9 Insert the plug from the charger into a power outlet. The charger must have a grounded plug and therefore must be plugged into a suitable grounded outlet. Leave the battery pack until it is fully charged. Charge the battery according to the recommended charging time, or until the charge indicator shows that the battery is fully charged.
   • Use an extension cord only when absolutely necessary. If you need to connect an extension cable, then it must also be grounded and does not need an adapter to connect to the charger. The extension cord must also be large enough to withstand the amperage of the charger.

Part 3 of 3: Disconnecting the Charger

1. 1 Unplug the plug.
2. 2 Disconnect the clips from the charger. You must first disconnect the clip from the grounding terminal, and then from the non-grounding terminal.
3. 3 Return the battery pack back to the vehicle if it was removed.
4. 4 Connect the car cable. Connect the cable to the non-ground terminal first and then to the ground terminal.
   • Some chargers have an engine start function. If your device has one, then you can leave it connected to the battery when you start the engine. Otherwise, you must disconnect the charger before starting the engine. Be that as it may, do not touch the engine parts if you start the car with the hood open or with the cover removed.

Tips

• The charging time of batteries depends on their level of reserve capacity, while the charging time of motorcycles, garden tractors and deep cycle batteries depends on their ampere-hour level.
• While attaching the charger clips to the battery, twist them a few times to make sure they fit well.
• Even if you are wearing safety glasses, look away from the battery when connecting it to the charger.
• If your battery has sealed caps, it is possible that it also has an indicator that shows the status of the battery. If the indicator shows a low water level, you should replace the battery.

Warnings

• Remove all rings, bracelets, necklaces and other metal jewelry before connecting the battery to the charger. All of them can lead to a short circuit, due to which the decoration will melt, and you will burn yourself.
• While a higher current level will charge the battery faster, too high a level will overheat the battery and harm it. Never exceed the recommended charging level, and if the battery becomes very hot, stop charging and let it cool down before continuing.
• Never let a metal tool touch two terminals at the same time.
• Keep enough soap and fresh water on hand to wash off any leaked battery acid. Wash skin or clothing immediately if acid has come in contact with it. If battery acid gets in your eyes, rinse immediately with cold water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

What do you need

• Charger
• Jumper cable or 6 awg battery cable (when charging the battery outside the car)
• Extension cord with grounding (if necessary)
• Battery carrier (if the battery needs to be moved to charge)
• Protective glasses
• Water and soap