KUSSMAUL WP-20 User Manual - page 4
170 Cherry Ave.,
West Sayville,
New York 11796
Phone: 800-346-0857
Fax: 631-567-5826
E-Mail: sales@kussmaul.com
www.kussmaul.com
• Become familiar with all instructions, specifications and cautionary markings on chargers, batteries and equipment
used. Only adults should install and operate the charger. Children should be kept out of reach of the charger and all
batteries.
• When using an extension cord the WP-20 requires a quality grounded extension cord of at least 16 awg wire size for
cords up to 50’ and a minimum of 14 awg for cords up to 150’.
• Never unplug a cord by pulling on the cord itself. Always grasp the plug when disconnecting the charger.
• Never charge a frozen battery. If the battery has an odor or is visibly damaged disconnect charger and consult factory.
• Study battery manufacturer’s precautions such as removing or not removing cell caps while charging.
• Keep batteries full. Add distilled water in each cell until it reaches levels specified by battery. Check battery fluid levels
regularly.
• Keep battery terminals clean. Always unplug charger before cleaning and be careful to keep corrosion from coming in
contact with eyes.
• Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches when working with a lead-acid battery.
A lead-acid battery can produce a short circuit high enough to weld a ring, etc. to metal, causing a severe burn.
3) THREE STATE CHARGE CYCLE
The WP-20 employs a three state charge routine. This is the charging
procedure most lead-acid battery manufacturers recommend to
return full capacity efficiently and extend battery life. Please refer to
the figure Three State Charging Curve diagram.
3-1) Stage I: Constant Current Charging or Bulk Charge Mode
(Fast - Red LED Illuminates)
Assuming the battery is starting in a discharged state, the charging is
operating in constant current mode, where the charger current is maintained
at a constant value and the battery voltage is allowed to rise as it is being
recharged. Approximately 80% of battery capacity is returned in the
constant current region.
3-2) Stage II: Absorption Mode (Amber LED Illuminates)
When the battery voltage reaches approximately 2.33 volts per cell, or
14.0 volts for a 12V battery, the charger voltage is held constant at this
level and the battery current is allowed to reduce. This voltage is maintained
until the charging current reduces substantially or two hours elapse.
3-3) Stage III: Float Mode (Green LED Illuminates)
Float mode is the final stage of the charging routine. Float mode is where the voltage on the battery is maintained at
approximately 2.20 volts per cell, or 13.25 volts for a 12V battery. This voltage will maintain the full charge condition in the
battery without boiling out electrolyte or overcharging the battery.
3-4) Charger Operation
The WP-20 is fully automatic once installed properly. The indictor lights (LEDs) informs the user of the progress of the
charging cycle and confirms proper connections.
3-5) LED Indicators
Charging Mode: Indicates the mode of charge cycle.
• Red LED = Charging current LED (Red) indicates amount of current being accepted by the battery. Fast Bulk charge
mode.
• Green LED = AC Power On LED (Green) indicates AC power is applied to the charger and is Float mode.
• Amber LED = Absorption charge mode.
Charging Status LED indicates the output is connected properly to the battery and is being charged.
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