11.2 Safety cut-outs
In the event of a short circuit there are several safety
systems built into your wheelchair to safeguard your
electrical circuits.
Fusible 100A links are connected into the battery
•
harnesses to protect the batteries and wiring.
A 15A fusible link for auxiliary power, (when fitted).
•
To replace them contact your Sunrise Medical authorised
dealer, who will also diagnose the fault.
R-net Control
Please refer to your R-net Owner's Manual for
details.
11.3 General battery information
Batteries are the power source for almost all of the
modern mobility products available today. The design
of batteries used in mobility products is significantly
different to the batteries used to start a car for example.
Car batteries are designed to release a large amount
of power over a short period of time, whilst mobility
batteries (commonly called deep cycle batteries) release
their power evenly, over a long period of time. Therefore,
due to the lower production volumes and increased
technological requirements, mobility batteries are typically
more expensive.
Commonly two 12 volt batteries are used together in a
mobility product, giving a total voltage of 24 volts. The
size of the battery (e.g. its available power) is expressed
in amps per hour e.g. 80 amp/hr. The higher the number,
the bigger the battery size, weight and, potentially, the
greater the distance you can travel. Sunrise Medical only
fit as standard maintenance free batteries into these types
of wheelchairs.
11.4 Maintenance free batteries
As the name implies, no maintenance is required other
than regular charging. You can safely transport this type
of battery without fear of acid spilling. Furthermore, they
are approved for transportation on trains and ships.
54
Mini
SALSA M
2
11.5 Battery care
Below is set out a battery care plan for maintenance free
batteries. This has been agreed between Sunrise
Medical and the battery manufacturers, to enable you
to get the best out of your batteries. If a different care
plan is followed, this may result in lower than expected
performance from your mobility vehicle.
11.6 Maintenance free battery care plan
WARNING!
Only use an approved Sunrise Medical charger
compatible with the vehicle to be charged.
Charge your batteries every night, regardless of the
•
amount of use your mobility device has had during the
day.
Do not interrupt the charging cycle.
•
If your mobility device is not required for use, it should
•
remain connected to the charger until required. This
will not damage your batteries, as long as the mains
socket/plug is left switched on. Turning the mains
socket/plug off, but leaving the mains cable plugged
in will eventually deplete your battery charge.
If you intend to leave your vehicle for an extended
•
period (more than 15 days) charge the batteries fully
and then disconnect the main battery lead.
CAUTION!
Failure to allow for recharge will damage the batteries
•
and can lead to shortened distances and premature
failure.
Do not top up the charge of your batteries during the
•
day. Wait until the evening for a full overnight charge.
As a general rule, maintenance free batteries take longer
to fully charge than lead acid batteries.
The battery terminals need to be checked regularly for
signs of corrosion. If any corrosion is apparent, then
clean the terminals completely (a wire brush is ideal) and
re-grease the terminal using Vaseline petroleum jelly, not
ordinary grease. Ensure that the terminal nut and bolt,
cable clip and exposed cable are completely covered with
jelly.
Following all the points above should result in a healthier
battery, greater range for the vehicle user and a longer life
for your batteries.
Return the batteries back to Sunrise Medical or directly
to the battery manufacturer for recycling, when they no
longer hold charge.
Rev.3.0