I have a Schumacher fully automatic charger and the instructions say not to connect to an extension but if you have to be sure the pins on the plug of the extension cord are the same number, size, and shape as those of plug on the charger.

My question is this, most extension cords have 3 plugs(Charger has 2) does this matter,or are the instructions written that way for legal reasons?

Can i use the 3 prong extension cord? Sorry fo being such an idiot but i honestly need advice

thanks

 

A three prong cord is a ground wire in the cord, grounding the device to the wall plug for safety. If your charger has only 2 prongs, it is insulated (from the case) for your protection. It is fine to plug it in to your 3 prong cord. One of the 2 prongs are usually wider than the other to prevent reversal of the hot and neutral wires.

 

Were they talking about the AC power input cord or the DC power output cord?

Normally they could care less about the AC cord because the units don't pull enough power to matter much.

The DC output cord has to be connected per the correct polarity. The negative lead has to hook to the negative and the positive to the positive. They also don't want you to use a smaller wire between the charger output and the bike because if it is undersized it could overheat and cause you unlimited problems.

Read it all again and verify which cord they are talking about.

 

Yes, it is fine to use the 3 wire extension cord with the batt charger. Lucky is correct the charger is internally grounded to the case.

 

No, they were talking about the AC cord that is why i was so confused because i never thought it to be an issue before. I am thinking it has got to be some legal stuff like going to McDonalds and the coffee cup warning you that they contents are HOT. I susspect someone must have had a fire or got a shock etc.. so they try to cover all the basis

 

The charger is good to go.I just plug mine in and keep the polarity correct as one spade connector is bigger than the other.

 

.....

 

Make sure the socket on the extension cord is designed for a polarized (one prong wider than the other) plug if that is what came on the charger.
A lot of electrical equipment could care less which side of the plug is hot and neutral (look at the AC adapter on your computer, the prongs are the same) but if the plug is polarized it does matter.

 

I would also use the shortest one needed. wouldn't use a 100 footer if only need a 10 ft one and no lighter wire than 14 qauge.

 

maybe they sell them world wide and the stick is there and does not apply to the US. I have one and will have to read it. on the subject of chargers is it ok to leave that charger connected all the time or do you have to but one that says for battery tender?