Frequently Asked Questions

All information contained in our FAQ section related to battery chargers and the charging process is for general, informational use only. Please refer to your Schumacher battery charger and user manual for specific product information, instructions, and features. If you still have questions about our products, visit our blog for additional resources and education or contact us directly via phone or email.

General Information

What is your return policy?

Schumacher offers a limited warranty for all our products. In order to file a claim against your warranty, your product must be registered. If you bought your product from a third-party retailer, be sure to have the receipt handy as you will need the purchase date to register your product. You will also need your product’s serial number and UPC code. The serial number can be found on the unit and the UPC code is located on the packaging.

How do I register my product?

Schumacher offers a limited warranty for all our products. In order to file a claim against your warranty, your product must be registered. If you bought your product from a third-party retailer, be sure to have the receipt handy as you will need the purchase date to register your product. You will also need your product’s serial number and UPC code. The serial number can be found on the unit and the UPC code is located on the packaging.

About EV Chargers

What is the difference between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 charging?

Level 1 chargers use a standard household 120V AC outlet and typically add 3-6 miles of range per hour to your EV. Level 2 chargers require a 240V outlet or a hardwired electrical connection and can add 20-60 miles of range per hour to an EV. Level 3 charging, also known as DC fast charging, is currently used only in commercial chargers. It requires a 480V connection, but a Level 3 charger can add 60-100 miles of range in 20 minutes.

Why do I need a Level 2 EV wall charger if a charger was included when I purchased my car?

Most EVs in North America are sold with a portable Level 1 charger included. These chargers work with a standard household 120V AC outlet and typically add 3-6 miles of range per hour. A Schumacher Electric Level 2 wall charger is up to eight times faster, allowing you to be on your way sooner.

How quickly will Schumacher’s EV wall charger charge my vehicle?

How quickly your EV will charge depends on many variables, including your vehicle type, your home power system’s voltage, and which model of Schumacher EV wall charger you own. The Schumacher Level 2 EV wall chargers charge up to eight times faster than a standard Level 1 EV charger.

What connector types does Schumacher use with its EV chargers?

All Schumacher EV chargers use the universal SAE-J1772 connector. This connector is compatible with most North American electric vehicles. Tesla® vehicles require an adapter (sold separately).

My Tesla vehicle doesn’t have the standard SAE-J1772 connector. Can I still use a Schumacher EV charger to charge my Tesla vehicle?

Yes, however, you must use a Tesla-to-SAE-J1772 adapter, such as the Schumacher SA914.

How long is the cable for Schumacher’s EV wall chargers?

The charging cable for all Schumacher’s EV wall chargers is 25 feet in length.

Can I install my SEV1600HW, SEV1600P1450, or SEV1600P450 EV wall charger outdoors?

Yes, all of the Schumacher Electric EV wall chargers have a IP66/3R raintight enclosure

How do I maintain my Schumacher EV wall charger?

Occasionally clean the case of the wall charger with a soft cloth to keep the finish shiny and help prevent corrosion.

Is it okay to leave my EV plugged into my Schumacher EV wall charger all the time?

Yes, when charging is complete, the charger automatically shuts down.

Can I integrate a Schumacher EV wall charger into my smart home system?

Yes, the Schumacher EV wall charger is easily added as a component to compatible smart home systems.

Does my Schumacher EV wall charger use electricity when it is not charging?

The Schumacher EV wall charger uses only a negligible amount of electricity when not actively charging.

Can I plug my Schumacher SEV1600P1450 or SEV1600P650 EV wall charger into any outlet?

No. The SEV1600P1450 requires a NEMA 14-50 outlet for safe operation. The SEV1600P650 requires a NEMA 6-50 outlet.

What kind of warranty does Schumacher offer on its Level 2 EV wall chargers?

Schumacher Electric offers a three-year limited warranty on all its Level 2 EV wall chargers. Click here for more information.

Can my EV be left charging unattended?

Yes, the unit constantly monitors for any errors and automatically shuts off if an error is detected.

Where can I download the SchuPower™ app to monitor my Schumacher EV charger?

The SchuPower is available for download in the Apple App Store® or the Google Play™ store.

How do I set up my Schumacher EV wall charger’s Bluetooth® connection and connect with the SchuPower app?

Download the SchuPower app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play store. Next, open the app and follow the app’s instructions to set up your wall charger’s Bluetooth connection.

My Schumacher SEV1600HW, SEV1600P1450, or SEV1600P450 EV wall charger isn’t charging. What should I do?

If the Power LED is off, check the breaker. For models SEV1600P1450 and SEV1600P650, you should also check to ensure the plug is fully inserted. If the Power LED is still off, have a licensed electrician check to make sure your unit is connected to AC power. For other issues, check the Troubleshooting section of your user manual or contact Schumacher customer service

How much power do the Schumacher SEV1600HW, SEV1600P1450, or SEV1600P450 EV wall chargers require?

The Schumacher wall chargers have a configurable current, which allows you to make adjustments during installation based on the capabilities of your home’s power system. Amperage is set according to the connected dedicated breaker associated with the hardwired connection or NEMA outlet. Settings are available for 20A, 30A, 40A, 50A, 60A, 70A, and 80A dedicated breakers.

Can I install my EV wall charger myself?

The SEV1600HW, SEV1600P1450, and SEV1600P450 EV wall chargers must be installed by a licensed electrician. Let’s get you started with a free consultation and estimate customized for your home. Schedule Today

What size breaker do I need for a Schumacher Level 2 EV wall charger?

You will need a 20A, 30A, 40A, 50A, 60A, 70A, or 80A dedicated breaker. For more information, check the Installation and User Guide.

What kind of plug and wiring do I need for the Schumacher SEV1600P1450 or SEV1600P650 plug-in EV wall chargers?

For the SEV1600P1450 you will need an electrician-installed NEMA 14-50 plug. The SEV1600P650 requires an electrician-installed NEMA 6-50 plug. For safe installation, electricians should use 6 AWG, 90°C rated copper wire.

Will a Schumacher Level 2 EV wall charger work on my PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle)?

Yes, Schumacher Electric’s line of Level 2 EV wall chargers safely recharge PHEVs and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Available Federal and State EV Charger Rebates, Tax Credits, and Incentives

October 10, 2022

Electric vehicles and EV charging equipment are important investments for the future of our country. This is recognized at the federal level with consumer tax credits to encourage adoption of this new technology. In addition to federal tax credits, many states and electric utilities provide rebates, incentive programs, and state-level tax credits as well. Below you will find a summary of available state and federal incentives for electric vehicles and EV chargers.

Federal Tax Credits

EV Chargers

The federal government offers consumers a tax credit for EV charger hardware and installation costs. The credit covers 30 percent of the costs up to a maximum of $1,000 for residential installation. The credit can also be applied retroactively for installations as early as 2017. More information on this tax credit may be found at https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8911.

For commercial installation of EV chargers, there is a 6 percent tax credit up to a maximum of $100,000 per unit. To qualify, the commercial charger must be located in a low-income or non-urban community.

Electric Vehicles

Federal tax credits of up to $7,500 are available for the purchase of new all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. The amount of the tax credit and eligibility for the credit will vary depending on the specific make, model, and battery size of the electric vehicle. The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act limits tax credits to only passenger vehicles assembled in North America. Beginning in 2023, only sedans under $55,000 and SUVs and vans under $80,000 will qualify and buyers must have an adjusted gross income of under $150,000 for individuals, $225,000 for head of household, or $300,000 for a joint household.

The IRA also introduces a used EV tax credit of 30 percent of the sale price up to $4,000. Final sales price must be less than $25,000. The used EV incentives have an income cap of $75,000 for individuals, $112,500 for head of household or $150,000 for a joint household.

Beginning in 2024, the law will allow car buyers to transfer the credit to dealers at the point of sale, lowering the upfront purchase price of EVs and expanding affordability to lower- and middle-income households.

A list of qualified electric vehicles can be found at https://www.irs.gov/businesses/irc-30d-new-qualified-plug-in-electric-drive-motor-vehicle-credit.

To determine a specific vehicle’s eligibility, enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at https://www.nhtsa.gov/vin-decoder.

A complete roundup of federal laws and incentives for electric vehicles and EV chargers is available at https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/laws/ELEC/US.

State Level Tax Credits, Utility Rebates, and Incentives

Hundreds of state and local tax credits, utility rebates, and other incentives are available to consumers, businesses, and government entities to purchase electric vehicles and purchase and install electric vehicle chargers. The U.S. Department of Energy has set up a tool that enables you to search for all applicable laws and incentives in your state. Go to https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/laws/ELEC to find out more.

The information found in this article has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, however, Schumacher Electric makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information contained herein. Schumacher is not the issuer of any tax credits and is not responsible for any issues related to obtaining tax credits.

About Battery Chargers

What’s the difference between microprocessor-controlled charging, automatic charging, and manual charging?

A microprocessor-controlled battery charger is designed to provide fast, safe, and efficient charging to a wide variety of battery types and sizes. The microprocessor collects information from the battery and adjusts the charge current and voltage accordingly, which allows the battery to be charged quickly, correctly, and completely without negative effects on the capacity of the battery and on battery cycle-life.

An automatic battery charger stops charging and switches to maintain mode (float-mode monitoring) automatically after the battery is fully charged. Automatic chargers are more forgiving on the battery than manual chargers but are not designed for indefinite or maintenance use.

A manual battery charger won’t cycle or shut down by itself, even after the battery is fully charged. It will continue to put current at the selected setting to the battery until the charger is disconnected.

What is Maintain Mode?

When your charger’s “CHARGED” LED is lit, the charger has started maintain mode. In this mode, the charger keeps the battery fully charged by delivering a small current when necessary. If the battery voltage drops below a preset level, the charger will go back into charge mode until the battery voltage returns to the full charge level before switching back to maintain mode.

NOTE: The maintain-mode technology utilized in Schumacher’s chargers/maintainers allows you to safely charge and maintain a healthy battery for extended periods of time. However, problems with the battery, electrical problems in the vehicle, improper connections, or other unanticipated conditions could cause excessive voltage draws. As such, occasionally monitoring the battery and the charging process is recommended.

What is the purpose of the 24-inch, 6-gauge battery cable mentioned in some battery charger user manuals? And where can I purchase one?

There are gases emitted when charging that increase the risk of sparking. To avoid this, UL recommends using a 24-inch, 6-guage battery cable that can be purchased in any hardware store.

Why doesn’t my 12-volt appliance operate when connected to my charger?

A battery charger is not a power supply. The charger is designed to look for positive (+) voltage, which an appliance will never produce. Thus, the appliance will not operate when connected to the charger.

Can my battery charger’s clamps or AC cord be modified?

No! Any modification of the battery charger could create unsafe operating conditions and also void the warranty. Additionally, when using an extension cord, shorter is better. For optimum operation use an extension cord that is less than 20 feet long.

Why does my charger stop working in the cranking assist position?

The cranking assist position is not meant to be a charging setting. The charger will wait for you to crank the engine. If the vehicle won’t start after cranking the engine for 5 seconds, charge the battery for 15 minutes before trying again.

How long can I use the Engine Start/Cranking Assist on my charger?

We recommend using the engine start/cranking assist feature on your charger for 3 to 5 seconds on and 5 minutes off. See the front panel of your charger for the recommended crank time your charger allows. Charge the battery for 15 minutes before using engine start/cranking assist. After 15 minutes of charging, set the selector switch to the Engine Start/Cranking Assist position. Then try to start the engine using the ignition switch.

If the engine fails to start within 3 to 5 seconds, stop cranking and begin the cranking process again by charging your battery for another 10 to 15 minutes.

NOTE: You should not attempt to charge your battery on the engine start setting. Doing so could cause damage to your battery or cause other property damage or personal injury. Recommended cranking assist cycles less than 5 seconds are in place to allow the charger to dissipate the heat generated by the increased power output through the transformer. Exceeding the recommended time duration of your charger’s cranking assist cycle can cause damage to the charger’s internal circuitry.

How long can I leave my charger connected to my battery?

The type of charger you are using more accurately determines this, but generally, your battery charger is safe to leave powered up and connected to your battery until the battery has reached a full charge. However, most chargers aren’t designed to leave your battery connected indefinitely. The only chargers recommended for extended or storage applications are the 1.5-, 2-, and 3-amp charger/maintainers specifically designed for long-term, slow-trickle charging/maintenance applications. However, problems with the battery, electrical problems in the vehicle, improper connections, or other unanticipated conditions could cause excessive voltage draws. As such, occasionally monitoring the battery and the charging process is recommended.

What type of battery should I select when charging a deep-cycle marine battery?

Most of Schumacher’s battery chargers no longer have a deep-cycle setting. Instead, find out what type of battery you have and use that setting (Standard, AGM, Gel, or Lithium). If you are not sure what type of battery you have, select the gel battery type, because it will not damage the battery.

Note: Schumacher does not recommend using the gel battery setting over a long period of time if you are unsure of your battery type. While the gel battery setting will not cause immediate damage if used on a different battery type, long-term use will eventually cause the battery to lose some of its capacity.

Why does my battery charger show more than 14 volts are used to charge my 12-volt battery? Why do I need this much voltage?

Today’s batteries usually need at least 14.5 volts to fully charge, although this can vary according to battery manufacturer. For example, your vehicle’s alternator continually outputs 14.4 volts to your battery during normal operation.

I have just opened/used my battery charger for the first time and there is a strange smell coming from the unit. Is this normal?

The plastic casing used in our products can have an odor when new. This smell should dissipate quickly.

How many volts must a battery put out for Schumacher’s microprocessor-controlled chargers to start charging batteries?

All of Schumacher’s microprocessor-controlled chargers require 0.5 volts of output from the battery in order to start charging.

How do I tell what type of battery I have: Standard, AGM, Gel, or Lithium?

Standard wet cell batteries are still a common lead-acid battery type in use today. They usually are not sealed, and electrolyte can be added through holes in the top casing of the battery. Gel cell batteries are sealed and cannot be re-filled with electrolyte; therefore, they have a smooth top with no access holes. AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are becoming very popular in the evolution of lead-acid batteries. They are sealed like gel cell batteries but are typically smaller and can be recognized by their more compact size. Lithium batteries are the smallest size vehicle battery and are also drastically lighter than standard, AGM, or gel batteries. Lithium batteries, or more typically LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries, are lithium-ion based and offer good safety characteristics along with resistance to vibration.

What is the correct charging voltage for my battery?

The correct charging voltage for your battery depends on the type of battery you have. Most of today’s automotive and marine batteries are 12 volts, while some motorcycle and lawn tractor batteries are 6 volts. Check the battery or the vehicle owner’s manual to find the correct voltage. The value of the charge rate voltage is determined by the battery manufacturer. Deviating from the recommended values will under or overcharge the battery–both of which will reduce the battery’s life and performance.

What happens if the power goes out and comes back on during charging?

If the power goes out while you are charging your battery, a manual charger will keep charging as if it was just turned on, but an automatic charger may or may not continue charging depending on where it was at in the charging process when the power went out. If the battery is still sufficiently discharged, the charger will continue to charge the battery, but if the battery was almost fully charged, the charger may go into maintain mode early. This only affects the battery in how long it will take to be fully charged. You may also have to readjust the settings because the charger will come back on with the default settings.

How can I tell if my battery needs to be replaced?

If your battery won’t accept a charge or won’t stay charged as long as it used to, it’s time to replace it.

Why is my battery charger’s fan on all the time?

For certain models of battery chargers, it is normal for the fan to be on all the time in order to keep the transformer and electrical circuitry cool during normal charger use. Keep the area near the charger clear of obstructions to allow the fan to operate efficiently.

Why is my new charger so much lighter than my older unit?

Our new energy-efficient models are designed with lightweight, high-efficiency transformers.

About Solar Panels

Can Schumacher solar panels be used to charge AGM and gel batteries?

Yes, Schumacher solar panels can be used to charge AGM and gel batteries. However, we recommend all Schumacher solar panels be used with a charge controller. The solar panel can output a maximum voltage of 19 volts and a charge controller will limit the output to 14.4 volts, preventing battery damage.

About Meters

How do I read my charger’s amp meter?

The amp meter shows how much current the battery charger is outputting to the battery. When you turn on the charger, it outputs a high amount of current (electrical power). For example, if you select the 12-amp rate to charge the battery, the charger needle will be closer to the 12 on the right side. As the battery charges, the needle will drop to approximately half, or 6 amps in this case, of the selected amperage rate indicating the battery is fully charged.

About Portable Power Units and Inverters

How do I charge my portable power jump starter and how often should I recharge it?

Our portable power jump starter includes an internal charger. Use a household extension cord (18 AWG or larger) to power the internal charger. Once you plug the extension cord into an outlet, connect the cord into the receptacle on the unit to charge.

We suggest charging your portable power jump starter’s internal battery immediately after you purchase it, every 30 days, and after every use. Frequently charging the battery maximizes the power potential of the unit and ensures your unit will be ready whenever you need it. Keeping the battery fully-charged can also extend the life of your unit.

The user manual says to charge my portable power unit as soon as I take it out of the box, but it seems to be fully charged. Is it defective?

No. Every portable power jump starter’s battery is fully charged when it leaves our factory. However, we don’t know how long it will sit in warehouses or on store shelves before you purchase it. During that period, it may lose some or all of its charge, which is why we instruct users to charge the unit before using it for the first time.

Can I store a jump starter in my car during the winter?

Yes, you can store your Schumacher jump starter in a vehicle during the winter, as long as you make sure the internal battery is fully charged and maintained. We recommend fully charging the unit once a month and after every use.

How long can I run the air compressor on my portable power jump starter?

We recommend that you do not run your air compressor for more than 10 minutes at a time as it may overheat. After running the compressor for 10 minutes, allow the unit to cool down for 10 minutes before running the air compressor again. Some models may automatically turn the compressor off if it begins to overheat.

When I turn the inverter switch on, I see an “o2” message in the display. What does this mean?

The “o2” message is only a revision code programmed into the unit and should disappear almost immediately. It has no effect on the function of the unit or the inverter.

Can I operate household appliances with my Schumacher products?

When coupled with a power inverter, a Schumacher portable power jump starter can be used to operate appliances normally powered by 110V AC. This should be limited to inverters rated at 400 watts or less.

What does this error on my power inverter mean?

To troubleshoot your power inverter, please see the chart below listing the common errors your power inverter might display with the associated reason and solution. If you continue to have issues with your power inverter, please contact customer service for assistance.

ERROR CODE	DESCRIPTION	REASON/SOLUTION
bAd	The inverter is not functional.	See warranty and call Customer Service at 1-800-621-5485 (Hours: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST).
HiB	The vehicle's battery voltage is more than 15.5 volts.	The inverter will automatically restart after the voltage drops below 15.5 volts.
HiP	The continuous load demand from the device exceeds the inverter’s wattage output.	Use a higher-rated inverter or a lower-rated device.
Hot	The inverter is overheated and automatically turns off for a period of 1-3 minutes to cool.	Make sure the inverter is well ventilated. It will automatically restart after it cools.
Lob	The vehicle's battery voltage is less than 10.5 volts.	Recharge the vehicle's battery
SC	There is a short circuit, power surge or overload in the device being powered.	Have the device checked.

My inverter was working fine to power my CPAP machine, but now it won’t work at all. Why?

We cannot guarantee that our inverters are compatible with your medical device. We recommend that you contact the manufacturer of your medical equipment to ask what brand/model of inverters work best with your device.

Can I extend my inverter’s input cables? If so, what gauge wire should I use?

No! Under no circumstances should you use longer input cables than those that came with the device. Instead, we recommend that you use an extension cord on the output side.

Will using the inverter drain my car battery?

Yes, a period of extended use will drain the battery.

Why don’t the different speed settings on my fan work when it is powered by an inverter?

The inverter does not produce a pure sine wave like a household outlet. Instead, the inverter produces a modified sine wave that is unable to power all of your fan’s speed settings.