24 VOLT FULLY AUTOMATIC

BATTERY CHARGER
MODEL 17970 TYPE 24LC25-8ET

Specifications
AC Supply: 120 Volts, 8 Amps, 60 Hertz, Single-Phase
DC Output: 24 Volts, 25 Amps tapering to 8 Amps
Battery Specifications: Use only on 24 Volt, 12 Cell, series connected wet lead-acid systems; 180-305
ampere hour (20 hr. rate)

PLEASE SAVE THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

For correct operation of the equipment, it is important to read and be familiar
with this entire manual before installing and operating the charger.
DO NOT DISCARD THIS MANUAL AFTER READING.

LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. IT MEANS:

BECOME ALERT—YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. IF YOU DO NOT FOLLOW THESE
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS, INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE CAN OCCUR.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 5. To reduce risk of damage to electric plug and

1. This manual contains important safety and cord, pull by plug rather than cord when
operating instructions for battery charger Model disconnecting charger.
17970. 6. Make sure cord is located so that it will not be
2. Before using battery charger, read all stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected
instructions and cautionary markings on battery to damage or stress.
charger, battery, and product using battery. 7. An extension cord should not be used unless
absolutely necessary. Use of improper
CAUTION: TO REDUCE RISK OF INJURY, extension cord could result in a risk of fire and
CHARGE ONLY LIQUID ELECTROLYTE (WET) electric shock. If extension cord must be used,
LEAD ACID RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES. make sure that:
OTHER TYPES OF BATTERIES MAY BURST a. Pins on plug of extension cord are the same
CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY AND DAMAGE. number, size, and shape as those of plug on
3. Do not expose charger to rain or snow. charger.
4. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold b. Extension cord is properly wired and in good
by the battery charger manufacturer may result electrical condition.
in a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to c. Wire size is large enough for AC ampere
persons. rating of charger.

Operating Instructions 1 01532D

8. Do not operate charger with damaged cord or RECEPTACLE BEFORE INSTALLING OR
plug; replace it immediately. REMOVING UNIT.
9. Do not operate charger if it has received a sharp This battery charger must be connected to a 120
blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in VAC, 60 Hertz, single-phase AC power source which
any way; take it to a qualified service center. is properly installed and grounded in accordance
10. Do not disassemble charger; take it to a with the National Electrical Code (U.S.) and all local
qualified service center when service or repair is codes and ordinances.
required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a
risk of electric shock or fire. GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
11. To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug charger Charger should be grounded to reduce risk of
from a live outlet or disconnect AC power to the electric shock. Charger is equipped with an
outlet before attempting any maintenance or electric cord having an equipment-grounding
cleaning. Turning off controls will not reduce conductor. The installed plug must be plugged into
this risk. an outlet that is properly installed and grounded in
accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
INTRODUCTION
DANGER: NEVER ALTER AC CORD OR
This battery charger is a self-regulating charger with PLUG IF IT WILL NOT FIT OUTLET. HAVE A
a minimum of moving parts, designed for long, PROPER OUTLET INSTALLED BY A QUALIFIED
trouble-free service. Built-in line voltage compen- ELECTRICIAN. IMPROPER CONNECTION CAN
sation produces a consistent output when the AC RESULT IN A RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
supply voltage varies by as much as 10% from
nominal. Convection cooling maximizes the This battery charger is for use on a nominal 120 volt
reliability and minimizes any maintenance costs. circuit and has a grounding plug, which looks like the
ONLY LIQUID ELECTROLYTE (WET) LEAD ACID adapter illustrated in Figure A. A temporary adapter,
BATTERIES should be recharged with this charger which looks like the adapter illustrated in Figures B
to ensure superior battery performance and life. A and C, may be used to connect this plug to a two-
patented electronic circuit turns the charger on and pole receptacle as shown in Figure B if a properly
off automatically. When the battery has reached its grounded outlet is not available. The temporary
maximum state of charge, the circuitry will turn the adapter should be used only until a properly
charger off. grounded outlet can be installed by a qualified
electrician.

RECEIVING AND INSTALLING THE CHARGER DANGER: BEFORE USING ADAPTER AS

When the charger is received, check for possible ILLUSTRATED, BE CERTAIN THE CENTER
in-transit damage. If any damage is found, it should SCREW OF OUTLET PANEL PLATE IS
be reported as a claim to the carrier. GROUNDED.
Proper installation of the charger is important in The green-colored rigid ear or lug extending from
order to achieve good charger performance and to adapter must be connected to a properly grounded
prevent damage to the charger and batteries. The outlet. If necessary, replace original outlet cover
charger should be located in a clean, cool, dry, and plate screw with a longer screw that will secure
well ventilated area. To permit free air flow for adapter ear or lug to outlet cover plate and make
convection cooling, allow three inches (3") minimum ground connection to grounded outlet.
between the charger and any wall and six inches GROUNDING METHODS
(6") between the charger and other equipment.
Position the charger on a foundation of stone, brick, A B C
concrete or grounded metal. COVER OF ADAPTER
GROUNDED
OUTLET BOX
DANGER: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE,
DO NOT USE THE CHARGER NEAR
FLAMMABLE MATERIALS OR VAPORS. CONNECTED
TO COVER
GROUNDING OF GROUNDED
GROUNDING MEANS OUTLET
BLADE BOX
AC INPUT GROUNDED
OUTLET

CAUTION: TO REDUCE RISK OF ELECTRIC NOTE: Use of an adapter shown in Figures B and C
SHOCK OR FIRE, DISCONNECT POWER TO is not permitted in Canada.

Operating Instructions 2 01532D

EXTENSION CORD REQUIREMENTS than 120 volts, the initial charge rate may be
Always use a three-conductor, No. 14 AWG (1.5mm) less. If the batteries have been excessively
heavy duty cord with ground, properly wired, in good discharged, or AC supply voltage is higher than
electrical condition and keep it as short as possible. 120 volts, the initial charge rate may be more
Make sure the pins on the plug of the extension cord than 25 amps.
are the same number, size and shape as the AC 5. Charge current will gradually taper to
plug of the battery charger. The use of an improper approximately 8 amps depending on the age
extension cord could result in a risk of fire or electric and condition of the batteries. Charger turns off
shock. Locate all cords so they will not be stepped automatically and the "CHARGE COMPLETE"
on, tripped over or otherwise subjected to damage light will glow when battery is fully charged.
or stress. Charge time varies with battery size and depth
of discharge. Allow 12-14 hours for normal
charging. Severely discharged batteries may
DC OUTPUT require more time to be properly charged and
This battery charger is designed to produce a 24 volt equalized.
DC output with an initial charge current of 25 amps. 6. After the charger has turned off, disconnect the
ONLY 24 VOLT, 12 CELL, SERIES CONNECTED, DC output plug from the battery (if required) and
180 TO 305 AMP-HOUR, LIQUID-ELECTROLYTE the AC supply cord from outlet.
(WET) LEAD-ACID BATTERIES SHOULD BE
USED. The charge current will decrease gradually
to about 8 amps as the battery reaches full charge MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
and will remain there until the charger turns off. As The battery charger requires minimal maintenance.
the battery ages, the charge current may no longer It should be kept clean and all connections are to be
decrease to the 8 amp finish current. Liquid tightly secured. In the event of intermittent
electrolyte batteries will normally be charged to 2.5 operation, examine and tighten, if necessary, all
volts per cell. connections. BE SURE THE CHASSIS IS
SECURELY GROUNDED. If any problems cannot
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS be resolved, consult a qualified service center.
1. Connect AC supply cord to a properly grounded Observe the following battery maintenance
120 volt, 60 Hertz, single phase outlet. procedures to obtain good performance and
maximum cycle life.
2. Connect the DC output plug to batteries (if
required). The BLACK wire must be connected 1. Always observe the following personal safety
to battery negative (-), and the RED or WHITE precautions when working with lead acid
wire to battery positive (+). Make sure all batteries:
connections are clean and tight. a. Someone should be within range of your
3. The charger will start after a short delay as voice or close enough to come to your aid
indicated by the "CHARGING" light, transformer when you work near a battery.
hum and the ammeter movement. b. Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby
in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing
WARNING: LEAD ACID BATTERIES or eyes.
GENERATE GASES WHICH CAN BE EXPLOSIVE. c. Wear complete eye protection and clothing
CHARGE ONLY IN WELL VENTILATED AREAS. protection. Avoid touching eyes while
DO NOT DISCONNECT CHARGER DC OUTPUT working near battery.
TERMINALS FROM BATTERY WHEN CHARGER
IS ON. THE RESULTING ARCING AND BURNING d. If battery acid contacts skin or clothing,
COULD CAUSE THE BATTERY TO EXPLODE. wash immediately with soap and water. If
KEEP SPARKS, FLAME, AND SMOKING acid enters eye, immediately flood eye with
MATERIALS AWAY FROM BATTERY. running cold water for at least 10 minutes
and get medical attention.
If the charger must be stopped, always
disconnect the AC supply cord from its outlet e. NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in
before disconnecting the DC output terminals the vicinity of batteries.
from the battery. f. Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping
4. Monitor the ammeter for correct charge current. a metal tool onto battery. It might spark or
The initial charge current should be approxi- short-circuit battery or other electrical part
mately 25 amps. If the batteries have not been that may cause explosion.
discharged, or the AC supply voltage is lower

Operating Instructions 3 01532D

 g. Remove personal metal items such as rings, RESULT IN A RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR
bracelets, necklaces, and watches when FIRE.
working with a lead acid battery. A lead acid To determine if a charger malfunction exists,
battery can produce a short-circuit current eliminate the problems not associated with the
high enough to weld a ring or the like to charger in the sections below. If the problem cannot
metal, causing a severe burn. be resolved, contact a qualified service center.
h. NEVER charge a frozen battery. 1. CHARGER DOES NOT TURN ON
DANGER: TO REDUCE RISK OF ELECTRIC a. Battery is not connected to charger.
SHOCK, ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE AC b. Charger is not plugged into a live AC outlet.
SUPPLY CORD FROM ITS OUTLET AND THE DC
OUTPUT CORD FROM THE BATTERY BEFORE WARNING: IF THE AC OR DC PLUG OR
ATTEMPTING ANY MAINTENANCE (CHANGING RECEPTACLE IS BROKEN, TWISTED, BENT OR
FUSES, ETC.) OR CLEANING OF THE BATTERY LOOSE AND DOES NOT MAKE GOOD
OR BATTERY CHARGER. ELECTRICAL CONTACT, HAVE IT REPLACED
2. New batteries should be given a full charge BY QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
before their first use because it is difficult to IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT USE THIS CHARGER IN
know how long batteries have been stored. THIS CONDITION AS FIRE OR PERSONAL
INJURY CAN RESULT.
3. Limit use of new batteries for first five cycles.
New batteries are not capable of their rated c. DC fuses blown.
output until they have been discharged a 2. CHARGER REMAINS AT HIGH RATE
number of times. a. The charger is connected to a battery pack
4. Do not excessively discharge batteries. with a system voltage lower than specified.
Excessive discharge can cause polarity reversal b. Battery amp-hour capacity is greater than
of individual cells, resulting in complete failure specified for charger.
shortly thereafter. Limited use of new batteries
will minimize the chance of cell reversal. c. One or more of the batteries in the battery
pack has reversed polarity.
5. CHECK THE LEVEL OF THE ELECTROLYTE
IN CONVENTIONAL LIQUID ELECTROLYTE 3. CHARGER TURNS OFF EARLY
LEAD ACID BATTERIES MONTHLY. a. The DC cord was accidentally disconnected
MAINTAIN THE PROPER ELECTROLYTE from the battery during charge.
LEVEL BY ADDING DISTILLED OR PURIFIED
b. The battery has been allowed to sulfate.
WATER WHEN NECESSARY. Electrolyte
Charge the battery at least once every three
levels lower during discharge and rise during
days when the equipment is lightly utilized.
charge. Therefore, it is mandatory that water be Once sulfation is allowed to take place, it
added to cells ONLY when they are fully may be partially reduced by returning,
charged; do not overfill. Old batteries require
temporarily, to daily charging.
more frequent additions of water than new
batteries. c. AC circuit is not live (power outage or circuit
breaker blown).
6. Keep tops of batteries clean and dry to prevent
excessive self-discharge. Keep battery terminals 4. CHARGER DOES NOT TURN OFF
reasonably tight. a. The charger is connected to a battery with
an amp-hour capacity greater than specified.
TROUBLESHOOTING b. The charger is connected to a battery pack
with a system voltage higher or lower than
For safe and efficient troubleshooting, read this
specified.
guide completely before beginning any tests.
c. New batteries (5 cycles or less), cold
CAUTION: DO NOT OPERATE THE batteries or overdischarged batteries may
CHARGER IF IT IS DAMAGED OR APPEARS TO require an extended charge time to achieve
BE MALFUNCTIONING. PERSONAL INJURY OR full charge.
DAMAGE TO THE CHARGER OR BATTERIES 5. CHARGER FUSE BLOWS (OR CIRCUIT
MAY RESULT. DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THE BREAKER)
CHARGER. TAKE IT TO A QUALIFIED SERVICE a. AC fuse blows when wrong AC power
AGENT WHEN SERVICE OR REPAIR IS supply is used.
REQUIRED. INCORRECT REASSEMBLY MAY

Operating Instructions 4 01532D

6. BUILDING AC LINE CIRCUIT BREAKER OR Add distilled water to just cover the tops of
FUSE BLOWS the plates immediately upon discovery and
a. A "weak" fuse or circuit breaker is protecting fill to the proper level with distilled water at
the circuit. Connect the charger to another the completion of the very next charge cycle.
outlet on a different circuit. If the charger Battery capacity lost in this manner is
operates properly, have a qualified permanent and is not recovered with
electrician inspect and test the original additional charge cycles.
circuit. b. Use of the equipment before the batteries
b. The circuit is overloaded. Connect the have been fully charged and the charger
charger to another outlet on a different turns off. This shortens battery life and
circuit. hastens the onset of reduced daily range.
Battery capacity lost in this manner is
7. EQUIPMENT RANGE DECREASING permanent and is not recovered with
a. The electrolyte level in conventional liquid additional charge cycles.
electrolyte lead-acid batteries was allowed c. This is the normal wear-out process for all
to drop below the top of the battery plates. types of deep-cycle motive power batteries.

WIRING DIAGRAM

ELECTRONIC TIMER
black

red
green*

TRANSFORMER DIODE
tan red or
1 white
+
1 4 7 FUSE
ASSEMBLY TO
3 2 BATTERIES

black
black
-
2 black
3 AMMETER

black DIODE
4
green tan

white

120 Vac
INPUT CAPACITOR
*Green wire not used
on some models.

L2115B44

Operating Instructions 5 01532D

 PARTS LIST FOR LESTRONIC II CHARGER
MODEL 17970 TYPE 24LC25-8ET
120 VAC / 60 HZ

PART NO. DESCRIPTION

23278S CASE ASSEMBLY

16105S TRANSFORMER ASSEMBLY
16354S HEATSINK ASSEMBLY, W/ DIODES
16369S AMMETER
18320S ELECTRONIC TIMER ASSEMBLY
02390S CAPACITOR, 6.0 MFD, 660 VAC
02028S BUSHING, 7W-2, INSULATOR FOR CORDSET
23282S CORDSET, DC, 75", NO PLUG
08776S FUSE ASSEMBLY
25582S AC RECEPTACLE

LIMITED WARRANTY
Lester Electrical warrants each new Lester Battery Charger for defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2)
years from the date of manufacture of the complete unit. Repairs can be made at the Lester factory. To do so, first obtain a
"Return Material Authorization" number by calling the Service Department of Lester Electrical (402 477-8988) or by e-mailing
service@lesterelectrical.com and send the defective unit with transportation charges prepaid to:
Lester Electrical
625 West A Street
Lincoln, NE 68522-1794 USA
Attention: Service Department
RMA #
For repairs made at other than the Lester factory, Lester will provide only the replacement parts. Defective parts should be
sent with transportation charges prepaid to the Lester factory at the address noted above.
If the unit or parts are found in the reasonable judgment of Lester to be defective in material or workmanship, repair or
replacement will be made by Lester without charge for parts or labor. Repair or replacement will be at the discretion of Lester,
with replacements being made using current models or parts performing the equivalent function. Labor charges other than
those incurred at the Lester factory are not covered under this warranty. All expenses associated with delivering defective
items to the Lester factory and the expense of returning repaired or replaced items from the Lester factory to the owner will be
paid for by the owner. All warranty work accomplished at the Lester factory will be completed with a reasonable time after
receipt of defective items.
This warranty does not cover any semiconductor parts, such as diodes, which are vulnerable to electrical overloads beyond
the control of Lester. Warranty on parts not manufactured by Lester, which include, but are not limited to, timers and
ammeters, is limited to the period specified in the original manufacturer's warranty.
This warranty does not cover any charger that has been subject to misuse, neglect, negligence, or accident, or operated in
any way contrary to instructions specified on the charger case and in the owner's manual. No claim of breach of warranty shall
be cause for cancellation of the contract of sale of any Lester charger. Lester assumes no responsibility for loss of time,
inconvenience, or other damage, consequential or otherwise, resulting from a defective charger. All implied warranties
(including merchantability) are limited in duration to the two years from date of manufacture warranty period.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages; or limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you
may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Lester's obligation under this warranty is strictly and exclusively limited to the repair or replacement of defective items.
Lester issues this warranty in good faith and with full confidence in the workmanship and quality of Lester products.

Operating Instructions 6 01532D