Schumacher SC1280

Schumacher

Schumacher SC1280

12 V / 6 V automatic battery charger and maintainer with a 15 A rapid-charge mode and a 3 A maintenance mode, supporting standard, AGM, gel-cell, and deep-cycle lead-acid batteries. Microprocessor-controlled with auto voltage detection, reverse-hook-up protection, a digital display showing voltage and percent state of charge, and LED status indicators.

Specifications

Specs sourced from the manufacturer: schumacherelectric.com

A “—” means the value is not stated in this source, not that the product necessarily lacks it.

Battery

Battery capacity
Chemistry

Jump-start performance

Peak current
Output voltage
Jump starts per charge
Max gas engine
Max diesel engine
Supported batteries

USB I/O

USB output
USB input

Recharge

Recharge time (2 A)

Lighting

LED flashlight

Environment

Housing IP rating
Operating temperature
Charging temperature

Physical

Weight
1.41 kg
Dimensions

Warranty

Warranty

Additional

Modes
15 A rapid charge, 3 A maintainer, auto voltage detection
Display
digital LCD (voltage + percent state of charge) + LED indicators
Weight Lb
3.1
AC Input V
120 V AC, 60 Hz
Cca Rating
up to 800 CCA
Protections
reverse hook-up protection
Model Number
SC1280
Dimensions In
10 × 4.25 × 10
Charging Current 6v A
2
Charging Current 12v A
15 (rapid) / 3 (maintain)
Battery Types Supported
standard, AGM, gel-cell, deep-cycle (12 V / 6 V lead-acid)

What it is

The Schumacher SC1280 is a 15 A automatic battery charger and 3 A maintainer for 12 V and 6 V lead-acid batteries — standard flooded, AGM, gel-cell, and deep-cycle. A microprocessor handles the charge profile and switches to maintenance mode automatically once the battery reaches full state of charge. Reverse hook-up protection prevents the charger from delivering current with the clamps mis-attached.

A front-panel LCD reports voltage and percent state of charge, with LED indicators for charge stage and error conditions.

Where it fits

  • Auto and marine batteries. Schumacher’s traditional segment. The SC1280’s 15 A rapid mode is sized for typical automotive (550– 800 CCA) and marine starter batteries, and the deep-cycle profile covers trolling-motor and house batteries on small boats.
  • Off-season trickle / maintenance. The 3 A maintainer mode is the right rate for keeping a stored battery (snowmobile, ATV, classic car, boat) at full state of charge without overcharging.
  • Multi-chemistry shop. Supports both 12 V and 6 V batteries — useful for shops or hobbyists with older equipment, vintage motorcycles, golf carts, or restoration projects that still run 6 V systems.

Where it doesn’t

  • Not a jump starter. Like the CTEK MXS 5.0 in this catalog, the SC1280 charges; it does not boost a dead battery to crank an engine.
  • Lead-acid only. No lithium (LFP) profile. Modern lithium starter batteries need a lithium-rated charger.
  • Single output. One battery at a time. Multi-bank scenarios need a multi-output unit.

Full specifications

Spec Value
Model SC1280
Charging current (12 V) 15 A rapid / 3 A maintain
Charging current (6 V) 2 A
Input 120 V AC, 60 Hz
Supported battery types Standard, AGM, gel-cell, deep-cycle (12 V / 6 V lead-acid)
Modes 15 A rapid, 3 A maintain, auto voltage detection
Display Digital LCD (V, % SoC) + LED status indicators
Protections Reverse hook-up protection
Battery CCA range Up to 800 CCA
Weight 3.1 lb (1.41 kg)
Dimensions 10 × 4.25 × 10 in

Practical considerations

  • Schumacher has no dedicated Canadian storefront. The SC1280 is widely available in Canada through Canadian Tire, Princess Auto, Walmart Canada, and Amazon Canada. Live CAD pricing varies by retailer.
  • No NRTL safety mark published on the cited source. Schumacher’s product page for the SC1280 does not list cULus, CSA, ETL, or other Canadian-recognized safety certification marks. Buyers whose insurance or operating context asks about certified equipment should verify with Schumacher directly before purchase.
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