| Feature | Selmar Turbo 4 | Basic Trickle Charger | Standard Smart Charger | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Number of batteries | Up to 4 | 1 | 1 | | Independent banks | Yes | N/A | N/A | | Desulfation mode | Yes (most models) | No | Some | | Float maintenance | Yes | Yes (often unregulated) | Yes | | Best for | Fleets, boats with multiple batteries, RVs | Single car/motorcycle | Single deep-cycle |
Selmar Turbo 4 (often listed as TRB4U or TRB4) is a legacy 12V automotive battery charger known for its simple, sturdy design. Reviewers generally describe it as a reliable "no-frills" tool that performs exactly as advertised. Tayna Batteries General Performance Review Reliability:
Users report that the charger is a robust "bit of kit" that lasts for years. It is frequently praised for being more effective than modern "smart" chargers, which often fail to recognize or charge batteries that have been drained too flat. Build Quality:
It features a sturdy construction with substantial clips and sufficiently long leads for ease of use. Charge Rate: The Turbo 4 typically delivers a charge rate of around 2.7A to 4A
, making it suitable for slow, steady charging of standard car batteries. Tayna Batteries Operational Instructions
Based on standard procedures for Selmar-style manual chargers, follow these steps for safe operation: Preparation:
Ensure the charger is unplugged from the wall. Check that the battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion. Connection: Connect the Red (Positive +) clip to the positive terminal of the battery first. Connect the Black (Negative -)
clip to a solid metal part of the vehicle chassis away from the battery to act as a ground (this minimizes spark risk). Plug the charger into the mains and switch it on. Monitoring: Because this is an older-style manual charger, it will not stop automatically
when the battery is full. You must monitor the amp meter on the front: High Reading: Indicates the battery is discharged and drawing current. Low/Zero Reading: Indicates the battery is nearing full charge. Disconnecting:
Once the battery is charged (typically after 12–24 hours for a flat battery), turn off the power at the mains before removing the clips to avoid sparks. Product Specifications Typical Charge Rate 2.7 Amps (Turbo 4 models) Weight/Portability Lightweight, compact bench-style unit Requires manual monitoring to prevent overcharging Selmar TURBO Battery Charger 12V 2.7A selmarturbo4batterychargerinstructions
, interpreting its ammeter, and following critical safety protocols. Core Features of the Selmar Turbo 4
The Turbo range from Selmar is designed for standard 12V lead-acid batteries, typically those with a capacity between 16–80 Ah. Key features include:
4-Amp Charging Rate: Ideal for slow, steady charging that preserves battery life.
Moving Arm Ammeter: A high-quality analog gauge that shows the current (in Amps) flowing into the battery.
Double Fuse Protection: Safeguards the unit from internal damage if the leads are accidentally touched or reversed.
Thermal Overload Protection: Automatically cuts off if the charger becomes excessively hot, restarting once it cools down. Step-by-Step Instructions for Charging 1. Preparation
Ventilation: Always charge in a well-ventilated area. Lead-acid batteries can release flammable gases during the charging process.
Clean Terminals: Inspect the battery posts for corrosion. Use a wire brush or baking soda solution to ensure the crocodile clips can make a solid metal-to-metal connection.
Check Electrolyte (If applicable): For non-sealed batteries, ensure the liquid reaches the manufacturer’s specified level. Add distilled water if necessary, but do not overfill. 2. Connection Sequence | Feature | Selmar Turbo 4 | Basic
Important: Do not plug the charger into the wall until the clamps are attached to the battery.
Positive first: Attach the Red (+) clamp to the positive terminal of the battery.
Negative second: Attach the Black (-) clamp to the negative terminal.
Note: For most modern vehicles, if the battery is still in the car, you may connect the negative clamp to a heavy metal part of the engine block or chassis away from the battery to prevent sparking near potential gases. 3. Powering On & Monitoring Old Car Battery Charger - How to use it? | DIYnot Forums
Selmar Turbo 4 (specifically the 12V 2.7A or 4A models) is generally reviewed as a robust, no-frills, and highly reliable battery charger that "does exactly what it says on the tin". It is particularly favored for its simple operation and sturdy, flame-retardant casing. User Review Highlights Ease of Use
: Users frequently mention that the unit is "cheap and simple to use," making it ideal for those who don't want to navigate complex digital menus. Reliability
: It has a reputation for durability, with some users reporting that older Selmar models have lasted for years. Automatic Protection
: Reviewers appreciate the "intelligent" microprocessor that prevents overcharging, allowing the unit to be left connected safely. Safety Features
: It includes built-in defenses against short circuits, thermal overload, and reverse polarity. Key Performance Specifications Charge Rate : 2.7A or 4A (depending on the specific version). Battery Compatibility Selmar Turbo 4 (often listed as TRB4U or
: Suitable for most lead-acid batteries, including sealed and gel types, typically ranging from 16Ah to 80Ah. Visual Feedback
: Equipped with a high-quality moving arm ammeter or LED indicators to show current charging status. Criticisms/Tips Selmar TURBO Battery Charger 12V 2.7A
Selmar Turbo 4 is a manual 12V battery charger designed for lead-acid batteries. Because it is a manual charger, it does not automatically shut off and requires active monitoring to prevent overcharging. 1. Key Specifications Charge Voltage: 12V
Charge Rate: Approximately 4 Amps (Max), typically dropping to 2.7A as the battery fills
Battery Compatibility: Standard Lead-Acid, Sealed, and Maintenance-Free batteries (16Ah to 80Ah capacity)
Safety Features: Short circuit protection, reverse polarity protection, and thermal overload protection 2. Pre-Charge Safety Checklist Old Car Battery Charger - How to use it? | DIYnot Forums
The Turbo 4 is typically a 12V, 4-amp automatic battery charger with microprocessor control. Key components include:
| Component | Function | |-----------|----------| | LED Indicators | Power, Charging, Full Charge, Reverse Polarity | | Rotary Switch | Select battery type (Standard, Deep Cycle, AGM) | | Clamps | Copper-alloy jaws with insulated handles | | Ventilation slots | Do not block—prevents overheating | | Fuse housing | Located on the back panel (Usually a 5A or 10A blade fuse) |
Note: Models may vary slightly. Verify your specific unit’s labels before proceeding.
Schumacher Electric Corporation warrants this product for one year from the date of purchase. The warranty covers defects in material and workmanship. It does not cover damages caused by misuse, accident