Search  for anything...
Schumacher Electric

Schumacher Electric 6A Car Battery Charger & Maintainer, 6V/12V – SC1281

  • Based on 12,139 reviews
Condition: New
Checking for the best price...
$89.99 Why this price?
Save $20.00 was $109.99

Buy Now, Pay Later

As low as $15.00 / mo
  • – 6-month term
  • – No impact on credit to apply
  • – Instant approval decision
  • – Secure and straightforward checkout

Ready to go? Add this product to your cart and select a plan during checkout.

Payment plans are offered through our trusted finance partners Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, Zip, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. No-credit-needed leasing options through Acima may also be available at checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Selected Option

Free shipping on this product

This item is eligible for return within 30 days of receipt

To qualify for a full refund, items must be returned in their original, unused condition. If an item is returned in a used, damaged, or materially different state, you may be granted a partial refund.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

Availability: In Stock.
Fulfilled by Amazon
Arrives Oct 15 – Oct 16
Order within 15 hours and 50 minutes
Available payment plans shown during checkout
Protection Plan Protect Your Purchase
Checking for protection plans...

Recently Viewed

Size: 6V/12V 30A/100A


Style: 5-in-1 with Engine Start


Features

  • UNLEASH PEAK POWER: A 100-amp engine start and 12-amp to 30-amp boost charge bring dead batteries back to life fast, so your daily driver, truck, or weekend ride fires up the second you need it.
  • PREVENT BATTERY FAILURE: Ensure reliable starts after storage with this 5-in-1 device that starts, charges, maintains, tests, and restores batteries for cars, motorcycles, ATVs, trucks, SUVs, and boats.
  • SMART TRICKLE CHARGE: A microprocessor-controlled 2A to 6A charge paired with a smart trickle charge that automatically maintains voltage over time lets you leave the charger connected without worry.
  • MULTI-FUNCTION VALUE: Maximize battery life and performance with advanced desulfation mode, battery testing, automatic voltage detection for 6V and 12V batteries, and multi-stage charging algorithms.
  • COMPLETE PACKAGE: Includes (1) SC1281 6A Battery Charger and Maintainer, (1) User Manual
  • SCHUMACHER LEGACY: Schumacher Electric has manufactured quality automotive power products since 1947a legacy of reliability you can count on when it matters most.

Description

The Schumacher Electric SC1281 6V/12V Fully Automatic 6A Battery Charger and 100A Engine Starter is a powerful and easy-to-use automotive battery charger designed to handle everything from routine maintenance to emergency engine starts. This 6V and 12V battery charger is perfect for cars, trucks, SUVs, and more, offering a smart solution for keeping your batteries in top shape. With a 100-amp engine start, 30-amp to 12-amp boost charging, 6-amp to 2-amp charging, and smart trickle charge capabilities, the SC1281 charges dead batteries quickly and safely. It supports both 6V and 12V batteries, including standard, AGM, deep-cycle, and 12V lithium (LiFePO4) battery types, making it a versatile car battery charger for any garage. Advanced features like a battery reconditioning desulfation mode and a built-in battery and alternator tester help diagnose and restore battery performance. The unit is controlled by a microprocessor for efficient, fully automatic multi-stage charging and includes reverse polarity protection and automatic shutoff for added safety. Whether you're maintaining a battery or reviving a dead one, the SC1281 is a battery charger that’s built to last and easy to use. En español (ES): El cargador de baterías de vehículos de 6A a 6V/12V y arrancador de motores de 100A Schumacher Electric SC1281 es un cargador totalmente automático potente y fácil de usar diseñado para manejar todo, desde mantenimiento de rutina hasta arranque de emergencia de motores. Este cargador de baterías de 6V y 12V es perfecto para automóviles, camiones, utilitarios deportivos y más, y ofrece una solución inteligente para mantener sus baterías en plena forma. Con arranque de motores a 100 amperios, carga de refuerzo de 30 a 12 amperios, carga de 6 a 2 amperios y capacidad de carga lenta inteligente, el modelo SC1281 carga las baterías agotadas de forma rápida y segura. Admite baterías de 6V y 12V, incluidas estándares, AGM, de ciclo profundo y 12V litio (LiFePO4) lo que lo convierte en un cargador de baterías de automóviles versátil para cualquier garaje. Funciones avanzadas como el modo de desulfatación para reacondicionamiento de baterías y un probador integrado de baterías y alternadores ayudan a diagnosticar y restaurar el rendimiento de la batería. La unidad está controlada por un microprocesador para una carga multietapa eficiente y totalmente automática, e incluye protección contra polaridad inversa y desconexión automática para mayor seguridad. Esté manteniendo una batería cargada o reviviendo una batería agotada, el SC1281 es un cargador fabricado para durar y fácil de usar. En Français (FR) : Le Schumacher Electric SC1281 Chargeur de Batterie Entièrement Automatique 6A 6V/12V et Démarreur de Moteur 100A est un chargeur de batterie automobile puissant et facile à utiliser, conçu pour tout gérer, de l'entretien de routine aux démarrages d'urgence. Ce chargeur de batterie 6V et 12V est idéal pour les voitures, camions, VUS et bien plus encore, offrant une solution intelligente pour garder vos batteries en parfait état. Avec un démarrage moteur de 100 ampères, une charge d'appoint de 30 à 12 ampères, une charge de 6 à 2 ampères et des capacités de charge en mode goutte à goutte intelligent, le SC1281 charge les batteries à plat rapidement et en toute sécurité. Il prend en charge les batteries 6V et 12V, incluant les types standard, AGM, à décharge profonde et lithium 12V (LiFePO4), ce qui en fait un chargeur de batterie polyvalent pour n'importe quel garage. Des fonctionnalités avancées comme un mode de désulfatation pour reconditionner les batteries ainsi qu'un testeur intégré de batterie et d'alternateur aident à diagnostiquer et à restaurer les performances de la batterie. L'appareil est contrôlé par un microprocesseur pour une charge multi-étapes entièrement automatique et efficace, et comprend une protection contre l'inversion de polarité et une coupure automatique pour une sécurité accrue. Que vous entreteniez une batterie ou que vous en revivifiiez une à plat, le SC1281 est un chargeur de batterie conçu pour durer et facile à utiliser.

Brand: Schumacher Electric


Color: Gray


Product Dimensions: 10.25"D x 10"W x 7"H


Item Weight: 12.7 pounds


Output Voltage: 12 volts_of_direct_current


Output Voltage: 12 volts_of_direct_current


Input Voltage: 120 volts


Battery Charge Time: 10 hours


Current Rating: 100 A


Amperage: 30 A


Compatible Devices: 6V and 12V batteries (standard, AGM, gel, deep-cycle) for cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, ATVs, and marine batteries


Connector Type Used on Cable: Crocodile Clips


Number of Ports: 1


Item Dimensions D x W x H: 10.25"D x 10"W x 7"H


Item Weight: 12.7 pounds


Specification Met: UL 1236, FCC, DOE, Prop 65


Color: Gray


Brand: Schumacher Electric


Mfr Part Number: SC1281


Global Trade Identification Number: 18


UPC: 026666812818


Number of Items: 1


Manufacturer: Schumacher Electric


Number of Packs: 1


Item Highlight: 100A Engine Start – 12A to 30A Boost – Restores Batteries –Battery & Alternator Tester – Power Sport, Auto, Marine Batteries


Unit Count: 1 Count


Built-In Media: (1) Schumacher SC1281 (1) manual


Item Type Name: Battery Charger and Jump Starter


Model Number: SC1281


Warranty Description: 1 Year Warranty


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Oct 15 – Oct 16

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

  • Klarna Financing
  • Affirm Pay in 4
  • Affirm Financing
  • Afterpay Financing
  • Zip Pay in 4
  • Financing through Apple Pay
  • Financing through Google Pay
Leasing options through Acima may also be available during checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Similar Products

Top Amazon Reviews

    • Nice unit
Size: 6V/12V 30A/100A Style: 5-in-1 with Engine Start
Just received my new charger a few days ago and it works pretty much as advertised. Based on some reviews I expected it to be rather loud but, while you can certainly hear the fan, it’s no worse than a PC case fan and not a bother at all in my shop. The unit itself is solid with good leads and decent clamps. The display is great with bright and easy to read LEDs although I haven’t tried it in direct sunlight yet. The lead storage hooks on the back should be a larger with a place to lock the clamps on but it’s better than my previous charger that had no storage at all. Although I haven’t used them yet the jump start and alternator test modes should be useful. The one complaint I have is really with the instructions. The charger is advertised as being compatible with deep-cycle marine/RV batteries and it is but neither the manual nor Schumacher website give any information on what settings to use for them. The settings are limited to Standard, AGM, and Gel with no specific deep-cycle choice. My previous charger, a very old analog Schumacher, had a two position switch, one for a standard battery (labeled SLI for starter, lighting, instrument) and the other position for deep-cycle but this one doesn’t. The manual has a convenient description of standard (wet cell), AGM, and Gel battery types but only mentions that AGM and Gel batteries are often deep-cycle while failing to mention that many deep-cycle batteries (including my own) are standard wet cells. So, what selection is best for wet-cell deep-cycle batteries? Schumacher’s answer is to use the AGM setting for all deep-cycle batteries including wet, AGM and Gel. Seems that it would be a simple addition to their manual and they might also want to consider changing the control to read AGM/Deep-Cycle. BTW, be careful of answers provided on Amazon. I received three answers (so far) to the question about deep-cycle batteries I posted, each different. One correctly identified AGM as the appropriate setting but another said Std and the third claimed it was all automatic. The charging process is fully automatic but the charger does not automatically identify the battery type. I checked this with three different types of batteries I had on hand. Each time the charger correctly identified the battery voltage but defaulted to AGM and 30amp charging regardless of the actual type of battery (Std, AGM, or Gel) or initial charge so be sure to correctly set the battery type and your desired charge rate. The default to 30amp/AGM is mentioned in the manual so there is nothing wrong with my charger. The charger does automatically transition to charged/maintaining mode once the battery is charged. The other possible issue I have is that when I started to charge an AGM battery at 6/2 amps the display showed it as being 79% charged. After about 15 minutes of charging that progressed to 80% and then 81% when it suddenly jumped to 100% and the charger went into charge/maintaining mode. According to Schumacher the big jump was typical but she couldn’t explain why so I’m not sure if the battery is 100% charged or if it’s actually only 81%. I’ll see when I actually get around to using it. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2022 by Kevin
    • Easy to Use
Size: 6V/12V 30A/100A Style: 5-in-1 with Engine Start
My dad has one of these and let me borrow it one day. However, he lives about 2 hours from me and I ended up needing one again. I figured it was easier and just as cheap to get it on here. He's very picky about the quality of the tools he gets, so he expects that if he tells me something is the right one, it is the only option. In this case, I will say it works really well. He did stress not to even plug it in until I connected the cables. I don't think that is necessary, because you have to push the power button on to use it, but I did that regardless. I was able to use it on my car and a motorcycle the first time. Then my daughter left her car outside and didn't move it and the battery died. I know that is bad... Anyhow, it did take a long extension cord to run it over there, but I just left it there and it worked well. My ex said you have to be careful when you use them because they don't give too much power for a motorcycle, but my dad said it actually can tell on this one how much power is needed. I was leery about it, but he was right. So, all-in-all, being so small and easy to move, along with the other things... I guess it is really good. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2024 by Cortni
    • I love it
Size: 6V/12V 30A/100A Style: 5-in-1 with Engine Start
This compact charger works very well. A great addition to my garage.
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2026 by Gennaro Caputo
    • Warranty
Size: 6V/12V 30A/100A Style: 5-in-1 with Engine Start
Product good but don’t advertise warranty if company not going to honor
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2026 by Pam Talley
    • It's unkilled 4 batteries so far and charged 9
Size: 6V/12V 30A/100A Style: 5-in-1 with Engine Start
I've been using a good ole craftsman for the longest time, trusted it for everything always worked never NEEDed a faster one but then I started going through more and more batteries... figured most was due to the -15 winter after a 120+ summer... wrong, the charger just wasnt working anymore... even though autozone was telling me dead cells but hey we got a sale on buy a new one i figured hmm I'm going to try and buy a new charger and see myself (this was on amazon sale for $80) I've unkilled (desuficated, or brought back to life from 0 volts) 4 batteries so far.... my atv agms are back up at 13.9 volts and my truck and mower battery are holding their 12.6ish ranges... My old charger couldn't charge anything under i think 3.6volts. I was literally about to buy $400 in batteries and an $80 charger was all I needed. My old charger must have either started going or been bad for a while. Onto this one, the schumacher 1281, clamp your Positive on first, Negative on last (reverse or when taking off) , plug into wall , let it do its thing... and done. I honestly didnt think I would like all the (automatic) features I'm more of a manually set things person but it does very well. Hit the 6a-2a button and it will charge slower than the 30a mode it likes to start at but the slower setting has all the additional features it runs in the backround and searches for problems as it charges such as a bad cell or sulfication which would prevent battery from taking or holding a charge and if it finds any errors it will either solve them...automatically... or give you an error code, the only error codes I've run into was physically cracked and leaking... the others came up SUL or 0V it ran desulfication mode then charged them overnight. My old charger i was always weary leaving overnight because it kept charging, THIS one stops when it reaches full charge and goes into maintain/trickle charge to keep it fully charged. I was originally going to get the CHLORE charger thats supposedly one of the best newer gen chargers made but I've read alot of horror stories on the ones made after 2021 where they burn up or melt or aluminum jumper wires instead of copper etc etc ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2024 by Eric Davis aka Stricken
    • Brought My Battery Back To Life
Size: 6V/12V 30A/100A Style: 5-in-1 with Engine Start
I am in no way a mechanic, but I like to read and try to solve my problems if possible. I've had some issues with my foot and have not been able to drive for several months. While I was in the hospital my battery completely died. I have been experiencing issues each winter with the cold since I park outside and the cold weather drains the battery. Previously I was able to jump start the battery without issue. My soon to be son-in-law installed a new battery and I would start my car every couple of days. In the last cold stretch I did not make it out to start my car for a week and the battery died again. I did my research and found that the Schumacher Electric SC1281 would recharge my battery and also test out my alternator. I found this helpful although I did not expect my alternator to need replacing since it has not been that long since it was replaced. The Schumacher Electric SC1281 was a little heavy to carry if you are a smaller person, but the case has a handle so it is kind of a wash for the portability. Make sure to have a long extension cord as you will need to plug in the charger to an outlet. The clamps are marked with the positive and negative symbols so it is easy for a novice to use. Turn on the charger and the device will automatically detect the battery type that needs the charge. The user guide was helpful, and explained the charging process and how long I needed to wait and what the various indicator lights mean during the charging process. The Schumacher Electric SC1281 has an automatic shutoff which is helpful for the novice user and prevents damage to the battery from overcharging. Also, the Schumacher Electric SC1281 solves my cold weather problem in the winter. The device also provides a trickle charge if plugged in overnight in cold weather. From what I have read, in simple terms a trickle charge means the device will give the battery enough of a charge to prevent dying in cold weather. Of course, I might win the lottery and move to Arizona before the next winter hits. Hey, a person can dream right? In summary, the Schumacher Electric SC1281 brought back my relatively new battery from the dead after a cold spell and I can use this to make my life a bit easier in the cold weather from this point forward. The cost was worth it to me as I can use this as long as I park outside in the colder months and not worry about a jump start. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2024 by Grant Hamilton
    • Reliable, automated, works as expected
Size: 6V/12V 30A/100A Style: 5-in-1 with Engine Start
After backing over the last one, this charger exceeds my needs and is still working after years. The automated nature of this worries me, but has not failed and will save me from mistakes.
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2026 by benjamin olmstead
    • Extremely dangerous battery charger. Inherent design flaw may cause your battery to explode.
Size: 6V/12V 30A/100A Style: 5-in-1 with Engine Start
Review Image by Dean
Review Image by Dean
Review Image by Dean
Extremely dangerous battery charger. This charger is in BOOST mode by design when it is first turned on. I was disappointed and worried to see this when I first used it but of course I selected the lowest setting to gently charge the battery. I walked away and although I didn’t know it at the time, the electricity momentarily went off and came back on. This resulted in the charger beginning again in BOOST mode which within a short time made my battery explode. I heard a loud explosion, found the mess and noticed later that the electricity had blinked off in the house and shop as evidenced by the clocks losing their settings. If I had been standing by the vehicle, I could have been blinded. Before someone thinks I did something wrong, I assure you I did not. I’ve used battery chargers for decades having spent much of my working career as a professional mechanic and as a drag racer and engine builder. It took a stupid engineer to design a battery charger that boosts by default upon startup. The vehicle the battery exploded in was my tractor and thankfully not a car with shiny paint. Still, I had a mess and I still have no paint and a rust and corrosion problem even though I did my best to neutralize the acid. Again, the battery charger was connected correctly and I immediately switched it from boost to the lowest amperage setting which is where a charger should begin by default, NOT on boost! I finally got to speak with a person at Amazon after much wasted time and effort and was told there was nothing he could do. After much conversation, I told him I would then proceed to seek damage compensation whereupon he claimed to have asked for and received an ok to grant me a refund. I bought this charger in good faith because it is a well known brand and I trusted Amazon to gladly refund or replace if necessary. I was wrong on both counts. I will never place an order for another battery charger but will instead try one out in a store or buy one in a store and test it to be sure it doesn’t come on in boost mode. If it does, at least I can return it before I use it. Be safe, people. Some products are engineered with stupidity even if they are well known brands. Also, I always try to buy American and union made products but we can’t trust anything. I would rather give it a negative number of stars. It doesn’t deserve one. Good luck and try to be safe. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2023 by Dean

Can't find a product?

Find it on Amazon first, then paste the link below.
Checking for best price...