Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - To trickle charge... or not... to trickle charge?

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Bottomfeeder
11-01-07, 06:26 PM
What about it? Once the battery is charged, and won't be used for a day or two, do you leave it on the smart charger? Or disconnect it and sit it on the shelf?

DanO

Sir Bikesalot
11-01-07, 06:44 PM
I'm not an expert but from everything I've heard and read, it's ok. What you're doing is just offsetting the natural discharge of the battery.

Just make sure it really is a 'smart' charger.
cyccommute
11-01-07, 07:09 PM
What about it? Once the battery is charged, and won't be used for a day or two, do you leave it on the smart charger? Or disconnect it and sit it on the shelf?

DanO

Depends on how warm the battery gets during the trickle charge. If it's at room temp, it's probably okay but if it's warmer, take it off. As a rule, you should take the battery off...especially for long term storage (summer)...after it's finished charging but a few days on the charger won't hurt it that much.

balto charlie
11-02-07, 07:47 AM
From what I have read, disconnect after charge for NiMH. That's what Thomas Dist. battery folks say to do.
dekindy
11-02-07, 10:28 AM
I just read that Li-ion batteries should be stored at a 40% to 60% charge level in the refrigerator when not in use. Apparently they begin permanently losing capacity immediately after manufacture and the rate of loss is dependent upon storage temperature and charge level, not the number of charge/discharge cycles. The higher the temperature and charge level, the faster the rate. Permanent capacity loss can be as little as 2% per year if stored properly or 20% per year if stored at room temperature and fully charged. Very enlightening reading for me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_ion_battery