Originally Posted by
Unknown Cyclist
If you are charging at C/10 and can feel a temperature increase at the end of the charge cycle that doesn't mean it is fully charged, it means it is failing to absorb the overcharge and you aren't doing the battery any favours.
Unknown, I don't understand the distinction you are making. When a cell is fully charged it will dissipate any further charge energy as heat. This is an indication that the cell is fully charged. At low charge rates the heat is not damaging to the cell. This is why Sanyo and other manufacturer's state a standard timed charge rate at C/10.
On the other hand, cells can be damaged by use of an unreliable peak-detect charger. Because peak detect chargers charge at a relatively high rate, overcharge is not tolerated well. A missed delta will often cause damage.
In my experience, packs always charged at C/10 or less will have a longer life span than packs charged on a peak detect charger. I realize this is contrary to Battery University. I suspect (just my opinion) that Buchmann is more interested in promoting his company than in being completely honest.