Filed under: FAQ by Kel |
This is a question we get asked regularly, so here’s an explanation: Maha batteries will charge in any NiMH battery charger. Thats the short answer.
Now here’s the longer answer: Not all chargers are created equal 
My first battery charger was an Energizer. The above image shows part of the back label. This is a timer charger. Timer chargers simply provide charge to the batteries for a certain amount of time, in this case: 15 hours. They provides the same amount charge to all batteries, irrespective of capacity. Thus their suggestion to remove (lower capacity) NiCD batteries after 5-6 hours. This type of charger will overfill lower capacity batteries, and probably not fill a 2700mAh AA battery, resulting in less performance on both counts. This is affectionately called a “dumb” charger.
You will always get better results in a charger which measures the voltage of the batteries as it charges, and stops charging when the battery is full. This ensures a full charge without overcharging, ensuring maximum battery performance, and maximum life for the battery. Smart huh? This is why they are called “smart chargers”.
Another type of charger is fifteen minute “rapid chargers”. They are hard on batteries, and will not competely fill the battery as much as a 60 to 100 minute charger. Charging batteries in 15 minutes also causes the batteries to heat up a lot and reduces the life of the battery.You will get a fuller charge and longer life from your batteries if you choose a charger that takes 60 to 100 minutes to recharge the cells.
Another way that a good charger extends the life of batteries is by offering a “soft charge” option. Some chargers have a 12 hour charge option, but unlike the “timer chargers” we have talked about, they utilise measurement of the change in voltage to prevent under charging or over charging the batteries. If you don’t need the batteries charged straight away, choose to use the soft charge option on your charger.
A slower charge will heat the batteries less, and provide even more life for your batteries.
NiMH batteries lose 1-3% charge each day when not being used. For maximum performance, use a charger with a maintenance charge to keep them topped up. Some chargers have a trickle charge option. A constant trickle will keep them full, but is more charge than they need. A maintenece charge will give them just enough to keep them full.
Maha chargers address all these factors, and thus provide the highest performance for your NiMH and NiCD batteries.
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Will MAHA cover the 5 yr warranty if the NiMH batteries are charged in a charger from another brand? Regards Pat.
Comment by Pat Jordan — November 30, 2007 @ 7:57 pm
Yes, as long as it is a smart charger.If the battery charger is a timer charger, it will overcharge the batteries and cause a small amount of damage each charge cycle, so they cannot cover them.
Comment by Jeff Servaas — December 1, 2007 @ 3:24 pm