Will a Nickel-Cadmium Battery Charger Work on NiMH Batteries?

Varying battery materials need particular chargers for peak charging.

Nickel cadmium, or NiCad, and nickel metal hydride, or NIMH, batteries are both used as rechargeable batteries in a world full of portable electronic devices. Multiple chargers are available for use, but consumers should be aware of the choice of charger.

Function

Battery chargers give a rechargeable battery a new charge so that they can power differing devices. Both NiCads and NIMH batteries need their own specifically designed charger to charge appropriately.

Significance

Using a NiCad battery charger with NIMH batteries can result in charging the NIMH batteries too much, possibly causing damage to the battery and its charge abilities. Even if the NiCad charger is considered a slow-charging type, it is not recommended to place NIMH batteries in for charging.

Considerations

NIMH batteries should be charged with the currently designated smart chargers that give fast charges, as opposed to the older chargers that have a slower trickle of electricity to the batteries, for peak performance.

References

• Green Batteries: Frequently Asked Questions