How to Select an AA Battery Charger

AA Batteries come in many tpyes.

With the modern proliferation of battery-powered "everything," from toys to cell phones to video games, it makes sense to use rechargeable batteries in these devices. It saves both money spent on replacing worn out batteries as well as reducing the quantity of toxic elements to be disposed of in the trash or taken to hazardous waste facilities, as many state laws now require.



It is important to have the proper charger for your battery types.

Instructions

1. Look over your battery-operated devices and determine which is the most common type of battery used. You may find that all or several of them use different types. Be aware that battery packs for items such as cordless phones for household "land lines" cannot be charged separately. They routinely charge within the device itself.

2. Decide if you need a multi-type all-in-one charger or a single-type charger. Some chargers have settings for various types of rechargeable batteries; some only charge one type. Even in types with switchable settings, that setting applies across the entire charger: Only one type at a time can be charged.

3. Compare features, prices, size and capacity ratings before making your purchase. It is possible you may need more than one charger, depending upon the quantity and variety of batteries powering your devices.

   Some, particularly for toys such as high-end radio-controlled vehicles, have a pack of AA batteries wired in parallel, which must be connected via a 'pigtail' wire on a specialized connector. These normally require a dedicated charger made specifically for these types of multi-pack AA batteries.

4. Select a charger with an auto shut-off for safest operation. These types of chargers have a built-in meter that determines when the battery is fully charged, and shuts off the charging current at that point.

Tips & Warnings

• The most common rechargeable batteries come in Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMh) and Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cad). They should never be mixed in the same device.

• The newest type of rechargeable batteries are Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) and Lithium Ion (Li-Ion). The same rule applies -- do not mix types in one device.

• Never attempt to recharge alkaline batteries, as they are liable to explode.

• The newer Li-po batteries must never be overcharged, and you must be extremely careful to charge them on the correct setting when using a multi-type charger. Failure to do so can cause them to catch fire.

• Even the safer Li-Ion batteries can explode if charged in the wrong type of charger or on the wrong setting in a switchable charger.

References

• AA Battery Charger: Complete Guide on AA Battery Charger Select