battery charging environmental question

[frazz]

Hello all,
I hope this is the correct forum for this.. if not, sorry. I just received my first big battery mod (18650). I don't want to charge these in the house, just in case of a failure of some sort. that aside, here is my question. I want to charge the batteries outside on the deck. I live in New England and today it is about 20 degrees (F) outside. Is it safe to charge a battery in the cold? Will the charger operate in this temperature? It's a trusfire charger.

Sorry if this is basic..

 

[Tersur]

High temprature and moisture are the things to avoid. I dont BELIEVE cold temps are harmful. but i could always be wrong.

 

[Bozzlite]

I'm thinking that the charger will be just fine. It's the battery itself that might not like that much cold. The efficiency of a battery drops off as the temperature goes down.

20 degrees might effect the amount of juice the battery will take/hold. And then there might be some condensation when you bring that cold battery into the warm house.

It would be better if you could find some sort of a fireproof receptacle to put the charger and battery in while its charging and keep it inside in a warmer environment. Something along the lines of a roasting pot with a lid. An old metal tool box perhaps. Of course it will be a little difficult if it is one of those wall wart type chargers that plugs directly into the outlet. But you could always use a power strip.

 

[Retriever]

I would not think that outside is the best for the battery. Like Bozzlite said, find a safe surface indoors and do your charging. Also, check on your batteries while they are charging and do not charge them while you sleep. They need to be watched occasionally.

 

[r77r7r]

LipoSack.com

 

[Bozzlite]

LipoSack.com

Now that is scary.