Battery made a whistling noise when I tried to charge it... (AW IMR 18650 High Drain)

[ddirtyvapes]

Strange, I know, but that's the best way to describe it. It's a pretty old battery (I think; I have so many I've lost track of their ages), and when I threw it in the charger it started making a strange noise. It was pretty quiet, but definitely noticeable. "Whistling" is the best way to describe it, almost like a very quiet teakettle. This seems like something that shouldn't be happening. What's going on? I definitely don't want my battery to blow up. Is this a non-issue and something to ignore, or is it time to chuck the battery? This has not happened with any other batteries I've put in the charger, other 18650s and other various sizes (it's a TrustFire multi-charger). Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[killovicz]

I doubt that I can be of any help, tho I like to make a comment.

I have two 18500 LiMn IMR batteries that I have charged at least 400 times each and I have never experienced anything like what you saying.

..if I did, I would:

1. shake the cell a bit and put it a side for a while

2. try charging it again, very briefly,

If sound on -->>then throw the cell away in a special container for cell's and batteries, thankyouverymuch

If sound off -->>then just go on as nothing has happened

 

[Hottody]

Sorry, not sure how to help! If you don't get feedback here, may want to try a google search!

 

[Rocketman]

It is most likely the charger making the noise. The DC to DC section of the charger operates at a high frequency. Although too high for us to hear, it can mechanically vibrate internal components at a frequency we can hear. It is most likely when charging current is the highest, often noticed with IMR cells. Some folks may recommend getting a Pila charger that moves that part of the circuitry to a wall wort .

Monitor termination voltage when charging is complete (with the voltmeter you have, or will SOON have ), and watch the charger/cell for abnormal heat.

 

[ddirtyvapes]

Thanks! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get back to all of you. I ended up putting the battery aside for a while and just not risking it so, to be honest, I kind of forgot about it. I was on an extended vacation, though, so when I went home all my batteries got mixed up and I no longer knew which one had been making the noise. Once I got home and charged them all up, all of them were charging fine without any odd noises so... I think it's okay. Thanks again for the help.

Rocketman, I should get a voltmeter, but I have a Provari so I can check the Voltage on that when it's done charging. Is there anything a separate voltmeter does that the internal one in the Provari doesn't, or are they pretty much one-trick ponies? (Not that it isn't an IMPORTANT trick...)

And yes, killovicz, don't worry, I always throw away batteries in safe containers but thanks for the reminder

 

[denali_41]

that happened once to me also,,it was coming from the walwart tho,,,un plugged it and re plugged and the noise was gone

 

[NickZac]

Is the charger the Trustfire TR001? A charger whine, depending on how the noise sounds, can indicate that the transformer is failing. It may do this only with the IMRs, at least initially. Noise is generally not normal for a correctly functioning and quality charger. However, Trustfire chargers are not among the best of chargers on the market.

The Provari will not measure the voltage accurately/detailed enough to get the readings you need. The Provari may say the battery is 4.2 volts. A multimeter may say the battery is 4.26 volts. In that case, the battery is overcharged and not safe. If the charger is charging over 4.21, then it is not good. If it is not charging consistently, then it isn't good either...especially with the AWs are they are very consistent batteries. If you vape a lot, the XTAR or Pila is the best investment money can buy. They not only provide the best in safety, but also help maximize the life of your batteries.