Do I have to worry about overcharging external batteries?

[backoffwarchild]

So I previously had 2 ego batteries die because I accidently left them charging overnight too often and they overcharged and died. Today I got myself a lava tube. The one that takes the 18650 battery. I have a charger for it and I just want to know if these kinds of batteries can overcharge like the ego batteries? Is it safe to leave these going overnight?

Thanks ahead of time.

 

[Baditude]

It depends upon the quality of the charger that you got, and the features that it has.

The manufacturers that make the top chargers claim their devices have processors that shut down the charging process, or provide a trickle of power to the battery after a full charge. Despite these safety features, it's still prudent to remove charged batteries once the charging cycle is complete.

If you are safety conscious, there are safe charging bags available that would contain any fire of a runaway battery should it become overcharged.

 

[Steeler Girl]

Agree I don't think it would be a good idea to charge 18650's overnight.

 

[KraKsX]

Generally I would say over night is fine (I do it)
But dont let them stay on it for much longer then that

 

[MorpheusPA]

What Bad said. For safety reasons, it's wise to remove lithium batteries from the charger when they're complete. Most of us will tell you not to leave them unattended when charging, either.

Failures are quite rare. However, failures are sometimes quite flashy and smoke- or flame- producing, so best to avoid them if possible, or be able to react immediately.

Lithium batteries don't self-discharge very much, so charging ahead of time is no problem and won't cause any issues. Long-term storage differs, but that doesn't apply here.