Generic battery conditioning question

[Ciego]

I have done a search on this, and have read numerous information blurbs on vendor websites as well. I can't seem to find a definitive answer.

Is there a "right" way to condition new batteries before first use? I'm not talking about the Trustfire-type batteries, I am talking about KR808's and Joye Egos/501's for example.

One website says the battery is shipped fully charged and can be used right out of the mailer. Another warns users to charge their new Ego PT for 4 hours prior to first use as a battery, or 2.5 hours if used as a PT.

I have read that batteries should be put on the charger right away until the light turns green, removed, then put back on the charger (at which time the light will glow red). Then, one is supposed to leave the battery on the charger until the light turns green (or blue with some chargers).

Who is correct?

TIA

 

[Jerms]

KR8 user, and not a battery expert, but I am fairly confident on the following advice (and this only applies to KR808 batteries).

There is no need to condition these types of batteries. Some will be shipped charged, some will be shipped partially charged. Either way, best bet is to throw it on the charger when you get it and allow it to be fully charged. When the light turns green you're good to go. In my experience if you take it off the charger and plug it back in the light will turn red but in a matter of minutes will turn green again. If you want to play it safe, some suppliers say to charge for 8 hours the first time even if the light turns green, and doing that sure won't hurt anything, but probably not necessary.

 

[mdocod]

I would actually suggest ignoring the instruction to plug them in for many many hours for the first charge. This was probably regurgitated from the days of NiCD powered consumer devices. In the case of NiCD cells, the LONG trickle charge was healthy to do once and awhile as it helps break up large crystal formations in the electrolyte, which improves cell performance.

Leaving a li-ion cell on a charger that floats or trickles the cell the entire time it is plugged in is actually very unhealthy for the cell and can lead to cells bursting/flaming etc. I am not aware of anyone having tested any of the stock ecig chargers for proper safe charge methods, but my moto with li-ion chargers is always guilty until proven innocent. With that in mind, I would highly suggest removing the cell from the charger as soon as the charger indicates that the charge has completed regardless of whether it is the first charge or regular cycles thereafter.

Eric

 

[Cee_Jay]

I would actually suggest ignoring the instruction to plug them in for many many hours for the first charge. This was probably regurgitated from the days of NiCD powered consumer devices. In the case of NiCD cells, the LONG trickle charge was healthy to do once and awhile as it helps break up large crystal formations in the electrolyte, which improves cell performance.

Leaving a li-ion cell on a charger that floats or trickles the cell the entire time it is plugged in is actually very unhealthy for the cell and can lead to cells bursting/flaming etc. I am not aware of anyone having tested any of the stock ecig chargers for proper safe charge methods, but my moto with li-ion chargers is always guilty until proven innocent. With that in mind, I would highly suggest removing the cell from the charger as soon as the charger indicates that the charge has completed regardless of whether it is the first charge or regular cycles thereafter.

Eric

+1 Excellent info. I doubt the e-cig chargers are all that sophisticated so better to err on the cautious side. The single-celled batts are unlikely to become dangerous with chargers that can only do 1C, but you never know. Always charge on a non-flamable surface.

The 6-cell 40C 5000ma LiPos used in my R/C models are another beast all together.

 

[SmokingBullet]

Here's what I've experienced. Regardless of what the supplier says, you'll only get a few minutes maybe longer using your fresh new battery; then you'll need to charge it.
If batteries are like our cell phones, iPads, etc. it's always best to let the battery run down to it's lowest, then let them charge fully. I found by doing this I get more battery life, not only on my e-cigs but on my cell phone as well.
No, I'm not an expert and this may be totally wrong, but it's what I've found works best for me.

 

[HzG8rGrl]

I always advise buyers to do as the vendors website states and/or what the included manual states. This way if you have any battery problems within the warranty time frame you will be able to honestly answer that you charged it per their specific stated instructions. If you have not charged the batteries as specifically instructed, then you void your warranty.

 

[Cee_Jay]

It should be noted that a properly functioning device will not totally discharge the batt, and will not activate the connection below a set voltage. Most Li batts are fine down to ~2.7v unloaded although you should notice a decline in vapor long before they cut off.