Mixing batteries on charger?

[GrandSam]

I was told that it is okay to charge 2 different batteries on the same charger at the same time but am wary of doing so. Is it really safe to charge an 18650 and 18350 on the same charger, at the same time? Or even an 18500 and 18650 or 18350?
Also would it be safe to charge 2 18350 batteries at the same time, assuming they have different MaH ratings (900 and 1200)?

 

[BigBen2k]

That would depend on the charger

 

[AttyPops]

Assuming that it has two separate/independent channels for charging....yes.

 

[trouble1000]

I've got a nitecore i4 charger and I regularly charge up 18650 and 14500 batteries on it together. I just unplug it and take out the 14500s as soon as they are done - then usually pop in some 18350s

As long as you have a decent charger, that charges each battery independently and monitors the charge state, there's no problem at all mixing battery sizes (as Atty says).

 

[crxess]

NEVER EVER EVER


Have an issue charging 2 different batteries at the same time.

 

[90quattrocoupe]

I am with Trouble1000. I charge two different batteries on the Nitecore. Even different brands of the same size battery, with different mahs.

Greg W.

 

[zoiDman]

I was told that it is okay to charge 2 different batteries on the same charger at the same time but am wary of doing so. Is it really safe to charge an 18650 and 18350 on the same charger, at the same time? Or even an 18500 and 18650 or 18350?
Also would it be safe to charge 2 18350 batteries at the same time, assuming they have different MaH ratings (900 and 1200)?

What Kind of Charger do you have?

I have 2 Trustfire TR-001 chargers and have Charged 18350's on one side and 18490's on the Other a couple of Hundred of Times. Never had a problem.

Then I got the Buy a Backup for my Backup Bug. So I bought an Nitecore i4 Charger. It can Charge 18350 ~ 18650 Batteries but can also Charge 1.2v AAA & AA Batteries.

It does seem strange that I can Charge a 1.2v Battery in One Slot and a 4.2v Battery in another. But it is the 21st Century so I just go with the Flow.

 

[SilverZero]

Be sure to consult the instructions for your charger before you start dropping batteries into it though. Better safe than sorry.

 

[GrandSam]

The charger I have is a generic one that came with my FastTech vamo kit. I intend on purchasing a new one since it is a rather low quality charger. It considers a battery charged to 4.3 bolts "not completely charged" (the light glows greenish yellow).
The charger has 2 channels, but 1 light. Does this mean it is meant to charge multiple batteries?

 

[Xenu2112]

The charger has 2 channels, but 1 light. Does this mean it is meant to charge multiple batteries?

Not sure. It sounds like it should work fine, but it doesn't sound like a very high-quality charger, like you said. I don't think it would be dangerous, but I'd poke around Fasttech or some other websites and see if you couldn't find a better one...

 

[AttyPops]

My charger has 2 independent channels and two lights

 

[zoiDman]

The charger I have is a generic one that came with my FastTech vamo kit. I intend on purchasing a new one since it is a rather low quality charger. It considers a battery charged to 4.3 bolts "not completely charged" (the light glows greenish yellow).
The charger has 2 channels, but 1 light. Does this mean it is meant to charge multiple batteries?

Do you have a Link to your Vamo Kit?

It looks like Fasttech offers a few Different Chargers with their Vamo Kits.

I would be Nervous of a Charger with 2 Slots and Only One Light.

 

[FranC]

My charger has 2 independent channels and two lights

Mine too.....

 

[NicoHolic]

The charger has 2 channels, but 1 light. Does this mean it is meant to charge multiple batteries?

You should replace a charger with two bays and 1 light (1 channel) with one that has independent channels.

 

[BigBen2k]

The charger I have is a generic one that came with my FastTech vamo kit. I intend on purchasing a new one since it is a rather low quality charger. It considers a battery charged to 4.3 bolts "not completely charged" (the light glows greenish yellow).
The charger has 2 channels, but 1 light. Does this mean it is meant to charge multiple batteries?

Glad we've finally sorted through this

You should absolutely not charge different batteries on that charger.

If you were considering getting another charger, I'd do it sooner than later. I'm sure some other members here can recommend a good, safe unit for you.

 

[GrandSam]

I've seen a few posts about the TrustFire chargers. They are rather inexpensive ($10) and have some good reviews so I'll check that out.
Here is the one I have
$48.39 Vamo V3 6-in-1 Variable Voltage Electronic Cigarettes Set with OLED Screen - 2*18350 / chrome / US plug at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

 

[nilavap]

Be sure to consult the instructions for your charger before you start dropping batteries into it though. Better safe than sorry.

Excellent advice.

One of my chargers, an Xtar, has a switch for 18650's or 18350's...if you try to charge the smaller batteries on the setting for larger batteries, it will charge them too fast and possibly cause a fire/explosion. My other charger doesn't have this switch and it takes much longer to charge any size batteries in it.

 

[Train2]

You'd be OK with this or this. Trule "independent channels" for each battery. Probably not a bad idea to upgrade you charger next time you're ordering stuff...

 

[trouble1000]

I agree with Train2.
For $19.40 the nitecore i4 is a great buy, well worth getting.

http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/...ore-i4-v2-li-ion-ni-mh-ni-cd-smart-battery-ch

 

[GrandSam]

That is an inexpensive charger, thanks everyone! Too bad I saw it after ordering a TR-001 :/