Probably a really dumb question about charging batteries

[lvictory23]

I read somewhere that the fist time you charge them you should charge them for 8 hours.
So I got my new batteries today and plugged them into charge at about 5pm.
The light indicators say that they are already fully charged...

Can I use them not or what?
lol
Or is it best to keep them on their chargers for another 6 hours?

 

[Ankheperure]

My first battery came almost completely charged. I would go ahead and try it.

 

[bornagainst]

Use it fresh outta the box. You don't have to precharge, it won't hurt it.

 

[Belletrist]

yup, you can use them right off, they come pre-charged...

 

[RedRamen]

I read somewhere that the fist time you charge them you should charge them for 8 hours.
So I got my new batteries today and plugged them into charge at about 5pm.
The light indicators say that they are already fully charged...

Can I use them not or what?
lol
Or is it best to keep them on their chargers for another 6 hours?

Old batteries (nickle I believe) had to "learn" to be charged, IE charging it for 8 hours, draining it almost fully, then charging fully. With these new batteries, you can charge as sporadically as you wish, because these batteries do not "learn"

 

[Cari]

Good information to know.....thanks everyone.

 

[shemp]

I wish someone would do a complete manual on proper charging procedures. I am always afraid of ruining my batteries after losing two. Like would you recharge a battery that is only partially discharged to top it off? Also, would you leave a battery in the PCC all the time even though its fully charged?

 

[Adrenalynn]

Nickle-Cadmium (NiCd or NiCad) is what you're thinking of, Red'...

Shemp: You can recharge them at any point of the cycle, or fractionally charge them. The Lithium chemistries don't have memories that would effect them over the typical life of that battery. You can use the battery straight out of the package, or charge it just until the green light (for a wall charger) comes on - that's fully charged.

Yes, you can leave the battery in the PCC or the wall or USB chargers as long as you like. The Li's need to have smart charging. The reason you see the charger flash and the LED on the battery flash is to let you know that the "smarts" in each have negotiated the charge condition with each other and are ready to begin. When they negotiate and decide the battery is charged already, they won't attempt further charging.

 

[da dude's girl]

Great info for a newbie! Thanks much!