Can you use a power supply to charge batteries?

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Admin (Admin)
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Username: Admin

Post Number: 11
Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 10:34 am:    Edit Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It is not recommended to use a power supply because the user has to remember to adjust the power supply during charging and to turn it off at the end or over-charging can occur.

Sealed Lead Acid batteries are charged using a constant voltage and many types of SLA battery have a maximum value of current they can be charged at. Automatic chargers will adjust their output voltage to keep the output current within limits. Typically, once this voltage reaches 14.7V, the battery is considered to be 90% charged. 3 stage chargers then start a timer and maintain the 14.7V before switching to 13.8V trickle charge.

NiCd and NiMH batteries should only be charged using an appropriate charger as they require a constant current charging method. Most chargers also include intelligent features that can detect the state of charge of the battery pack and cut of the charging automatically.