How to choose a charger for AA batteries?

Many modern gadgets, appliances operate on AA batteries. They are quite practical, serve for a long time, are inexpensive. Many Internet users care about one question: how to choose a charger for AA batteries? The answer to this question can be found if you understand the classification and the main parameters. Let's get acquainted with this information and learn how to choose these devices.

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Storage Tips

Batteries can be conditionally divided into the following three groups:

• Chinese devices. They are the cheapest option and are sold in large quantities on AliExpress. They have low quality and not the longest service life.
• Branded. For example, the well-known “Durasel”. If the purity, then they are not much different from the previous ones, but they have a margin of 3-5 times. Someone may feel the difference, but it will not be significant.
• Professional. Perfect for those who need confidence that the component will not suddenly sit down when you go camping or do a photo shoot.

We sorted out the conditional groups, and now imagine that you were in a hardware store and picked up a charger (charger) for the battery. You will see something like this in front of you:

1. Model: PPG330GSC.
2. Input: a.c 220-240V - 50 Hz, 6W.
3. Output: d.c 1.5 V = 180 mA (AA size).
4. d.c. 1.5 V = 70 mA (AAA size).

What could these strange lines mean?

• The first line usually indicates the name of the model.
• The second line indicates the type of current (for this case - alternating), voltage with frequency and power.
• The following indicate the parameters of the output current and voltage with amperage for a specific type of battery.
• Some models are signed with additional types for charging.

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How long does it take to charge the battery?

Which AA battery charger is better? One of the main criteria is recharging time. It is necessary to choose the most optimal parameters. The bottom line is that the speed depends only on the maximum allowable current.

Important! Chinese and branded manufacturers do not take this trend and set standard current values ​​somewhere in the 120-180 mA.

In order to calculate the charge time of nickel and nickel-metal hydride components, you need to use the formula: t (Time) = C (capacity) / I (charger current) * k (coefficient 1.4). This coefficient is equal to this value, since not all the current passes into the battery charge and turns into heat.

For instance:

1. We have a 2400 mAh AA battery capacity.
2. Charger current 150 mA.
3. The calculation is as follows: 2400 divided by 150 and multiplied by a coefficient of 1.4, it will turn out about 22.4 hours.

Too much? Want to crank this whole thing faster? Which AA battery charger is better?

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GP PowerBank V800C

This device should solve the problem of charging speed. Such a thing costs about 50 dollars. But not only money will have to be paid for high-speed charging, since the batteries will warm up.

Important! This device has very high current values, which will lead to rapid heating of the elements. Temperature effects will affect the service life.

In fact, it is better to give preference to those devices that have a low charge current.

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Auto power off function

As we have already mentioned, during the charging process, the component may heat up, which adversely affects its condition. There is a need for premature shutdown of the memory, but the battery itself should not be discharged, and this requires the automatic shutdown function.

Some devices have this functionality, some devices are even equipped with a timer, but you should be well aware that you will have to pay a little extra for the advanced functionality.

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Number of slots and their types

How to choose a charger for AA batteries? Another important criterion is the number of “passenger seats”. How many batteries do you want to charge at the same time? Some gadgets can be equipped with at least six connectors for charging.

You should also pay attention to those types of devices that can be charged:

• Finger-type (AA).
• Little finger (AAA).
• Crowns.

It would be nice to have a display indicator for each slot in order to keep abreast of the performance of each of the “passengers”.

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Is there a display indicator?

This part is very convenient for determining the charge level, calculating the remaining time and other interesting things. It’s convenient, it’s convenient, but you must understand that for such technical excesses you will also have to pay some amount of money, and yet such advanced features are not necessary.

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Advanced functionality

If you just purchased batteries, then be sure to charge them and discharge them by repeating these steps about three or four times. Please note that there are smart devices that can do the same work for you. Such skills make it possible to charge even alkaline batteries. The memory will quietly extend the life of these sources of energy and extend their life.

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What is the average cost?

If you are aiming for a quality purchase, then be prepared to spend about $ 20. In order to choose the best model, avoid the AliExpress website and give preference to manufacturers such as:

1. Sanyo Eneloop.
2. La Crosse.
3. MAHA MH-C9000b.
4. Trustfire
5. Rolsen.

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Stock footage

Now you have a general idea of ​​different types of devices and you can easily determine which charger for AA batteries is better.