Lipo charging amps

[gfm1135]

At what amp should this lipo be charged at based on below. 3 or 15? Thanks


Product Details:
• Capacity (mAh) 5000
• Voltage (V) 14.8
• Cell Configuration (S) 4
• Discharge Rate (C) 40
• Length (mm) 145
• Width (mm) 52
• Height (mm) 38
• Weight (g) 582
• Max Current (A) 15.0
• Max Charge Rate (C) 3.0
• Wire Gauge (AWG) 8
• Plug/Connector 5.5mm Bullet
• Pack Type Regular

[jj2003]

3 amps is the max and would be the fastest refresh rate, however, I believe it would reduce the life of the battery. If you charge at a lower rate, it would more than likely extend the life of the battery, but it would take longer to charge it.

[bikergreen]

I think you are confusing C rating and Amps - the max charge rate is 3C which for a 5000mA battery is 15 000mA or 15 amps - so that is your max charge rate which I wouldn't recommend doing. Charging at 1C is generally how you want to do it to take care of the battery, so in this case that would be charging it at 5 amps. If you want to charge it quicker just go 2C or 10amps. Charging at more C will mean you loose capacity.

[electric]

I think you are confusing C rating and Amps - the max charge rate is 3C which for a 5000mA battery is 15 000mA or 15 amps - so that is your max charge rate which I wouldn't recommend doing. Charging at 1C is generally how you want to do it to take care of the battery, so in this case that would be charging it at 5 amps. If you want to charge it quicker just go 2C or 10amps. Charging at more C will mean you loose capacity.

Agree, the logic is correct. Err on the side of safety and go with 5amps as recommended above.

[785boats]

I think you'll find that the old 1C rule is from a long time ago & is now outdated with todays modern lipo technology. If the pack says 3C max charge rate, just don't exceed that. Some packs are 5C & some are even rated at 12C charge rate. Exceeding the specified charge rates may damage the packs or reduce capacity but staying within the specified limits won't.
There are much worse things to do to a pack that will deplete its capacity or increase its IR.
Over amping them
Overheating them
Applying full load while batteries are cold (less than 100 degrees F)
Over discharging them
Overcharging them (above 4.2V/cell) In fact, terminating the charge at 4.18 will increase battery life & cycles.
Leaving them fully charged or fully discharged for extended periods.
Running unbalanced packs.
Dropping them.

I always charge at a higher than 1C, when I charge single packs.

[bikergreen]

Good info above! - thanks for chiming in on that one! I'm relatively new still but have done a fair amount of reading.

[Cooper]

I charge all my hk nano batteries at 20 amps, (as long as that doesn't exceed charge rating) never overcharge, deplete, ask too much of them, swell, drop, them. Basically I take care of them and the chargeing has never been a problem with lifespan, discharge, ect...... The stated discharge of a 5 amp 65c discharge battery being 325 amps, with the 10c charge rate of 50. amps. 20 amps seems well below the allowed amperage charge.
----now yes all of these ratings are over stated grossly. I agree, just stating the allowable limits to charging and I have personally never seen a charger that is capable of delivering 50 amp charge. Anything over 20 is getting really pricey. I've used the nanos at least 15 times back to back in one day several times at those charge rates and they are going on 4th year now. ( now they did seem to be getting flat at end of last year but three year old batteries isn't too bad for me considering they get about 15-20 cycles a week during summer.