charging NIMHs in parallel?

[Jesse J]

I was just asked if you could charge your NIMHs in parallel. Is there any reason why not to charge two equal cell 5000 mah packs in parallel under a charge rate of 10 amps? Not to distract the question - the point is essentially doubling the charge rate you would use for one battery when charging two in parallel.

I typically charge slightly lower than capacity to be kind to the batts. So, whatta ya guys say?

[Simon.O.]

I have done this in the past, the problem is that the six cells in each pack must be very close in quality and of equal charge. Both packs must be equal too.
If you charge at 1C or less they should balance quite nicely. This way you can charge 2 in parallel.
A peak detection charger will cut off as soon as the pack is ready.
There should be some more experienced answers coming soon.

[ReddyWatts]

You could get into a situation where one pack is taking most of the charge amps. I would not charge them together at over 5 amps. A slow charge would be best, if done in parallel.