Which battery charger is best to choose?

Every person is surrounded by many electronic devices that are powered by batteries. These include cameras, measuring devices, flashlights, and toys. However, sooner or later their battery fails or, more simply put, their battery runs out.

It is important to note that there are two types of batteries: those that can be charged and those that cannot be charged. For many reasons, the former are becoming increasingly popular. Firstly, they save money because, when properly charged, they can last more than 400 cycles (depending on type and quality). Secondly, the environment is less polluted, since there is no need to dispose of used power sources. However, in order for any battery to last as long as possible, it is necessary to choose the right charger. Today we will tell you how to do this and which “charging” is best to choose.

Types of chargers, their capabilities

A battery charger is a special device that charges certain batteries. There are several types of them:

• device for narrow use - this device charges a specific type of battery;
• universal models - they are assembled from special units, thanks to which you can recharge almost any type of battery.

Using a built-in transformer, this device controls the level of incoming current, which is redirected to the rectifier. It is worth noting that some chargers differ in appearance and functionality.

In addition, chargers should be divided according to the principle of their operation:

1. Transformer (they were discussed above). Such devices are distinguished by their large size and weight. Most often these are stationary installations.
2. Pulse. They are small in size. The device includes an inverter for converting current and an emergency shutdown mechanism - it is necessary to turn off the “charger” if a short circuit occurs.

Plus, memory devices are divided into several categories based on operating speed:

1. Accelerated. Charge the battery in 1–2 hours. It is worth remembering that not every battery can be charged with this type of device.
2. Slow. To fully charge the battery, they need from 14 hours to a day.
3. Air conditioning. The most preferred and common option, since they extend the battery life.

Criteria for selecting a battery charger

In order for the charger to function correctly and charge the battery, it is necessary to select it correctly.

Important! If you choose a “charger” at random, this can lead to serious problems: the battery will not charge at all, or even worse, it and the charger will simply fail. The result is wasted money and a spoiled mood.

To choose the right charger for battery power supplies, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:

1. Device type. In total, there are 3 main charger options: simple (budget options, do not have an auto-shut-off function), automatic (turn off when the battery is 100% charged) and intelligent (equipped with many additional functions).
2. Compatibility. Each battery and each accumulator has its own characteristics. One of the most basic is the size. Therefore, first of all, pay attention to how compatible the charger is with a particular type of battery.
3. Number of connectors. Different memory devices have a certain number of slots. In some models there may be 1 or 2 of them, and in more expensive options - 4 or even 8. A large number of slots allows you to save time, since you do not need to wait until the “first batch” is charged.
4. Current strength. One of the main criteria. Low current (about 0.1 ampere) is considered one of the safest, so this is most often recommended for charging any batteries. However, the charging process using such chargers can take a long time - about 16 hours. High current will speed up the process, but it will shorten the life of the battery itself.

Which battery charger is better: review of popular models

Now let's look at which chargers are the most popular and are among the most reliable.

VARICORE 04U

A budget and universal gadget that can be purchased from our Chinese friends on the well-known AliExpress site. VARICORE 04U can charge both “finger” and “little finger” batteries. Moreover, it can hold several batteries (4), which will save time. It is equipped with 6 types of protection against overload, overheat, short circuit, etc.Thanks to it, the battery will not only be charged, but will also not fail prematurely.

Opus BT-C3100

We can say that this is a smart charger. It is equipped with various protective functions, thanks to which not a single battery will fail prematurely. At the same time, it can charge several elements at once, which also saves time. You can choose the charging current yourself thanks to the regulator. On the LCD display you can find out all the necessary information about the ongoing processes. It operates successfully even at temperatures of about 40 degrees. An additional plus is the low price, its cost does not exceed 7–8 dollars.

LiitoKala Lii-500 LCD

Equipped with a special large display that displays all necessary notifications. Its main advantage is that LiitoKala Lii—500 LCD can be used as a Power Bank. For this purpose it is equipped with a special connector. At the same time, its budget price will not scare off buyers.