Battery charger: types, capabilities, criteria

Each person is surrounded by many electronic devices that are powered by batteries. These include cameras, measuring devices, flashlights, toys. However, sooner or later their battery breaks down or, more simply, the battery "runs out" in them.

It is important to note that there are two types of batteries: which can and cannot be charged. For many reasons, the former are becoming more and more popular. Firstly, they save money, since 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 rechargeable battery to work as long as possible, it is necessary to choose the right charger. Today we will tell you how to do this and what kind of "charging" is best to choose.

Types of chargers, their capabilities

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

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

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

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

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

Plus, all the memory devices are divided into several categories according to the speed of work:

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. Conditioning. The most preferred and common option, as they extend the battery life.

Criteria for choosing a battery charger

In order for the charger to function properly and charge the battery, it must be correctly selected.

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. As a result - thrown away money and 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 memory options: simple (budget options, do not have an auto-off function), automatic (switched off when the battery is 100% charged) and intelligent (equipped with many additional functions).
2. Compatibility. Each battery and each battery has its own characteristics. One of the most basic is the standard size. Therefore, first of all, pay attention to how the memory is compatible with this or that 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 versions - 4 or even 8. The large number of slots allows you to save time, since you do not have to wait for the "first batch" to charge.
4. Current strength. One of the main criteria. A weak current (about 0.1 ampere) is considered one of the safest, therefore, this is most often recommended to charge any batteries. However, the charging process with such chargers can be time-consuming - about 16 hours. Strong current will speed up the process, but it will shorten the life of the battery itself.

Which battery charger is better: a review of popular models

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

VARICORE 04U

A budgetary and versatile gadget that can be purchased from our Chinese friends on the famous Aliexpress site. VARICORE 04U can charge both "finger" and "little finger" batteries. What's more, it can hold multiple batteries (4) to save time. It is equipped with 6 kinds of protection against overload, overheating, short circuit, etc. Thanks to him, the battery will not only be charged, but also will 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 no battery will fail prematurely. At the same time, it can charge several cells at once, which also saves time. The charging current can be selected independently thanks to the regulator. On the LCD display, you can find out all the necessary information about the ongoing processes. It functions successfully even at temperatures around 40 degrees. An additional plus is the low price, its cost does not exceed $ 7-8.

LiitoKalaLii-500 LCD

Equipped with a special large-size display that shows all the necessary notifications. Its main advantage is that LiitoKala Lii—500 LCD can be used as Power Bank. For this, it is equipped with a special connector. At the same time, its budgetary cost will not scare away buyers.