Confirming Charge Current
It is critically important to understand the maximum charging current for the battery
pack to be charged. Excessive charge current can significantly reduce the life of a
battery, or in severe cases a fire or explosion.
The charge and discharge current of a lithium battery is determined by its “C”
rating. Most batteries indicate the C rating of the pack on the main label. Multiply
the C rating of the battery pack by the capacity to determine the safe and proper
charge current. For example, a 1000mAh battery with a 5C rating means that the
maximum charge rate should be 1000 (capacity in milliamps) X 5 (C rating) = 5,000
mAh. Therefore, the maximum charge rate for a 1000mAh 5C lithium battery
should be 5A (5,000mAh).
If it is not possible to determine the C rating, please assume that the pack is 1C and
use that value to calculate a safe charge rate. Keep in mind that batteries vary, and
therefore charging times will vary.
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