can a 4.2v charger charge a 3.7v lipo?

[tansc]

Hi bros,

I went searching for a charger for a 1s 3.7v 200mah lipo and the guy in the shop told me a charger with an output of 4.2v 500mA quote "Can charge your battery, no problem one!"

Wouldn't that damage the lipo? Can fellow brothers here advise me?

[foxkilo]

Hi bros,

I went searching for a charger for a 1s 3.7v 200mah lipo and the guy in the shop told me a charger with an output of 4.2v 500mA quote "Can charge your battery, no problem one!"

Wouldn't that damage the lipo? Can fellow brothers here advise me?

No comments on the charger, as you provided no further info.

But usually when fully charged, each lipo cell will be at 4.2V.

The 3.7V is the nominal voltage. And when discharged, the lipo voltage per cell is even lower.

[tansc]

I see, so it's okay to buy that charger - no brand on the charger.

Appreciate very much for your advise. Thanks!!!

[foxkilo]

I see, so it's okay to buy that charger - no brand on the charger.

Appreciate very much for your advise. Thanks!!!

Do beware of cheap chargers for lipos, though... Lipos are best charged with computerised chargers that can display the charging progress and have safety features.

[tansc]

Roger, will take note of that too.

[gpsnuts]

The last thing you want is OVER charging your lipo; it causes explosion. Beware!

[chiadennis]

Hi bros,

I went searching for a charger for a 1s 3.7v 200mah lipo and the guy in the shop told me a charger with an output of 4.2v 500mA quote "Can charge your battery, no problem one!"

Wouldn't that damage the lipo? Can fellow brothers here advise me?

I don't think it's a good idea.
Voltage maybe ok but the amp is charging at 500mA.
Your lipo is @200mA which mean to say you are charging @2.5C, can ur lipo handle this extra amps?
There are lipo that's can charge @ 5C but general practice, we normally charge @ 1C. Also you mention "no brand charger" how accurate is the voltage and amps?

[sherchoo]

I don't think it's a good idea.
Voltage maybe ok but the amp is charging at 500mA.
Your lipo is @200mA which mean to say you are charging @2.5C, can ur lipo handle this extra amps?
There are lipo that's can charge @ 5C but general practice, we normally charge @ 1C. Also you mention "no brand charger" how accurate is the voltage and amps?

Charging a 200mah battery with a 500mA charger is ok. Look at the units, they are not the same which is not what you think it is.

500mA means that it have the ability to go up to 500mA at 4.2V. BTW, 4.2V is not overcharging. The 'computerised' charger is doing the same thing. Except the computerised regulates the voltage according to the current. Most chargers do regulation. If they don't then they are not call batt charger anymore.

If you noticed branded batt chargers, they are rated e.g. 200W 5A. This does not mean that it will charge your 2S 100mAh batt at 5A. This condition sure see smoke.

Deat TS,
Whether can use the 'no brand' charger, nobody can say. Techincally the charger you mentioned can be used. But without knowing the product I myself wouldn't dare to say can. Who can say if the specs given is even accurate. Is it selectable, can program? How does it look like, any photo? More info please if you want people to help.