If a LiPo is 500 mAh should you only charge at 0.5A?

[genjix]

Hi,

My battery is 2S 7.4V 500mAh LiPo and I'm using the Accucell 6.

I'm currently charging at 0.5A / 7.4V (2S)... Is this the maximum I can set? Or could I use 6A?

(this battery: http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9187__Turnigy_500mAh_2S_20C_Lipo_Pack.html )

Thanks

 

[Tritium]

Yes that is a safe rule.

6A might bring spectacular results with that battery such as fire....explosion....insurance company adjusters...etc...YMMV!

Thurmond

 

[Snarls]

This battery has a max charge rate of 2C which for this battery is only 1.0A. Charging at 6A would likely damage the battery. Charging at 1.0A would be faster, but will shorten the battery life in the long run compared to just 1C (0.5A).

 

[mikemacwillie]

Stick to 1C, even if they're rated higher. Their ratings are usually quite "optimistic". Your packs will thank you.

 

[jayz 84]

Allways keep it to no more then 0.1A to every 100mah. So for your battery. Do not charge it any higher then 0.5A. Any higher will shorten its life. And lower is better( slower charge keeps the cells cool-longer life span)

 

[stay-fun]

I usually go up to half the maximum charge rate (or 1C, but are there still packs around with a max 1C charge rate?!). That's plenty of headroom regarding the specifications/design of the battery. So that would be 0.75A for a 500 mAh pack with a max charge specification of 2C.

Discharging at 1C would also be a lot better for your pack, but your model wouldn't be able to fly, you know

 

[genjix]

Thank you all for the info! Good to know.

 

[Gramaphobe]

I always charge at 1c, I round up on some packs like 460mah I treat as a 500 and 750 as 800.

I have batteries that are 5+ years old, never over charged and never over discharged...

 

[JLT_GTI]

Some batteries can take high C charging (some claim up to 10C charge) but the safe rule for the vast majority is dont go over 1C for LiPo longevity.. if im in no hurry i usually charge my packs at less than 1C (ie a 2200 battery charged at 1,6/1,8A)

The highest i dare are my 1300 nanos for the 250 quad wich say "charge up to 10C" i charge them at 2.3A (1.7C) when im in a hurry

 

[Ace2317]

I usually charge at whatever capacity the pack is. It's better for the battery and no math required.

 

[malik98]

I always charge my 2200mah batteries at 5 amps and have never had any issues. Not to say that you should do it, I'm just impatient.