Lithium battery and sergeant chargers (1 Viewer)

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Dec 18, 2011
771
523
Hull
Funster No
19,200
MH
Autotrail 634
Exp
Since 2006
Could anyone advise if the standard chargers fitted by Sargents in many of today’s vans is sufficient to fully charge a lithium battery please?If not what is recommended as a replacement?Thanks.
 
Sep 3, 2009
1,547
6,313
NW Surrey
Funster No
8,284
MH
LHD Hymer exsis-i
I'd speak to the battery supplier. Don't take this as gospel, but my understanding is that the correct battery/charger matching is vital with lithium, and incorrect charging can lead to explosion and/or fire.

Malcolm
 
May 7, 2016
7,892
13,362
West Sussex
Funster No
42,951
MH
Malibu Van 640 LE K
Exp
Since 2003
I don’t know much about Sargent chargers but I would be surprised if the older ones charged lithium batteries properly. LiFePO4 leisure batteries are not prone to exploding or catching fire, they are not the same as the ones used in Samsung phones or Boeing airliners which have different chemicals in them.
 
Feb 9, 2008
8,968
18,777
Corby, Northants
Funster No
1,455
MH
Coach Built
Exp
Since 2007
The answer to your question is no.
The “return to bulk” voltage setting in lead acid chargers is normally 12.5-12.7v. This voltage for a lithium battery is way too low. ... A lead-acid charger that can be set to charge no higher than 14.6v can be used for regular charging and then MUST be disconnected after the battery is fully charged.Nov 29, 2017
 
May 7, 2016
7,892
13,362
West Sussex
Funster No
42,951
MH
Malibu Van 640 LE K
Exp
Since 2003
There is a lot of misinformation about Li-ion batteries, mostly because there are several different types. The ones used in phones are very different from LiFePO4 leisure batteries which whilst not needing to be kept on charge once full, can tolerate a maintenance voltage. They all need a battery management system and that intervenes if necessary.
 
Sep 12, 2016
2,309
5,120
Chesterfield England Tellus 3
Funster No
45,091
MH
Lunar Roadstar 800
Exp
6 years
I don’t know much about Sargent chargers but I would be surprised if the older ones charged lithium batteries properly. LiFePO4 leisure batteries are not prone to exploding or catching fire, they are not the same as the ones used in Samsung phones or Boeing airliners which have different chemicals in them.

That's a good job as I have LiPO batteries which are kept safe when charging due to the possibility of fire and they are only small ( Drone Batteries)
 

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