Is it ok to charge NiMH batteries in a NiCad charger?
Posted on Mar 06, 2009 under nimh | 9 CommentsI have a coordless phone that came with NiCad batteries but it is having problems with those batteries. The only rechargable batteries I have on hand are NiMH. Is it ok to use NiMH batteries in a phone that was probably specifically designed to run off and charge from NiCad batteries.
Strange note: the phone seems to think the NiCad batteries are alkaline and refuses to charge them, but seems to have no issues with charging to NiMH batteries.
Yes it is fine. NiMH cells are more robust than NiCads, which is why you wouldnt want to go the other way (use NiCad in a dedicated NiMH charger). I have replaced COUNTLESS NiCads in phones with NiMH (OK, not countless, but more than 10) with no issue. Both have the same uppercut off limit (~1.4-1.45 V for most phones I have seen) My guess for your phone issue is that one of the NiCAD cells is bad and reading above 1.4. One of the advandtages to NiMH is that you do not have to worry about 'memory' affect if you dont deep discharge your phone once in a while.
By nice_one on Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
their would be a risk
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By Chrissie on Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
It sounds like your phone was made to use the NiMH batteries, they also need to be charged with a NiMH charger, they wont charge properly otherwise. Also the reason why the NiCD batteries aren't charging in the phone.
Often phones and other products come with the wrong or faulty batteries. (I used to work in an electonics store so I seen this a lot of the time.)
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By MadameMimm on Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
The NiCad batteries are probably bad if they won't charge. Their charging cycles are lesser than lithium ion or NiMH. But if it's working, toss the NiCads in the trash and use the NiMH batteries. NiCad batteries suck anyway.
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By physandchemteach on Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
I would hate to try this because there is always a chance of over-charging and over-heating.
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By Kevin R on Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
no, you really cant…its rather dangerous and i would seriously advise against it….
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By thewordofgodisjesus on Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
I would THINK so, but, you ALWAYS want to call the 800 number of the battery company and ask THEM! MANY batteries are NOT rechargeable.
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By Steve on Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
BTW, Ni-Cd batteries ARE alkaline; the electrolyte involved is KOH, an extremely concentrated alkaline substance.
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By alphaQ on Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
r u crazy?? U'll prolly blow it!!!
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By imabiggles on Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
Yes it is fine. NiMH cells are more robust than NiCads, which is why you wouldnt want to go the other way (use NiCad in a dedicated NiMH charger). I have replaced COUNTLESS NiCads in phones with NiMH (OK, not countless, but more than 10) with no issue. Both have the same uppercut off limit (~1.4-1.45 V for most phones I have seen) My guess for your phone issue is that one of the NiCAD cells is bad and reading above 1.4. One of the advandtages to NiMH is that you do not have to worry about 'memory' affect if you dont deep discharge your phone once in a while.
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