Can I charge 3V li-ion in XTAR VC2?

Batteries and Chargers Rechargeable Batteries
1

Hi,

I have two pieces Uniross li-ion 3V RCR123 batteries.
I wonder if it’s safe to charge them using XTAR VC2 just like any other 16340 batteries I have, or do I need to charge it with their own charger?

Here’s the pic of the original charger spec:

and here’s the battery

Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks!

2

As far as I know there is no such thing as 3.0V li-ion chemistry so I’m pretty sure this is a normal 3.7V 16340 and since the stock charger says output of 4.3V, if that’s true it actually overcharges it a bit. The other mistake is “CR123 charger”, imagine if someone actually attempted to charge their CR123s in there. Whoever made these have zero knowledge of li-ion batteries.

Edit: I found out that there are some 16340 with an integrated diode to lower the voltage (but the battery is never fully charged). Didn’t know such things existed.

3

Short answer is yes.

4

Charge it with the stock charger. Check the voltage. If it’s ~4.2v > then yes. If it’s more down around 3.6v > then no.

5

Thanks for all the answers, I will check the voltage later tonight and post it here.

6

Confirmed, it’s just the same 16340 batteries.

7

Is that full? If so it’s a 3.0v and not Li-on.

8

Yes, it’s full.
I thought that 3V cell will display 3V on multitester.

But then I tried other 16340 batteries, ranging from 3.7-4.2 volts.

Now I’m confused :smiley:

9

Max charging voltage for typical 3.7v li-ion is 4.2v, while for 3.0v, max is 3.7v

10

Loud and clear, thanks!

So it’s true that the manufacturer claim it as 3V battery? And do you think it’s safe to charge with XTAR VC2 or better stick with original charger?

11

NOT SAFE! It will over charge it.

Yes, there are 3.0v cells like that:
Tenergy RCR123A 3.0V 600mAh Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery

Tenergy RCR123A 3.2V 400mAh LiFePO4 Rechargeable Battery

12

The VC2 has a voltage display, so if you end charging manually at the proper voltage it will work, but you cannot let the charger terminate the session or you’ll be well over the cell voltage and something will probably go up in smoke.

Phil

13

Thanks flydiver & SawMaster, I’d rather stick with original charger :slight_smile:

14

That voltage display is seriously inaccurate. I have the VC4 and that little dial is only sorta near the actual voltage of the battery. Not suitable for lithium charging.