I'm not sure if this belongs here, or in the tool forum. So if a mod wishes to move it, I understand. USB phone chargers are everywhere, and are all relatively cheap. And many of them vary as to output.
My question is how do you know if you are charging at too low of an amperage, or too high? Too low and you will have an unnecessarily long recharge time. Too high of an output might damage, or shorten the life of the smaller phone batteries.
For example, I just purchased this rechargeable flashlight. It's really nice and bright, (7,000 Lumens), and it charges from a USB type cable hooked up to a phone charger. They don't give you a charger, only a USB type cable. (They give a 40+ hour run time on the low setting).
I also bought a couple of "cigarette lighter" dual USB adapters. One for each car, to be able to keep phones, flashlights, etc. charged on the road.
Are these USB type chargers all universal? Or can you purchase the wrong one, and overcharge say a phone battery, while having that same charger work well for the much larger flashlight Lithium Ion battery?
I'll admit to not knowing much about charging Lithium Ion batteries, as compared to automotive lead acid batteries. And I don't want to screw anything up..... Or be waiting forever for a larger device like a flashlight, to recharge.
With my current phone charger, it will take my phone, (2 year old Motorola Moto E), from around 15% to 100% charge in just under 2 hours. So I'm guessing it will take far longer to recharge my new flashlight.
So my question is should I spend the money for a better charger with a higher output for the flashlight, or live with what I've got, and call it good?
My question is how do you know if you are charging at too low of an amperage, or too high? Too low and you will have an unnecessarily long recharge time. Too high of an output might damage, or shorten the life of the smaller phone batteries.
For example, I just purchased this rechargeable flashlight. It's really nice and bright, (7,000 Lumens), and it charges from a USB type cable hooked up to a phone charger. They don't give you a charger, only a USB type cable. (They give a 40+ hour run time on the low setting).
I also bought a couple of "cigarette lighter" dual USB adapters. One for each car, to be able to keep phones, flashlights, etc. charged on the road.
7000 Lumen Rechargeable Waterproof LED Flashlight with Battery Bank
Amazing deals on this 7000 Lumen Waterproof Flashlight at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com
Two Port USB Car Charger
Amazing deals on this 2 Port Usb Car Charger at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com
Are these USB type chargers all universal? Or can you purchase the wrong one, and overcharge say a phone battery, while having that same charger work well for the much larger flashlight Lithium Ion battery?
I'll admit to not knowing much about charging Lithium Ion batteries, as compared to automotive lead acid batteries. And I don't want to screw anything up..... Or be waiting forever for a larger device like a flashlight, to recharge.
With my current phone charger, it will take my phone, (2 year old Motorola Moto E), from around 15% to 100% charge in just under 2 hours. So I'm guessing it will take far longer to recharge my new flashlight.
So my question is should I spend the money for a better charger with a higher output for the flashlight, or live with what I've got, and call it good?
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