Recharging for dummies?

[olddogrib]

I have an X-tar ANT-MC1 Plus that I recharge all my 18650's and 16650's. Can I use it for RCR123A?

 

[chillinn]

I have an X-tar ANT-MC1 Plus that I recharge all my 18650's and 16650's. Can I use it for RCR123A?

No, Xtar ANT-MC1 Plus does not support charging 3.2V LiFePO4 cells and will overcharge them.

 

[alpg88]

yes you can, rcr123a are 3.7v cells, same chemistry as cells you charge now.

 

[chillinn]

yes you can, rcr123a are 3.7v cells, same chemistry as cells you charge now.

Actually, "RCR123A" is ambiguous, may be LiFePO4 3.2V or Li-ion 3.6V/3.7V 16340. I made a poor assumption, and so did you, @alpg88. Here's one example of 3.2V RCR123A. Here is a more popular example of 3.2V RCR123A. And here is an example of a Li-ion cell thats voltage is limited to 3V and yet still designated "RCR123A."

@olddogrib, you really have to look at the voltage printed on the cells themselves to see whether they say 3.6V, 3.7V or 3.2V.

Xtar ANT-MC1 Plus is a Li-ion charger only, which means it's only for charging 3.6V or 3.7V cells, which will terminate charge at 4.2V. LiFePO4 3.2V cells terminate at 3.7V which means that charger will overcharge LiFePO4.

It's pretty confusing, and most CPFers seem to refer to Li-ion 3.6V/3.7V cells as "16340.," often by chemistry, such as ICR16340, INR16340 or IMR16340. I assumed you meant 3.2V LiFePO4 because they more readily stand in for primary CR123A 3V cells where 3.7V 16340 cells may fry the driver or device.

If you can't tell by looking at the cells what the nominal voltage is, give us a picture of the cells, and CPF will figure it out.

 

[olddogrib]

I'm only shopping for 3.7 volt CR123 rechargeables, as I was unaware that less voltage options existed. The light came with an Energizer Lithium 123 primary if that helps. I think they're 3V, but before I even considered using rechargeables I checked with a friend who has the same light and said they work fine. If there's any doubt , about all of them come with a designated multi-charger for more bucks. I just hate to waste $ on something I already have.. Thanks