Charging 123a using a AA/AAA Charger Possible?

[thekernal]

I was wondering if I can use a Duracell 4hr charger to charge charge up one or two 123a's. Wouldn't it just take longer-but still safe right? How do I figure out the charge times? Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[nerdgineer]

Can't be done. Voltages are wrong. Attempting to do this by creatively connecting things in series will likely cost you damaged equipment and possibly a house fire.

and Welcome to CPF. You have the right spirit but don't do this...

 

[Yoda4561]

Seriously, do not even try to attempt this. Doing so would either result at best in absolutely nothing or damaged equipment/house, in either event a 123a lithium primary is not going to be charged.

 

[Vikas Sontakke]

The cheapest and decent quality 123 charger, namely the "Nano" costs under $5.00 shipped. If you are planning to purchase *rechargeable* RCR123A, you need to purchase corresponding lithium charger.

Having said that, if you had asked "can I charge my *rechargeable lithium* AA/AA/18650 etc batteries with the Nano charger"? The answer is yes if you have enough wires, magnets and time on your hand

- Vikas

 

[matrixshaman]

Also just to make it completely clear you really don't want to charge CR123 Lithium primary cells as they are quite different than Lithium Ion cells which ARE made to be recharged. Charging a primary Lithium cell can result in dangers.

 

[thekernal]

Thanks for the all the info!!! I will definitely go buy a cr123a charger. I just have so many aa/aaa chargers laying around and thought I can put them to good use. I just came back from asia and bought a gazillion flashlights.

 

[jdong]

Yeah, not only are the voltages wrong but the currents and durations would also be wrong. And I'm quite sure you've seen internet videos of the consequences of lithium batteries failing -- it's no matter to risk saving a few bucks over.

 

[mdocod]

Actually..... and this is stupid... don't do this.... I had to experiment...

I have put Li-Ion cells (3.7V type) on my Vanson Speedy box before to see what would happen. It has a charge rate of about 750mA and seems to operate at the higher voltages of the li-ion without problems, it will not charge a cell above ~4.0V, but it has turned out to be a good way to bring a larger number of cells up to "close to full" before topping them on a real li-ion charger.

DON'T DO THIS UNLESS YOU ARE AS NUTS AS I AM