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Battery issue with trustfire charger

Hey first off sorry if this isn't the right place to post this I'm new to the forum.
I have 2 18650 2500mah 3.7V batteries. One of which my friend recently gave me which he had been using. I used the battery a decent amount for half the day and when I went to charge it later that night the light the on the charger was still green. So I didn't think anything of it and took it off charge. Today I've been using the battery all day and when I got home I put it on the charger and the light is still green! The battery seems to be operating my build fine but somethings gotta be up. When I charge my other battery it does show red and then eventually green and I switch it on both slots of the charger with same result. The charger has a 3.0v and a 4.2v setting and I have it on 3.0.
 

eSMOKA

Silver Contributor
Member For 5 Years
These Trustfire chargers aren't really known for quality or reliability. I hope you're not using Trustfire batteries, too!!!

However, you say that you have it on the 3.0v setting. Well, 18650 batts are 4.2v max batteries (3.7v nominal) so I'm pretty sure you need to have it set to 4.2v. I have never owned one of these chargers so I have no idea. But it seems logical to me that what is happening is that you have it set to 3.0v, the battery's charge is above that, and therefore the charger thinks it is fully charged (and therefore shows the green light).

So set the charger to 4.2v, put a battery in that has been used (even if for only an hour of use) and I bet that light will show red until it reaches about 4.2v.
 
These Trustfire chargers aren't really known for quality or reliability. I hope you're not using Trustfire batteries, too!!!

However, you say that you have it on the 3.0v setting. Well, 18650 batts are 4.2v max batteries (3.7v nominal) so I'm pretty sure you need to have it set to 4.2v. I have never owned one of these chargers so I have no idea. But it seems logical to me that what is happening is that you have it set to 3.0v, the battery's charge is above that, and therefore the charger thinks it is fully charged (and therefore shows the green light).

So set the charger to 4.2v, put a battery in that has been used (even if for only an hour of use) and I bet that light will show red until it reaches about 4.2v.
You are correct when I put charger to 4.2v both lights go red. But do I have a chance of over charging now?
 

Wingsfan0310

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
First off, I wouldn't trust a trustfire charger. I stay away from any brands with the word fire in them when buying batteries or chargers.
Secondly, in the beginning of your post you say you have 2 18650's, 2500 mah, 3.7v batteries. Not sure why you would set it to 3.0v? You should set the charger to 4.2v. Your 18650's are 3.7v (nominal voltage), fully charged they will be 4.2v.

3.0v Li-ion batteries are LiFePO4 batteries and aren't used in the mods we use. They are mainly used to replace CR123's when someone wants to use rechargeable instead of disposables in Surefire flashlights, cameras, etc.

Edit I was typing while toolsavvy posted. No, you won't overcharge them, they are supposed to be 4.2v fully charged
 
First off, I wouldn't trust a trustfire charger. I stay away from any brands with the word fire in them when buying batteries or chargers.
Secondly, in the beginning of your post you say you have 2 18650's, 2500 mah, 3.7v batteries. Not sure why you would set it to 3.0v? You should set the charger to 4.2v. Your 18650's are 3.7v (nominal voltage), fully charged they will be 4.2v.

3.0v Li-ion batteries are LiFePO4 batteries and aren't used in the mods we use. They are mainly used to replace CR123's when someone wants to use rechargeable instead of disposables in Surefire flashlights, cameras, etc.

Edit I was typing while toolsavvy posted. No, you won't overcharge them, they are supposed to be 4.2v fully charged
I wasn't very educated in their products I bought the charger in person a local vape shop but I'll take your advice and find a different. The batteries on the other hand are not truefire
 

Wingsfan0310

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I don't have that charger, it might be fine. As a general rule of thumb, I just stay away from chargers or batteries with the word fire in them. I didn't mean to come off like a jerk. Happy Vaping!

Cheers,
Steve
 

Wingsfan0310

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
If you're interested, I use a XTAR VC4. I'm not saying it's the best, but it's been a solid performer for me. It will basically be able to charge any Li-ion batteries you would use. It's also good for NIMH and NICD batteries (regular household rechargeables for remote controls, toys, etc).

Edit If you look around, they can be had at a relatively inexpensive price. I got mine for $20 shipped.
 
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eSMOKA

Silver Contributor
Member For 5 Years
You are correct when I put charger to 4.2v both lights go red. But do I have a chance of over charging now?

No, you are not going to ruin your batteries. 4.2v is what you are supposed to charge 18650 batts to. That is the max charge they will safely hold.

That charger you have has a 3.0v setting for some other types of batteries that hold a max safe charge of 3.0v. But for 18650 batts you need it set to 4.2v. Now you will see that not only will your batts last longer between charges, but you will also get stronger hits if you are using them on mech mods. ;)
 

BoomStick

Gold Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Generally accepted chargers and ranking for our purposes.

1. Xtar
2. Efest Luc
3. Nitecore

Also, there are many batteries out there that aren't suitable for use in vaping devices. Before you buy any more batteries or chargers, check with us first so we can help you pick safe, reliable and affordable equipment. Welcome and glad you found us. :)
 

eSMOKA

Silver Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Yu8p. Efest are shitty rewrapped, over-speced batteries but they make a proven winner of a charger in the LUC 2 and 4. And they come with a beefy AC and DC adapters.
 

forza

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I have a Trustfire too. The shop owner made a point of telling me to charge my batteries at 3.7v at least or they wouldn't charge. So far (knock on wood) mine is doing fine.

Always be who you are.
 

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