Is Generic Lithium Charger overcharging LiFePO4 Battery?

[sfiii]

Conventional wisdom states that Lithium Iron Phosphate cells should not be charged over 3.65V per cell. However, the 3A Chinese battery chargers that came with my LiFePO4 batteries charge my 36v 10Ah batteries to 3.71V per cell. It is a generic lithium battery charger, not specific to LiFePO4. From what I've read, certain other lithium chemistries can be charged to a higher voltage per cell than LiFePO4. Is this catch-all charger shortening the life of my batteries?

 

[LeftieBiker]

Maybe. If it stops charging when they reach that voltage, and they then drop back to the safer range, then no. If it keeps them up there with a float charge, or if they don't drop back a little while after charging ends, then yes - get a charger with an adjustable finish voltage.

 

[john61ct]

3.45Vpc is better for longevity

Going over cell spec max V for long can be dangerous