Safely charging NiMH batteries

January 29, 2010 3:26 PM

Rechargeable batteries: Any difference between NiMH batteries purchased in Europe vs. US? I have several AA batteries I bought in Eur for my camera, but I don't have my charger with me in the US. 1. If I buy a charger in the US, can I charge the batteries I bought in Europe? 2. When I go back to Europe, is it OK to use the US charger on the European current with just an adaptor for the plug? I just want to make sure I don't (a) start any fires! or (b) damage the batteries. The batteries I have are all either 2000 or 2650. thanks for your help!
posted by leticia to Technology (2 answers total)

There is no difference in the batteries.

The chargers I have purchased in the US are marked "Input: 100-240 V 50-60 Hz". You should be able to find one like this with no problem.

I have used them in Asia, Europe and in the US with no problems.
posted by NoDef at 3:42 PM on January 29, 2010

is it OK to use the US charger on the European current with just an adaptor for the plug?

It depends on the charger. If it's the type leticia mentions, which says it takes input from 110V to 240V, then it can be used most anywhere. If it has a restricted voltage range of just 110V, like mine, then you'll only be able to use it when you're in places that use 110 volt electric outlets. If you plug a 110V-only charger into 220V outlet it will destroy the charger.
posted by anadem at 5:26 PM on January 29, 2010