How Long To Charge An Airsoft Battery

Whenever you purchase an airsoft gun, battery charging is one of the first topics that may come up. The answer to how long to charge an airsoft battery can vary, depending on the type of battery, the time frame, and the charger you use. That's why we've provided the following in-depth insight on the subject.

Choosing the Right Charger

The first question to ask when it comes to charging an airsoft gun is, which charger should you use? Typically, you will need an AC/DC charger, but there are also chargers that get plugged into a cigarette lighter or your computer's USB port. The latter two are considered smart chargers' and will shut off once the battery is charged.

Size Matters

The size of your battery will also determine the length of the charging time. Larger batteries tend to hold more charge and thus take longer to charge. These are the batteries that tend to have a longer lifespan but they also come with a higher charging time.

Performance

A handful of airsoft gun models will have batteries that are designed to provide more performance than the standard battery would. Those batteries can take a longer amount of time to charge, as they have a higher capacity.

Time it Takes to Charge

A standard battery for an airsoft gun will typically take about 2 hours to charge with an AC/DC charger and around an hour for other types of chargers. However, as previously mentioned, performance batteries can take up to 4 hours if you're using an AC/DC charger, as they hold a higher capacity charge.

Consider Rated Capacity

When talking about charging time, you should consider the battery's rated capacity. This is a specific rating that dictates how many milliamps can be stored in the battery. For example, a 500mAh battery will take around an hour to charge, but if the rated capacity is 2000mAh, then it will take closer to 4 hours for the battery to be fully charged.

Popular Charging Options

Most airsoft guns come with their own customized Horizon charger, which works with 7.2 and 8.4V batteries. These models are also known for their quick charging time.

Other Battery Types

Of course, it's important to point out that there are other types of batteries that are used in airsoft guns such as NiCad and NiMH cells. NiCad batteries take around 2 hours to charge, and NiMH cells require around 5 hours.

Heat Dissipation

An important factor to consider when charging a battery is heat dissipation. It's important to have a proper ventilation system to keep the battery cool during its charging cycle. If the battery overheats, then it will reduce the lifespan of the battery and can be dangerous.

Safety When Charging

Finally, it's important to be safe when charging your battery. It's best not to leave your battery unattended during the charging cycle and always disconnect your charger once the battery is fully charged.

In Summary

Charging an airsoft battery can be a tricky process and how long it takes to charge depends on the type of battery, the time frame, and the charger you use. When using an AC/DC charger, a standard battery will take around 2 hours to charge, while performance batteries can take up to 4 hours. It's important to remember to factor in rated capacity, and to always maintain proper ventilation and safety protocols.