FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is it easily possible to replace batteries by rechargeable cells?

Answer: Basically, an exchange is possible and regarding costs and environmental aspects it also makes a lot of sense. Appliances such as digital cameras, CD-players, toys, lamps, etc. are usually constructed in a way that perfect functionality is guaranteed down to a cell voltage of about 0.9 V per individual cell. Therefore, you can be sure that a rechargeable battery with a voltage of 1.2 V has no disadvantages at all compared to a disposable battery with 1.5 V.

Question: Is it possible to exchange NiCd and NiMH cells for each other without any concerns?

Answer: As both types of cells have the same basic voltage, they can be exchanged for each other. However, you should consider that only cells of one type and from one manufacturer are supposed to be charged in the same charger. Do not charge different types of cells (NiCd/NiMH) at the same time. The only exception is a microcontrolled charger (e.g. the Powerline series), where the simultaneous charge of NiCd and NiMH cells is no problem.

Question: Why is it necessary to discharge NiCd cells before the process of charging?

Answer: You should discharge NiCd cells before every process of charging in order to avoid the feared memory effect. The memory effect has the consequence that the not used parts of the cell due to partially discharging are no longer in a position to receive and produce energy. Consequently, the operating times of their users (appliances) become shorter and shorter and the cells have to be recharged more frequently.

Question: Why is it possible to charge NiCd and NiMH cells in chargers of the POWERline series at the same time?

Answer: As all chargers of the POWERline series comprise of individual supervision of every charging box, it is possible to charge different types of cells as well as cells with different capacities and conditions at the same time. Each charging location ends the process of charging as soon as the maximum of capacity of the cell is reached. Then, the charger switches to trickle charging.

Question: Is it possible to leave the cells in the charger for an unlimited period of time?

Answer: Yes, you can leave the cells for an unlimited time in chargers of the Accufresh and POWERline series, as after the process of charging, these chargers turn automatically to trickle charging. The cells are kept at a power of 100 %. Consequently, self-discharging of the cell is prevented.

There is also no danger of detrimental overcharging in chargers of the Basic series, as the charging current is kept very low. However, the charging current in these chargers is not interrupted.

Question: Can your chargers be used world-wide?

Answer: It is possible to employ the chargers POWERline 4, POWERline 6, POWERline 4 traveller and the ENERGY-Series (ENERGY 4, ENERGY 8 & ENERGY 16), as well as the universal power supply APS 1212 traveller and the chargers for battery packs ACS 410 traveller, ACS 410p traveller with any voltage network in the world, as these chargers are intelligent they work with an input voltage anywhere between 100 and 240 V AC.

Question: What is the difference between Powerline 4, Powerline 4 traveller and DigiCam Power-Set traveller?

Answer: The difference between Powerline 4 and Powerline 4 traveller is that the Powerline 4 traveller is equipped with a primary plug set system for various countries (UK, AUS, US, EURO plug). Thanks to the electronic power supply both versions can be used worldwide with different mains voltages from 100 to 240 V AC. The DIGICAM Power-Set traveller is a complete set consisting of the Powerline 4 traveller charger and 4 x AA NiMH rechargeable batteries.Why do the LEDs red-green light when inserting rechargeable batteries into the Energy charger?
The Energy series has an automatic refreshing programme. That means that during the first 10-15 minutes the rechargeable battery is tested and the refreshing process is started, if necessary. During this process the LEDs are flashing red-green. After this testing period the charger switches automatically to fast charging mode (steady red light) when the battery is in good condition.What does REFRESHING mean?
Refreshing means that damaged cells (e.g. deep discharged cells or rechargeable batteries that have not been in use for some time) are reactivated. After the diagnosis is executed for each rechargeable battery, a refreshing programme is invoked. Depending upon the condition of the inserted battery the refreshing programme will pass through several cycles until the battery is regenerated. With highly damaged cells the refresh mode can take up to 24 hours maximum. During this phase the voltage of the battery is tested in regular intervals. Defective cells that cannot be reactivated are displayed by a flashing red LED of the corresponding charging slot („Akku defekt“). The charging current is cut off, the battery must be removed and replaced.

Question: Is it possible to “fully” charge rechargeable batteries with high capacity with my Powerline 4?

Answer: The maximum charging capacity of the Powerline 4 depends on the production date (you can find this date on the backside, in the middle of the bottom end). The specified capacity values in the instruction manual and on the charger are just terms of reference and not the real maximum values.

Production date - Capacity
before 9945 - AA: till 1600 mAh AAA: 500 mAh
since 9945-200135 - AA: till 2000 mAh AAA: 600 mAh
since 200135 - AA: till 2300 mAh AAA: 700 mAh 

Question: Is it possible to “fully” charge rechargeable batteries with high capacity with my Powerline 4 traveller?

Answer: The maximum charging capacity of the Powerline 4 traveller depends on the production date (you can find this date on the backside, in the middle of the bottom end).

Production date - Capacity
before 0426 - AA: till 2600 mAh AAA: 800 mAh
since 0426 - AA: till 3200 mAh AAA: 1000 mAh

Question: Is it possible to “fully” charge rechargeable batteries with high capacity with my Powerline 6?

Answer: The maximum charging capacity of the Powerline 6 depends on the production date (you can find this date on the backside, in the middle of the bottom end). The specified capacity values in the instruction manual and on the charger are just terms of reference and not the real maximum values.

Production date - Capacity
before 200135 - AA: till 1600 mAh AAA: 500 mAh
since 200135 - AA: till 2800 mAh AAA: 1300 mAh

Please contact our service department if you have any questions regarding our products:

Telephone:  +49 (0) 6294 / 4204 - 34
Telefax:       +49 (0) 6294 / 4204 - 47
E-Mail:         hotline(at)ansmann-energy.com

Letter: 
ANSMANN AG
"HOTLINE"
Industriestraße 10
D-97959 Assamstadt
Germany