What is a trickle charge?
Trickle charge is usually referred to as keeping a battery on the charger at a very low charge current. This is meant to keep the battery as full as possible over an extended period of time.
NiMH battery chargers don`t usually include this feature. Some chargers like the Panasonic BQ-CC16 and BQ-CC55 use a 1-hour trickle charge to top off the battery. It might even be the wrong terminology as it is a fairly high Trickle charge and sometimes people call it a top-off charge. The BQ-CC17 on the other hand does not use this topping off. Likely because it uses a lower current, to begin with.
Panasonic Eneloop batteries don’t like to be continuously charged via trickle charging. This will reduce the battery life significantly. Eneloop PRO batteries can die within months if the batteries are continuously charged via trickle charging.
More questions about charging (Eneloop) batteries
+ Is slow charging better than fast charging for Eneloops?
+ What do mA and mAh stand for? And what’s the difference?
+ How many times can Eneloop rechargeable batteries be recharged?
+ Do Eneloop batteries need a special charger?
+ How long do Eneloop batteries hold a charge?
+ What is the recommended charge current for Eneloops?
+ What’s the best Eneloop charger?
+ Eneloop Voltage – what’s the deal
+ Can you overcharge Eneloop batteries?
+ What is the maximum charge voltage for Eneloops?
+ Do I need to charge my new Eneloop batteries before I start using them?
+ Should I discharge my Eneloops completely before charging them?
+ How long does it take for Eneloop to charge?
+ How do I need to Refresh my Eneloops?
+ Can I refresh Eneloops if I don’t have a charger with a refresh option?
+ How many years do Eneloops last?
Advanced Eneloop charging info
+ What is -dV/dt charging? (termination)
+ What is 0 dV/dt termination?
+ How are Eneloops tested to claim a 2100 cycle life? (IEC 61951/ JIS 8708)
+ Non-charge related questions can be found in the Eneloop FAQ