Charger vs Power Supply: Key Differences for Safe Lithium Battery Charging

Many users wonder why chargers cost more than power supplies with the same power output. Take the popular Huawei adjustable power supply—while it offers voltage and current regulation with constant voltage and current (CV/CC) capabilities, it’s still a power supply, not a dedicated charger. In daily life, we encounter power supplies everywhere: 12V adapters for monitors, 5V power units inside computer hosts, and power sources for LED lights. But when it comes to lithium batteries, the gap between chargers and power supplies becomes critical.

daly charger

Let’s use a practical example: a 16S 48V 60Ah lithium iron phosphate battery pack, with a nominal voltage of 51.2V and a full-charge cutoff voltage of 58.4V. When charging at 20A, the differences are striking. A qualified lithium battery charger acts as a "battery care expert": it detects the battery’s voltage, current, and temperature in real time, automatically switching from constant current to constant voltage mode as the battery nears 58.4V. Once the current drops to a preset threshold (e.g., 3A for 0.05C), it shuts off charging and enters a float mode to maintain voltage, preventing self-discharge.

 
In contrast, a power supply is merely an "energy provider" without safety monitoring functions. If the battery heats up due to inconsistent internal resistance during charging, the power supply cannot reduce current automatically. When a single cell reaches 3.65V or the total voltage hits 58.4V, the BMS (battery management system) triggers protection to cut off the charging MOSFET. However, once the voltage drops, the power supply restarts charging—this repeated cycling shocks the battery, accelerating lithium battery aging significantly.
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ATV charger

For users of new energy devices, energy storage systems, or lithium battery packs like the 48V 60Ah model, choosing the right charger is not just about cost but battery longevity and safety. The core difference lies in "battery friendliness": chargers are engineered to protect batteries, while power supplies prioritize energy delivery over protection. Investing in a dedicated lithium battery charger avoids unnecessary wear and ensures optimal performance.

daly charger with bms

Post time: Nov-29-2025

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