How Long to Charge a 5200mAh LiPo Battery?

Last Updated on December 1, 2023 by Jaxon Mike

Lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries have become extremely popular among RC hobbyists in recent years. Their high energy density provides longer run times and higher performance compared to older battery chemistries. However, LiPo batteries require special care when charging.

In this article, we’ll look specifically at how long it takes to charge a 5200mAh LiPo battery.

First, let’s go over some LiPo basics. The capacity of a LiPo tells you how much energy it can store. A 5200mAh battery can deliver 5200 milliamp hours (mA) for one hour, or 2600mA for two hours, etc.

The “C” rating indicates how fast the battery can be charged or discharged safely. For example, a 5200mAh battery with a 20C rating can be charged at 104 amps (5200mA x 20).

To charge a LiPo, you need a compatible balance charger that can provide the proper voltage and current. The charger will fill the battery’s cells evenly while monitoring voltage and temperature.

This avoids damage from overcharging. Once fully charged, the voltage of a 3S LiPo (3 cells in series) should measure around 12.6V.

Factors That Affect Charging Time

The three main factors that determine how long it takes to charge your 5200mAh LiPo are:

Battery Capacity

The higher the battery capacity, the longer it will take to charge fully. A 5200mAh battery has over twice the capacity of a 2500mAh battery, so it will take more than twice as long to reach full charge.

Charger Output

The maximum charge current your charger can deliver directly affects charge times. A charger outputting 5A will charge a battery much slower than one rated at 20A or more. We’ll look at estimates later on.

Battery Condition

A brand new battery will typically charge slightly faster than one that has been in use for a while. As a battery ages, its internal resistance increases, reducing how much current it can accept. An old battery may not even reach full capacity with a standard charger.

Charging Time Estimates

Now let’s get into some real world LiPo charging times. Based on the capacity and charger output, we can estimate how long to expect charging to take.

5200mAh Battery on a 10A Charger

With a 10A charge current, it will take about 520 minutes (5200mA / 10A) or 8 hours and 40 minutes. This assumes a nearly full charge starting from storage voltage. Charging from fully discharged will take longer.

5200mAh Battery on a 20A Charger

Doubling the charge rate to 20A halves the charge time. The 5200mAh pack would take approximately 260 minutes or 4 hours and 20 minutes to charge.

5200mAh Battery on a 30A Charger

Increasing to a 30A output further reduces charge time to around 173 minutes or 2 hours and 53 minutes (5200mA / 30A). This is about the maximum charge rate you would want for a standard 5200mAh LiPo.

As you can see, charge current makes a huge difference. When shopping for a LiPo charger, get one that can provide at least 1C (in this case 5.2A). The higher the better, up to about 5C (26A). Any more is overkill and risks battery damage if settings aren’t dialed in precisely.

Charging Safely

While faster charge times are convenient, safety should be your top priority.

Here are some tips for safe LiPo charging:

• Use only a LiPo-compatible balance charger.
• Keep an eye on the battery during charging.
• Stop if it gets excessively hot (over 120°F/50°C).
• Charge in a fireproof container or bag.
• Store at around half charge (3.8V per cell) when not in use.
• Avoid leaving batteries fully discharged for extended periods.
• Retire packs that have been damaged or puffed.

With reasonable care and proper charging habits, a quality LiPo pack should last for hundreds of cycles. Get in the habit of recharging as soon as you finish flying, and your batteries will always be ready for the next mission.

Now that you know what to expect, you can consider charger options and charging routines for your 5200mAh LiPo batteries.

Charging times vary widely, but with a good 20A+ balance charger, you can expect a full charge in around 4 hours or less. Just be sure to focus on safety and battery health as your top priorities.

Charging Process Step-by-Step

To maximize battery health and flying time, you want to use the proper charging process each time. Here are the step-by-step basics:

1. Allow the battery to cool – Do not charge immediately after use. Allow it to cool to ambient temps first.
2. Check voltage – Fully charged packs should show around 12.6V (3S) or 16.8V (4S). Storage voltage is 12.0V/3.8V per cell.
3. Connect to charger – Securely connect the pack to balance charger leads. Double-check polarity.
4. Set charger parameters – Input battery specs (cell count, capacity). Set appropriate charge rate based on battery C-rating (1C or less for normal charging).
5. Start charging – Begin the charge cycle. Monitor periodically. Stop if excessive heat builds up.
6. Disconnect when finished – Charging is complete when the charger indicates full capacity and target volts are reached.
7. Allow to cool – Batteries hold charge better when cool. Allow the pack to rest 15-60 mins before use.
8. Check voltage – Fully charged and cooled down, the voltage should be around 12.6V per 3S pack.
9. Securely store – Store battery at storage voltage or in a fire-safe bag/container away from flammables.

This basic process allows safe, effective charging that maximizes the life and performance of your LiPo batteries. Never rush the process or leave batteries unattended while charging. Also, be very cautious about fast charging above 1C/5C rates unless you fully understand the proper settings and risks.

Battery Lifespan and Care

Like all rechargeables, LiPo batteries lose capacity over their lifecycle. With proper care, you should expect around 500 charge cycles before noticing significant capacity loss. Here are some tips for maximizing battery life:

• Avoid leaving packs fully discharged for extended periods
• Store at storage voltage when not in use
• Allow to fully cool before re-charging
• Charge at moderate rates (1C or less for normal use)
• Avoid charging below freezing or above 120°F ambient temps
• Retire packs that become physically damaged or puffed
• Limit maximum discharge rates to 20-30C bursts
• Avoid frequent partial charging cycles

Also be very wary of cheap batteries with unrealistic C-ratings. Quality cells from reputable brands may cost more but last much longer and perform better. Poor-quality batteries can be dangerous.

With reasonable precautions, a good 5200mAh LiPo pack should deliver years of reliable flight time. Store and handle them with care, and your batteries will handle abuse in the air.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best storage voltage for LiPo batteries?

• For storage between uses, 3.8V per cell (or 12.0V for a 3S pack) provides the best tradeoff between safety and longevity. This equates to about a 40% charge state.

Can I charge at higher than 1C rates?

• You can charge safely at up to about 5C maximum rates, but only if using a compatible charger with properly set termination sensitivity and good monitoring. Higher rates risk damage if not done properly.

How can I prolong LiPo battery life?

• Use proper storage voltage, moderate charge/discharge rates, avoid excessive ambient temps, prevent physical damage, and limit the depth of discharges. Retire packs once capacity drops significantly.

Can I balance the charge without a balance plug connector?

• No, you must have a balance connector and a compatible charger. This monitors each cell to charge evenly and prevent drift. Imbalanced cells can be dangerous.

How do I know when a battery needs to be retired?

• Retire LiPo packs if they become puffy, damaged, or experience a significant loss of capacity. As a rule of thumb, replace after around 500 cycles or 70% remaining capacity.

What temperature should LiPos be kept at?

• For safety and longevity, store batteries at room temperature between around 60-80°F (15-27°C). Avoid charging below freezing or above 120°F (50°C).

Following basic safety and handling precautions will allow you to charge and discharge your 5200mAh LiPo batteries hundreds of times. But eventually, packs will need to be replaced. Know when batteries are no longer up to the demands of RC models, and retire them before they become unsafe.

Conclusion

Charging modern high-capacity LiPo batteries for RC applications requires a bit more care and caution than old Ni-Cds or Ni-MHs.

However by understanding proper charging procedures and rates, employing compatible chargers, monitoring battery health, and utilizing fire prevention measures, LiPo charging can be done safely and effectively.

For a 5200mAh LiPo battery, you can expect full charging to take 2-4 hours with a capable balance charger. Actual charge times vary based on battery condition and the maximum charger output.

Faster is not necessarily better when it comes to LiPo charging. Focus first on safety, then on maximizing battery lifespan. With reasonable precautions, a quality 5200mAh LiPo pack should deliver hundreds of flights over years of service.