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A battery bank at rest after a cloudy week, a charger blinking on the bench, a van parked for the night with the fridge running: each is a moment when the charge figures matter. This guide explains the lifepo4 battery charging chart: the voltages a LiFePO4 battery and its charger state, and how to read them against each other. Read the charger output first, then the battery voltage, then the charge stages, and finish with the protections and warranty.
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The quick answer
A LiFePO4 battery charging chart lists the voltages a charger uses across the charge stages. The listings here state a 14.6V charger output for 12V LiFePO4 batteries, a nominal 12.8V battery voltage, a 3-stage charge, and a 0V wake-up for a battery the BMS shut down. Read the charger output against the battery voltage, then check the stages, the protections and the warranty.
Step 1: Read the charger output first
The charger output is the first figure on the chart. The YUANRI listing states a 14.6V output at 40A for 12V LiFePO4 batteries, with a 90 to 240V AC input. The Victron listing states a 12V 30A charger with a single output. The YUANRI listing also states the charger charges a 12V 200Ah battery in approximately 5 hours, and lists the charger for carts, RVs, solar power systems, marine, truck batteries, electric boats, home energy storage systems, ships, yachts and trolling motors. Compare the output voltage to the battery voltage, and the current to the battery capacity the listing states.
| Charger | Output stated | Current stated | Input stated |
|---|---|---|---|
| YUANRI 12V 40A | 14.6V | 40A | 90 to 240V AC |
| Victron Blue Smart IP22 | 12V | 30A | Not stated |
Read the pack count with care. The YUANRI spec table lists the number of items as 40, which does not match a single charger, so trust the title and bullets, which describe 1 charger, over the spec table. The YUANRI listing states M8 ring terminals, an SB50A anderson connector and an alligator clip, with hookup in 10 seconds. The Victron charger weighs 3.21 pounds and measures 11.0 by 7.0 by 3.0 inches, and the YUANRI charger (on Amazon) measures 8.7 by 4.4 by 2.4 inches. For battery options, see the best 12V LiFePO4 batteries.
Step 2: Read the battery voltage
The battery voltage is the figure the charger output works against. The YUANRI listing states the charger is for 12V and 12.8V LiFePO4 batteries, and mentions 12.6V for the ring-terminal connection. The 14.6V charger output sits above the 12.8V battery voltage, which is how the charger pushes charge into the battery. The Victron listing states a 12V charger for lithium and deep cycle batteries, with no battery voltage figure beyond 12V. Use the voltage the listing for your battery states, and match the charger output to it.
Step 3: Read the charge stages
Both listings describe charging in stages. The Victron listing states Li-ion batteries charge with a bulk, absorption and float algorithm, with microprocessor-controlled adaptive battery management, and states a wireless solution to monitor voltage and current, to change settings and to update the charger when new features become available. The YUANRI listing states 3-stage smart charging, which reduces output current based on the real-time status of the battery pack. The YUANRI listing also states a 0V wake-up that wakes the battery after the BMS shut it down, and states the charger is not a repair tool and must not be used on visibly damaged or permanently failed units. Read the stages the listing states, and follow the charger manual for the settings.
Step 4: Read the protections, warranty and certifications
Protections, warranty and certifications are stated on the listing, and they differ across the listings. The YUANRI listing states 8 safety protections: over-voltage, over-current, over-temperature, no-load, short-circuit, reverse polarity, over-charge and timed charging, with UL, CE, FCC, ETL and RoHS certifications stated, and a 3-year manufacturer warranty. The Victron listing states up to 94% efficiency, IP22 stated, and certification to UL1236, with a warranty description that reads “Warranty” and states no term, and lists the charger for motorcycle, ATV, RV, lithium and deep cycle batteries, and for workshop devices and motor or marine vehicles. The YUANRI listing states IP67. Read the warranty bullet with care: it mentions a 48 volt charger, while the title, bullets and spec table describe a 12V 40A charger, so read the 12V figure as the charger output. For charger options, see the best LiFePO4 battery chargers for RVs.
Ways to use the lifepo4 battery charging chart
- Match the charger output to the battery: 14.6V at 40A for 12V and 12.8V LiFePO4 batteries, or 12V at 30A with a single output.
- Match the stages to the battery: a bulk, absorption and float algorithm, or 3-stage smart charging that reduces output current based on battery status.
- Match the protections to the install: 8 safety protections and IP67 stated on the YUANRI listing, IP22 stated and UL1236 on the Victron listing.
- Match the warranty to the plan: a 3-year manufacturer warranty on the YUANRI listing, and no term stated on the Victron listing.
FAQ: power away from the grid
What voltage should a 12V LiFePO4 battery charge at?
The listings here state a 14.6V charger output for 12V LiFePO4 batteries. The YUANRI listing states 14.6V at 40A and lists the charger for 12V and 12.8V LiFePO4 batteries.
What is the nominal voltage of a LiFePO4 battery?
The YUANRI listing states 12V and 12.8V for LiFePO4 batteries, and mentions 12.6V for the ring-terminal connection. Use the voltage the listing for your battery states.
How long does it take to charge a 200Ah LiFePO4 battery?
The YUANRI listing states a 12V 200Ah battery charges in approximately 5 hours with 40 amps of current. The Victron listing states 30A and no charge time.
Can a charger wake up a LiFePO4 battery the BMS shut down?
The YUANRI listing states a 0V wake-up that wakes the battery after the BMS shut it down. The listing also states the charger is not a repair tool and must not be used on visibly damaged or permanently failed units.
Related solar guides
See the best 12V LiFePO4 batteries, the best battery chargers for LiFePO4, the LiFePO4 vs AGM battery chargers and the battery charger tips. For battery life, see LiFePO4 battery life.
