Hey everyone! I've been using M18 tools for a while now and recently upgraded some of my gear. I started with a small chainsaw and just got a power head that uses an 8AH HC M18 battery with a newer charger. The charger makes a weird noise while it's charging—it's not sizzling or bubbling, but kind of in between. I took it outside for safety, just in case it decides to go up in flames! Should I be worried about this noise? My older 12AH battery charges quietly on the old charger, so I'm curious if this is normal for the new setup.
2 Answers
Yeah, that noise is pretty common on the rapid chargers. I think it mainly comes from the power supply. Standard chargers can make a similar noise, but it's usually quieter. Just a heads up, it's better not to use rapid chargers for smaller batteries since they can be a bit harsh on those cells. They supposedly adapt well, but I still think the rates can be too aggressive on the smaller packs.
Totally feel you on that! I've noticed the coil whine or cooling fan noise from my chargers can get pretty annoying, especially since my wife doesn't seem to hear it. I have to keep mine in the workshop to stay sane. Just like you, I noticed the old charger doesn't make a peep. I guess if you're looking for peace and quiet, sticking with the older charger might be the way to go! If anyone else has thoughts on whether this noise affects battery health, that would be interesting to know.
Glad to hear it's not just me! It’s nice to have the fast charging option, but yeah, peace and quiet is pretty valuable too. I'll definitely keep experimenting with the older charger and see if it makes a difference in battery longevity or performance.