Should all cells in a lipo charge at the same rate?

[tikigod19]

Hi I charge my 5000mah 3s turnigy lipos using an accucell 6 charger. I notice regularly that the 2nd and 3rd cell reach capacity before the first one. They're separated by about 0.1v and it happens on pretty much all of my lipos. Cell 1 eventually reaches the 4.2v and all is well. Is this ok or dangerous?

 

[PeteDee]

Pretty normal for cheap packs, more expensive packs would be a little better but perfectly fine.

Pete

 

[tikigod19]

Thanks Pete

 

[Electro 2]

Since they're all in a series electrical connection, the same current passes through each. Will they reach a charged state at exactly the same moment ? No. This is due to the fact that no two cells have *exactly* the same capacity. This what the balancing mode in your charger does, ensure that no one single cell is overcharged while the other "laggers" are brought up to full. Built for the purpose, they do a great job.

 

[ewr]

Watched mine tonight, 3s was 4.18, 4.19, 4.20 after a fast charge, and on balance setting, it did the same, but then spent 15 minutes making all three 4.20v.