About Batteries

[flecc]

Although these are often disappointing, here's a radio program that could be of interest to e-bikers and the environmentally aware. It's titled Connect and here's the blurb:

"Battery Power. Quentin Cooper explores how recent technological advancements have led to batteries that last longer and recharge faster than before. Plus news of an environmentally friendly design that can be thrown away after use".

BBC Radio 4, Wednesday, 29th August 2007, 9 pm.
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[ITSPETEINIT]

Earthed or not

Although these are often disappointing, here's a radio program that could be of interest to e-bikers and the environmentally aware. It's titled Connect and here's the blurb:

"Battery Power. Quentin Cooper explores how recent technological advancements have led to batteries that last longer and recharge faster than before. Plus news of an environmentally friendly design that can be thrown away after use".

BBC Radio 4, Wednesday, 29th August 2007, 9 pm.
.

What? at £250 a pop! I'll frame mine.

Question:
re: Li-ion Battery Chargers/Li-ion Batteries:
I recall (but cannot find the relevant posting), that the output three-pin XLR Male plug on the charger was not connected to anything. I've checked (forgive me) and that's right.
However, the connection going into the charger from the mains is certainly a three wire set up; +/- & earth.
Does the Charger need to be Earthed?
I have, for my French excursion (now in the countdown phase), purchased an adaptor which has no earth capability. I suspect that this will be useless. It will be a comparatively easy matter to go shopping when I get across there and purchase two (for 2 chargers) French Plugs, which fit French sockets, that have earthing capability.
It would be nice to think my preparedness (Dib Dib Dib) was not 'nothing of the sort'.
Peter
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[Ian]

French Mains Leads

Peter,

yes the mains input does need an earth connection for safety.

I have a couple of what I think are French mains leads with a kettle type connector for the charger and a 3 pin plug with 2 round pins about 5mm dia and a round socket of a similar diameter for the earth pin. They are left over from equipment supplied with separate mains cables for most european countries and if you can confirm that they are French you are welcome to them.

 

[flecc]

Just to clear up the XLR connector point Peter, the centre pin does nothing. On the NiMh version it's for connection to the battery's thermistor, which doesn't exist in Li-ion batteries.
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[ITSPETEINIT]

An earth requited

Peter,

yes the mains input does need an earth connection for safety.

I have a couple of what I think are French mains leads with a kettle type connector for the charger and a 3 pin plug with 2 round pins about 5mm dia and a round socket of a similar diameter for the earth pin. They are left over from equipment supplied with separate mains cables for most european countries and if you can confirm that they are French you are welcome to them.

Than you for the offer Ian.
I was being mean and hoping it did not need earthing .
I can more easily get two plugs at Castorama (or is it the other one - DIY) in Cherbourg and try them in the typical standard French socket.
Thanks again for your kind offer.
Regards
Peter

 

[Ian]

At least you know where to shop in France which is more than I'd have known!

 

[flecc]

Just a reminder that the program I referred to is on tonight at 9pm on BBC Radio 4.
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[ITSPETEINIT]

La belle France

At least you know where to shop in France which is more than I'd have known!

hello Ian:
We are Francofiles (they can get you out of French prisons).
Doesn't mean the British Isles is not on our 'radar'. You need it to pierce the gloom this year.
Cherbourg peninsular for a week of (e)-cycling and restauranterring.
Regards
Peter