UK batteries vs. American batteries

Ohio

I bought a battery for my camcorder off ebay. Turns out it's the UK version of the same battery I need.

Their model numbers are very similar. They're both 7.2 volts. I'm wondering if this UK battery will work in my American camera and charge in my American camera's charger?

This is the battery: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-VW-VBG260E-K-Lithium-Battery-Camcorders/dp/B000NXSDLC

Thanks a lot.

Ruckus

The only way to tell for sure is to check the pin out and rated amperage.

Ohio

The pin connector looks the same.

What would amperage numbers look like?

KrubicksCube

I know on chargers and such, the indictation that it works in both regions would be a variable power: 110-220 volts, 50-60hz or something along those lines. Not sure if that would be on the battery as well. But check for that and if it IS there. You should be fine.

Ruckus

Ohio wrote: »

The pin connector looks the same.

What would amperage numbers look like?

"xxxx mah"

When you say it looks the same, do you mean that it is the same type of connector or you can actually tell which is + and which is - ?

lifeincognito

There should be a reading of milliamp hours or amphours, but that sometimes isn't on the battery. You could check the package itself or the internet will tell you that they are:

Lithium Ion 7.4v 2640 mAh

If that matches up to your American set, you should be fine to use them just like any other battery.



Edit: If the batteries are rated the same you can charge them in the same charger and, personally, I would just put them in the camera and find out if it turns on and works. The batteries will not force all their current into your camera, as your camera will draw what it wants and your batteries will fight to supply that current for as long as they are able and willing.

Ohio

Ok here's the deal.

The battery that came with the camera says: 7.2 V 1250 mAh(Min.) 9.0 Wh
The other battery says: 7.2 V 2640mAh

I typed it exactly as it says. What do you think? This battery was expensive so I don't want to open it unless I'm sure it works.

strebalicious

As long as the voltage is the same and the pins are in the same place (meaning the positive is the same pin on both, etc) then it will work. The 'mAh' is just a rating for how long the battery will last.

On the charger, it should say something like 'Output: 7.2V --- 1.5 A'. (That --- is a symbol that has a long line with three dashes underneath it). As long as it says 7.2V, it will charge the battery. And if it charges your old battery, then there should be no risk of overcharging with the new battery, but it will take a lot longer.

mcdermott

Ohio wrote: »

Ok here's the deal.

The battery that came with the camera says: 7.2 V 1250 mAh(Min.) 9.0 Wh
The other battery says: 7.2 V 2640mAh

I typed it exactly as it says. What do you think? This battery was expensive so I don't want to open it unless I'm sure it works.

You should be fine. It's just a higher capacity battery (which is why it was expensive).

Ohio

THanks all. I opened the battery and it's charging. Appears to be charging fine.