Dual rate chargers, although usually more expensive to incorporate into the product, actually save you money. Batteries usually can be charged within 16 to 20 hours, while a single rate charger will continue to charge the battery at 100% until an emergency occurs, a dual rate battery charger can switch to a lower charge rate, normally referred to as a trickle charge. This ensures that the battery remains charged, while saving power.

Other benefits of dual rate battery chargers are:

• Lower battery temperatures can extend battery life
• Lower charge current can reduce heat through the circuit which can extend circuit life

The pink areas below represent the power savings that dual rate battery chargers can provide.