How to Use DC Power Supply for Battery Charging (CC/CV Mode Guide)

Charging batteries safely and efficiently is one of the most common and important uses of a programmable DC power supply. Using Constant Current (CC) and Constant Voltage (CV) modes together (often called CC/CV charging) is the standard method for safely charging lithium-ion, LiPo, LiFePO4, and many other rechargeable batteries.

This guide walks you through the complete process.

What is CC/CV Charging?

• Constant Current (CC): The power supply delivers a steady current while the battery voltage gradually rises. This is the fast-charging phase.
• Constant Voltage (CV): Once the battery reaches its maximum safe voltage, the supply switches to holding that voltage steady while the current slowly decreases (tapers off) until the battery is full.

This method prevents over-voltage damage and allows safe, efficient charging. Most modern lithium batteries require precise CC/CV charging.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Charge a Battery with a DC Power Supply

1. Prepare Your Equipment
   • Programmable DC power supply (e.g. Kiprim DC series)
   • Battery to charge
   • Appropriate cables with proper connectors
   • Multimeter (optional for extra verification)
2. Set the Voltage Limit (CV)
   • Set the power supply voltage slightly above the battery’s nominal full-charge voltage.
     • Example: 12.6V for a 3-cell Li-ion (nominal 11.1V)
     • Example: 4.2V for a single 18650 Li-ion cell
   • This becomes the CV limit.
3. Set the Current Limit (CC)
   • Choose a safe charging current, usually 0.5C to 1C of the battery’s capacity.
     • Example: For a 2000mAh battery → set 1A to 2A max.
   • Start lower if you’re unsure.
4. Enable Output Safely
   • Turn on the power supply output only after setting limits.
   • Connect the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals to the battery.
5. Monitor the Charging Process
   • The supply will start in CC mode (current stays at your set value).
   • When the battery voltage reaches your set CV limit, it automatically switches to CV mode and current begins to drop.
   • Charging is usually complete when current falls to ~0.05C–0.1C.
6. Stop the Charge
   • Turn off the output or disconnect the battery when charging is finished.

Recommended Kiprim Models for Battery Charging

• DC620S (400W) — Best for high-current or large battery packs (up to 20A). Excellent for industrial testing and fast charging.
• DC310Pro (2-in-1) — Perfect for safe lab use and everyday battery charging. Built-in multimeter makes monitoring easier.
• DC605Pro / DC605S — Great 60V options for higher-voltage battery systems (48V, e-bike, etc.).

All these models support precise CC/CV operation with programmable presets, making repeated charging cycles simple and consistent.

Safety Tips

• Never exceed the battery’s maximum rated voltage.
• Always start with low current on unknown or old batteries.
• Monitor temperature — Stop immediately if the battery gets hot.
• Use proper polarity — reversed connections can damage the battery or supply.
• Never leave charging unattended for long periods.
• Use batteries with built-in protection (BMS) when possible.
• Enable the power supply’s OVP (Over Voltage Protection) and OCP (Over Current Protection).

Pro Tip: Many Kiprim programmable models let you save your common charging settings (voltage + current) into memory slots (M1, M2, etc.) for one-button recall.

Final Thoughts

Using a programmable DC power supply in CC/CV mode gives you full control and is much safer and more flexible than cheap wall chargers. Once you master this technique, you can safely charge almost any rechargeable battery type.

👉 Explore programmable DC power supplies for safe battery testing.

DC Power Supply Collection → https://kiprim.com/collections/dc-power-supply

Start with the DC310Pro or DC620S depending on your power needs. With the right settings and careful monitoring, your DC power supply becomes one of the most valuable tools in your electronics lab.