For our recent trip to San Francisco, I needed a new set of rechargeable batteries for my camera.  I’d previously had a few sets of the Duracell2650mah AAs which worked great while they lasted, but were sadly eaten by an overzealous charge setting.

I decided to replace them with an “Energizer® Exceptional Value Charger” SKU 039800077226, which includes 4  2000mah AA batteries and an 8-hour charger (which beats my old slow-charge setup by a long shot, and preserves battery life).  Energizer refers to this product as CHVCM.  The package touts “Universal Voltage”, but offers no further explanation.  I assumed this to mean that the device was capable of running on either 110v or 220v, like many transformer-based devices (check your laptop or cell phone charger).  Inside, the manual continues to use the phrase “universal voltage”, while describing the input range as 110-127v at 50/60hz. (50hz is often associated with 220v). The manual also states (in the warnings section) “for use in other countries beyond USA, attach the proper plug adapter”.

By this point, I was pretty confused, so I contacted Energizer support who stated simply that the CHVCM is not a universal voltage charger, citing this manual.  They also stated that the package was improperly labeled and that they’re working to correct that issue.  In the mean time, Energizer recommended either the “Compact Charger (CHDC7)” or the “Easy Charger (CHFM1)” which are both true Universal Voltage chargers and are comperable in price and features to the Exceptional Value CHVCM.

In the end, I’m a bit disappointed in the packaging mistake and Energizer’s response, which offered only warnings and the suggestion that I should buy something else rather than offering any kind of solution/remedy (though I didn’t and won’t ask for that).  I really have no beef with the charger or batteries which both perform very well. My only complaint here is how my discovery was handled by the manufacturer when a problem was brought to their attention. While it won’t be a problem 99% of the time,  the “Universal Voltage” markings and the expectation of 220v capabilities were a major factor in my choosing this product.

As compared to the last set of batteries  bought, I’m not so sure that the new 2000mah units don’t have more useful capacity than the Duracell 2650s, though I have no evidence to back that up. I chose Energizer this go-round based on price (I had a coupon), not because of any displeasure with Duracell.  Given this experience,  don’t know if I’d make the same choice again.

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Products, Technology by Kevin