Four wire Universal Battery Holder - Myths and reality Facts

[Kiriakos GR]

Four wire Universal Battery Holder, this is a testing accessory which it was theoretically designed, for scientifically correct battery testing.

Unfortunately, the actual composition of such an accessory, and more specifically the Battery Holder End-points, these are not standardize by any western or international organization.

Today several tiny factory in China, they come up with the offering of their own dream, of how such a battery holder this should be look like.
Most common design appears having copper ends along of two pogo pin connectors.

Such a high power Battery Holder this it should handle 30A or more of constant current discharge.
This also translates at the need of using hefty wire gauge as transfer test leads.

And now we come down at the most important detail, which this will be the professionally made test instrument, this able to do the job?
This should me a mix of programmable DC load, this also including battery capacity measurement automation.
The cost of ownership of such a branded solution, this is very high.
Only a true batteries maker will need such a product solution, and him he can justify the cost.

For home use and DIY battery capacity tests, the currently available testers at PCB format, they come with relaxed voltage / current accuracy specifications.
They still deliver accurate enough battery capacity measured sum, but their battery resistance circuit, this is good as comparison point between a pair of identical battery cells.

The same principal apply and at low-cost battery chargers, these inducing a measurement of battery resistance.
The actual resistance measurement this is not comparable with what it can do an very expensive instrument.

Most common testing process of a 16850 Lithium cell, this will require test current in the range of 2A up to 3,5A
This can be served by using any regular battery holder and four wires connectivity.

Cost of ownership of a real high-power battery holder, this is significant.
Only a cheap imitation this can be found at lower cost, and entire market place this is now full of imitations.

My golden advice, you better keep a distance, of the entire concept of buying these high-power Four wire Universal Battery Holder.
They are 90% of chances of you to be cheated, and your tests will not gain elevated prestige, just because of fancy in a appearance battery holder.