Can they stay plugged in?

I would like to continue doing what I am doing right now ... I keep my chargers (two for BP-511s and one for NiMH AA cells) permamently plugged into a powerstrip (surge protected). That way, I can just pop the cells in when I am going to shop to make sure they are topped up.

I assumed being constantly connected will not effect the chargers, as I believe when no cells are present there is no electrical flow, correct?

Also, for the possible last time, does it reduce the life and/or performance of either lithium ion or NiMH cells when they are frequently topped up without being further discharged?

Maxdave

It won't affect the chargers unless you have a power surge that overwhelms the surge protector, but they do draw a small amount of current even when there's no battery being recharged. You could always (if there's nothing else plugged into the surge protector) just turn that on when you're actively charging batteries and leave the chargers plugged in. It won't really make a difference to the chargers (absent extreme conditions) but it might make a slight difference in your electrical usage.

Nope, it won't be the last time this is asked, but no, frequent top-ups of Li Ion or NiMH batteries isn't a problem like it was with NiCd cells.