The NOCO GB70, a powerful jump starter, typically takes about 3 hours to fully charge when using its included 12V wall charger. However, the charging time can vary depending on factors such as the charging method and the power source you are using.
For instance, charging from a car’s 12V outlet may take longer compared to a standard wall outlet. This article will provide a deeper look at the charging process, offer tips to optimize charging time, and explore some key factors that might affect the time it takes to fully charge your NOCO GB70.
Best Jump Starters for Charging the NOCO GB70
When it comes to jump starters that work efficiently with the NOCO GB70, it’s important to consider not only the product’s power but also its compatibility, ease of use, and fast charging capabilities. Here are three top jump starters to consider when charging the NOCO GB70:
NOCO Genius Boost HD GB70
The NOCO Genius Boost HD GB70 is an obvious recommendation since it’s from the same brand. It offers 2,000 amps of peak power and is perfect for jump-starting vehicles with 8-liter gas or 6-liter diesel engines.
It’s compact and portable, making it ideal for emergency situations. Its built-in charging circuitry ensures it delivers reliable and efficient charging for devices like the NOCO GB70.
Why we picked it: The NOCO Genius Boost HD GB70 is highly recommended for its seamless integration with NOCO products, offering both power and convenience for jump-starting and charging other devices.
Stanley J5C09 Jump Starter
The Stanley J5C09 Jump Starter is another great option for quickly charging the NOCO GB70. With 1,000 peak amps, this portable jump starter can power up both 12V vehicles and electronics. It comes with a 120 PSI air compressor, making it an excellent tool for roadside emergencies. With its built-in USB ports, it can provide additional charging options for your NOCO GB70.
Why we picked it: The Stanley J5C09 Jump Starter is versatile and efficient, featuring multiple functionalities for vehicle and device charging, making it a practical companion for the NOCO GB70.
DBPOWER 800A Jump Starter
The DBPOWER 800A Jump Starter offers 800 amps of peak power and comes equipped with a high capacity lithium battery. It’s compact and lightweight, which makes it a convenient option for frequent travelers. The DBPOWER also features a smart jumper cable that protects against overcharging, overloading, and short-circuiting, ensuring safe and fast charging for your NOCO GB70.
Why we picked it: With safety features, ease of use, and strong power output, the DBPOWER 800A Jump Starter is a reliable and affordable option for charging your NOCO GB70.
Factors Affecting Charging Time of the NOCO GB70
The time it takes to charge the NOCO GB70 depends on several key factors. Understanding these can help you manage your charging expectations and optimize the process.
Power Source
The most significant factor that influences charging time is the power source you use. Charging the NOCO GB70 via a standard 120V wall outlet will be the fastest option, typically taking about 3 hours.
Charging from a car’s 12V outlet will take longer, usually around 8-12 hours, due to the lower voltage and limited power output from the vehicle’s battery.
Additionally, using a USB power bank or solar panel can slow down the process considerably, depending on the battery’s capacity and efficiency.
Battery Level
The charging time also depends on the current state of the NOCO GB70’s internal battery. If the jump starter is completely depleted, it will take longer to charge compared to a partially charged unit.
Typically, you can expect the unit to charge quicker in the early stages, but as it approaches full capacity, the charging speed slows down to prevent overcharging and preserve battery health.
Charger Type
The type of charger you use can significantly affect the charging time. The NOCO GB70 comes with a 12V charger, but using a more powerful charger, such as a fast-charging 12V adapter, can help reduce the time it takes to reach a full charge.
Some third-party chargers may offer quicker charging speeds, but it’s important to ensure they are compatible and safe to use with your NOCO GB70 to avoid potential damage.
How to Optimize Charging Time for the NOCO GB70
There are several strategies you can use to reduce the charging time for your NOCO GB70, ensuring that it’s ready to go when you need it most. These tips will help you make the most out of the available power sources and avoid unnecessary delays.
Use the Correct Charger
Always use the included 12V charger or an authorized charger that supports fast charging for the NOCO GB70. A proper charger ensures the correct voltage and current to charge your jump starter efficiently. Avoid using underpowered or incompatible chargers, as this may cause slow charging or even damage the battery.
Charge in a Well-Ventilated Area
Heat can build up during charging, especially if the unit is charging at a high rate. By charging the NOCO GB70 in a well-ventilated area, you can help dissipate heat and keep the charging process efficient. If the unit overheats, the charging speed may automatically slow down, which can extend the overall time it takes to reach full capacity.
Charge Regularly
To avoid lengthy charging times, try not to let the NOCO GB70’s battery deplete completely. Instead, charge it regularly to maintain an optimal charge level. This practice will also help prolong the life of the battery, ensuring it performs at its best over time. Even partial charges can significantly reduce the time needed for a full recharge.
Avoid Charging in Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures can affect the battery’s ability to charge efficiently. Avoid charging the NOCO GB70 in areas that are too hot or cold. The optimal temperature range for charging is between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 27°C). Charging in extreme temperatures can lead to slower charging or potential damage to the internal battery.
Different Charging Methods for the NOCO GB70
The NOCO GB70 can be charged using multiple methods, each with varying charging speeds. Understanding these options can help you choose the best charging method based on your needs and available power sources.
Charging via a Wall Outlet (Fastest Method)
Using a standard 12V AC adapter plugged into a wall outlet is the fastest and most efficient way to charge the NOCO GB70. With the appropriate power adapter, the device can fully charge in approximately 3 hours. This method provides a consistent voltage and current supply, ensuring optimal charging speed.
Charging via a 12V Car Outlet (Slower but Convenient)
If you’re on the road, you can charge the NOCO GB70 using a 12V DC outlet (cigarette lighter port) in your vehicle. However, this method takes considerably longer—typically 8 to 12 hours—due to the lower current output. While it’s a convenient option during travel, it’s best used as a backup method rather than a primary charging solution.
Charging via USB (Slowest Method)
Although the NOCO GB70 supports USB charging, this method is significantly slower than other options. Depending on the power output of the USB source, it can take up to 24 hours or more to fully charge the unit. USB charging should only be used in emergency situations when no other power sources are available.
Charging with a Solar Panel (Eco-Friendly but Unpredictable)
For those looking for a renewable energy solution, a solar panel with the right voltage output can be used to charge the NOCO GB70. However, this method is highly dependent on sunlight conditions and panel efficiency. On a bright, sunny day, it may take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours to fully charge the unit. It is a great option for outdoor adventures but not the most reliable choice for urgent charging needs.
How to Know When Your NOCO GB70 is Fully Charged
It’s essential to know when your NOCO GB70 is fully charged to avoid overcharging and ensure it’s ready when needed. Here are a few ways to determine the charging status:
LED Charge Indicator
The NOCO GB70 is equipped with a built-in LED charge indicator that provides real-time updates on the charging progress. The indicator works as follows:
- Pulsing Red Light – Battery is below 25% and needs significant charging.
- Pulsing Orange Light – Battery is between 25% and 50% charged.
- Pulsing Green Light – Battery is between 50% and 100% charged.
- Solid Green Light – Charging is complete. The device is fully charged and ready for use.
Checking the Battery Level Button
Pressing the battery level button on the NOCO GB70 will display the current charge status through the LED indicators. If all four indicator lights are solid, the unit is fully charged.
Monitoring the Charging Time
If you’re using a standard 12V wall charger, expect a full charge within 3 hours. If charging through a vehicle’s 12V outlet, it may take 8-12 hours. For USB charging, a full charge could take over 24 hours. Keeping track of the elapsed time can help you estimate when the unit is fully charged.
Automatic Shutoff Feature
The NOCO GB70 is designed to stop drawing power once it reaches full charge. This built-in feature helps prevent overcharging, extending the lifespan of the internal battery. Even if you forget to unplug the charger, the unit will automatically stop charging when full.
Common Charging Mistakes to Avoid with the NOCO GB70
While charging the NOCO GB70 is a straightforward process, several common mistakes can slow down charging time, reduce battery lifespan, or even damage the device. Avoid these mistakes to ensure optimal performance.
Using an Incompatible Charger
Not all chargers provide the right voltage and amperage required for the NOCO GB70. Using a charger with insufficient power can drastically increase charging time, while an overpowered charger can overheat the battery. Always use the recommended 12V AC adapter or a compatible fast charger.
Letting the Battery Drain Completely
Allowing the NOCO GB70’s battery to deplete entirely before recharging can shorten its lifespan over time. Lithium-ion batteries, like the one inside the NOCO GB70, perform best when kept between 20% and 80% charge levels rather than cycling from 0% to 100% frequently.
Charging in Extreme Temperatures
Charging the NOCO GB70 in extremely hot or cold conditions can negatively impact the charging process. For best results, charge the unit in an environment between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 27°C). Avoid leaving the jump starter in direct sunlight or freezing temperatures while charging.
Ignoring the Charge Indicator Lights
Many users unplug their NOCO GB70 prematurely or leave it plugged in longer than necessary because they don’t monitor the LED charge indicators. Checking the lights ensures you know when the device is fully charged and prevents unnecessary charging cycles that could degrade battery performance.
Using the Jump Starter While Charging
Attempting to use the NOCO GB70 to jump-start a vehicle while it’s still charging can lead to inconsistent power delivery and potential damage to both the jump starter and the car’s electrical system. Always ensure the unit is fully charged and disconnected from its power source before use.
Conclusion
Charging the NOCO GB70 jump starter typically takes around 3 hours using a standard 12V wall charger, but this time can vary depending on the power source.
Charging through a car’s 12V outlet takes 8-12 hours, while USB charging can exceed 24 hours, making it the slowest option. By using the right charger, avoiding extreme temperatures, and regularly maintaining the battery, you can ensure that your NOCO GB70 is always ready when needed.
To get the best performance, always monitor the LED charge indicators, use the recommended charging accessories, and avoid common charging mistakes like draining the battery completely or using an incompatible charger.
Whether you’re using it for roadside emergencies or powering up devices, keeping your NOCO GB70 properly charged ensures reliability and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Charging the NOCO GB70
How long does it take to fully charge a NOCO GB70?
With a standard 12V wall charger, the NOCO GB70 takes about 3 hours to fully charge. If using a car’s 12V outlet, it may take 8-12 hours, while USB charging can take over 24 hours.
Can I charge my NOCO GB70 while using it to jump-start a vehicle?
No, it’s not recommended to use the NOCO GB70 for jump-starting while it’s still charging. Doing so can cause inconsistent power delivery and potentially damage the device or your vehicle’s battery.
Can I leave my NOCO GB70 plugged in all the time?
No, the NOCO GB70 has an automatic shutoff feature to prevent overcharging, but it’s best to unplug it once it reaches a solid green light, indicating a full charge. Keeping it plugged in unnecessarily may reduce battery lifespan over time.
Why is my NOCO GB70 charging so slowly?
Slow charging can be caused by using a low-power USB charger, a car’s 12V outlet, or charging in cold temperatures. For faster charging, use a 12V AC adapter plugged into a wall outlet in a room-temperature environment.
Can I charge the NOCO GB70 with a solar panel?
Yes, but it depends on the solar panel’s output. A compatible 12V solar panel can charge the NOCO GB70, but the charging time varies based on sunlight conditions and panel efficiency, typically taking 10-20 hours.
How often should I charge my NOCO GB70?
Even if not in use, it’s recommended to charge the NOCO GB70 every 3-6 months to maintain battery health. Letting it sit for too long without charging may cause capacity loss over time.
Does the NOCO GB70 support fast charging?
The NOCO GB70 supports fast charging when using a 12V AC adapter with sufficient output. USB charging does not support fast charging and takes significantly longer.