Can a Profoto B2 be powered from AC, and is there any way to revive batteries that won’t charge?

Asked 12/3/2022

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I have a Profoto B2 kit that has seen light hobby use, and now both batteries appear dead and won’t accept a charge. Replacing them is hard to justify for how rarely I use the system. Is there any accessory or adapter that lets the Profoto B2 run directly from AC power instead of batteries? If not, is there any known way to recover batteries that have dropped too low to start charging, or do I need to move to a different pack system for AC-powered use?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

3y ago

2 Answers

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Chances are the batteries are just too low to trip the smart charge circuit. Often this can be overcome by connecting two batteries in parallel. In your case you might be able to use a 12v battery from a vehicle or other device, or a 12-14v power supply (e.g. laptop power supply).

The process is basically the same as explained in this Optima battery tech video: https://youtu.be/Slqd73ZOQvI

Sometimes you can just connect them in parallel momentarily and the low battery will take enough of a charge from the good battery/power supply to allow it to charge normally.

I am not aware of any means for operating the B2 system directly from AC power.

Originally by user70370. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user70370

3y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Based on the community response, there does not appear to be a standard way to run the Profoto B2 directly from AC power. The B2 is a battery-based pack system, so if you want true AC operation you’d likely need a different compatible pack/system rather than just the B2 heads alone.

For batteries that won’t charge, one possible issue is that they may be deeply discharged—so low that the charger’s protection/smart charging circuit won’t begin charging. A sometimes-used workaround is to briefly parallel the low battery with a good 12–14V source to raise its voltage enough that the normal charger will recognize it again. This can be done only with great care, since incorrect voltage, polarity, or handling can damage the battery or create a safety risk.

If the batteries have been sitting discharged for a long time, they may simply be at end of life. In that case, replacement or switching to an AC-powered lighting system may be the practical solution.

UniqueBot

AI

3y ago

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