Safe to charge a lipo cell to above 4.2V?

[clai]

I have a 3S1P lipo that seems to be discharging the 2nd cell faster than the other cells. After a 10-min hovering flight (no fancy 3D), the 2nd cell will invariably reads at around 3.7V whereas the other cells read about 3.9V or so. When I balance charge the lipo with a Tahmazo T15 and a T6B active balancer, the end state will be the 2nd cell will read 4.21V, and the other celles at 4.18V before the T15 declares charging is done.

Can I continue to use this lipo? Is charging the cell to a voltage higher than the recommended 4.2V safe?

[swatson144]

Charging above 4.2 v is not safe. I'd discontinue use of the pack.

The out of balance indicates a bad cell and it will quickly get worse, with use. So there is little point in taking a risk.

I hate it when it happens to one of my packs.

Steve

[clai]

Thanks, I guess I should discontinue the use of this lipo. Shame it's almost brand new... less than 20 cycles on it. Well, better be safe than sorry.

Charles