Understanding Festool Batteries and Chargers

Batteries:

Most Festool cordless tools use 18V batteries. Exception: certain drills use 10V and 15V batteries (other drills use 18V - they will generally have 18 in their names). In addition, cordless sanders (ETSC, DTSC and RTSC) use 18V Ergo batteries that look entirely different from the standard 18V. But the mainstay batteries will be 18V - used for saws, dust extractors, grinders, multitools, and more.

Name of Battery	Example of this type of battery	Suitable for	Notes
10.8v Battery - 2.6Ah Li-Ion	500243	Compatible with CXS and TXS drills (other than TXS 18 and CXS 18)	Nothing but these drills
15V Battery - 5.2Ah Li-Ion	500530	Certain drills (C15 and T15) and Syslight	In a pinch, you can use 15V batteries for 18V tools, but you will only get 15V performance.
18V 3.1Ah ERGO	202498	Cordless sanders ETSC, DTSC, RTSC	Cannot be used on other tools - sanders only
18V Li 8.0Ah	577324	Everything other than above. Big items (track saws, Kapex, vacs) require two batteries	Festool's largest battery, introduced in 2024
18V Li 5.0Ah	577661	Everything other than above. Big items (track saws, Kapex, vacs) require two batteries	No meaningful difference between 5.0 and 5.2. Different supplier to Festool so 5.2 was discontinued (but we still have stock)
18V Li 5.2Ah	202480	Everything other than above. Big items (track saws, Kapex, vacs) require two batteries	No meaningful difference between 5.0 and 5.2. Different supplier to Festool so 5.2 was discontinued (but we still have stock)
18V Li 4.0AH	205036	Everything other than above. Big items (track saws, Kapex, vacs) require two batteries	The CTC Sys only takes this kind of battery. (Only tool that has just one 18V option.)
Energy Set SYS 18V contains 2 x 8.0ah	577328	Contains 2x 8.0 batteries & SCA16 Airstream charger packed in Systainer	Not part of any packages.
Energy Set SYS 18V contains 2 x 5.0ah	577079	Contains 2x 5.0 batteries & TCL Duo charger packed in Systainer	Big cordless tools like the Kapex KSC 60 and CTC Midi will come with this Energy Set
Energy Set SYS 18V contains 2 x 4.0ah	577108	Contains 2x 4.0 batteries & TCL Duo charger packed in Systainer	No reason why you can’t use this with any tools (including Kapex and vacs) but will need more frequent charging

Most Festool batteries feature Bluetooth technology that turns on the CT Dust Extractor (Bluetooth models or Bluetooth retrofitted models only) in sync with select cordless tools. And an integrated LED displays the charge status at all times. Festool is constantly upgrading its batteries, so many dealers, TFWW included, may have different models available at any given time, including discontinued models.

Festool’s current line features AirStream technology (the AS in the battery’s name), which directs cool air through targeted air ducts in the battery so the battery does not overheat. For machines with extremely long-lasting power needs, such as the AGC 18 cordless angle grinder, Festool recommends battery packs with 5.0 or 5.2 Ah. (Ah refers to the amp hour rating, or how much amperage a battery can provide for exactly one hour.) The 4.0 Ah batteries are great when the focus is on compact design, as with the CTC Sys dust extractor, or when the tool use will not be as demanding between charges.

Thus far only one cordless tool requires a specific 18V battery: the cordless CTC Sys. This vac takes only the 4.0AH AirStream battery pack (#205036). For any other cordless tool, any 18V Festool battery will work.

All Festool batteries are sold individually and the 18V are sold as well in Energy Sets, consisting of either 4.0, 5.0, 8.0 Ah AirStream batteries and a charger packed in a Systainer. Larger tools like the dust extractors and Kapex come with an Energy Set. Plus versions of cordless track saws and smaller tools come with the batteries and charger in the tool’s Systainer.

All Festool batteries and chargers are covered by the standard tool warranty. Chargers and batteries purchased individually should be registered with their respective serial numbers. Chargers and batteries purchased as part of a tool set or Energy Set should be registered under the set’s serial number.

Chargers:

Festool currently has 5 kinds of chargers: the SCA 8; the SCA 16; the TCL 6, TCL 6 Duo, which is a double TCL that charges two batteries at the same time; and the MXS charger for the TXS/CXS 10V drills. All flat-pack, slide-type, Lithium-ion Festool batteries other than the 10V battery for the TXS and CXS drills can be charged on the TCL and SCA chargers. (Festool makes other 10V tools sold outside of the US whose batteries may be able to charged, but this information falls outside of our discussion.) You may also have a discontinued charger, such as a TCL3, which is less powerful than its successor, the TCL6, but is suitable for the charging listed below.

Name of Charger	Suitable for	Notes
MXC Charger	CXS and TXS 10V batteries only
TCL6	Every battery other than CXS and TXS 10V (all 15 and 18V)	This is the charger that comes with all Plus version of tools
TCL6 DUO	Every battery other than CXS and TXS 10V (all 15 and 18V)	A double version of the TCL 6 charger. This is in the Energy Sets
SC8	Every battery other than CXS and TXS 10V (all 15 and 18V)	Faster charging than TCL 6 but more expensive
SCA16	Every battery other than CXS and TXS 10V (all 15 and 18V)	Airstream charger with faster charging than TCL 6 but more expensive. Useful for 8 amp Festool batteries.

The number in the charger name (e.g., TCL 6) refers to the amps. The larger the amperage, the more electricity can flow through the circuit, so the 8 amp charger will offer more power and charge more quickly. Airstream batteries charge more efficiently than non-Airstream versions, because cool air is directed through targeted air ducts in the battery and out through the charger to quickly lower the internal temperature. This translates into a faster charge time.

Festool's Work app is helpful for managing batteries and chargers. The app communicates with the battery pack via Bluetooth and displays the battery level, temperature, number of previous charging cycles and the last known location.

Note: Festool packages AirStream batteries and TCL chargers in Energy Sets and the Plus sets of its cordless tools.

All Festool batteries and chargers are covered by the standard tool warranty. Chargers and batteries purchased individually should be registered with their respective serial numbers. Chargers and batteries purchased as part of a tool set or Energy Set should be registered under the set's serial number.

Click here to see our extensive range of Festool Cordless Tools and Accessories

Click here to see our entire extensive range of Festool Tools