[Daox]

Here is the reply I got from the distributor:

Hi Tim,
I agree, it's likely a poor imitation. I have used a lot of Soneil
chargers personally over the years, and while I don't make a point of
playing with them in use, I have never found one too hot to touch. Nor
have I ever had a report of such. In open air, at room temperature or
lower, it should not be able to happen.

I can't speak for knock-offs.

As for the Soneils, I stand behind the product. If you aren't satisfied
with something I sell you, I'll replace it or refund your payment.

Incidentally, as the poster states, the chargers are not temperature
compensated. Given their original application, Soneil assumes charger
and batteries will be at room temperature, so no need for the additional
complexity and cost. Given that lead-acid batteries provide their best
life at room temperature, it's a reasonable approach to make an
affordable charger.

Darryl McMahon
Econogics

After talking with Darryl, he convinced me to go with a name brand product. He basically informed me of stolen Chinese designs. Now I'm even happier that I did.