Do’s and Don’ts of Rechargeable Batteries |
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Store batteries when not in use – All dry cell rechargeable batteries degenerate over time whether they are used or not. You can slow down the ageing process by storing your batteries in a cool environment as in a refrigerator. Remove batteries from devices when they won’t be used for at least a week. Ensure they are back to room temperature before using them again. Run your batteries down once a month – Rechargeable batteries running on Nickel-cadmium, Nickel-metal-hydride or lead acid should be charged consumed completely before a full recharge. Do this every 2 – 3 months to keep them in top condition. Except with Nickel-Cadmium batteries, you should avoid frequent full discharges by charging the batteries with about 20% charge left. Keep contact surfaces clean – Get the best out of your rechargeable batteries by cleaning the contact surfaces on the battery and device itself every once in a while. Gently rub contact surfaces with pencil eraser or cloth or use an abrasive material to clean rusty surfaces. Use recommended chargers – Buy chargers specified to work with your rechargeable battery. Check the product manufacturer to be certain of compatibility.
Don’ts Do not Short-Circuit – Never short circuit a rechargeable battery or primary dry cell battery in general. You might be tempted to do so for a number of reasons but be sure that there cannot be any positive results out of this. Do not Overcharge rechargeable batteries – Batteries are composed of different electrolyte so each battery tends to produce different rules when it comes to this. While some batteries favor partial charges, others require a full charge. Overcharging is never good for your batteries. Nickel-Cadmium batteries are especially susceptible to memory loss because of this while NiMH batteries will overheat and damage from excessive internal pressure. Do not expose to cold temperatures – Batteries meant for Antarctica voyages are usually sold separately as traditional batteries do not function as they should in cold conditions. Also refrain yourself from placing batteries in a freezer. Do not bite batteries – This is especially common amongst children. Some people still believe that biting batteries helps to bring out the last bit of current still lurking somewhere inside the electrolyte. While this technique may have barely noticeable effects, the dangers of biting dry cell batteries are enormous; you might puncture the outer casing and get poisoned as a result. Do not Fully Discharge – Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are commonly used for cameras, laptops, and some video cameras. Manufacturer recommendations may differ per product but in general, these batteries tend to last when they are not discharged frequently beyond the 80% mark. A full discharge is never recommended for Li-ion batteries. |
