Everything You Need to Know About Batteries

Everyday Battery Facts

Here are some facts about batteries you should know. 

• All batteries degrade (self-discharge) over time — even if not used.
• The rate of self-discharge is lower at colder tempe
  ratures.
• Although freezing batteries has been used as storage solution, most battery manufacturers do not recommend freezing today’s commercial batteries.
• If you do freeze batteries, they must be allowed to return to room temperature before use.
• Using or storing batteries in high temperatures or using them in low temperatures can affect the voltage of the battery and may reduce battery performance.
• Loose batteries should not be carried in a purse or pocket. The batteries can be short-circuited by metal items such as keys, coins or paperclips. This can make the batteries produce heat that may result in leakage or personal injury.
• Batteries of different chemical compositions should never be mixed within any given device.
• Used batteries should not be mixed with fresh batteries within any given device.
• Rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries should never be mixed within any given device.
• High drain devices like digital cameras will deplete a battery faster than a low drain device like a clock.
• Alkaline batteries do not leak under normal use or storage. However, the risk of leakage is increased significantly if battery chemistries are mixed within a device or if fresh and used batteries are mixed. High temperatures also increase the possibility of leakage.
• Battery leakage is extremely caustic and should not be allowed to come in contact with bare skin.
• You should never try to charge a primary, non-rechargeable battery. Doing so greatly increases the potential for leakage and rupture.
• To obtain maximum performance, rechargeable batteries that have not been used for an extended period of time should be recharged before being used.
• Batteries should be removed from any device is not expected to be in use for several months.
• All rechargeable batteries should be recycled.