How to Store Batteries the Safe Way
Whatever kind of batteries you need to store, the postdate guidelines should help you keep them in good circumstance for angstrom farseeing as potential. however keep in thinker all battery types have unlike shelf lives, even when kept under the best conditions.
How Long Does an Unused Battery Last?
Most unused alkaline batteries will last between five and 10 years, while Ni-MH batteries have a ledge life of three to five years of non-use. Lithium-ion batteries, which office devices like cellular telephone phones, have a low self-discharge rate and could keep a overtone tear for up to four years before being depleted. If your battery has an exhalation date, the manufacturer typically guarantees that the battery will hold on to its full blame until that time. Most termination dates are bourgeois so most likely your expired batteries will however have a charge for some time after, if they are stored in optimum conditions. The greatest terror to keeping batteries in good condition while in storage are environmental factors. high humidity increases the hazard of condensation, extreme temperatures, and calculate sunlight can besides drain batteries. To maintain charge levels and keep different types of batteries from corroding, take the following precautions when store :
1. Remove Batteries From Equipment.
Any battery-operated item you ’ re station in self-storage probably won ’ t be used for a while. Your batteries stand a better chance of lasting longer if you take them out of devices or their charger and store them individually. It will besides prevent price to your devices in the event that the batteries leak or corrode .
2. Keep the Temperature Down.
“ Batteries are like milk—they go bad, ” says Leslie Ellis, web site director for Ellis Battery, based in Fredericktown, MO. If you want a long life for your batteries, avoid extreme heat. If putting in a repositing unit, choose for a climate-controlled facility .Search for storage units near you
however, while you may have heard that the best topographic point to store batteries is in the refrigerator or deep-freeze, that ’ s actually not the case. not only can condensation from the refrigerator damage batteries, but prolonged exposure to extreme cold besides can reduce battery life, according to battery manufacturer Duracell. Your best count is to keep batteries at room temperature in a benighted and dry space .
3. Make Sure Batteries Are Contained.
To avoid leak or tear, be certain your batteries don ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate come into contact with metallic element objects. One of the best ways to prevent that from happening is to store them in the original packaging “ so they ’ re buffered and protected, ” said Brett Brenner, president of the united states of the Electrical Safety Foundation International, which promotes electric safety in homes and workplaces. Or if you prefer, keep them in a battery repositing box. They are available in a wide-variety of sizes. Try to choose a vapor-proof container, which will keep moisture from damaging your batteries .
4. Tie Up Loose Batteries.
If you don ’ t have the original packaging, bunch together your batteries with a rubberize band and place them in a plastic bag. however, pay attention to the cathodes and anodes, which are the convinced and negative sides at each end of the battery. When keeping easy batteries in concert, make surely all of the positive ends are going in the like steering .
5. Separate Old and New Batteries.
If you mix honest-to-god and new batteries in a device, you could end up with barrage escape or device damage, Duracell warns. To avoid this, store old and fresh batteries individually. It is besides good to know which batteries have a full charge and which ones don ’ triiodothyronine, so you don ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate lose ability unexpectedly. A battery examiner can help you sort through dependable and bad batteries promptly in case they get mix up .
6. Know the Rules for Rechargeable Batteries.
There are two types of batteries : those you use once and throw aside, and those you can recharge. rechargeable batteries should be stored at a 40 percentage charge, allowing the barrage to gradually “ free. ”
7. Take Valuables Into Account.
Some batteries can harm early items you ’ rhenium store. For model, car batteries can leak acid. The escape could damage your grandma ’ s old rock chair or your high school letter jacket, according to Ellis. For that reason, make sure batteries are kept away from valuables. This is particularly important if you plan on storing your batteries for an stretch period of time.
Battery FAQs
How long do batteries last in storage?
Most unused alkaline batteries from top brands such as Energizer or Duracell will last five to 10 years in memory .
Where is the best place to store batteries?
fresh batteries should be kept in the original packaging if possible. loosen batteries should be kept in a plastic battery box. Keep the batteries stored at room temperature in a dry and dark localization .
Should you keep batteries in the refridgerator?
There is no want to keep batteries in the electric refrigerator or deep-freeze. In fact, doing so can cause condensation to damage the battery and shorten its life .
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