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Battery Chemistry

Alkaline

Lithium Ion Batteries Maintenance & Tips

Nickel Cadmium (NICAD) Battery Maintenance & Tips

Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries Maintenance & Tips

SLA Sealed Lead Acid and Gell Cell Maintenance

SLI and Wet Lead Acid Battery Maintenance

 

Alkaline

Alkaline batteries depend on internal chemical reactions to produce power. Chemical reactions are accelerated by high temperatures and retarded by low temperatures. Therefore, to minimize power loss during storage, batteries should ideally be stored at a maximum temperature of 77°F (25°C). Refrigerated storage is neither necessary nor recommended.


The following storage procedures should be observed to assure maximum battery power:

  • Rotate inventory stock. Make sure you use your oldest batteries first.
  • Avoid storage in high temperature areas.
  • Make sure that batteries are stored away from radiators, hot air vents, motors, and equipment that generates heat.
  • Do not store batteries near windows where sunlight could heat up the batteries.

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Lithium Ion Batteries Maintenance & Tips

Lithium Ion batteries are shipped in a discharged state. Charge the Lithium Ion battery pack before first use. If stored for a period of time this type of battery will self-discharge, resulting in shorter run time. Recharge battery pack after each use.


Temperature during charging:

  • Charge the Lithium Ion battery pack at a temperature of 50 degrees F to 86 degrees F (10 degrees C to 30 degrees C).
  • The Lithium Ion battery pack will become warm during recharging and also during use. This is normal and not a malfunction or defect.
  • Store the battery pack in a cool, dry place.

For long battery life and performance:

  • Recharge Lithium Ion battery pack every six months, when being stored.
  • Do not charge Lithium Ion battery packs for long periods of time.

Cautions: If the Lithium Ion battery pack is misused or neglected, there is a danger of fire or explosion. Pay close attention to the following:

  • Do not dispose of in fire.
  • Do not short-circuit the terminals with metallic contact.
  • Do not disassembly or attempt to repair battery pack.
  • Do not use any battery charger other than battery chargers designed to work with this Lithium Ion battery pack.
  • Do not place Lithium Ion battery pack under direct sunlight or in excessively hot places (over 140 degrees F [60 degrees C]) such as an automobile dashboard.
  • Do not expose to moisture, water or seawater.
  • Do not drop or subject to strong forces.
  • Keep Lithium Ion battery pack out of reach of children.
  • Store in original package when not in use.
  • Dispose of Lithium Ion battery pack properly.

If the period of run time becomes noticeably shorter with a normal charge, this indicates the end of the Lithium Ion battery packs service life. Replace battery pack with a new Lithium Ion battery pack. For information on recycling or disposal of Nickel Metal Hydride Battery packs go to www.rbrc.org.


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Nickel Cadmium (NICAD) Battery Maintenance and Tips

The NICAD battery back is delivered in a discharged condition. Fully charge the NICAD battery before first use.

  • Charge NICAD battery packs only with specified NICAD charger.
  • Charge NICAD battery packs within a temperature range of 32* F to 104* F (0* C to 40* C).
  • The NICAD battery pack may be warm after charging or just after use.
  • For charging time, see battery charger instruction manual.

Safety Precautions:

  • Do not dispose of in fire as it may explode.
  • Do not directly connect the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals. This will cause a short circuit in the battery and render it ineffective.
  • Never attempt to disassemble or reassemble the battery pack.
  • Do not expose to rain or moisture.

To Avoid Damage:

  • Do not drop the battery pack or subject it to a strong mechanical shock.
  • Use the NICAD battery only with the specified device it was designed for.
  • If the NICAD battery pack is subjected to high temperature, most NICAD packs have a built-in safety fuse device will automatically prevent operation of the battery pack. It will restart once the temperature is back to normal.

Maintaining a NICAD battery and Prolonging NICAD battery life:

  • When the battery pack is not in use, remove it from the equipment or charger and store it in a cool, dry place.
  • Keep NICAD battery terminals clean. Cleaning NICAD battery terminals may be done with an eraser.
  • When the NICAD battery pack is fully charged, do not attempt repeated charging more than 3 times.
  • If the NICAD battery pack has been fully charged, but run time is less than specified, “memory” may have developed or the battery’s life may be exhausted.
  • Completely discharging and fully charging the battery pack three times may remove a NICAD battery pack’s “memory”. If this does not correct the problem, replace the battery.

Recycle or dispose of NICAD battery packs properly. Additional information on NICAD battery recycling may be found at www.rbrc.org.

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Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries Maintenance & Tips

Nickel Metal Hydride Battery packs are shipped in a discharged state. Charge Nickel Metal Hydride Battery pack before first use.

  • Charge with only specified battery charger designed for Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries. See instructions that came with the battery charger or equipment.
  • Charge between the temperature range of 32 degrees F and 104 degrees F (0 degrees C and 40 degrees C).
  • Nickel Metal Hydride Battery packs may become warm after charging or after use.
  • See charger manual for recharging times.
  • Do not run Nickel Metal Hydride Battery packs completely dead.

Safety Precautions:

  • Do not dispose of in fire, explosion may occur.
  • Do not short-circuit by connecting the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals. This can render the Nickel Metal Hydride Battery pack ineffective.
  • Do not disassemble or attempt to repair the battery pack.
  • Doe not expose to rain, moisture, water or seawater.

To Avoid Damage to your Nickel Metal Hydride Battery pack:

  • Do not drop or subject to strong forces.
  • Use only with the equipment the battery pack was designed for.If the Nickel Metal Hydride Battery pack is subjected to high temperatures, a built in fuse device will automatically prevent operation of the battery pack. The battery pack will resume operation when the temperature returns to normal.

To Prolong Nickel Metal Hydride Battery pack life:

  • While the Nickel Metal Hydride Battery pack is not being used, remove battery pack from the equipment or charger and store the battery pack in a cool and dry place.
  • Keep the Nickel Metal Hydride Battery pack’s terminals clean.

Nickel Metal Hydride Battery packs MUST be recycled or disposal of properly. More information on recycling or disposal of Nickel Metal Hydride Battery packs may be found at www.rbrc.org.

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SLA Sealed Lead Acid and Gell Cell Maintenance
  • Click here for information about SLA Sealed Lead Acid and Gell Cell Maintenance.

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SLI and Wet Lead Acid Battery Maintenance
  • Click here for information about SLI and Wet Lead Acid Maintenance.

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