Battery Guide

Some Types of Primary Batteries:
A zinc-carbon dry cell or battery is packaged in a zinc can that serves as both a container and anode. The cathode is a mixture of manganese dioxide and carbon powder. The electrolyte is a paste of zinc chloride and ammonium chloride dissolved in water. Zinc-carbon batteries are the least expensive primary batteries and thus a popular choice for low-drain devices. They can be used in remote controls, flashlights, toys, or transistor radios, where the power drain is not too heavy.

Alkaline batteries are a type of primary battery. Compared with zinc-carbon batteries, while all produce approximately 1.5 volts per cell, alkaline batteries have a higher energy density and longer shelf-life. The alkaline battery gets its name because it has an alkaline electrolyte of potassium hydroxide, as opposed to the acidic electrolyte of the zinc-carbon batteries which are offered in the same nominal voltages and physical size.

A secondary battery is commonly known as a rechargeable battery. It is usually designed to have a lifetime of between 100 and 1000 recharge cycles, depending on the composite materials. Secondary batteries are, generally, more cost effective over time than primary batteries, since the battery can be recharged and reused. A single discharge cycle of a primary battery, however, will provide more current for a longer period of time than a single discharge cycle of an equivalent secondary battery.

Battery Handling and Maintenance
The following guidelines offer specific advice on battery handling and maintenance. This advice is necessarily not all inclusive. Users are cautioned to observe specific warnings on individual battery labels and to use common sense when handling batteries.

• Do not attempt to recharge primary batteries. This kind of battery is not designed to be recharged and may overheat or leak if recharging is attempted.
• Be careful of the polarity while loading a battery. Reverse polarity may cause damage to the equipment, in which the battery is wrongly loaded.
• When recharging secondary batteries, use a charging device that is approved for that type of battery. Using an approved charging device can prevent overcharging or overheating the battery. Many chargers have special circuits built into them for correctly charging specific types of batteries and will not work properly with other types.
• Do not use secondary (rechargeable) batteries in smoke detectors. Secondary batteries have a high self-discharge rate. Primary batteries have a much longer shelf life and are much more dependable in emergencies.
• Consult the smoke detector’s user manual for the recommended battery types.
• Do not attempt to refill or repair a worn-out or damaged battery.
• Do not allow direct bodily contact with battery components. Acidic or alkaline electrolyte can cause skin irritation or burns. Electrode materials such as mercury or cadmium are toxic.
• Do not lick a 9 V battery to see if it is charged. You will, of course, be able to determine whether or not the battery is charged, but such a test may result in a burn that may range from simply uncomfortable to serious.
• Do not dispose of batteries in fire. The metallic components of the battery will not burn and the burning electrolyte may splatter, explode, or release toxic fumes.
• Batteries may be disposed of, however, in industrial incinerators that are approved for the disposal of batteries.
• Do not carry batteries in your pocket. Coins, keys, or other metal objects can short circuit a battery, which can cause extreme heat, acid leakage, or an explosion.

• In a device, use only the type of battery that is recommended by the manufacturer of the device.
• To find a replacement battery that works with a given device, call the manufacturer of the device or ask the retailer to check the manufacturer’s battery cross-reference guide.
• Store batteries in a cool, dry place. This helps extend their shelf life. Refrigerators are convenient locations.
• Do not store batteries in a freezer. Always let batteries come to room temperature before using them.
• Store batteries in their original boxes or packaging materials. The battery packaging has been designed for maximum shelf life.
• When storing battery-powered devices for long periods (i.e., more than a month), remove the batteries. This can prevent damage to the device from possible battery leakage. Also, the batteries can be used for other applications while the batteries are still “fresh.”
• Use a marking pen to indicate, on the battery casing, the day and year that the battery was purchased. Avoid writing on or near the battery terminals.
• Do not mix batteries from different manufacturers in a multi-cell device (e.g., a torch). Small differences in voltage, current, and capacity, between brands, can reduce the average useful life of all the batteries.
• When using batteries in a multicell device (e.g., a torch), use batteries of the same age and similar discharged capacity. This kind of matching will make it more likely that all the batteries will discharge at the same rate, putting less stress on any individual battery.
• Do not use batteries in high-temperature situations (more 45 degree C) unless the battery is designed for that temperature range).
• Locate batteries as far away from heat sources as possible. The electrical potential of the battery will degrade rapidly if it is exposed to temperatures higher than those recommended by the manufacturer.
• Some batteries may not operate to its optimum level if used below Zero degrees Celsius. In case of doubt check with the manufacturer in such applications.