Increase Your Rechargeable Battery Lifetime

Proper Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance will prolong the life of any product, including your rechargeable batteries. With appropriate care and use, you should expect 2-7 years from most rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable cordless phone batteries can last 1-2 years with the right use and care. 

To get the most life out of your rechargeable batteries follow these 10 simple rules: 

1. Never overheat or incinerate your batteries. Batteries that are exposed to extreme heat or fire can explode. Locations that are too warm will reduce a battery's life. Store all batteries in a cool, dry place. Many still store batteries in the refrigerator thinking that it extends the life; although the refrigerator is cool, it is not an optimum location due to moisture.

2. New rechargeable batteries come in a discharged state and must be charged prior to use. Both new batteries, and batteries which have not been used for a long period of time, should be conditioned 3-4 times before they can achieve maximum capacity.

3. Avoid dropping or damaging the battery case to avoid exposure of corrosive contents.

4. Don't short the connection. Keep batteries neatly organized, and do not let the ends touch. A short-circuit can cause severe damage to the battery, or even cause it to explode.

5. Do not mix and match batteries. Always use the same chemistry, capacity, and brand. Never mix rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries.

6. Batteries that are not in use for a month or longer, should be removed from chargers and stored in a cool, dry place.

7. Due to engineering improvements over the years, "memory effect" now rarely occurs. When memory effect does occur it is primarily in NiCad batteries. NiMH batteries are rarely affected, and Li-Ion batteries are NEVER affected.

8. NiMH batteries will self-discharge when not in use, which means if they are not charged semi-regularly, they could discharge beyond revival. If your batteries won't be regulary used and charged, try an Imedion hybrid battery which retains its charge much longer on the shelf. 

9. Select a charger that prevents overcharging and is designed specifically for your battery's chemistry.

10. Do not carry NiMH rechargeable batteries loosely in your pocket. Coins or other items could cause them to short, causing severe burns and fire.

Remember to properly recycle used rechargeable batteries.