General

• The first battery was created by Alessandro Volta in 1798
• Evidence of batteries dates back to over 2000 years ago. In 1938, Wilhelm Konig discovered in Iraq a 5 inch pottery jar containing a copper cylinder encased in an iron rod. This is believed to be an ancient form of battery.
• Nearly all batteries will not reach full capacity until cycled 10-30 times. A brand new battery will have a capacity of about 5-10% less than the rated capacity.
• Do not put a new battery in a pack which is more than 6 months old or has more than 75 cycles. Either replace with all new or use a good used battery
• In situations where multiple batteries are connected in series, parallel or series/parallel, replacement batteries should be the same size and type. Age and usage level should be the same as the companion batteries.
• Inactivity can be extremely harmful to a battery. It is a very poor idea to buy new batteries and “save” them for later
• Only clean water should be used for cleaning the outside of batteries. Solvents or spray cleaners should not be used.
• Make sure to charge your battery at room temperature (68°F to 72°F) to extend battery life.
• Batteries get warm during charging and use—this is normal. As a precaution, most batteries and chargers are designed to protect against overheating.
• Keep battery contact surfaces clean by gently rubbing with a clean pencil eraser, cloth or rubbing alcohol. Dirty contact points are a primary source of charging challenges.
• Make sure not to recharge a battery unless it is specifically marked “rechargeable.” Attempting to recharge a primary (non-rechargeable) battery could result in leakage or rupture.
• You can preserve battery life by switching off a device and removing the batteries when it is not being used, and is not expected to be used for extended periods of time.
• Avoid carrying loose batteries in a pocket or purse with metal objects like coins, paper clips, etc. This can short-circuit the battery, leading to high heat or leakage.
• Dry Cell Batteries are the most common type of batteries used today

• Recycling batteries keeps heavy metals out of landfills and the air

• Recycling saves resources because recovered plastic and metals can be used to make new batteries. 

Lead acid battery

• The first rechargeable battery has been around since 1859, when French physicist Gaston Plante invented the lead acid cell. The lead acid cell is still used in cars today.
• All batteries, including rechargeables, eventually die. This is because the chemicals inside the battery degrade over time and with usage.
• When you first buy a new set of flooded (wet) batteries, you should fully charge and equalize them
• Lead-Acid batteries do not have a memory, and the rumour that they should be fully discharged to avoid this “memory” is totally false and will lead to early battery failure.
• A car battery contains 18 pounds of lead and one pound of sulfuric acid.
• Remember to recharge your battery a few hours before you want to use it. Rechargeable batteries lose a percentage of their charge each day when left off the charger.
• Do not leave your rechargeable batteries discharged or unused for extended periods of time. To extend battery life, charge them at least every 6-9 months.
• Never use rechargeable batteries in chargers that are not designed for the specific battery type.
• Ninety-six percent of all lead-acid batteries are recycled

Nickel Battery

• All batteries, including rechargeables, eventually die. This is because the chemicals inside the battery degrade over time and with usage.
• This is an effect that nickel-cadmium (NiCad) rechargeable batteries suffer from. If a NiCad battery is recharged before being discharged fully, it ‘forgets’ that it is able to discharge any more energy.
• Remember to recharge your battery a few hours before you want to use it. Rechargeable batteries lose a percentage of their charge each day when left off the charger.
• Never use rechargeable batteries in chargers that are not designed for the specific battery type.
• Nickel metal hydride batteries offer higher densities than nickel cadmium batteries
• Nickel metal hydride batteries have a longer run time than nickel cadmium batteries with the same bulk
• Nickel cadmium batteries suffer from the memory effect whereas its counterpart doesn’t

Lithium Battery

• All batteries, including rechargeables, eventually die. This is because the chemicals inside the battery degrade over time and with usage.
• Remember to recharge your battery a few hours before you want to use it. Rechargeable batteries lose a percentage of their charge each day when left off the charger.
• Never use rechargeable batteries in chargers that are not designed for the specific battery type.
• Most lithium batteries are not rechargeable whereas lithium-ion batteries are
• Lithium-ion has a higher energy density than most other types of rechargeable batteries
• Lithium-ion batteries can store more energy than other rechargeable batteries for their size or weight
• Lithium-ion batteries operate at higher voltages than other rechargeable batteries
• A single lithium-ion cell may suffice in case where a couple or more of nickel batteries are required
• Lithium batteries have a lower self discharge rate
• Lithium batteries will retain most of their charge even after months of storage
• Avoid discharging devices that use lithium-ion batteries completel

Button Cells

• Lithium cells provide a more stable voltage than alkaline batteries
• Silver oxide cells provide more capacity than alkaline batteries
• There are approximately 500 cases of lithium button cells being swallowed each year – KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN
• Alkaline button cells may provide the best cost performance
• Avoid storing the battery in direct sunlight