A Comprehensive Guide to Storing Batteries

Keep Batteries Of The Same Type Together

 

Batteries can be grouped into AA batteries, AAA batteries, D batteries, and 9 volts etc. It is essential to understand the chemistries and voltage variances across the brands. Note that some brands of batteries may have abnormal chemical reactions in regards to weather conditions. 

 

Mixing different types of batteries can lead to battery leakage and sub-optimal device performance. It can also lead to increased corrosion or even destroy battery life. Therefore, it is necessary to understand each storage guideline in situations when you have multiple types on hand. Pair the same brands of batteries together for safe storage.

 

Store Batteries Out of Reach of Children

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Small children can pose a significant challenge when keeping the batteries out of their reach. 

 

Here are some tips to keep children away from the dangers of contacting batteries.

 

1. Completely keep coin lithium battery-controlled devices out of sight and reach of children. Some coin lithium battery-controlled devices include remote controls, singing greeting cards, digital scales, watches, hearing aids, children's toys, calculators, key fobs, t-light candles, flashing holiday jewelry or decorations, all containing button batteries.

2. Keep loose batteries locked away, or place a piece of duct tape over the controller to prevent small children from accessing the battery.

3. Try storing batteries in high or raised cabinets.

 

In the unfortunate event you suspect your child has ingested a battery, immediately reach out for medical assistance from the nearest hospital. Avoid inducing vomiting or have your child eat or drink anything until assessed by a medical professional.

 

Keep Batteries Away From Metal Objects

 

Always keep your batteries from coming into contact with metallic objects. Any connection between batteries and metal can stir up chemical reactions, leading to short-circuiting and affecting the battery's lifespan.

 

Ideally, never store batteries with metallic objects in the same storage container. Ensure the battery storage container is made of either plastic, glass, box or wood. 

 

To prevent your batteries from electrical conductions, take the below steps:

 

1. Do not store batteries in a metal container. Use a sealed plastic container or a specialized battery storage box.

2. Do not store coins or other metal objects in the same container.

3. Align batteries so the positive terminals cannot contact the negative terminals of other batteries. Cover the terminals with masking tape or plastic caps if you cannot guarantee this.

 

Control Humidity

 

Always keep your batteries in a vapor-proof container in case of high humidity temperature or if there are high chances of condensation occasioned by low temperatures. Condensation in a battery can occur both at the internal and external parts of the battery.

 

To increase the life of your batteries, control extreme heat through AC; otherwise, store your batteries in a fully climate-controlled facility. Other than condensation, high humidity causes corrosion and leakage in batteries.

 

Since prolonged dampness and highly humid climatic conditions can significantly impact battery life, you should strive to ensure your batteries are stored in a dry, cool place.

 

Avoid storing your batteries in areas like the bathroom or beneath the kitchen sink. These areas are susceptible to moisture which can affect the battery life. In addition, do not store your batteries down on the ground.

 

Even though most batteries prefer drier environments, alkaline batteries can be safely stored in moderate humid conditions (35-65% relative humidity).

 

While moderate low temperatures increase the lifespan of batteries, in case you would think to store your batteries in a fridge, ensure they are first placed in a vapor-proof container before storing them in the refrigerator. Allow them to acclimatize at room temperature for about 24 hours before use. Do not store your battery in freezers unless recommended by the manufacturer.

 

Maintain Rechargeable Batteries

 

Non-rechargeable batteries may be of no use after single use; hence should be discarded from useful or rechargeable ones. Leaving non-rechargeable batteries in a device can cause permanent damage to the device.

 

Regularly check the charge levels on rechargeable batteries to avoid permanent damages subject to extended exposure to a discharged state. Ensure before you store your battery, the charge is at 40 per cent charge, which creates room for gradual discharge.

 

Recharge lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries periodically before you store them. The danger of keeping a lead acid battery with a shallow charge is sulfation- a permanent crystal formation on the battery. Sulfation reduces the performance capacity of a storm.

 

On the other hand, storing a lithium-ion battery with low charge results in the formation of copper structures, impacting the battery's capacity. For Lead Acid batteries, always ensure they are fully charged before storage. This will ensure there is no sulfation which lowers capacity.

 

To know the exact recharge instructions per battery, follow the guidelines laid by the manufacturer. Some of the commonly recommended guidelines include:

 

1. Lithium Ion – for best results, store at 30-50% on the higher side of the charge. However, if you are not planning to recharge it within a few months, have it fully charged before storage.

2. Nickel-based (NiMH, NiZn, NiCd)- can be stored at any state of charge.

 

Generally, over time, most batteries leak power; thus, when stored at zero charges, it is most probable they won’t recharge again.

 

Recycle Your Old Batteries

 

Rechargeable batteries will probably be worn out over time and thus can no longer hold back their charge as witnessed when new. Therefore, you may be wondering how to store such outdated batteries.

 

In most cases, you won’t hesitate to throw them away.

 

However, you can trade old batteries with your local cell phone or car battery store owner. Sometimes, stores are willing to return the core charge fee once you return the old battery.

 

For standard-size batteries like AA and AAA batteries, follow the local hazardous materials recycling dates, or you can coordinate with the local home improvement stores to have your batteries recycled.