Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Storing batteries
• Part 2 of 2: Maintaining rechargeable batteries
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Batteries come in many different shapes, sizes and uses, and it can be extremely helpful to have different types of batteries at home for later use. Proper storage extends the life of the batteries and prevents them from being a safety hazard, and you can easily find them when you need them.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Storing batteries

1. If possible, keep batteries in the original packaging. Storing batteries in their unopened packaging ensures that they are protected from environmental factors, such as humidity. It also ensures that you don't confuse new, fully charged batteries with older ones, and it prevents the terminals from coming into contact with other metals.
2. Separate batteries by brand and age. Batteries of different types or from different manufacturers can react with each other, causing leakage or other damage. When you store non-rechargeable batteries, don't keep new and used batteries together. Individual packaging is ideal. If you plan to put them in one container, put each type of battery in its own plastic container.
3. Check the charge of rechargeable batteries. Many rechargeable batteries will be permanently damaged if left discharged. The ideal charge level depends on the technology used:
   Lead Acid
   Store fully charged to avoid sulphation, which reduces capacity. Lithium ion (Li-ion)
   For best results, store them with a maximum charge of 30–50%.
   If you cannot recharge the batteries within a few months, keep them fully charged. Nickel batteries (NiMH, NiZn, NiCd)
   Can be stored with any load.
4. Store your batteries at room temperature or lower. In most cases, a cool room away from direct sunlight is fine. Even at a relatively warm temperature of 25ºC, a typical battery loses only a few percent capacity per year. Storing batteries in the refrigerator (or somewhere between 1–15ºC) will make a small improvement in this area, but is not necessary unless you don't have a good alternative or maximum performance is vital. For most consumers, the refrigerator is not worth the risk of water damage and the inconvenience of waiting for the batteries to be warm enough to use.
   • Do not put batteries in a freezer unless the manufacturer recommends it.
     Traditional nickel batteries lose their charge quickly, even at low temperatures. They charge faster in cool temperatures, but not below 10 ° C for regular chargers.
     More recent LSD (Low Self-Discharge) NiMH batteries are designed to hold their charge at room temperature.
5. Check the humidity level. Keep your batteries in a dry container if they are stored in an environment with high humidity or if there is a risk of condensation (including the refrigerator).Alkaline batteries can be safely stored in moderately humid conditions (35-65% relative humidity). Most other batteries require a drier environment.
6. Avoid electrical conduction. Your batteries can conduct electricity when they come into contact with metal. This will drain your batteries quickly and create heat. Take precautions to avoid this problem and the risk of fire:
   • Do not keep batteries in a metal container. Use a sealed plastic container or a specialized battery storage box.
   • Do not store coins or other metal objects in the same container as batteries.
   • Arrange the batteries so that the positive terminals do not touch the negative terminals of other batteries. If you cannot guarantee this, cover the poles with tape or plastic caps.

Part 2 of 2: Maintaining rechargeable batteries

1. Regularly recharge lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. The storage of a barely charged lead-acid battery can cause permanent crystal formation (sulphation) which reduces the capacity of the battery. Lithium-ion batteries develop copper crystals with a low charge, which short-circuit the battery and thus become dangerous to use. The exact charging instructions depend on the battery design. If you cannot refer to the manufacturer's guidelines, follow these guidelines:
   Lead battery
   Fully charge when the voltage drops below 2.07 Volts / cell (12.42 V for a 12 V battery).
   One charge every six months is normal. Lithium ion (Li-ion)
   Recharge to a capacity of 30–50% when the voltage drops below 2.5 V / cell. Do not recharge if the voltage drops to 1.5V / cell.
   One charge every few months is standard.
2. Recover discharged batteries. If your rechargeable batteries have dropped to low levels for more than a few days, they likely need special treatment before you can use them again:
   Lead battery
   The battery will usually charge, but with permanently reduced capacity. If a small lead-acid battery will not recharge, try using a very low current at a high voltage (~ 5V) for about two hours.
   Desulphation devices should be used by experts only. Lithium ion (Li-ion)
   The battery may go into "sleep mode" and no longer want to charge. Use a charger with a "boost" function, making sure to apply the correct polarity.
   Never use with a battery that has been discharged beyond 1.5V / cell for a week or more, as such a battery is permanently damaged and dangerous to use. Nickel batteries (NiMH, NiZn, NiCd)
   No major problems. Some types require a few charges and a full discharge to return to full capacity.
   For use on a large scale, consider a "battery analyzer" that can recover batteries.

Tips

• Remove batteries from rarely used electronics. When batteries are in electronic devices, they discharge much faster than when they are stored.

Warnings

• Long-term storage of wet lead-acid batteries is not recommended. These batteries require regular maintenance to maintain the water level and prevent corrosion.

Necessities

• Batteries
• Plastic bag (optional)
• Battery storage box (optional)