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From basic alkalines to hard-to-find batteries for hearing aids, watches and much more, RadioShack has always been your source for one-stop battery shopping. Over the years, we've proven we know a thing or two about batteries, now we're taking a minute to share some of our knowledge with you. Here's a short guide to give you a better understanding of how batteries work, how to pick the right type of battery and how to properly care for batteries. Let the learning begin
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Topics in this article:
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How to choose the right battery
When determining which battery should be used for a particular application, consider the following:
What type of battery do I want to use: Primary (non-rechargeable) or Secondary (rechargeable)?
What will the temperature range be where the battery will be used?
What is the discharge rate of the battery-powered device: high drain, or moderate to low?
Will the battery be used immediately or stored for long periods?
  Primary vs. secondarywhich type is best for me?
Primary batteries are used once, then discarded. They are more convenient and cost less per battery, but they actually cost more over the long term. Generally, primary batteries have a higher capacity and initial voltage, and a sloping discharge curve. Primary batteries do not presently require special disposal, except in California.
Secondary batteries are rechargeable. They are more cost efficient over the long term, although individual batteries are more expensive. Generally, secondary batteries have a lower capacity and initial voltage, a flat discharge curve, and varying recharge life ratings. Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) and small-size lead acid batteries require special disposal and should not simply be thrown away.
Does temperature matter?
Yes! Not all batteries are recommended for all temperature extremes. Check the label and choose one that matches the conditions of your environment.
Am I using a high or low-drain device?
Because different batteries are recommended for different device types, choose a battery that matches your type. High discharge rate (drain) devices, such as a digital camera or MP3 player, can be loosely defined as those with current consumption of 600mA or higher. Low-to-moderate discharge rate devices, such as a flashlight or remote control, can be loosely defined as those with current consumption of less than 600mA.
Storage
Batteries will self-discharge over time. If you will be using the battery intermittently, you'll want a battery with a longer storage life. Storage is an indicator of how long the battery will last before self-discharge renders the battery dead. Generally, there will be a date code on the battery or packaging such as 1A2. This code indicates that the battery was packaged in January of 2002.
Batteries should not be stored in the device if the device is not being used.
Leaving batteries in a battery compartment for long
periods (a week or longer) can cause the batteries to leak.
Two or three days should not be a problem; however, if the
device will be unused for a week or longer, we recommend that
the batteries be removed.
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More to think about
Other factors to consider when choosing a battery include initial voltage, capacity, the discharge curve, recharge life (for secondary batteries) and disposal requirements.
Initial voltage
This is the voltage when the battery is new and fully charged. Devices will often use the voltage as the indicator for battery life. When it drops below a given point, the battery is considered dead. A higher initial voltage generally indicates longer battery life.
For primary cylindrical batteries and rechargeable alkalines, the initial voltage is 1.5 volts. For the other secondary batteries, the initial voltage is between 1.2 and 1.25 volts.
Capacity
In rechargeable batteries, capacity is listed as XXXmAh (or XXAh); this information allows you to estimate battery life in a device with known current drain. In alkaline batteries, the sloping discharge curve makes it impossible to accurately provide an mAh rating; the rating would vary depending on discharge rate and temperature.
Discharge curve
The discharge curve is plotted as voltage against time, at a given current drain and temperature. A flat curve indicates that the battery discharge rate is steady until it is nearly discharged. A sloping curve indicates that the discharge rate changes over time. Generally speaking, primary batteries have sloping discharge curves and secondary batteries have flat curves.
Recharge life
This indicates the number of times that a rechargeable battery can be recharged. The number varies by battery type.
Disposal instructions
Battery disposal options can be broken down into three categories.
Recycling Required/Recycle Through RadioShack: Ni-Cd and small lead-acid batteries (no heavier than 2 lbs./1 kg per battery) require special precautions for disposal and should be taken to a recycling center for disposal, as they contain dangerous metals that can enter the environment. They can be recycled through your local RadioShack store in partnership with RBRC (Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation).
Recycling Not Required/Recycle Through RadioShack: While recycling is not required for other battery types, NiMH, lithium-ion, and lithium-ion-polymer batteries, they can also be recycled through your local RadioShack store in partnership with RBRC (Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation).
Recycling Not Required,except in California/Recycle Through Other: The remaining battery
types are not recyclable through RadioShack or RBRC. Please
contact other recycling centers in your area.
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