There are three types of battery life to consider: how long it lasts just sitting there (shelf life), how long it lasts powering a particular device (use life), and how many times it can be recharged (recharge life).
Shelf life varies depending on battery type and temperature; however, there should be a date code ('03-01' or '07-02') printed on the battery's package. This code indicates the use before date. Older batteries may have a date code in the format '1A8', which indicates the manufacturing date (in this case, 1=January and 8=1998).
Batteries should be stored at 40-50 degrees F. Batteries should not be stored in the freezer
or in very hot environments (such as a car's glove box).
Batteries stored at a temperature above 125 degrees F will deteriorate particularly quickly.
Zinc-Air batteries are the only type of batteries that we sell that do not begin discharging until you
begin to use them. A zinc-air battery has a tab (usually plastic) that must be taken off before you use
it. It begins to discharge when the tab is removed.
Use life (or how long a battery will last in a given device) depends on the current drain of the device and the capacity (mAh) rating of the battery. Here's the basic formula:
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Capacity χ Current Drain Χ 0.7 = Approximate Battery Life
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The factor of 0.7 makes allowances for external factors-primarily temperature-that can affect battery life.
Batteries have different operating temperatures; see the Battery Comparison Chart for specific
information.
Using a battery under extreme heat may cause it to produce more energy; however, its overall
life is reduced.
Using a battery under cold conditions may cause it to produce less energy, and again, overall life
is reduced.
Recharge life is the number of times a rechargeable battery can be discharged and recharged (1 cycle) and still be effective. Over time, rechargeable batteries will lose their capacity for recharging.
How to hold a charge
Keep in mind these general battery charging tips:
Make sure to read the manual for instructions when charging a battery internally. Not all chargers
are equipped to charge all types of batteries.
For the charge times for different types of batteries, check your charger's owner's manual. The
time required varies according to the type of charger and battery.
To test the charging rate of a charger, a multimeter must be put in series with the battery and
charger to accurately measure the rate. Follow the instructions for testing current with the
multimeter you are using.
Be careful not to overcharge batteries, especially when charging Ni-Cd and NiMH batteries, which
can overheat and burst.
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