Storing Part Used Batteries

Norman_Castle

JimmyTheWig wrote: »

I've always found that rechargeable batteries don't give a full 1.5V. And they run out really quickly.

Most give 1.2V which seems fine for most devices. If they run out quickly check your charging times. Non Hybrio/Eneloop etc will loose their charge while stored. I have one PP3 which takes a long time to charge and never seems to last long but AA and AAA last well.

Find your charging times here http://convert-to.com/491/recharging-rechargeable-nimh-nicd-batteries.html Don't assume timed chargers are correct for your batteries.

Nilrem

Re charging times, it's worth getting one of the "smart" battery chargers which turn off the charge once the behaviour of the battery indicates it's fully charged.

We bought to of these duracell chargers when they were in the bargain forum, for example as they can take up to 8 batteries and cope with all sorts and capacities, turning off the charge (or at least dropping it to a trickle charge) when the battery is full.
The smart chargers are also handy in that they can often indicate if a battery is faulty (but always wait a few minutes and try the battery in a different socket before throing it out), and the better ones are also able to check the temperature of the batteries and turn off the charge if they overheat, which isn't a major concern for slower chargers, but very useful for fast chargers.