How To Maintain Different Types Of Batteries And it´s Dos & Don´ts

Each type of battery has it's own needs to be met for long life and reliable service. Following Dos and Don'ts battery table summarizes these needs & advises proper handling of each battery type.

Maintaining batteries at optimum level is real life is not practical. Deviations from these ideal maintenance tips are acceptable but will definitely lower the life expectancy of the battery to some degree. Exposure to heat may be the larger deterrent.

-	Nickel-cadmium (NiCd)	Nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH)	Lithium-ion (Li-ion)	Lead-acid (Sealed or flooded)
Used in	Two-way radios, power tools, medical.	Similar application as NiCd; higher density.	Cell phones, laptops, video cameras.	Motorcycles, cars, wheelchairs, UPS.
Charging	Try to run down battery fully, at least once a month before charging it again. Do not leave battery in charger for more than 2 days because of memory. Avoid getting battery too hot during charge. Charge methods: Constant current, followed by trickle charge when full. Fast-charge preferred over slow charge. Slow charge = 16h Rapid charge = 3h Fast charge = 1h+	Try to run down battery fully, at least once in 3 months before charging it again. Do not leave battery in charger for more than 2 days because of memory. Avoid getting battery too hot during charge. Charge methods: Constant current, followed by trickle charge when full. Slow charge not recommended. Battery will get warm towards full charge. Rapid charge = 3h Fast charge = 1h+	Do charge the battery often. The battery lasts longer with partial rather than full discharges. Do not use if pack gets hot during charge. Check also charger. Charge methods: Constant voltage to 4.20V/cell (typical). No trickle-charge when full. Li-ion may remain in the charger (no memory). Battery must remain cool. No fast-charge possible. Rapid charge = 3h	Do charge the battery immediately after use. Lead-acid must always be kept in a charged condition. The battery lasts longer with partial rather than full discharges. Over-cycling is not advised. Charge methods: Constant voltage to 2.40/cell (typical), followed by float held at 2.25V/cell. Battery must remain cool. Fast charge not possible; can remain on float charge. Slow charge = 14h Rapid charge = 10h
Discharging	Full cycle does not harm NiCd. NiCd is one of the most hardy and durable chemistries.	Avoid too many full cycles because of wear. Use 80% depth-of-discharge. NiMH has higher energy density than NiCd at the expense of shorter cycle life.	Avoid full cycle because of wear. 80% depth-of-discharge recommended. Re- charge more often. Avoid full discharge. Low voltage may cut off safety circuit	Avoid full cycle because of wear. Use 80% depth-of-discharge. Recharge more often or use larger battery. Low energy density limits lead-acid to wheeled applications
Service needs	Discharge to 1V/cell every 1 to 2 months to prevent memory. Do not discharge before each charge.	Discharge to 1V/cell every 3 months to prevent memory. Do not discharge before each charge	No maintenance needed. Loses capacity due to aging whether used or not.	Apply topping charge every 6 months. Occasional discharge/ charge may improve performance.
Storage	Best to store at 40% charge in a cool place. Open terminal voltage cannot determine state-of-charge. 5 years and longer storage possible. Prime battery if stored longer than 6 months.	Store at 40% charge in a cool place. Open terminal voltage cannot determine state-of-charge. Prime battery if stored longer than 6 months.	Store at 40% charge in a cool place (40% state-of-charge reads 3.75-3.80V/cell at open terminal. Do not store at full charge and at warm temperatures because of accelerated aging.	Store always at a full state-of-charge. Do not store below 2.10V/cell; apply topping charge very 6 months.
Disposal	Do not dispose; contains toxic metals; must be recycled.	Should be recycled. Low volume household NiMH may be disposed.	Should be recycled. Low volume household Li-ion may be disposed	Do not dispose; must be recycled.