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If you are anything like us you will use a lot of
batteries in things like remote controllers, toys, cameras, torches,
radios, cd players, clocks, etc, etc. Over a year the cost of replacing
all the various batteries can add up to a significant amount of
money, especially if you use the 'cheaper' ones which don't last
as long.
A more cost effective approach is to use rechargeable
batteries instead. A reasonable quality rechargeable battery will
last for at least 500 charges and even taking into account the
electricity used to charge the battery will work out far cheaper
the the non rechargeable type. Manufacturers claim many more
than 500 charges but this is under ideal conditions which few of
us achieve.
The most common form of rechargeable battery for
general use is the Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery which has
all but replaced the Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) types. Nickel-Metal
Hydride batteries have a higher capacity than Nickel Cadmium ones
and don't suffer from memory effect which can limit capacity. They
have one disadvantage in the form of a high self discharge rate
which means that even unused they will become flat in a few months
making them unsuitable for devices used only occasionally or devices
drawing extremely small currents (e. g. torches and smoke detectors)
To get the most out of rechargeable batteries it
is important that where you have a fair number they are each recharged
on a first flat first charged basis. A simple way to achieve this
is to make a small wooden sloping tray to hold discharged batteries
and always fill the charger from the bottom of the slope i. e.
the first flat battery put in the tray is the first one removed
for charging.
One word of caution. Rechargeable batteries have
a slightly lower voltage than the non rechargeable type and this
can lead to two problems especially where several batteries are
used. Some items may not work properly with the lower voltage -
the number of these are becoming fewer and fewer all the time.
The lower voltage can mean that batteries need recharging regularly.
Neither of these two issues have caused me any major problems.
There are devices on the market for recharging alkaline
type batteries - my advice is avoid them at all costs, there are
some potential safety problems. Never try and charge an alkaline
battery in a NiCad or NiMH charger.
Always dispose of all types of battery properly
and not with general household rubbish.
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