Technical FAQs
Why use Lithium batteries?
Lithium is a very active material that provides a great deal of power relative to the amount of material used in the battery. Lithium batteries are extremely light in weight while maintaining a higher voltage and longer service life compared to other primary chemistries such as alkaline. Non-rechargeable lithium batteries are typically 3.0V to 3.6V in range, but 1.5V AA and AAA formats are also available.
Why use Rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries?
Li-ion (lithium ion) batteries use lithium compounds which are much more stable than the elemental lithium used in non rechargeable lithium batteries. A lithium battery should never be recharged while lithium-ion batteries are designed to be recharged hundreds of times. Rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries have a higher energy density than most other types of rechargeables. This means that for their size or weight they can store more energy than other rechargeable batteries. They also operate at higher voltages than other rechargeables, typically about 3.7 volts for lithium-ion vs. 1.2 volts for NiMH or NiCd. This means a single cell can often be used rather than multiple NiMH or NiCd cells. Lithium-ion batteries also have a lower self discharge rate than other types of rechargeable batteries. This means that once they are charged they will retain their charge for a longer time than other types of rechargeable batteries. NiMH and NiCd batteries can lose anywhere from 1-5% of their charge per day, (depending on the storage temperature) even if they are not installed in a device. Lithium-ion batteries will retain most of their charge even after months of storage.
Why use Rechargeable NiCd batteries?
NiCd (NiCad or Nickel Cadmium) batteries provide high discharge capability with great cycling performance. NiCd batteries are generally utilized in every day use applications such as cordless phone or in high drain, fast recharge applications such as cordless tool or 2-way radio. NiCd batteries offer more cycling capability than NiMH, but with lower capacity. All NiCd batteries must be recycled.
Why use Rechargeable NiMH batteries?
NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries provide outstanding capacity in a lightweight, rechargeable format. NiMH is interchangeable with NiCd in devices while providing a more environmentally friendly profile. NiMH batteries are generally utilized in applications ranging from cellular phone to camcorder/digital camera. NiMH batteries offer higher capacity than NiCd, but with fewer cycles. NiMH batteries should be recycled.
Why use alkaline batteries?
Alkaline batteries, also known as manganese dioxide, are non-rechargeable and are the most commonly used batteries for heavy current, extended run-time disposable applications. Able to operate in a wide range of temperatures and perform under varying drains (low and high); alkaline batteries are the choice for consumer electronics. The most common sizes are AA, AAA, C, D and 9V configurations.
Why use Zinc Air batteries?
Zinc Air batteries provide the highest power density for non-rechargeable chemistries per unit of weight. Compact in size and utilizing oxygen for "activation", zinc air batteries are commonly used in hearing aid, medical and mercury replacement applications.
Why use Silver Oxide batteries?
Silver Oxide batteries provide extensive power in miniature configurations. Primary applications for silver oxide batteries are watches, cameras and measurement instruments.
Why use heavy duty batteries?
Heavy Duty non-rechargeable batteries, also recognized as carbon zinc or zinc chloride, provide dependable, economic power solutions for every day use. Generally used in low drain, consumer electronics, heavy duty batteries are configured in the most common sizes (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V), as well as, specialty sizes for telecommunications, hobby and industrial uses.
What is an Ampere?
The amount of current flow within a circuit. Measured in Amps.
What is mAh?
mAh (milli-ampere hour) is a capacity rating that measures how much current a battery will discharge over a specified period of time (typically a one hour period). Higher mAh ratings do not necessarily reflect how fast current can be drawn, rather, how long a current can be drawn. For example a 2000 mAh battery will sustain a 2000 milli-Amp (2 ampere) draw for approximately one hour before dropping to a voltage level that is considered discharged. A 1700 mAh battery will sustain a 1700 milli-Amp (1.7 ampere) draw for approximately one hour. Overall capacity will be influenced by other factors including temperature, depth of discharge and speed of discharge.
What is Ah?
Ah (Ampere hour) is a capacity rating that measures how much current a battery will discharge over a specified period of time (generally a 20 hour period). Higher mAh ratings do not necessarily reflect how fast current can be drawn, rather, how long a current can be drawn. For example a 20Ah battery will sustain a 1-amp draw for approximately 20 hours before dropping to a voltage level that is considered discharged. A 40Ah battery will sustain an 8-Amp draw for approximately five hours. Overall capacity will be influenced by other factors including temperature, depth of discharge and speed of charge/discharge.
What is Cut off voltage?
Recognized as the voltage at the end of a useful discharge. Cut off voltage will vary by device. However, the cut off voltage for a device specifies the inoperable point for the device utilizing battery power.
What does OEM mean?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, referring to the particular maker of the battery. OEM batteries are often referred to as "original" batteries.
What is a Cycle?
A cycle is considered one discharge and one charge sequence for a rechargeable battery.
What is a Volt?
A volt is the unit of measure for electrical potential or pressure.
What is a Watt?
A watt is the unit for measuring electrical power, i.e., the rate of doing work, in moving electrons by, or against, an electrical potential. Formula: Watts = Amperes x Volts.
What is a "smart" and "dumb" battery?
Smart batteries have internal circuit boards with smart chips that allow them to communicate with laptop/computer/notebook and monitor battery performance. Dumb batteries will operate the device, but lack the communication chip.
What is self-discharge?
The loss of useful capacity within a battery due to internal chemical reactions. Self- discharge will occur within all battery chemistries and will be influenced by temperature. Self-discharge will occur regardless of whether the battery is connected to a device or not.
What is Shelf life?
The amount of time a battery will retain an operable percentage of its stated capacity (calculated under ambient temperature storage conditions).
What is a Capacity and why should I care?
Capacity is the measure of the energy stored in a battery. Expressed in Ah (Ampere hour) or mAh (milli-Ampere hour), capacity defines the ability of a battery to perform under specified discharge criteria over a set period of time.
How do I find the right battery for my cell phone?
You can search for a cell phone battery by using the brand or model number of your particular phone. If you don't know your brand or model number, look at the label inside the battery compartment. Almost every cell phone has a manufacturer's label which includes the brand and model number on it. rayovacdirect.com allows you to enter this information using its keyword search feature. If you need help finding the right battery for your phone, our customer support team is ready to assist you via online chat, email or on the phone. With our wide selection, you're sure to find the cell phone battery you need at a great price on rayovacdirect.com.
How long should a rechargeable last?
The life of a battery operating under normal conditions should be between 500 to 800 charge-discharge cycles. This translates into one and a half to three years of battery life for the average user. As your rechargeable battery begins to die, you will notice a decline in the running time of the battery. When your two hour battery is only supplying you with twenty minutes worth of use, it is time for a new one. When a battery is not used for extensive periods of time it should be removed from the device and stored in a cool, dry and clean environment. Self-discharge will occur when the battery is not used for an extended time period. Fully charge the battery before use after storage. Long term storage will have permanent effects on the battery's capacity.
Does it help to store batteries in refrigerator?
Not really. Batteries should be stored in a dry location at room temperature. There is a minimal benefit to storing them at a lower temperature, but generally it is not recommended since the high humidity levels inside of the refrigerator can cause the battery cell container to rust. If you currently have batteries stored in a refrigerator, be sure to allow them to warm up to room temperature before using them in your device.
My new battery isn't charging is it defective?
New batteries come in a slightly discharged condition and must be fully charged before use. It is recommended that you fully charge and discharge the new battery two to four times to allow it to reach its maximum rated capacity. An overnight charge (approximately twelve hours) is recommended. Note: It is normal for a battery to become warm to the touch during charging and discharging. When charging the battery for the first time, the device may indicate that charging is complete after just 10 or 15 minutes. This is a normal with rechargeable batteries. New batteries are hard for the device to charge; they have never been fully charged and not “broken in.” Sometimes the device's charger will stop charging a new battery before it is fully charged. If this happens, remove the battery from the device and then reinsert it. The charge cycle should begin again. This may happen several times during the first battery charge.
What is the battery standby and talk time?
Standby time is recognized as the time when your cell phone is on, but you are not actively talking. Talk time is defined as the run time for actual talking on your cell phone. Both stand by and talk time will vary by phone type (analog or digital), geography, strength of signal, your service provider, etc. For comparative purposes, you should review the capacity (mAh rating) for a battery. The higher the capacity for a battery for a specific phone, the longer the stand by and talk time.
I just received my new battery, why isn't it working?
Don’t worry. There is nothing wrong with your rechargeable battery. Your rechargeable battery will arrive to you in a slightly discharged condition. Therefore, it must be charged in order for it to work. We recommend that new batteries should be charged and discharged two to four times in order to allow them to reach their capacity.
Will my device's performance differ if I use your aftermarket battery?
Due to technological advancements, replacement batters or “after market” batteries will often last longer than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) batteries that came with your device.
How can I maximize performance?
Across all battery types, there are several things that you can do to ensure the maximum production from your battery: Always stored batteries in a cool and dry place and should be fully charged before being stored for long periods of time. Never leave your battery in its charger for more than 24 hours. Doing so will shorten the life of your battery. Keep your batteries clean. Clean dirty batteries with a cotton swab and alcohol. A clean battery will ensure a good connection between your battery and its device. Keep your batteries dry. Moisture can corrode contact points and limit charge/discharge performance. Do not leave your battery dormant.
Is it possible to upgrade the devices battery to a newer chemistry?
NiCd, NiMH and Li-Ion are all fundamentally different technologies and cannot be substituted for one another unless the device has been pre-configured from the factory to accept more than one type of rechargeable battery. The difference between them stems from the fact that each technology requires a different charging pattern to be properly recharged. Therefore, the portable device's charger must be properly configured to handle a given type of rechargeable battery. Refer to your owners manual to find out which rechargeable battery types the particular device supports. Our cross reference information will automatically list all of the battery types supported by the machine.
Can I overcharge a battery?
Yes, overcharging batteries can reduce their effectiveness, reduce the life of the battery, and may cause additional problems. Once a battery is fully charged, you should take it off the charger.
How do I dispose of batteries?
All rechargeable batteries must be disposed of properly, through approved recycling facilities. Rechargeable battery types include; NiCd, NiMH, Li Ion, and Lead Acid (Pb). RayovacDirect.com encourages proper recycling through Batteries Plus. Contact your nearest Batteries Plus store for best recycling options by dialing 1-800-677-8278. Be environmentally conscious. Recycle your batteries.
