Storing batteries can be tricky, so it’s important to know the do’s and don’ts of storing them so you can prolong their life and make the most of your purchase. If you store batteries properly you can keep them from depleting too quickly and get the longest battery life. Read on for our best tips on battery storage brought to you by the storage experts at Secure Self Storage.
When storing batteries, do:
Store your batteries at room temperature
Extreme temperatures can damage batteries of all types. Contrary to popular belief, batteries should never be stored in the freezer. For best results, store your batteries in a climate-controlled room without heat fluctuations. Heat can harm any type of battery and changing temperatures reduce battery performance. Cold temperatures can form condensation and erode batteries overtime.
Keep your batteries away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Intense heat can cause the fluid in your battery to evaporate. Once a battery’s liquid gets too low, the battery will fail. Sunlight will hurt a battery when it is heating it up so keep your batteries at room temperature in a dry location away from the sun’s rays.
Dispose of them safely
Before disposing of any battery, make sure you have a plan to do so safely according to local regulations. Different towns have different rules so be sure to check with your local sanitation department on proper disposal. It used to be common knowledge that throwing batteries in household trash was illegal because batteries have the potential to cause fires as well as leak toxic chemicals that can get washed into groundwater. However, current law states that single use batteries can be disposed of in the regular trash (because they are now made of common non-hazardous metals) in every state except for California where it is still illegal to throw away any batteries in the household trash.
Some important Don’ts for storing batteries
Don’t store your batteries in a plastic sandwich bag
Never store batteries in a plastic sandwich bag. If loose batteries contact each other, or if the terminals come into contact with other metal objects, this could cause the batteries to short-circuit. You never want the positive or negative ends of batteries to connect with each other as this could discharge the batteries.
Avoid mixing old and new batteries together
Older batteries may discharge into the newer ones, leading to reduced performance or damaging both sets of cells. Warnings on leading battery brands such as Duracell or Energizer advise against mixing old and new batteries due to the risk of rupture and leakage of toxic fluid.
Don’t mix batteries with metal
Mixing batteries with metal can cause a short circuit which could damage the battery and the metal itself. Batteries and metal objects don’t mix as metal can overheat the battery cell.
Never short circuit a battery
Short circuiting a battery can cause an intense electrical current which could affect other areas near it. The battery will be run down quickly and in the worst-case scenario the battery could catch fire or burst itself or its container.
In conclusion, storing batteries properly is essential for ensuring their longevity and safe usage. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can extend the life of your batteries and prevent them from leaking or causing hazards. Remember to keep batteries in a cool and dry place, store them in their original packaging or a designated container, and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or moisture. By taking these simple precautions, you can ensure that your batteries are always ready to use when you need them, while also promoting a safer and more sustainable use of these essential power sources.
In the event that you need to store large batteries such as car batteries or even for home use Secure Self Storage has climate controlled storage units that will keep your batteries in tip top condition for when you need them.