Battery Terms
NiCd
NiCd batteries are typically used for low-drain applications. It's important to discharge these batteries fully before charging them, or their memory could drop, resulting in less run-time during operation. This is often referred to as the "Memory Effect".
NiMH
NiMH batteries have higher capacities than NiCd cells and are not subject to "Memory Effect". This means you can recharge them before they have become fully discharged (drained), and their memory will not decrease. NiMH cells are commonly used in high-drain applications. They will last longer than NiCd batteries between charges, and offer more charge times (called cycles).
Lithium Ion
Lithium Ion batteries are smaller and lighter in weight than NiMH batteries. They are memory-free as well and can be just as high in capacity as NiMH batteries.
Alkaline
Alkaline batteries are non-rechargeable. Non rechargeable is also called "single use" "disposable" or "throw away". These batteries cannot be recharged once fully drained/discharged.
Lithium
Lithium batteries are non rechargeable. They are 1.5 volt and have a long shelf-life, usually up to 15 years in many cases. Lithium cells are best suited for high-drain/power-hungry applications.
Lithium Phosphate (LiFePO4)
Lithium Phosphate batteries are rechargeable and offer up to 2000 charge cycles. They're light weight and have a high energy to density ratio with a long storage life and no memory effect.
Zinc Air
Zinc Air batteries are non-rechargeable and operate by oxidizing zinc with oxygen from the air. This chemistry is used for hearing aid batteries.
Amp Hours (Ah)
Refers to the amperage - the strength of the electrical current expressed in amperes that the battery can hold. The higher the Ah, the longer the battery will last in-between charges. In batteries, this is most often expressed in mAh (milliampere hours).
Milliamp Hours (mAh)
Applies to how much energy the battery can store - the capacity of the battery. The higher the mAh is, the longer the run-time between charges. One (1) mAh is the equivalent to 1/1000 Amps. IE: 2.7 Ah = 2700 mAh.
Bay
A single compartment within a battery charger to house a single cell.
Capacity
Measured in Amp Hours or milliampere hours and is the amount of time the battery can supply the necessary voltage.
Cell
One individual battery canister. Commonly arranged with other cells, to form battery packs of different voltage and capacities.
Charge
With the use of a charger, charging a battery will insert energy into it.
Charger
A device whose purpose is to recharge/restore the power to rechargeable batteries.
Condition
The process by which a battery is discharged and charged, in order to guarantee maximum performance.
Discharge
The process of taking energy out of a battery. This can be done by depleting the power through use, or deliberately discharging the battery's power through the discharging function of a battery charger.
Life Cycle (Charge Cycle)
The length of time a battery can deliver power, on one full charge. In the case of rechargeable batteries, these cycles are repeated through the use of a battery charger. In the case of single use, non rechargeable batteries, there is 1 life cycle.
Low Self-Discharge (Low Discharge)
A term used for batteries that self-discharge more SLOWLY, than at a standard self-discharge rate. To discharge is to release energy. This occurs both when the battery is being used and when it is idle.
Memory Effect
Memory Effect is expressed in a decrease in memory to a battery, (occurring in NiCd chemistry), due to repetitive charging with incomplete discharging (draining) prior. This results in less overall run-time on a single charge. Memory Effect does not occur with NiMH and Lithium Ion chemistry batteries.
Self-Discharge
If batteries are fully charged and sit on the shelf, not in use, they will self-discharge / lose capacity on their own while idle.
Voltage
Voltage is the measurement of energy in electricity, particularly, the unit energy of the charge.
Battery FAQs
Are the date codes on the batteries fresh?
We guarantee fresh date codes on all of the batteries we sell.
How do I know I’m receiving authentic goods?
Quality is our #1 priority - therefore you will always receive the brand name that you have ordered. We will never send you phony goods.
If my original power device has a NiCd battery, can I use a different chemistry?
Each chemistry is different from the other. We therefore don’t recommend switching chemistries unless the device has been designed to accept more than one battery chemistry.
Do I have to charge my batteries once I receive them?
Some batteries come up to 85% pre-charged, but we do recommend giving your batteries a full charge prior to use.
What is the difference between Alkaline and Silver Oxide button batteries?
Silver Oxide batteries last on average 5 times longer than Alkaline batteries.
Will I damage my device if I use batteries with a greater mAh number?
Replacing a battery with a slightly different mAh works, as long as the battery has the same voltage.
How long do batteries last?
NiCd batteries typically last about 500 cycles. NiMH & Lithium Ion batteries typically last around 1000 cycles.