|
|
How
to Maximize the Life of your Rechargeable
Battery |
|
|
|
> A Longer Battery Life
> A
Faster Charging Time
> A Higher Charging Capacity
> An
Extended Battery Life Span
|
A common difficulty with portable equipment is the gradual
decline in battery performance after the first year of service.
Although fully charged, the battery eventually regresses to
a point where the available energy is less than half of its
original capacity, resulting in unexpected downtime. For a
battery to reach its natural life, proper maintenance is necessary.
|
There
are several things you can do to maximize the useful life of your
battery:
>
If
you purchase a new mobile phone (or a new battery), the rechargeable
battery is shipped uncharged and must be fully charged prior to
its first use. The
first time you charge the battery, the device may indicate a false
full charge after 10 to 15 minutes. This is normal. Unplug and plug
the charger to "restart" the charging process.
Several charging-discharging cycles (2-3) are required for the battery
to reach the maximum capacity, best performance and hold a full
charge.
>
Make
sure to charge the battery fully and drain it fully before recharging.
This will properly condition the battery and will ensure that it
will operate at its maximum capacity. This is recommended for many
types of mobile phone batteries. You can discharge most mobile phones
by unplugging the power adapter and leaving it turned on until completely
discharged.
>
Keep
the battery and the contact terminals clean. The battery contacts
are the number one source of charging problems. Clean the battery
contacts (battery + device) with alcohol and a cotton swab. Make
sure no cotton is left on the contact points.
>
Avoid
letting your battery sit dormant for extended periods of time. Batteries
that sit idle for extended periods of time without charging tend
to lose their ability to hold a charge and will self-discharge.
Charge and re-condition (full charge / discharge) when the battery
is new or after an extended idle period.
>
Unplug
your power adapter if you are not using your device or mobile phone.
Batteries that sit idle for extended periods of time without charging
begin to lose their ability to hold a charge and will self-discharge,
so remember to charge them again before use.
>
Do
not use cigarette-lighter adaptors for charging your battery, if
you can. The battery can be damaged and its performances reduced
by the use of cigarette-lighter adaptors, which do not properly
regulate the incoming current.
>
Always
store batteries in a cool, dry place away from heat and metal objects.
>
You
can increase your actual battery life by removing some features
and use options and accessories that you really need: For mobile
phones, remove or switch off GPRS, Bluetooth, backlight, ring volume,
vibration mode, etc...
>
For
optimal performance it is recommended to use genuine batteries from
the device manufacturer.
>
Avoid
exposing the battery to extreme heat, sun and cold.
>
Depending
on your battery type, overcharging or undercharging it could result
in a shorter life.
Due to the chemical processes involved, batteries deteriorate over
time. After a certain number of cycles, the battery's maximum charge
capacity drops to below 80% of its original capacity.
Type
of Battery |
"Memory"
Effect |
Charging
Cycles |
Li-Ion |
Lithium
Ion |
No |
500-1,000 |
Li-Po |
Lithium
Polymer |
No |
300-500 |
Ni-Cd |
Nickel
Cadmium |
Yes |
1,500 |
Ni-Mh |
Nickel
Metal Hydride |
Small
Effect |
300-500 |
>
If
you do not fully discharge the battery before recharging it, gradually
the capacity of the battery will be reduced. This is called the
"memory" effect, and is due to the accumulation of gas
bubbles on the cell plates.
NiCad batteries are especially prone to this problem. Therefore
users should try to discharge the battery fully after each use,
a process called conditioning. NiMH batteries are less susceptible
to the memory effect, but even then you should condition them
once every one to two weeks. Li-ion and Li-Po batteries are immune
from the memory effect.
| While
Charging a Battery |
 |
Danger
>
When
charging the battery, use dedicated chargers and follow the specified
conditions.
>
Do
not connect directly to an electric outlet or cigarette lighter
charger.
>
Do
not store battery close to fire or inside a car where temperature
may be over 60°C/140°F degrees.
>
Use
the battery only in the specified equipment.
Warning
>
Stop
charging the battery if charging is not completed within the specified
time.
Caution
> Thoroughly read
the user's manual for the charger before charging the battery.
>
Do
not charge in the place which generates static electricity.
>
The
battery can be charged within 0°C/32°F~45°C/113°F
temperature ranges.
| When
Using the Battery |
|
Danger
>
Do
not heat or throw battery into a fire.
>
Do
not store battery close to fire or inside the car where temperature
may be over 60°C/140°F degrees.
> Do
not immerse in, or apply, fresh or saltwater to battery.
>
Do
not put batteries in your pockets or a bag together with metal objects
such as necklaces, hairpins, coins or screws.
>
Do
not short circuit the (+) and (-) terminals with metal.
>
Do
not place battery in a device with the (+) and (-) in the wrong
way or when you connect a battery to the charger.
>
Do
not pierce battery with a sharp object such as a nail.
>
Do
not hit with a hammer, step on, throw or drop to cause strong shock.
>
Do
not disassemble or modify the battery.
>
Do
not solder directly.
>
Do
not use a battery that is severely scarred or deformed.
Warning
>
Do
not put battery into a microwave oven, dryer, or high pressure container.
>
Do
not use battery with dry cells and other primary batteries, or batteries
of a different package, type, or brand.
>
Stop
using the battery if abnormal heat, odor, color, deformation or
abnormal conditions occur.
>
Keep
away from fire immediately when leakage or foul odor are detected.
>
If
liquid leaks onto your skin or clothes, wash well with fresh water
immediately.
>
If
liquid leaking from the battery gets into your eyes, do not rub
your eyes. Wash them well with clean water and contact a doctor
immediately.
Caution
> Store batteries
out of reach of children so that they are not accidentally swallowed.
>
If
a child uses a battery, their guardian should explain the proper
handling.
>
Before
using the battery, be sure to read the user's manual and cautions
on handling thoroughly.
>
For
information on installing and removing from equipment, thoroughly
read the user's manual for the specific equipment.
>
Batteries
have life cycles. If the time that the battery powers equipment
becomes shorter than usual, the battery life span is at an end.
Replace the battery with a new one. Remove a battery whose life
cycle has expired from equipment immediately.
>
When
the battery is thrown away, be sure it is non-conducting by applying
vinyl tape to (+) and (-) terminals or put it in a recycling box
for a rechargeable battery recycling program.
>
When
not using battery for an extended period, remove it from the equipment
and store in a place with low humidity-temperature.
>
If
the terminals of the battery become dirty, wipe with a dry cloth
before using the battery.
>
The
battery can be used and stored within (-20°C/68°F~60°C/140°F)
temperature ranges.
|
