Anderson’s Electronics

Battery Questions & Answers

  Question

How long should a rechargeable battery last?

  Answer

On average, a rechargeable battery should last between 500-800 charge – discharge cycles. This is approximately 1 and a half years to 3 years. As your battery is dying, you will notice a decline in the running time of your battery.

  Question

Can I overcharge my battery?

  Answer

Yes, and if overcharged your batteries capacity can be reduced, the life of your battery can be shortened, and additional problems can occur.

  Question

How can I maximize performance of my battery?

  Answer

Most manufacturers say that Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries should always be charged. The typical shelf life of a VRLA battery is up to 1 year however batteries should be recharged after 6 months if not in use. Keeping your batteries in a cool and dry place while not in use will help maximize your batteries performance. Keep your batteries clean: clean batteries will ensure a good connection between your battery and its device. If you have a lot of moisture around your battery, it can potentially corrode contact points and limit charge-discharge performance.

  Question

How do I tell if my battery charger is malfunctioning?

  Answer

Check and see the temperature of your charger. If your charger is hot, make sure you unplug it and let it cool down before attempting to charge your battery again. Check to see if the cables have cracks or anything in them. If the wiring inside is showing, this is a problem. Make sure you check the metal contacts for any scratches, or grime. Deep scratches in the hard plastic parts are potentially dangerous, and could be one of the reason’s your charger is malfunctioning. Not all of these signs will be occuring, so if you find your battery is not charging how you believe it should be, you should have your charger checked out. Here at Anderson’s, most chargers can be checked for you.

  Question

What could have caused my battery to fail?

  Answer

Your battery could have been either over charged, or under charged. Make sure you check your charger from time to time to ensure that it is functioning correctly. Also, make sure you are using the right chemistry of battery for your application.

  Question

How do I dispose of my batteries?

  Answer

Here at Anderson’s, we can recycle all batteries except vented NiCad cells. Other options include returning them to a battery retailer, an automotive service station, a battery manufacturer, or any other authorized collection centers for recycling.