Batteries Left in Flashlight One Year or Six Months

[Grun]

If I stick alkalines in my flashlight for one year, never using it, will it still work after that one year?

How about with Lithium (non-rechargeables?)

 

[Marduke]

If they don't leak, or are not exposed to high temperatures, the shelf life of a quality alkaline is 7 years.

 

[Grun]

If they don't leak, or are not exposed to high temperatures, the shelf life of a quality alkaline is 7 years.

Thanks. Marduke. Do you know if shelf life means batteries in their packaging only, or does this include being stored in a flashlight as well?

(For an emergency backup light).

 

[Marduke]

Doesn't matter as long as there is no moisture or temperature effects. However, in most cases I would recommend storing a pack of batteries beside a stash of emergency flashlights, so that if the batteries leak, you don't ruin a flashlight. I only keep an emergency light "ready to go" loaded with batteries if it's loaded with lithium primaries.

 

[KingGlamis]

I lost a Mini-Mag and found it over a year later and the batteries were still good (it was in my Jeep, in 100+ AZ weather). But I agree with the previous post, probably best to store the batteries for your emergency lights in the original package next to the light (as long as you have a source of light to FIND your emergency lights).

 

[Burgess]

as KingGlamis said --


I myself lost a Mini-Mag (2AA), and found it again, 7 YEARS later !


Totally expected the insides to be junk.


Carefully opened it over my trash can.


But the 2 Duracell Alkalines were still in fine shape ! :thumbsup:


They were "a couple years" past their UseBy date.


Tested 'em on my DMM, and both showed > 1.4 volts (no load)


Then i threw them into my "recycle box".

Didn't wanna' take the chance on 'em at this stage.



Of course, i've been "surprised" in the OTHER direction, also.


Less than a year old, and they leaked (and RUINED) my lights. :hairpull:


Funny how that happens, eh ?



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