Please settle this debate

[webley445]

She was taught to keep batteries in the freezer to preserve them. I read that CPF members reccomend using lithiums for torches kept in cars during the winter. I can't stand storing batts in the fridge, condensation forms when you yank them out. Its gonna sweat inside whatever you use it in. Most times one doesn't wait 2-3 hours for a battery change wouldn't you say? She says "this is what my daddy says".

Who will end this debate for me? I am not insisting that I'm right, just looking for the truth. [but I wouldn't mind being right

]

 

[SurefireM6]

You can buy little dessicant packs. Use them with a ziplock baggy to keep moisture out during storage. That way when you take them out to thaw, it won't condense.

 

[logical]

I think the debate question is does it or doesn't it help extend battery shelf life if you keep them in the fridge or freezer. Right? I'm sure somebody here will know.

The real question though is do you want to deal with the backlash that comes with telling her that daddy was wrong?

 

[SurefireM6]

LOL, true I would leave that one alone!

 

[webley445]

TRUE DAT !! I wouldn't be abusive, just being able to give the occasional knowing grin!

 

[hotbeam]

I have also been told that one should keep batteries in the fridge to store them when they are not used... I think what they mean is if you keep your batteries in a colder environment (eg. 4C fridge), it slows down any chemical reactions that would go on in the battery, hence increasing/extending their shelf life.

Most batteries have a 'best before' date on them. I believe that is calculated assuming the battery is stored in an environment of 21C.

If you live in a climate which is less than ~21C, putting them in a fridge may not necessarily increase their shelf life as much as those living in warmer climates.

Technically speaking, freezing the batteries should slow (if not stop) the chemical reactions... not sure how slow the chemical reactions can be slowed to?

 

[webley445]

But what affect would condensation have on the batteries? Getting wet couldn't be good for them.

 

[SurefireM6]

Nope, esp Lithiums. If you use a ziplock (airtight ones) with dessicant they won't get wet at all. I always thought it was old wives tale to put them in the fridge but I have no scientific proof of this.

Maybe someone wants to run a test. Put a battery in the freezer and one in the cabinet. A few years later see if there is a difference? I couldn't imagine that it would even be noticible with short term storage (less than a year).

 

[shiftd]

But you got to be careful in putting the batteries inside the fridge that can make ice out of it. The chemical substance inside the battery will form crystaline and even after you melt the crystals down, the structure of the chemical inside the battery will change. So, not long lifetime that you get, but rather short life span from your precious batteries

. However, if you put it inside a fridge that has temp lower but not much lower than the normal temp, then yes, you will preserve the charge of your battery

 

[highlandsun]

I destroyed a $250 LiIon Sony laptop battery by putting it in my freezer for 30 minutes. I don't recommend it. It was at 14.0V when it went in, and 0.0V when it came out, and I was never able to get it to charge up ever again. Dissected the pack, tried charging the individual cells. Nada.

re: the fridge - I store all my alkalines in the fridge. There are some battery company web sites that recommend this as well. (I don't remember the URLs offhand.) The dessicant trick doesn't really help - when it comes time to use the batteries, you have to pull them out and put them into whatever device you want to operate. Once they hit the open air, they collect condensation. You do need to let them warm up to room temp. You need to anyway, because they won't produce full voltage when they're cold either. (For the very reason you chilled them in the first place - the reactions have slowed down...)

 

[SurefireM6]

If you take it out of the fridge and let it warm up to room temp, then the dessicant and zip lock bags are useless. To prevent condensation, you have to let it sit awhile in the zip lock. That way, your limiting moisture to only what's in the ziplock while it warms up.

 

[txwest]

Being that cold weather kills batteries, I sure wouldn't recomend putting them in the freezer. TX

 

[logical]

Yes, but the cold doesn't really kill them...it just makes them temporarily less effective until they are warm again.

Actually, there is some good information out there if you search the net.

The concensus on alkalines and lithiums seems to be that refrigeration might help a tiny ammount but not worth the hassle if you have a way to store them at near room temperature. If you live where it is very hot, refrigeration might be worthwhile.

Rechargables will benifit from refrigeration because they drain faster unused at room temperature.

The condensation issue can only happen if the moisture is in the bag before it goes in the fridge. A refrigerator in general is a fairly dry place.

 

[Empath]

This has been discussed in a previous thread. Refrigeration probably won't hurt, but dissimilar expansion rates would be more pronounced at the freezer's extreme temperatures.

 

[PsycoBob[Q2]]

Rather than type out a scathing reply about people whose 'cell' experience involves carbon-zinc and those anchient twist-the-top-to-activate cells...

Cold Batteries

 

[FalconFX]

If you have one of those FoodSaver vacuum sealers, it does pretty well for storing alkalines. I've packed and refrigerated some from back in 1999, and am now just starting to use them. Runs just like as if they were new.

In the process of freezing some Rayovac Maximums I've bought in bulk, as well as some lithiums. Once you vacuum seal it and moisture isn't a problem, condensation shouldn't be a problem either... My freezer is kept at -10F, so it's not too bad of a chill where it destroys your batts.

 

[webley445]

Gothcha, keep in mind though she stores them in the freezer, hence I feel that there is a real issue here with condensation. Remember we are talking about someone who doesn't take the same steps as we all would concerning batteries and lights.. I also took another look at them and she doesn't always make sure that the ziplocks are shut properly. Hey, her loss, she can do what she wants with her batteries, I'll do what I want with mine.

OK, I feel I have enough ammunition here. IT helps, but not as much as I would think, basically doesn't make a difference. So if you REALLY want to honey, you can store them that way, BUT it doesn't really matter. You can humor Dad this way so he doesn't feel bad, BUT we both know the truth now.........and can I have a pillow too since I'm sleeping on the sofa tonight?

 

[Albany Tom]

Info from Eveready

for Lithium:
http://data.energizer.com/datasheets/library/primary/lithium/l91.pdf

for Alkaline:
http://data.energizer.com/batteryinfo/application_manuals/cylindrical_alkaline.htm
(see chart "Projected Percent Service Maintenance")

Looks like it's time for me to clear out some fridge space.

Along these lines, the "death of alkalines" at low temperatures has been highly exaggerated. It was 8F going to work a couple of days ago, and my SL6, loaded with alkalines, worked just fine and dandy.

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I wrote an article a while back answering this question about storing batteries. You can find it here:

http://www.zbattery.com/batterycare.html

Btw, since the article was written I remembered that the little packs that you get in a new pair of shoes or in some other items you buy at the store include a little pack of silica gel. Don't throw it out! Put it in with your batteries in the fridge...

Hope this helps.

Bryan Noonan
http://www.zbattery.com
[email protected]

 

[jmm]

How come every Silica Gel packet you see has the words "Do Not Eat" printed on it, and batteries dont? I already know batteries taste like chicken, but I find myself wondering almost irresistably about Silica Gel.

John