Using magnets as battery connections?

[Flo1]

I see that many people use magnets when charging cells but can I assume that magnets are suitable for use as terminal connections with a load applied as well? Or am I way off the mark?

I'm just thinking of custom situations where multiple loose cells are used instead of a dedicated pack and limited space considerations apply..

 

[Illum]

since magnets do not alter the chemical reaction of a battery, nor does it alter the conditions to which that correct function depends on, attaching a magnet to the battery at max would only introduce resistance into the equation. Certain magnets may be coated with a proprietary sum of metals not all of which can conduct electricity as well as the few well known conductors.

If you plan on using batteries as connectors, look for gold plated magnets, they seem to work well for me as they are easily tinned and soldered and stays in place when I charge cells

 

[Flo1]

Hi Illum.

Thanks for that. I might give it a go.

Cheers.

 

[Justin Case]

I see that many people use magnets when charging cells but can I assume that magnets are suitable for use as terminal connections with a load applied as well? Or am I way off the mark?

I'm just thinking of custom situations where multiple loose cells are used instead of a dedicated pack and limited space considerations apply..

If you are looking at sintered NdFeB rare earth magnets, my personal opinion is that those magnets are too brittle for any application that will see a mechanical load. I've had multiple NdFeB magnets snap into two pieces while lightly held between my fingers.

 

[Flo1]

Yeah I have some thin (1mm) ones that have done the same thing.. Would thicker magnets (say 3mm or 1/8") be as prone?