Batteries 101
1. I don’t understand the specifications I’m looking at - What is Milliamp (mAh) and Voltage?
The two primary ways to measure or rate a battery is using voltage and amp-hours (often converted to milliamp-hours or mAh). Volts are an electrical measure of energy potential. The voltage of your new battery should always match the voltage of your original battery. The milliamp, or capacity of the battery is the most important to you, as it tells how long a battery can last before it runs out. Example: If you get two battery results for your device and one battery has 2200mAh and the other has 4400mAh, you can count on the 4400mAh battery to last for twice as long.
The two primary ways to measure or rate a battery is using voltage and amp-hours (often converted to milliamp-hours or mAh). Volts are an electrical measure of energy potential. The voltage of your new battery should always match the voltage of your original battery. The milliamp, or capacity of the battery is the most important to you, as it tells how long a battery can last before it runs out. Example: If you get two battery results for your device and one battery has 2200mAh and the other has 4400mAh, you can count on the 4400mAh battery to last for twice as long.
2. How can I maximize my battery’s performance?
Temperature
Keeping your battery at or below room temperature will help extend its life. Make sure you store your battery/device in a dry, cool place. Also, when using your laptop, it’s better to keep it on a hard surface as opposed to your lap or couch which can cause it to overheat.
Cycle the Battery
Cycling your battery will help maintain top performance. We suggest cycling your battery when you first get it, if you haven’t used it in a few weeks, or if it doesn’t seem to be performing to its full capability. Here’s how to cycle your battery:
1. Run your battery all the way down until it goes completely dead
2. Recharge the battery fully (If charging in your device, keep it powered off for best results)
3. Repeat
Additional Suggestions
-Do not keep your device plugged in for long periods of time (Example: leaving your laptop or digital camera plugged in with the battery in it night after night will shorten your battery’s lifespan).
-Buy a quality product. There are lots of cheap “direct import” batteries out there with no brand and no warranty. These batteries often have very low capacities and cheap parts. Remember, you get what you pay for.
Temperature
Keeping your battery at or below room temperature will help extend its life. Make sure you store your battery/device in a dry, cool place. Also, when using your laptop, it’s better to keep it on a hard surface as opposed to your lap or couch which can cause it to overheat.
Cycle the Battery
Cycling your battery will help maintain top performance. We suggest cycling your battery when you first get it, if you haven’t used it in a few weeks, or if it doesn’t seem to be performing to its full capability. Here’s how to cycle your battery:
1. Run your battery all the way down until it goes completely dead
2. Recharge the battery fully (If charging in your device, keep it powered off for best results)
3. Repeat
Additional Suggestions
-Do not keep your device plugged in for long periods of time (Example: leaving your laptop or digital camera plugged in with the battery in it night after night will shorten your battery’s lifespan).
-Buy a quality product. There are lots of cheap “direct import” batteries out there with no brand and no warranty. These batteries often have very low capacities and cheap parts. Remember, you get what you pay for.
3. Can I take my batteries on an airplane?
Yes. All of Lithium Ion, Nickel-Metal Hydride, and Alkaline batteries can be taken on an airplane with no problem. We do recommend that you keep your battery in its device or safely packed up in a cool place.
Yes. All of Lithium Ion, Nickel-Metal Hydride, and Alkaline batteries can be taken on an airplane with no problem. We do recommend that you keep your battery in its device or safely packed up in a cool place.
4. How do I recycle or dispose of my battery?
For information on battery recycling and disposal, please visit our Green World section.
For information on battery recycling and disposal, please visit our Green World section.
5. How long should my new battery last?
The lifespan of your battery depends on usage and how well you take care of it. See above for “How can I maximize my battery’s performance?”. The average lifespan of a rechargeable battery is between 500 and 1000 charge cycles. You will notice the more you charge your battery that your run time will begin to decline - this is normal. When your battery is only lasting about half the amount of time it was originally, it’s time for a replacement.
The lifespan of your battery depends on usage and how well you take care of it. See above for “How can I maximize my battery’s performance?”. The average lifespan of a rechargeable battery is between 500 and 1000 charge cycles. You will notice the more you charge your battery that your run time will begin to decline - this is normal. When your battery is only lasting about half the amount of time it was originally, it’s time for a replacement.
6. Does putting my batteries in the refrigerator help performance?
Storing your batteries in the refrigerator will not noticeably improve performance. Some people choose to store their batteries in the fridge to avoid heat, which does negatively affect your battery. However, simply storing them in a cool, dry place should be sufficient. If you do choose to store your batteries in the refrigerator, make sure they are kept dry and that you let them return to room temperature before usage.
Storing your batteries in the refrigerator will not noticeably improve performance. Some people choose to store their batteries in the fridge to avoid heat, which does negatively affect your battery. However, simply storing them in a cool, dry place should be sufficient. If you do choose to store your batteries in the refrigerator, make sure they are kept dry and that you let them return to room temperature before usage.
7. Why isn’t my new battery working?
Rechargeable batteries are shipped in a discharged condition and must be charged before use. We recommend that you cycle your new battery a few times to allow them to reach their full capacity. See "How can I maximize my battery’s performance?" for how to cycle a battery.
If you are still having a problem with your battery, please contact us and we will assist you further or instruct you on exchanging it.
Rechargeable batteries are shipped in a discharged condition and must be charged before use. We recommend that you cycle your new battery a few times to allow them to reach their full capacity. See "How can I maximize my battery’s performance?" for how to cycle a battery.
If you are still having a problem with your battery, please contact us and we will assist you further or instruct you on exchanging it.
8. What is the “Memory Effect” and do your products have it?
The “Memory effect” is an effect observed in certain rechargeable batteries that cause them to hold less charge. If your battery is only partially drained before recharging, the battery will only “remember” the smaller capacity and will only use that percentage of power. Have no fear, our batteries have no memory and can retain their full capacity every time. If you feel your battery isn’t performing up to its full capability, please view “How can I maximize my battery’s performance?” above.
The “Memory effect” is an effect observed in certain rechargeable batteries that cause them to hold less charge. If your battery is only partially drained before recharging, the battery will only “remember” the smaller capacity and will only use that percentage of power. Have no fear, our batteries have no memory and can retain their full capacity every time. If you feel your battery isn’t performing up to its full capability, please view “How can I maximize my battery’s performance?” above.