Secondary Battery

Product Details

A secondary battery is commonly known as a rechargeable battery. It is usually designed to have a lifetime of between 100 and 1000 recharge cycles, depending on the composite materials. Secondary batteries are, generally, more cost effective over time than primary batteries, since the battery can be recharged and reused. A single discharge cycle of a primary battery, however, will provide more current for a longer period of time than a single discharge cycle of an equivalent secondary battery.   Battery Handling and Maintenance The following guidelines offer specific advice on battery handling and maintenance. This advice is necessarily not all inclusive. Users are cautioned to observe specific warnings on individual battery labels and to use common sense when handling batteries. Battery Caution Do not attempt to recharge primary batteries. This kind of battery is not designed to be recharged and may overheat or leak if recharging is attempted. Be careful of the polarity while loading a battery. Reverse polarity may cause damage to the equipment, in which the battery is wrongly loaded. When recharging secondary batteries, use a charging device that is approved for that type of battery. Using an approved charging device can prevent overcharging or overheating the battery. Many chargers have special circuits built into them for correctly charging specific types of batteries and will not work properly with other types. Do not use secondary (rechargeable) batteries in smoke detectors. Secondary batteries have a high self-discharge rate. Primary batteries have a much longer shelf life and are much more dependable in emergencies. Consult the smoke detector's user manual for the recommended battery types. Do not attempt to refill or repair a worn-out or damaged battery. Do not allow direct bodily contact with battery components. Acidic or alkaline electrolyte can cause skin irritation or burns. Electrode materials such as mercury or cadmium are toxic. Do not lick a 9 V battery to see if it is charged. You will, of course, be able to determine whether or not the battery is charged, but such a test may result in a burn that may range from simply uncomfortable to serious. Do not dispose of batteries in fire. The metallic components of the battery will not burn and the burning electrolyte may splatter, explode, or release toxic fumes. Batteries may be disposed of, however, in industrial incinerators that are approved for the disposal of batteries. Do not carry batteries in your pocket. Coins, keys, or other metal objects can short circuit a battery, which can cause extreme heat, acid leakage, or an explosion.