How to Store batteries

For many years, I have stored alkaline and carbon zinc batteries in the refrigerator believing that it extended their storage life.  Recently I have come across new information that disagrees with this method.

Several of the battery manufactures are now stating that storage in a refrigerator can actually shorten the life of some batteries.  This is because of changes made in the formulation of the batteries.

On the Duracell site they state, “Do not refrigerate Duracell batteries, this will not make them last longer.”

The following is from Eveready’s home page.

Should I store carbon zinc batteries in the refrigerator?

Storing batteries in refrigerators or freezers is not required or recommended for batteries produced today.  In fact, cold temperature storage can harm batteries. To maximize performance and shelf life, store batteries at normal room temperatures with moderate humidity levels.

Should I store alkaline batteries in the refrigerator?

Storing batteries in refrigerators or freezers is not required or recommended for batteries produced today. In fact, cold temperature storage can harm batteries. To maximize performance and shelf life, store batteries at normal room temperatures with moderate humidity levels.

The Rayovac site states, “Store batteries in a cool, dry location. Remember, batteries are like any other chemical system. Heat will accelerate the chemical reaction and shorten cell life. Avoid storing batteries or battery-operated devices in extremely warm places or other temperature extremes”.

The following are some tips to help you get the best life from your batteries.

• Before you throw away batteries that you think are dead, wait.  Check to see if they have been inserted correctly, and follow the instructions on your device, making sure that the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of each battery are aligned properly. Also, check to see that the terminals are clean. When in doubt, clean the terminals with a coarse cloth or pencil eraser.

• Batteries cannot deliver much power when they are cold. You may find that the flashlight kept in your car in the middle of winter casts a faint beam. Let the batteries warm up to normal temperature, and try them again before you decide to replace the batteries.

• Don’t mix new and old batteries. This draws more power from the new battery, thus shortening its life.

• DON’T store batteries or battery-powered devices in hot places — elevated temperatures can lead to capacity loss, leakage or rupture.

From everything that I can find I believe you will get a good storage life from your batteries if you store them in moderate temperatures and a dry area.

If you buy batteries in bulk from Costco or similar suppliers look at the packaging,  they have a use by date on them.  Check your dates, they should show a life of from 5 to 7 years.

Howard

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