Batteries

At our store, you can find the perfect battery for any project. We'll show you what matters when using and choosing them.

What should be considered when using batteries?

Apart from inserting them correctly into the device and the rule that only rechargeable batteries should be recharged, whereas normal batteries should not, there are generally no special considerations.

Before inserting, however, make sure they are fully charged or have enough power left if they are not rechargeable. Some classes of devices may have issues even with batteries that are only half full, which can have various effects. From complete failure to less severe quirks that may not immediately suggest the battery as the cause.
When inserting the battery, as mentioned, be sure not to reverse the plus and minus poles. The location of these is indicated on the battery itself. The minus sign indicates the negative pole, while the plus sign indicates the positive pole. The device will also indicate the correct orientation for inserting the battery.

When using batteries, the worst-case scenario is that the device may not work. This could be due to incorrect insertion of the battery or the battery not being suitable for the device. In general, damage should not occur as long as the polarity is observed. However, to prevent batteries from leaking during prolonged non-use, it is advisable to remove them from the device and store them separately. Battery acid should not be handled with bare hands.

A variety of fruits can generate electricity, especially citrus fruits. This battery works best with one or more fruits. Citrus fruits contain a lot of acid, making them suitable for this type of power generation.

To build a lemon battery, start by making the two electrodes. Cut a strip of copper and zinc sheet, each 1.5 cm wide and 6 cm long. Alternatively, copper coins can be used. For the zinc electrode, zinc wire can also be used. Next, take the lemon and insert both metal strips through the peel into the pulp. Ensure the strips do not touch inside the lemon; they should have some distance between them. These two poles will then provide the voltage. The copper strip is always the positive pole. Connect an electronic device (e.g., a watch) to test the lemon battery.

Should batteries/accumulators be removed from the device when not in use?

Yes. Even in turned-off devices, a small current can flow, leading to deep discharge over time, which can damage the battery and even destroy it. Even store-bought batteries can leak easily if left unused for long periods in the device.

How quickly does a rechargeable battery charge?

This depends on the charger and the battery's construction and technology. Generally, higher charging currents result in faster charging. Normal charging takes about 10 to 15 hours. Fast charging can be done in 2 to 3 hours, but the batteries must be suitable for this.

What types of accumulators are there and what are their respective advantages and disadvantages?

In addition to the commonly sold nickel-metal hydride (NiMh) batteries, nickel-cadmium (NiCd) accumulators still have their place today. For example, in phones that are kept in the charging station for about 95% of their time, NiMh batteries would perform much worse. NiCd technology handles continuous charging better. The lithium-ion (LiIon) technology used in modern phones and smartphones is considered almost perfect. It is more expensive but provides the most energy. A minimal advancement of this technology is the lithium-polymer (LiPoly) technology. Cars and motorcycles often use lead batteries, which are very heavy due to their main task of starting vehicles. Lead batteries can be broadly divided into liquid batteries and gel batteries. Other less common technologies include zinc-carbon cells, also known as dry batteries, and silver-zinc cells.

What do the different battery designations like AAA mean?

These designations indicate their size and voltage. The most well-known batteries and accumulators are AA cells, also known as Mignon batteries or R6, which provide 1.5 volts. The second most common type is AAA, also known as Micro, which provides 1.2 volts.