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NiMH Rechargeable Battery Tips
Get the most from your Rechargeable Batteries
Looking after your Rechargeable Batteries will help you get the best performance and longest lifetime from them! Check out our top tips for a happy and long-lasting relationship with your new Powerex or Imedion batteries:
- What should I do before using my new batteries for the first time?
- How long can the batteries hold their charge if I leave them on the shelf?
- My NiMH batteries aren't holding their charge. How can I fix this?
- How often should I condition my batteries?
- How many times can I recharge my batteries?
- Can I leave my batteries in the charger until I need to use it?
Q: I just got my new Powerex NiMH Batteries. What should I do before using them for the first time?
All new NiMH batteries reach peak performance after being cycled 3-5 times.
Battery Cycling can be achieved by simply using the batteries and recharging them when they are flat, or by using a Battery Conditioner (a feature built-in to many Maha Battery Chargers - including the C800S, C9000, C801D and C808M).
Q: How long can the batteries hold their charge if I leave them on the shelf (shelf-life)?
At room temperature, NiMH batteries will self-discharge in around 30 to 60 days without usage (depending on environmental conditions).
In other words, if you leave the batteries on the shelf for more than 30 - 60 days, you should recharge the batteries before using them. It is normal for batteries to be fully depleted of power after long term storage.
NiMH batteries will self-discharge if left unused. Generally, within 30 to 60 days, batteries will become completely drained. When using them, you will need to first recharge them.
After extended storage, you may need to condition the batteries several times to regain nominal performance. Many Maha Battery Chargers (such as the C800S, C9000, C801D and C808M) have a Battery Conditioning feature built-in.
Q: How often should I condition my batteries?
Unlike NiCD batteries, NiMH batteries do not generally suffer from the "memory effect" when they are recharged without being fully discharged, and thus do not require conditioning.
Nevertheless, to ensure top performance, conditioning is recommended once in every ten charges. For Nickel Cadmium (NiCD) batteries, conditioning is recommended every time you charge your batteries.
Q: How many times can I recharge my batteries?
The number of times you can recharge your batteries will depend on the operating parameters, such as drain rate, battery care, etc. In general, under desirable condition, NiMH batteries can last up to 500 recharges. In optimal conditions, NiMH can last up to 1000 recharges.
Q: Can I leave my batteries in the charger until I need to use them?
NiMH batteries can be left in Maha Battery Chargers for an extended period of time without leakage, explosion, or deformation.
However, do not store the batteries in the charger if it is not necessary. Always store charged batteries in a cool location.