RadioShack's On-line Battery Guidebook

Battery Charging Tips

General Tips

• Make sure to read the manual for instructions when charging a battery internally. Not all chargers are equipped to charge all types of batteries.
• For the charge times for different types of batteries, you should check your charger's owner's manual. The time required varies according to the type of charger and battery.
• To test the charging rate of a charger, a multimeter must be put in series with the battery and charger to accurately measure the rate. Follow the instructions for testing current with the multimeter you are using.
• Be careful not to overcharge batteries, and especially when charging Ni-Cd and NiMH. These batteries can overheat and burst.

When Charging Ni-Cd Batteries

• Be particularly careful not to overcharge Ni-Cd batteries. These batteries can overheat and burst.
• Be sure and discharge Ni-Cd batteries completely, at least once per month, to avoid creating memory and reducing battery life.

When Charging High-capacity Ni-Cd Batteries

• Be particularly careful not to overcharge Ni-Cd batteries. These batteries can overheat and burst.
• You should charge Ni-Cd high-capacity batteries with a charger designed for batteries with a higher capacity (mAh).
• You should not use a charger that has an automatic timer cut-off, as it will cut off before the battery is fully charged. If the charger has an auto-off feature which will stop charging when the battery is fully charged and it does not have a discharging circuit, you can get a full charge by running a second charge cycle.
• If the charger does not have auto-off, you run the risk of overcharging the batteries. If it has a discharging circuit, it will discharge the battery rather than completing the charge cycle.
• Be sure and discharge Ni-Cd batteries completely, at least once per month, to avoid creating memory and reducing battery life.

When Charging NiMH Batteries

• Be particularly careful not to overcharge NiMH batteries. These batteries can overheat and burst.

When Charging Lead-acid Batteries

• Most devices which use lead-acid batteries are designed to recharge the battery; we do not carry any additional lead-acid battery chargers.
• Never discharge Lead-Acid batteries completely. If they are fully discharged, they will be dead and no longer able to be recharged.

When Charging Rechargeable Alkaline Batteries

• Never discharge rechargeable alkaline batteries completely. If they are fully discharged, they will be dead and no longer able to be recharged.