The Truth behind Popular Battery Myths
Date : 18 April 2016
Eveready always strives to educate the public on batteries – whether it’s how to choose the right battery for you device or simple general knowledge and interesting facts about batteries in general or our own range.
This month, we want to enlighten you by revealing the truth behind some of the more popular and well-known battery myths out there. There are plenty of different myths about batteries; some true, some false; but we’ve chose five of them that we know the definite answers to and can let you in on whether you should believe the myth or not.
Take a look at these five myths about batteries and the truth behind them:
Myth 1: Store your batteries in the fridge to make them last longer
As ideal as it sounds to be able to prolong your battery’s life simply by storing them in the fridge, it isn’t the case. Batteries tend to perform less when they are in the cold. For example, if you leave a flashlight out in the cold and switch it on, it will initially give off a dim light rather than a bright one. It’s best to store your batteries at room temperature and in a place where it doesn’t get hot and there’s no direct sunlight.
Batteries discharge at a faster rate at higher temperatures. The only time this myth might have a bit of truth to it is if you live in an extremely hot climate and it’s the only cool place to keep your batteries – this is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.
Verdict: Myth is mostly false.
Myth 2: Alkaline batteries last longer than rechargeable batteries
While alkaline batteries last long, rechargeable ones do too – and they do not have a lower capacity than your alkaline battery!
The reason this is a common thought is because alkaline batteries will perform in your device for one, very long period of time. Rechargeable batteries, on the other hand, also offer multiple times to be used in your device, but just for shorter periods at a time before they need to be charged again. This doesn’t mean that they don’t last as long. In fact, some rechargeable batteries can last for up to 500 uses!
Verdict: This myth is false.
Myth 3: A battery expires on its expiration date
The expiration dates on battery packs do not represent the date that they’re suddenly going to go flat and lose all power. Once batteries leave the factory, they start losing some of their efficiency little by little. The expiration date merely represents the shelf life and it’s likely that by that particular date, the battery may not be 100% up to its full potential and quality; but it will definitely still work!
Verdict: This myth is false.
Myth 4: You have to recharge your rechargeable batteries very slowly
Whether you charge your batteries overnight or use a quick charger to charge your batteries speedily; your batteries will perform the same and its performance will not be affected.
It might be interesting to let you know that it is actually overcharging your rechargeable batteries that may lead to a decrease in performance and capacity. Make sure to switch your charger off once the batteries are 100% charged.
Verdict: This myth is false.
Myth 5: Batteries leak a fluid called battery acid
While batteries contain a battery fluid that is harmful and could cause burns should it leak onto your skin, it actually is not acid – even though it is commonly referred to as "battery acid”.
The "acid” referred to is actually called battery fluid; and it consists of potassium hydroxide. When this makes contact with your skin or eyes, it poses a threat due to the electrolytes present.
Take a look at our Battery Safety Tips for information on what to do if battery fluid leaks onto you.
Verdict: This myth is false. There is no acid present in the battery fluid.
These are just 5 of the most common myths about batteries. Have you ever heard of these and done any of the above with your batteries? If you have or if you have other myths you would like to share with us, inbox us on ourFacebook page or post on our wall!
