Energizer_® Rechargeable Batteries and Chargers: Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Do Energizer_® NiMH Rechargeable batteries need to be charged before using them for the first time?
   Yes, Energizer_® NiMH Rechargeable batteries are not fully charged upon purchase, so they need to be charged before the first use. However, because they are not fully discharged, either, they should actually charge in less time before the first use.
   
   
2. Do Energizer_® NiMH Rechargeable batteries have to be fully drained before recharging? Do they have a “memory”?
   No. Energizer_® NiMH Rechargeable batteries do not have the memory problems typically associated with older Nickel Cadmium rechargeable battery technology. NiMH Rechargeable batteries can be recharged after a few hours of use or whenever convenient. If batteries have been stored for more than 1 month, be sure to recharge before using to maximize power.
   
   
3. What is the difference between NiMH and older NiCd rechargeable batteries?
   
   Both types of batteries are rechargeable, but NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries have a higher energy density and can provide up to 4 times the performance service of older NiCd (nickel cadmium) batteries for each charge.
   
   
4. What is mAh (milli-amp-hour)?
   NiMH batteries have varying mAh (milli-amp-hour) ratings which indicate the power capacity of the battery. The higher the capacity, the longer the battery will last between charges. Energizer_® Rechargeable AA batteries offer 2500 mAh per charge, and Energizer_® Rechargeable AAA batteries offer 900 mAh per charge providing long-lasting power for your high-tech devices.
   
   
5. How many charge cycles will I get out of my batteries?
   In general, a NiMH battery offers 100s of charges over its lifetime. Many factors affect NiMH battery cycle life, including temperature, storage conditions, and shelf life. Also, the number of charges you will get out of your batteries will vary depending on the charger you use. In general, fast chargers can limit the NiMH battery lifetime to 150 charges while slower chargers can prolong the cycle life to more than 500 charges.
   
   
6. Do rechargeable batteries lose their charge when not in use?
   All NiMH batteries lose their charge when not in use; however, the rate of capacity loss varies. Some NiMH batteries lose their charge at about 1.5% per day. Energizer_® Rechargeable batteries self-discharge at a rate of about 0.5% per day.
   
   
7. Why do rechargeable batteries become warm while charging?
   It is normal for batteries to become warm during the charge cycle. This is caused by the energy the charger is putting into the battery. Battery temperatures should return to room conditions within minutes after the charging process stops.
   
   
8. How long can I store NiMH Rechargeable batteries?
   Typically, you can store NiMH Rechargeable batteries up to 3 years if stored in relatively environmentally controlled conditions.
   
   
9. Can I use alkaline batteries in an Energizer_® battery charger?
   No! Standard alkaline batteries are not designed to be recharged and should never be placed in any battery charger. Do not attempt to recharge alkaline batteries in an Energizer_® NiMH battery charger or any other battery charger.
   
   
10. Can I use other NiMH batteries in an Energizer_® charger designed for NiMH batteries?
    
    You should still be able to use other manufacturer’s rechargeable batteries as long as they are NiMH batteries. Please be aware that Energizer_® chargers are tested and designed for Energizer_® batteries, so we do recommend using Energizer_® NiMH batteries in Energizer_® chargers.
    
    
11. Can I use another manufacturer’s charger to charge my Energizer_® NiMH Rechargeable batteries?
    Energizer does not recommend using another manufacturer’s charger to charge Energizer_® NiMH Rechargeable batteries. Energizer_® NiMH Rechargeable batteries are designed for use with Energizer_® chargers for best performance. If the charger is not properly designed, it could cause a loss of performance by the battery overcharging, undercharging, or overheating. We can only recommend the use of our chargers. To obtain additional information on this subject, we recommend contacting the manufacturer of the charger directly.
    
    
12. Why are rechargeable batteries 1.2 Volt?
    Every battery chemical system has an operating voltage based on their internal active materials (fuel). Rechargeable batteries are 1.2 Volt while alkaline batteries are 1.5 Volt. This, however, should not affect the device service provided by your NiMH battery.
    
    
13. How can I recycle my rechargeable batteries?
    Rechargeable batteries can be recycled free of charge at any Rechargeable Battery Recycling location. To learn more, visit www.rbrc.org or call 1-800-8BATTERY.
    
    
14. What should I consider when choosing a NiMH battery charger?
    Consider the following list when choosing the NiMH charger that is right for you.
    
    

    • Your personal needs: i.e. a charger perfect for traveling; a charger for home use only; a charger that can charge all battery types, AA/AAA/C/D/9V
    • What battery capacity (mAh) is best used for this particular charger
    • Special charger features:
    • Charge time
    • Charge status indicators
    • Warranty
    • Dual voltage
    • Compact design
    • Fold-out plug versus external adapter cable
    • On/Off switch
    • Car adapter
    • How many batteries it charges
    • What size battery it charges
      

    
    
    
15. What is the difference between a smart versus a timed charger?
    A smart charger detects the battery’s charge status and will stop charging the battery when it is charged. A timed charger runs for a specified amount of time and then shuts off.
    
    
16. How do I know if a charger is dual voltage and can be used overseas?
    Please refer to the back of the charger. If the charger is dual voltage, the input voltage will state 100-240 volts. Energizer offers several dual voltage chargers. However, Energizer does not recommend using chargers that are designed for US power (120 volts AC at 60 Hz) in foreign countries that have a different power supply. Using overseas voltage adapters can result in permanent damage to the charger or wall plug adapter.
    
    
17. Why do the lights blink on my Energizer_® battery charger?
    In general, a blinking light means one of three things. First, you may have a bad contact. Make sure your battery contacts and charger contacts are clean. After unplugging your charger, you may use a cloth to clean the contacts. Or, for excessive dirt, use a pencil eraser. Also make sure the battery is seated correctly. If it is not a bad contact, it may be one of two other uncommon causes – a bad battery or a bad channel.
    
    
18. What if I have a question about Energizer_® Rechargeable batteries and/or chargers, but can’t find the answer on your site?
    Just call 1-800-383-7323. Our customer service experts can answer all your Energizer questions. Or Contact Us electronically, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.