Have you finally decided to make the switch from alkaline batteries to rechargeable batteries? If so, please read the following article to help you make an informative decision.
The most common consumer use Rechargeable batteries are categorized by 2 different types; NiMH Battery (Nickel Metal Hydride) and NiCD Battery (Nickel Cadmium). The working voltage on both of these types is 1.2V, whereas alkaline batteries have a voltage of 1.5v. There is no need to worry as NiMH and NiCD Batteries will work in any consumer product that takes alkaline batteries of the same size. The most common battery sizes are AA, AAA, C, D and 9 Volt. Rechargeable batteries are rated with a mAh Milliamp Hours) rating. The mAh represent the capacity of the battery. Therefore the higher the mAh rating the longer the battery will last once it is charged. A rechargeable battery that is rated 2000 mAh will power your electronic device twice as long as battery that is rated 1000 mAh. You will find that higher mAh rated batteries are usually more expensive, which does not necessarily mean they are better batteries, they will just run your product for a longer period of time.
NiMH rechargeable batteries are a newer technology then NiCD rechargeable batteries and have become the more popular choice these days. There are 3 main differences between these 2 types of batteries. 1) Memory Effect - Nicd batteries suffer from this issue. If you continuously charge your NiCD batteries when they are only half discharged they will eventually get a memory and you will only be able to use half their capacity. NiMH Batteries do not have the memory effect. 2) NiMH batteries have a much higher mAh rating then NiCD Batteries. 3) You can charge a NiMH battery almost twice as many times as a NiCD battery. We recommend getting NiMH batteries for high rainage devices such as Cameras, Flashes, Radios and Flash Lights. NiCD batteries are ideal for Solar lights, remote controls and other items not requiring an excessive amount of power.
Rechargeable batteries will come with very little to no charge. Once the battery is charged, they start to lose around 2% - 3% of their capacity a day, when not in use. Therefore after a month's time most Rechargeable batteries will need to be charged. However there is now a new technology called low discharge rechargeable battery. This battery which also comes in all sizes will be delivered to you fully charged. As well it will only lose 15% of the capacity over an entire year.
Should you require more information please feel free to contact us at sales@onlybatteries.com or you can call us on our toll free number 1-800-660-7705. We are looking forward to helping you with all your battery needs.
