why do people put batteries in the refridigator?

Question

is it worth doing?

Answer 1

They don't lose their charge as fast when cold.

Batteries generate a current by a chemical reaction. When the chemicals exhaust themselves, the battery dies. This reaction is only supposed to take place when the battery's being used, but the chemical reaction does go on even when the batteries not being used. Over time the reaction will corrode the battery, covering the end with a brown film. This reaction can be stopped or slowed by lowering the outside temperature.


Consumers Report magazine took exactly 432 double A, C and D batteries. They stored some in the refrigerator, and some at room temperatures. At the end of five years they found that indeed the refrigerated batteries had more charge, but not by much. The room temperature batteries still had 96 percent of the charge of the refrigerated ones.

So, is this enough to merit filling a refrigerator with batteries? Probably not.

Answer 2

Christopher J asserts that "It is a common myth that putting batteries in the fridge extends their life"

Christopher J is confused.

All batteries will retain their charge longer when they are stored at low temperatures.
They also need to be brought back to around 21 - 22ºC before they will deliver much current.

The following, taken from a manufacturer´s documentation, was included in a publication we issued to customers to whom we supplied nicads.

A stored nicad will self-discharge. The higher the temperature the quicker the discharge.
A fully charged cell will, over 30 days, lose approximately 10 – 12% of its capacity at 0 degrees C, 30 – 33% at 20 degrees, and 40% at 30 degrees.

A similar thing happens with all cells.

Answer 3

It is a common myth that putting batteries in the fridge extends their life. However, this has little to no effect. People think this works when the try it, but if they take a battery out and just place it on a table, it would have the exact same effect.

If a person had a super-fridge, that could be capable of achieving temperatures of -100F or so it might work a little better.

Answer 4

yes because it extends the battery life by alot when the batteries are not in use. It rly matters what kind of battery thou this is not the same for lithium ion and other rechargable batteries that are better stored anoither way. The refrigerator method is best for alkaline batteries

A refrigerator, with a temperature range from 0°C to 10°C [32°F to 50°F], is a good place for storing batteries, especially primary batteries. The refrigerator may, of course, also be used to store secondary batteries, but since they are rechargeable, their loss of capacity during storage may be better compensated by recharging, particularly as they can take up substantial space in the refrigerator (e.g. automotive batteries).

Answer 5

It may slow the decay of charge in a fresh battery but cold actually inhibits battery efficiency. That is why cars are often more difficult to start in winter.

Considering the chemicals and metals involved in a battery, even if they are sealed, (because they can leak) I would never put them anywhere near food myself!!!

Answer 6

I have read that putting special batteries such as used in photography in a refrigerator is a good way to ensure they will remain fresh enough to support a full shoot without changing them and missing a picture. However they must be warmed up to operate efficiently. Film is also treated the same way.

Answer 7

the way a battery is madeit has atoms inside of it that provide a charge if you put the battery inside the refrigerator it slowsdown the reaction of the atoms and saves their energy until later so they last longer and yes it is worth it so you do not have to keep buying batteries!!!

I hope this helps

Answer 8

the reason is that it slows the rate of reaction within the battery and you don't lose as much charge the same applies if you heat a battery it will increase the reaction rate and produce more charge but don't try that one at home so in conclusion it would extend the life of the battery

Answer 9

And the award for the most creative spelling of the word refrigerator goes to.... YOU!

Dry cell chemical batteries keep their charge longer in a cold environment.

Answer 10

Not so the fridge will stay on. So the batteries will last longer