Ever since I moved in with my Grilfriend, she has kept our new batteries in the fridge. Who else out there does this and does it really extent the life of the battery?
2007-03-19 21:33:45 · 6 answers · asked by Eric J 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
So nice to see that you are happily dealing with each other's quirks. :)
A cold battery will discharge more slowly than a warm battery. Whether the battery is in use or in storage, this has two effects:
1. A cold battery in use will go flat faster. The chemical reactions inside the battery will be slower, so less current will be produced. Since devices need a certain current to work at all, the cold battery will effectively be flat sooner than a warm battery. (When the battery warms up, it may have enough charge to start working again.)
2. However, that is an advantage when the battery is not in use. A cold battery will lose charge from its terminals slower than a warm battery.
One source suggests that some rechargeable batteries may hold charge more than twice as long if refrigerated.
However, if an alkaline, zinc or lithium battery claims a shelf life of, say 4 years, that won't become 8 years in the fridge. You might not get any measurable difference.
WARNING: Take great care to protect the batteries from condensation and frost or the battery will discharge and probably corrode. Store in a sealed container with a silica sachet to keep the moisture at bay.
2007-03-19 21:49:29 · answer #1 · answered by templeblot 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fridge will reduce the self-discharge current of the battery, but only slightly. It's probably not worth the trouble. It's also too humid in the fridge (cool and dry is the best).
2007-03-19 21:39:27 · answer #2 · answered by knowmeansknow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A battery is a chemical thing and its ageing is a chemical process. Chemical processes are slowed by reducing temperature, so your batteries should last longer in the fridge. Photographers keep their film there for the same reason. I'm thinking of trying it out on my wife. Maybe not.
2007-03-19 22:06:20 · answer #3 · answered by ZORCH 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Moisture is conductor to electricity. When batteries kept in moisture, its +iv and -ve gets shorted via moisture (although very high resistance) and reduces its life. In freeze, the humidity is less and hence life of battery increases.
2007-03-19 21:41:17 · answer #4 · answered by ashoke 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yup - any professional who uses batteries keeps them there. It eliminates humidity, which is harmful, the cold extends the life and you always know where they are.
Candles will burn longer if you keep them in the feezer before using them.
I have no idea why this stuff works but it does.
2007-03-19 21:38:13 · answer #5 · answered by Uncle John 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know, but I've heard people say that. And I've also heard that if you keep your cigarettes in the fridge that they hold their flavor longer. lol.
2007-03-19 21:42:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋