Any Disadvantages of keeping my NiCad discharged for 1 Year?

Question

I have a 18V 1.7Ah NiCad Rechargeable Battery. I want to put it in my closet and not use it for a year.

Can i just completely discharge it and just store it in my closet for the year, then, after the year, recharge it in full and use it with no problems of any kind? Is that how NiCad's can be maintained for the longest possible time?

Answer 1

nicd batteries tend to develop a memory. after long periods of discharge,they often need to be cycled to regain full capacity.
store the cell charged,and every few weeks,apply a maintainance charge to it.

Answer 2

just be sure we are talking nicad. the ratings you give make me think what you have is a gel cell, and it would be destroyed if full discharged and abandoned for a year. double check the data plate.

Answer 3

You'll be fine. The "memory effect" is still under debate and thought not to be too drastic.