| -Dry Cell Batteries: A, AA, AAA, C, D etc. When dry cell batteries are not being used they will still deteriorate over time. The "shelf life" of a Dry Cell Battery is the amount of time a battery can remain on a retailers shelf and still retain 90% of its original capacity when stored at room temperature (70deg.F). The higher the temperature, the higher the decomposition rate. If the battery is kept cooler, the shelf life will increase. Tests made by the National Bureau of Standards concluded: *Unused Dry Cells loose aprox. 21% of capacity per year @ 70deg.F *Batteries sealed in moistureproof bags and stored at 40deg.F loose 11% of their capacity per year *7% at 10deg.F *And a mere 2.5% loss when they are stored in a deep freezer 30deg.F below zero. To keep your AAA, C and D etc. type batteries for the longest possible time you should enclose them in air-tight Ziploc type bags and store them in your freezer. You should be careful handling them while they are frozen because the insulation inside of the battery will become brittle and easily broken at this temperature. When it comes time to use your dry cell batteries, take them out of the freezer and allow them to warm before taking them out of the plastic bag. To store your batteries for shorter periods, wrap them in plastic and put into the refrigerator. This way they will not have to be warmed up before they can be used. When possible, use rechargeable batteries. These are more economical in the long run and are better for the environment. |
