Nearly every business needs batteries of one type or another. Everything from your wireless keyboard to your hand-held electronic tools requires batteries to operate. Some devices require specific types of batteries, such as alkaline batteries. Other devices use specific sizes and voltages of batteries. Vehicles and other large equipment use industrial batteries.

Before buying batteries for your business, itemize your equipment that relies on batteries to operate and consider your options Batteries information will reveal that batteries come in two basic types: single-use and rechargeable. Single-use batteries (primary batteries) operate for a time and when the battery power drains, you must throw the battery away. Rechargeable batteries (secondary batteries) function over and over again after being recharged. Some examples include nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium, lithium ion and sealed lead acid batteries.

Makers of batteries manufacture a wide variety of types and voltages. Battery makers such as Energizer, Duracell and RayOVac make commonly recognized batteries, but many other battery manufacturers exist. Look at batteries basics before deciding which batteries your company will rely on.

1. Study the composition and use of alkaline batteries

2. Identify rechargeable batteries as an alternative

3. Explore the types of specialized batteries

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Research how alkaline batteries work and how your business can take advantage of them

An alkaline battery contains an alkaline electrolyte of potassium hydroxide. The typical alkaline battery produces about 1.5 volts per cell and has a longer shelf-life than zinc-oxide batteries. Alkaline button batteries have a shorter shelf-life than silver-oxide batteries but cost less.

I recommend: The House of Batteries provides an informational page describing the advantages of alkaline batteries over other types of batteries. Energizer compiles a learning center for alkaline batteries. Read how alkaline batteries work and how to care for batteries.

Explore the advantages of rechargeable batteries

Several types of chemicals make up rechargeable batteries, such as nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), and lithium ion (Li-ion). Rechargeable batteries cost more than disposable batteries but all you do is recharge them and use them many times. Using rechargeable batteries also reduces toxic materials sent to landfills.

I recommend: The Green Batteries website contains important information on lithium-ion batteries and how they compare to other types of rechargeable batteries. House of Batteries provides information about batteries in a discussion of the nickel-cadmium type. "NiCd" batteries come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. NiCd batteries can power portable televisions, power tools, vacuum cleaners and other devices.

Investigate batteries used for technical equipment or other special applications

The chemical used in battery construction determine its usefulness and durability. Some types of chemicals lend themselves to very specific uses.

I recommend: Nexergy discusses lithium thionyl chloride batteries. Though single use batteries, they have a much longer shelf-life and broader temperature range than the typical alkaline battery. Equipment used in harsh weather environments use this type of battery. Saft, a battery manufacturer, makes batteries constructed of lithium sulfur dioxide. These single use batteries have several applications including sonobuoys and other underwater applications, emergency location beacons, professional electronics and cardiac defibrillators.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Over time, alkaline batteries may leak potassium hydroxide, which can cause respiratory, eye and skin irritation. To avoid this situation, do not try to recharge alkaline cells, do not mix different battery types in the same device, replace all batteries at the same time, store batteries in a dry place and remove batteries when not using the device.

There are two main industrial battery types: primary and secondary. Primary batteries are not rechargeable and secondary batteries are either recharged or regenerated. There are also lead acid industrial batteries, reserve industrial batteries and lithium batteries. Lithium batteries are either primary or secondary and are most often used as back-up power for electronic equipment. Non-standard industrial battery examples are prismatic cells, coin or button cells, and sachet cells (a newer packaging design where the hard casing has been replaced by flexible foil packaging). Battery makers generally specialize in a category of batteries.

Finding information about batteries and battery manufacturers or battery suppliers has never been easier. Here are some ways to purchase batteries:

1. Shop online with battery makers.

2. Buy batteries through auctions.

3. Work with local distributors who represent specific makers of batteries or categories of batteries.

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Save time and money by shopping online battery suppliers

There are websites devoted to every battery type and source. Some battery makers require that you sign up on their website before they provide information about their products, but if that doesn't suit you, there are many websites where you can buy batteries without registering.

I recommend: Battery Mart has an easy-to-use chart that lists batteries by battery manufacturers, type or function. Powerstride Battery has been in business since 1926 and distributes batteries and battery-related products for automotive, commercial, industrial, golf, RV, motorcycle, ATV, marine, telecommunications, and high technology markets worldwide. Global Spec, an engineering search firm, offers a complete a listing of battery suppliers for nearly all industrial battery types listed by their specifications. They are also a good source for detailed product information and definitions. However, they do require registering before using their website.

Buy batteries through auctions online

If you are looking for batteries for a specific application, for example, laptops, cell phones, and battery chargers, find a good deal at specific product online auctions. Some auction websites require that you sign in or join before you can view the products from the battery makers they represent.

I recommend: Overstock.com lets you review products without signing in unless you want to purchase. They can save you 20-75% on more commonly used smaller batteries. Save money by buying specific batteries this way, but be prepared to move quickly because items sell fast.

Find local distributors for battery manufacturers

Nationwide companies offer a complete range of batteries from small to large industrial batteries, including non-standard industrial batteries and a local contact to work with. Because the Internet has become so adaptable for online purchasing,there is only one large industrial battery distributor that meets a wide range of battery requirements and can refer you to one of their distributors.

I recommend: Thomas.net is a national supplier for industrial batteries. Their website can connect you with a distributor or supplier nearest you based on your industrial specifications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Have the right specifications for the batteries you need.
• •  Plan ahead for your battery purchases. This allows you to shop competitively between several makers of batteries and find the batteries that are best for your company.

Batteries replace electrical outlets and cords with chemical energy to provide electrical energy. Electrical energy generates from the positive and negative charged cells inside the battery. A solid or liquid electrolyte combines with the cells causing a chemical reaction that pushes ions (electrically charged atoms) through the cell to the connected circuit.

Depending on your need, you have a selection of batteries to choose from to power equipment if you're using something other than the basic D, C, AA or AAA. The makers of batteries provide two types of batteries: wet and dry cell with either being rechargeable or disposable. For more batteries education and training, consider the following areas:

1. Learn battery safety.

2. Understand batteries beyond household type.

3. Dispose of your batteries properly.

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Train your employees to handle batteries with safety in mind

Know what type of battery you have on hand, and check with the battery maker for accurate safety information. Battery makers recommend you wear safety gear when handling certain batteries to protect against acid to skin contact, and some recommend avoiding possible electric currents, sparks or fire. Certain batteries lead to fire, explosions or other hazards when handled improperly. Take time to research safety recommendations with the batteries your company uses.

I recommend: National Ag Safety Database provides a brief training for lead-acid storage batteries. Batteries Wholesale provides safety instructions for Ni-MH batteries. CTIA.org offers safety information for wireless electronics.

Obtain information about batteries' types

Battery manufacturers make two types of batteries - wet (primary and secondary) or dry cell batteries. Typically, wet cell batteries are the most common industrial batteries, and they use lead acid to produce electrical currents. Three types of wet cell batteries are starting (cranking), deep cycle (golf cart/marine) and dual purpose (combination of the first two). These are usually rechargeable, but overcharging one of these batteries will shorten its lifespan.

I recommend: BatteryStuff.com offers an in-depth battery tutorial, and HowStuffWorks differentiates between car batteries and deep cycle batteries.

Educate employees to dispose of batteries appropriately

Businesses can recycle or dispose of batteries to ensure minimum impact on the earth. The goal is to protect people and the environment from potential hazards. If disposed of improperly, batteries increase pollution, expose water supply to lead and acids, and have metals that vaporize into the air when burned.

I recommend: Battery Solutions provides a detailed list of dry and wet cell batteries with instructions on how to dispose of these batteries. For disposal guidelines for typical household batteries, see Environmental Health and Safety Online. Energizer also provides battery disposal guidance based on U.S. federal laws and regulations.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check the MSDS sheets for batteries; information is important for your employees to handle, store, utilize and dispose of specific batteries properly.

Available in all shapes, sizes and styles, batteries use electrochemical cells to provide electricity to a variety of items including toys, cars, laptops, radios, cell phones and most portable devices. Batteries key terms can give you an idea of the features or characteristics that are included in the design. In addition, basic terminology enhances understanding of how different types of batteries operate. Learn some of the common batteries key terms when manufacturing or distributing the devices for various consumer and electronic goods.

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Anode

An anode discharges electrons during the oxidation process, which results in a negative electrode.

I recommend: Find general information about anodes and batteries at the Energizer website. Battery Education has also published articles and discussions on batteries, anodes and cathodes.

Cathode

A cathode is the opposite of an anode. It produces a positive electrode during the charging process.

I recommend: 3M presents basic materials information related to cathodes. Information on the cathode process is featured at Ultralife Batteries along with product summary guides.

Electrolyte

An electrolyte is a solid or liquid chemical compound that release ions. These ions conduct an electrical current.

I recommend: Read some basics about electrolytes and how they apply to batteries at BatteryStuff. The North Dakota State University Agriculture and University Extension covers the function of electrolytes in a brief overview of battery basics, installation and safety.

Dry cell

The dry cell battery functions by using a zinc-carbon electrolyte paste rather than a liquid. Dry cell batteries are available in sizes C, D, 9-volt and more. Common items that function with dry cell batteries include flashlights, watches and calculators.

I recommend: The American Chemical Society features some history about the dry cell battery and how it was created.

Alkaline

Alkaline is another kind of battery commonly made up of zinc and manganese. It is best known for its rechargeable and disposable qualities.

I recommend: Rayovac presents further information and steps on how to make an alkaline battery. Learn more about the care and safe disposal of alkaline batteries by visiting Duracell’s website.