An electrical battery is any device which stores chemical energy and releases electrical energy. The term "battery" originally referred to the fact that these devices frequently use more than one cell, although the term has now broadened to include single cells. Telephone batteries have additional requirements over general purpose batteries, such as being small and rechargeable. A rechargeable battery may be known by other terms, such as a secondary cell or storage battery, and is able to be restored to a full charge by a compatible battery charger.

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Ampere-hour

An ampere-hour is a measure of the electrical capacity of a telephone battery. A telephone battery with a capacity of one ampere-hour is able to produce one ampere of current for one hour under ideal conditions.

I recommend: Radio Shack sells a variety of electrical devices and accessories, such as telephone batteries. It also provides a glossary of battery terms, including ampere-hour.

Built-in thermostat

A battery with a built-in thermostat will shut off when its temperature exceeds a specified limit. The small size of a telephone battery makes overheating an important design consideration.

I recommend: Portable Power Systems sells many different types of telephone batteries and offers a glossary of terms that describe batteries.

Alkaline

An alkaline battery is common in devices such as telephones, which require continuous current for long periods of time. Alkaline batteries are able to deliver as much as twice the current of a conventional battery of the same size.

I recommend: Batteries Direct provides an extensive list of terms that relate to telephone batteries like alkaline.

Cycle

A battery cycle is the process of discharging a battery from a fully charged state to a specified level of discharge. In the particular case of telephone batteries, this charge level is frequently 90 percent of the battery's maximum capacity.

I recommend: intelleFLEET provides cost reduction technologies for battery-powered devices and also lists a variety of terms for telephone batteries, including cycle.

Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)

Li-Ion batteries use cells composed of the element lithium to store chemical energy. Cell phones most often use Li-Ion batteries because they can store more electrical energy than other battery types of the same size.

I recommend: Low Cost Batteries.com provides many resources on batteries, including a glossary of battery-related terms like Li-Ion.

Nickel cadmium (NiCd)

NiCd batteries are commonly found in many different types of electrical devices, such as telephones. They are rechargeable and frequently last for 700 cycles.

I recommend: BestCellPhoneStores.com provides a glossary of common terms that relate to cell phones, such as NiCd.

Telephone batteries in a cordless phone give us great freedom from being attached by a short wire to a phone on a desk or the wall. However, they can cause great aggravation when they stop working. Searching for phone batteries for sale may seem like a simple task. However, the search for business owners involves considering the specific nuances of your telephone phone system. There are certain steps you can take to make sure you buy the correct telephone battery, and that your replacement phone battery has a good, long life.

If your phone is an older model, the phone battery is likely a NiCad type, also known as nickel cadmium. This type of portable phone battery is known to develop a memory, which could cause the charge life to be much less than it was when new. The newer portable telephone batteries are NiMH type, which are more reliable and also better for the environment.

Useful information to consider when replacing a telephone battery:

1. Consider whether it's cost effective to buy a replacement phone battery or to just replace the phone.

2. Obtain information on which type of battery is required.

3. Determine the correct method of disposing of your current phone battery.

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Know the model number and exact type of phone battery your phone requires

The model number is usually printed on the bottom of the phone's base unit. The best way to find out about the battery is to open the phone and take it out. If it's a NiCad type battery, consider buying a new phone, especially if this phone was relatively inexpensive.

I recommend: Obtain information on new phone models at Hello Direct and Buy.com.

Check the phone manufacturer's website for a replacement phone battery

In many cases you can purchase a battery directly from the manufacturer. There are many online battery vendors; some even offer free shipping. Read their policy on returns, testimonials from customers, and other information about the vendor to guide your selection.

I recommend: In addition, replacement batteries can be purchased at Radio Shack (online or a local store), BatterySpace.com and BatteryWeb.

Recycle your old cordless phone batteries

NiCad batteries, especially, contain chemicals and minerals that are bad for the environment. Stores that sell batteries, may take the old telephone batteries for recycling.

I recommend: Find a recycling center at BatteryWeb.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  An inexpensive portable phone battery may work as well as those with a brand name. However, check the cord that plugs into the battery for cordless phone to ensure it fits easily into the compartment.
• •  Prolong the life of new telephone batteries by allowing it to completely discharge before returning the phone to the telephone battery charger.
• •  Newer phones often come with 2 handsets. Purchase a second handset for an existing phone. The additional handset decreases the chance of a dead battery for cordless telephone when that important call comes in.
• •  In case the battery dies, or there's a power outage, purchase an inexpensive corded telephone. Plug it into an unused jack or jack splitter that shares the phone line with the cordless phone.

If you have a portable telephone in your office, then you likely know the importance of cordless phone batteries. A portable phone is useless if you can't rely on it during calls from customers. Avoid delays in your business day by knowing where to find telephone batteries, and what you can expect to pay for them. Staying aware of telephone batteries pricing and costs before you buy can save your company money.

Find a quality battery for cordless telephone models that fits within your budget using online resources. Consider the following before creating a phone battery budget:

1. Consider the costs of purchasing a cordless telephone battery for your specific phone model.
   
2. Find out the pricing of a generic portable phone battery.
3. Seek out telephone battery vendors that offer discounts when you buy in bulk.

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Find out how much a replacement phone battery made just for your phone costs

If you want to find a cordless phone battery pack specific to your telephone, be sure to first find out the typical price range for such a product. You can often find the same battery your phone originally came with by checking out Internet stores. Expect to pay $10 to $18 depending on the phone brand and model.

I recommend: Batteries Direct lists the proper battery for each Panasonic phone with prices ranging from $13 to $18. Microbattery.com charges $10 to $18, depending on the model of AT&T cordless phone.

Save money by considering generic cordless telephone batteries

If saving money is your first priority, you can substitute a generic battery for a more expensive name brand product. Off-brand batteries are typically of comparable quality, but cost less. Depending on the cordless phone model, you can save $3 to $6 per battery when you buy generic, as they typically cost $7 to $12 each.

I recommend: At Battery Company sells generic batteries for $7 to $9 each. You can find generic batteries for a variety of cordless phones from BatteryStandard Group for $8 to $12 each.

Check out telephone battery providers that offer bulk discounts

If your office's cordless phones get a lot of use, consider buying several portable telephone batteries at once. This will save you the time it takes to shop for a new battery every few months, and if you go through a company that offers bulk discounts, this route will save you money. The savings depends on how many you buy at once, but most companies charge $4 to $17 per battery when you buy 2 or more at one time.

I recommend: Buy-It-Now-Store.com sells batteries for $5 to $7 each when you buy six at one time. CheapBatteries.com charges $4 to $17 per battery when you buy at least 2 batteries at one time, allowing you to save $.50 to $3 per battery when you buy in bulk.

Cordless batteries come in a wide range of styles and sizes, making it impossible to go battery shopping without the battery you will be replacing. Start your phone battery search with the help of the manufacturer of your phone. Look up battery information in your owner's manual or at the manufacturer's website. Because batteries only last a few years, you'll be better off keeping all records and replacement information in your files for future use.

Cordless phone batteries come in a few varieties of options including Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) or Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH). Some phone brands also require or suggest a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery for better operating results. Each manufacturer also makes the battery connection unique making battery shopping even more difficult. Start your comparison by:

1. Finding NiCad type cordless phone battery styles.

2. Comparing the NiMH portable phone battery options.

3. Reviewing the brands of Li-Ion batteries available.

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Find a NiCad cordless phone battery pack

NiCad batteries generally don't last as long as their counterparts because they develop memory problems easily if not fully discharged and recharged regularly. The NiCad battery can be found in a lot of older model cordless phones, but is still used in some new designs.

I recommend: Compare the NiCad battery options at the Battery Barn. Use the reference information at ZBattery to find out what cordless phones require this type of battery.

Compare NiMH type telephone batteries

The NiMH battery is not made of the same toxic heavy metals as its NiCad counterpart, but that isn't its only benefit. The battery can also store more power and doesn't suffer memory loss. All around, it is a more convenient and longer lasting battery option for cordless telephones, which is why many manufacturers design their telephones to use NiMH batteries.

I recommend: View the NiMH options at telephone battery vendors including Batteries.com. To find the right battery for your telephone, use the convenient battery selector at AtBatt.com.

Consider Lithium telephone batteries types and styles

Portable telephone batteries also come in a Li-Ion option usually seen in mobile phones. The Li-Ion battery is all around the best quality battery, making it one of the most expensive, but its benefits are many. The battery has a fast charging time, it holds a charge longer and weighs much less. Because they are more expensive, Li-Ion batteries are usually only available in higher-end cordless phone systems, but may be worth the extra cost for an office setting considering going cordless.

I recommend: Review cordless Li-Ion options at 101Phones.com. PCRush sells the Li-Ion battery used in several Uniden phones.