Batteries Basics

Staying charged up with the right replacement batteries

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

 

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

 

• 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.

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