Batteries eventually leaking or corroding is a relatively common occurrence, especially familiar with alkaline AA cells if they're left unattended for long enough. In short, the reason alkaline batteries leak is that they're continually self-discharging in tiny increments, even when not in use.
A: Shelf life varies across our products: Energizer MAX® AA, AAA, C, and D cells last up to 10 years in storage, while our 9V lasts up to 5 years in storage.
General answer is no. Every battery cell has self discharge (shelf life). The time depends on the type of the battery. The sizes AA or AAA indicate standard physical sizes & do not indicate the type of the battery. Among the commercially available cells, primary lithium cells have longest shelf life (about 10 years).
DO preserve battery life by switching off a device and removing the batteries when it's not being used, and is not expected to be used for extended periods of time. DO practice proper battery storage by keeping batteries in a cool, dry place at normal room temperature.
Length of Storage: The amount of time a battery spends in storage will also lead to self-discharge. A lead acid battery left in storage at moderate temperatures has an estimated self-discharge rate of 5% per month. This rate increases as temperatures rise and as the risk of sulfation goes up.
Most alkaline batteries have a self-discharge rate of 2 to 3 percent per year.
Lower background activity. Apps like Facebook® and Instagram® can still run in the background, checking for updates, refreshing content, and pushing notifications, even after you've closed them—which can drain your phone battery.
In short, the reason alkaline batteries leak is that they're continually self-discharging in tiny increments, even when not in use.
Consider Keeping Them in Their Packaging
However, storing batteries close together without a barrier could pose a safety issue. So, it's best to skip this trend regarding batteries unless you use a battery organizer that gives them room to breathe. Otherwise, experts recommend leaving them in their original packaging.
Self-discharge denotes the rate at which the battery self-depletes in idle storage. All batteries self-discharge over time even when idle. Battery shelf life. This term is closely connected with self-discharge.
Avoid storing household batteries with other metal objects, like desk staples or loose change. Contact with metal can cause the battery to short-circuit, which could then cause the battery to leak. Keep batteries of the same type and age stored together.
The reason why fully charged batteries die quickly is often due to battery protection and a high-current fast charger. When a battery is low on power, the protection circuit inside it cuts off the flow of electricity to prevent over-discharge and potential damage to the battery.
If your battery goes flat after just a week or two of inactivity, it may be time to replace it. While newer batteries are designed to hold a charge for longer periods, older batteries can lose their ability to maintain a charge over time.
How Long Does an Unused Battery Last? Most unused alkaline batteries will last between five and 10 years, while Ni-MH (nickel metal hydride) batteries have a shelf life of three to five years of non-use.
Protect batteries against being damaged – that's crushed, punctured or immersed in water. Don't leave items continuously on charge after the charge cycle is complete – it's best not to leave your phone plugged in overnight for example.
Store your batteries at room temperature
For best results, store your batteries in a climate-controlled room without heat fluctuations. Heat can harm any type of battery and changing temperatures reduce battery performance. Cold temperatures can form condensation and erode batteries overtime.
It is recommended to remove the batteries from devices that will not be used for a long time, and to store them separately in a cool and dry place.
If the battery is zinc-carbon (including zinc-chloride) or lithium based, its self discharge rate can be reduced if kept refrigerated. Your fridge needs to be a dry environment (some older fridges can be damp), or the battery casing or terminals may rust causing toxic leaks that you really don't want near your food.
Yes, batteries go bad if they're not used. All batteries lose their charge as time passes no matter what you do. If you have a non-rechargeable alkaline battery, then it typically lasts between 5-10 years. Ni-MH (rechargeable) and lithium-ion batteries can last between 3-5 years when not used.
Batteries have self-discharge. So even if not used, they will lose some of the charge over time. Some battery technologies will empty in weeks.
DON'T – Leave batteries in your device if you suspect it will not be used for several months. Many devices don't power off completely when switched off and, after time, may cause the batteries inside to leak. DON'T – Carry batteries loose in your pocket or purse as they may create a safety risk.
Turn on Airplane mode when mobile data isn't required. Also avoid battery draining apps like cameras and games. Don't keep lots of apps running in the background. Use dark colour themes - Using dark mode/theme on your device and apps can reduce battery drain, if available.
After the phone is turned off, some functions will not be completely powered off. The internal circuit of the phone will perform micro-circulation and cause a loss of power. At the same time, the battery will self-discharge when it is not in use, which will also lead to power loss. It's a normal phenomenon.
Well, all batteries have a self-discharge rate, even if they aren't connected to a vehicle or anything else that might draw current. For example, a fully-charged OPTIMA battery can be stored for up to six months without issue in a cool, dry location.