Freezing batteries

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Since dry cell batteries have a limited storage life, would it help to freeze them or leave them outside in the cold to prolong their life?

-- steve a (albrecht@ndak.net), November 20, 1999

Answers

When I bought a new battery for my cell phone, the salesman told me to put the old battery in the freezer and it would hold a charge a lot longer. My old battery is in a ziplock in the freezer, but I haven't used it yet to test it out.

-- Carol (glear@usa.net), November 20, 1999.

Yes.

Well, sort of...

According to the Consumer Reports people, freezing gives you about 2% to 5% longer storage time. Unfortunately, this longer life is usually erased by moisture. The batteries will be much cooler than the atmosphere when taken out to use. (duh) This leads to condensation, damaged seals, corrosion, etc.

If you do freeze them, seal securely, use dessicant, and keep them sealed for a day or two after removing from freezing while they normalize in temperature and pressure. Freeze them in small packages, not a bunch lumped together so that they can be safely dis-interred a few at a time.

Considering the fair proability of all of us running out of batteries in the next 12 to 24 months, the additional storage time is probably not near worth it. Keep them cool and DRY.

-- tree (thetrees@bigfoot.com), November 20, 1999.


A tip heard from surveyors in Alaska. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, will/may render a rechargeable battery useless, if it is a NiCad battery. (shrug) Not positive, but worth checking out if you may be depending on NiCads during the winter months. Refering to HP calcs, and hand helds.

-- Michael (mikeymac@uswest.net), November 20, 1999.

At this time, consider taking them out and plan using your freezer/refrigerator for food. Especially if you think that you will have power for cooling. To freeze/refrigerate batteries to extend shelf life makes no sense AT THIS TIME.

-- WFK (kb2fs@mindspring.com), November 20, 1999.

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