HOW TO – BATTERY DO’S AND DON’TS

Learn Some Helpful Tips On The Best Way To Store, Handle And Care For Your Two-Way Radio Batteries

Battery capacity naturally decreases slowly over time and the battery warranty begins when the battery is shipped, thus to take full advantage of your new battery’s capacity and warranty, use batteries promptly after purchase.

Always charge your battery using the approved charger. Charging in non-genuine chargers may lead to reduced performance and battery damage.

If You Need To Store Your New Batteries Prior To Use, Please Be Aware That Proper Storage Guidelines And Time Durations Must Be Followed. Storage Recommendations:

1. Do not store batteries in containers with flammable materials

2. Store batteries in well ventilated, temperature and humidity controlled locations. Optimum temperature is between 68°F (20°C) and 86°F (30°C). Optimum relative humidity is between 30% and 60%

3. Battery must be discharged below 50% state of charge prior to storage
i. New batteries are typically 30% to 50 % charged when shipped from factories. Thus, there is no need to charge or discharge the batteries prior to storage
ii. Used batteries removed from service for extended periods (>30 days) should be discharged to about 50% of their capacity before storage

4. If planning to store batteries for periods longer than 1 year, partially charge the batteries at the recommended frequency intervals
i. Lithium Ion Chemistry every 12 months

Battery Self Discharge Rates

NiCd
a. 5% in the first 24 hours
b. 15% per month thereafter
c. Increases with age/cycles, memory effect, if overheated during charging and if stored above room temp (doubles with every 10C temp increase)

NiMH
a. 10% in the first 24 hours
b. 20% per month thereafter
c. Increases with age/cycles, memory effect, if overheated during charging and if stored above room temp (doubles with every 10C temp increase)

Li-Ion
a. 2% in the first 24 hours
b. 5% per month thereafter
c. Internal protection circuitry contributes 3% of the self-discharge
d. High cycle count/age has no effect

Need assistance on a technical matter?

As a leading radio partner in the UK, we are suitably qualified to answer any questions you may have on your radio equipment. we are always online available to chat with you. Alternatively, you can call us on: 0800 043 2688, or email your questions to sales@dcrs.co.uk