question for the EE's or in the know re: batteries

[mike c]

is there a difference storing batteries sealed in the pack and opened?

is there a difference putting batteries in the flashlight (and not using it) and just placing a sealed pack of batteries beside the flashlight for emergencies?

basically, i'm wondering if there's a power draw if they're placed in the flashlight or other appliance (even when not used) and if they're unsealed from the pack.

 

[Stereodude]

There should be any difference between a sealed and opened package of batteries when it comes to storage lifetime.

On your second question, that depends on the device you're putting the batteries in. If they have a real physical switch there's no difference aside from the risk of damaging the device from a leaky battery. If the device has a soft switch there is a difference because there's always a small power draw from the batteries to power the switch circuitry. Most flashlights have a real physical switch that completely disconnects the batteries from the circuitry, but not all.

 

[highfigh]

is there a difference storing batteries sealed in the pack and opened?

is there a difference putting batteries in the flashlight (and not using it) and just placing a sealed pack of batteries beside the flashlight for emergencies?

basically, i'm wondering if there's a power draw if they're placed in the flashlight or other appliance (even when not used) and if they're unsealed from the pack.

If the batteries are completely sealed from the atmosphere, high humidity can't cause parasitic discharge as long as whatever is sealing it can't conduct. I have seen new products that were packed with the batteries in place with plastic wrapping. In a high humidity environment, I wouldn't leave them in place without making sure the flashlight is water resistant, like a MagLite or something similar.

 

[GO-NAD!]

If it's for an emergency flashlight and used only for that purpose, I wouldn't leave the batteries in it. I would put them with the flashlight and label them, so that nobody looking for a set of batteries for another device takes them. As an emergency flashlight, it will probably sit for months - perhaps years - before being needed. Old batteries can leak and damage/destroy a flashlight, rendering it useless when you need it.

 

[highfigh]

I bought a flashlight at Harbor Freight that has rechargeable battery and a crank to manually recharge when power isn't available. It works pretty well, although I haven't seen any indication of how many charge/discharge cycles it takes to kill the battery.

I would guess one cycle less than needed, in a crisis.