Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Batteries For Consumer Electronics

It seems in today's high-tech world where we are surrounded by electronic equipment and gadgets of every type, batteries are playing a huge roll. They are not only allowing endless hours of enjoyment with games, music, videos and phones just to mention a few they also offer portability like never before in history. These days you can take any of your electronic equipment or gadgets anywhere in the world with the right set of batteries.

They come packed and super charged with power and allow you to run everything from the simplest contraptions to the most complex instantly. More and more these days people around the world are choosing solar powered battery operated cars to drive and are amazed with the power they produce. Yes, I would have to say batteries play a huge part in our everyday lives and will for a very long time.

Probably the most familiar batteries to everyone are the dry cell batteries such as AA's, AAA's, C's, and D's that are used in flashlights, remote controls, clocks, lights, games and toys. The most common are alkaline batteries and they claim to have a longer life.

There are several types of batteries for electronic devices and cordless tools. The first that comes to mind is a lithium-ion battery. While they may not deliver a better run time than the NiMH battery, the lithium-ion battery will deliver better total performance over the life of the battery than NiCad and NiMH batteries. Most cell phone batteries are Lithium Ion (LiOn)— the most lightweight rechargeable battery kind that does not have an effect on memory.

Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries have the capacity of the NiMH battery, With ZERO memory effect and zero toxins. Another added bonus is the fact that Li-Ion batteries weigh half as much as NiMH batteries.

NiCad (Nickel Cadium) batteries are hardly ever seen anymore, they proved to have low capacities and heavy metals that harmed the environment. In addition they had the dreaded "memory effect". Which meant if they were recharged before they were completely drained of power the longevity (Memory Effect) of the battery was compromised.

NiMH (Nickel Metal Hybrid) batteries have up to twice the capacity of the NiCad batteries and only half susceptible to the memory effect. The NiMH batteries are also becoming rare.

There are a few reasons a battery may fail these include but are not limited to:
* A faulty cell design
* Battery abuse
* Manufactured improperly
* Operated in uncontrolled conditions
* Batteries lose power or degrade overtime

There are many place in the world that are still very remote and without electricity, many of these people depend on the use of batteries to complete daily activities. While batteries may be common place for most here in the United States, they play a very important part in making life bearable for many people.

Be sure to read all product brochures or guides for compatibility requirements before using batteries of any type. Batteries should be handled and stored properly. Manufacturers warn against exposing batteries to extreme heat or over charging. Batteries are composed of combustible chemicals and should be handled as such. Also remember there are proper ways to dispose of batteries so not to contaminate land fills.

Sophie Beck writes consumer information articles for websites and businesses including Depot4.com Sophie helps her reader's by providing excellent information.

For more in depth informaion on batteries please visit: http://depot4.com/batteries/

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