Rechargeable batteries are purchased by all used OMore popular because they are less harmful to the environment than standard disposable batteries. Among rechargeable batteries, the most common are nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium, lithium-ion, lead-acid (car batteries). Small batteries, such as those used in household electrical appliances and electronics, can be recharged using a dedicated charger or a car battery.
After reading this article, you will learn how to properly charge the battery of your phone or mobile device.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using a charger
Step 1. Choose the right charger for your batteries
For rechargeable batteries, the most common use is a secondary power supply, or a mains adapter connected to a household electrical network. Devices of this type are suitable for charging various sizes and types of batteries, from AAA to D. A charger suitable for recharging specific batteries is available from an electronics store.
- Some chargers are suitable for charging different sizes of batteries, for example, both AA and AAA batteries can be placed in such a charger. Such a device is very convenient if you have a lot of batteries of different sizes.
- Fast chargers are similar to conventional chargers, except that they often lack charge control, which slows down the charging process. Such devices are good for quickly recharging batteries, but using them will reduce battery life.
Step 2. Recharge the appropriate batteries
Never try to charge disposable batteries as this can lead to corrosion and damage to the charger. Charge only batteries marked "rechargeable". If you run out of disposable batteries, dispose of them properly and purchase rechargeable batteries.
- Nickel-metal hydride batteries are widely used in household appliances and electrical appliances, while lithium-ion batteries are common in electronics. These two types of batteries are widely available and are rechargeable.
- When using new rechargeable batteries, wait until they are fully discharged before recharging them for the first time. This will reduce the likelihood of the so-called "memory effect", which is a decrease in battery capacity as a result of premature recharging.
- Before recharging the battery, check with a rechargeable battery probe to see if it is completely discharged. These probes are generally inexpensive, easy to use, and provide immediate measurement results.
Step 3. Connect the charger to a power outlet
Most chargers are equipped with an indicator light that lights up either immediately after plugging into a power outlet, or after turning the switch on the device to the "On" position. Make sure the indicator is on. Everything is now ready for the charging process.
You should always read the instructions. Read the instructions supplied with the charger completely, it may contain a lot of important information, including full charging time, a description of the indications of light indicators, recommendations for charging specific types of batteries
Step 4. Place the batteries in the charger properly
Namely, the positive (+) poles of the batteries must touch the positive terminals of the device, and the negative (-), respectively, negative.
Many wall chargers provide a diagram of the correct battery placement. As a rule, the flat end of the battery should rest against the spring and the convex end against the flat section of the charger socket
Step 5. Wait for the batteries to fully charge
Most chargers signal the completion of charging by changing the indicator light from green to red, or vice versa. Do not unplug the device or remove the batteries from the device until the charging process is complete, otherwise the battery life may be significantly reduced.
Step 6. After charging is complete, remove the batteries
Overcharging batteries is a major cause of reduced battery life, especially if fast chargers are used.
- "Trickle charging" - a technique that consists in continuously recharging the battery with a weak current to a level about 10% below the full capacity of the battery; As a result, the battery is constantly kept charged without being completely discharged, which prolongs its life.
- Most manufacturers do not recommend trickle charging for long periods of time, but if you have a variable speed charger, set the speed to low and this method will extend battery life.
Method 2 of 2: Charging car batteries
Step 1. If necessary, remove the battery from the car
Make sure the car is completely turned off; To avoid arcing, first disconnect the grounded terminal, then move the battery to a well-ventilated area.
- The battery can be charged without removing it from the car, but you need to know if it is grounded to the chassis in order not to make a mistake when connecting the negative terminal. If the battery is grounded through the chassis, the positive terminal connects to the positive terminal and the negative terminal to the chassis. Otherwise, the negative input is connected to the negative terminal of the charger, and the positive input to the chassis.
- If you want to know how to light the engine, read this article.
Step 2. Clean the battery terminals
Most car battery terminals show signs of corrosion after prolonged use and should be cleaned periodically to ensure good contact with the connected wires. It is best to use an old toothbrush soaked in a water solution of regular baking soda to remove corrosion products.
If necessary, fill each cell with distilled water to the level indicated by the manufacturer. Do not exceed the level. Some lead acid batteries lack drain valves, so follow the manufacturer's instructions as usual
Step 3. Determine the battery voltage
If the voltage is not indicated on the battery itself, its value can be found in the instructions. In case of uncertainty, you can visit the nearest service station, where they will determine the voltage without charging the battery.
Step 4. Use a charger with the correct output voltage
The required charger power depends on the car brand and battery. As a rule, batteries are rated for 6 or 12 volts, but different models may require chargers of different capacities.
- Some chargers are manually operated, that is, they must be turned off after the battery is fully charged, while others are turned off automatically. With the exception of this, as well as small design differences, all chargers are similar to each other and have the same principle of operation.
- As in other cases, if you are unsure of something, visit a service station. A brief consultation will cost you nothing and you will receive the correct information.
Step 5. Set the required value of the output voltage
By determining the voltage of the battery, you can set the correct output voltage of the charger. Most chargers are equipped with a digital panel that allows you to set the required voltage using a switch. Some devices allow you to adjust the charging speed - in this case, it is better to start at a low speed, which can then be increased if necessary.
Step 6. Connect the pins
Chargers have two contacts, one of which must be connected to the positive input of the battery, and the other to the negative. Turn the charger switch to the "OFF" position and unplug the charger for safety. Make sure that the wires connected to different terminals do not touch each other and the battery case anywhere during charging.
- Connect the positive cable first, which is usually not grounded.
- Then connect the connecting, or insulated battery cable (at least half a meter long) to the negative connector of the device, and connect the negative terminal of the battery to this cable.
- If the battery is not removed from the vehicle, you must connect the ungrounded cable to the ungrounded terminal on the battery and the grounded cable to anywhere on the chassis of the vehicle. Never connect the charger to the carburetor, fuel lines or car body.
Step 7. Keep the charger and battery as far apart as possible
Stretch the cables to their full length, and never place the charger on top of the battery being charged. The battery sometimes emits corrosive vapors.
Step 8. Wait for the battery to charge fully
This may take 8-12 hours depending on the specific battery and charger used. If you are using an automatic charger, it will turn off as soon as the battery is charged. If your device is manually operated, you will have to check if the battery is charged before turning it off.
You can learn how to do this with a voltmeter by reading this article
Advice
- Use two separate boxes with appropriate labels to store rechargeable batteries and recharged batteries. This will avoid confusion and save time when you need a charged battery again.
- If you need batteries that last a long time without recharging, try a new kind - nickel metal hydride batteries. This type of battery combines the durability of rechargeable alkaline batteries and is convenient for use in low power devices such as remote controls or flashlights.
Warnings
- After the rechargeable battery has reached the end of its life, take it to a collection point or place it in a specially designated battery waste bin. Some rechargeable batteries, such as nickel cadmium and lead acid, contain highly toxic substances and require special disposal measures.
- Make sure your charger is suitable for specific batteries - it may happen that a particular device is not compatible with a certain type of battery.
- Keep disposable and rechargeable batteries separate to avoid confusion. In some cases, placing the wrong type of battery in the charger may damage the battery itself, leak electrolyte, or even fire.