Batteries may look the same from outside, but inside they can tell a different story. This is why it pays to keep them separate, and in that spirit we share three places not to keep batteries.
All batteries are not necessarily the same, even if they are the same shape and size. If we check the small print (and who does) they often vary in terms of the voltage and current they put out.
Three Places To Definitely NOT Keep Batteries
FIRST PLACE: CONNECTED TO A CHARGER
Don’t ever leave your batteries (or devices) permanently plugged into a charger, with the power switched on. This SHOULD be safe all things being equal, but this is unfortunately not always the case.
The big culprits here are the cheap lithium-ion batteries without safety systems, that are flooding the market. They keep trying to charge when they are full, and can overheat and cause a fire. Some of these pretend to be famous brands …
SECOND SPOT: WHERE SMALL KIDS HANG OUT
The second of our three places NOT to keep batteries is anywhere that curious kids go. We don’t want them playing with electricity and power tools at the best of times. But on this occasion, the ones to watch out for are the penny button variety.
You see, even a flat penny battery still holds enough electricity to burn a child inside if they swallow it. The only place to store penny batteries is where kids can’t reach, in a locked drawer or on a high shelf.
THIRD PLACE: ANYWHERE BATTERIES DETERIORATE
Most times were store batteries that are new. It fact, it’s a bad habit to keep used batteries, because we can mix them with new ones and then blame the supplier. The problem here is that batteries deteriorate as they age.
Batteries also gradually self-discharge their power, even if they are idle or disconnected. Storing them in a hot place speeds up the process. Their cases also corrode in warm damp air. Store your batteries in a cool dry place and use them soon!
More Information
Keeping Button Batteries Away From Kids
