How do you load test a rechargeable battery?

Test the battery under load after charging. For AA and AAA, use a resistor of about 10 ohms, or a small incandescent flashlight bulb, in parallel with the multimeter. NiCd or NiMH cells should be ~1.4 volts, though different cell chemistries may give a range of ~1.35 to ~1.5 V.

Do battery testers work on rechargeable batteries?

Testers also will not tell you if a rechargeable battery can be charged again. To test this, you’ll need to use a battery conditioner or a battery tester that is specially designed for rechargeable batteries.

How can you tell if a rechargeable AA battery is bad?

If it still has the same charge as before it was initially used, then your rechargeable battery still holds a charge. If not, it needs to be replaced because the energy output is inconsistent and eventually the battery will stop working or become unresponsive to the charger.

Can rechargeable batteries go bad?

Most batteries either fail in the first six months (which usually suggests a manufacturing defect unless the unit has been incorrectly used or charged) or after several years when they are often said to have died of “old age”.

How do you tell if a rechargeable battery is fully charged?

For fully charged batteries, a battery tester which measures closed circuit voltage can be used as a general guide to determine if the battery is “good” or “defective”. A voltmeter which measures open circuit voltage is not a reliable method for evaluating rechargeable batteries and is not recommended for this purpose.

How accurate are battery load testers?

Traditional load testers require a battery to be fully, or nearly fully, charged to provide an accurate assessment of battery condition and capacity. Most electronic battery testers are able to provide an accurate assessment of battery condition/capacity even when a battery is “dead”, or significantly discharged.

Do battery testers drain batteries?

One question you might have right now is, “Doesn’t the battery tester drain some of the battery’s energy?” The answer is, “yes, but not enough to matter.” If you tested the battery every 5 minutes it might be a problem, but most people don’t do that.

How many volts is a rechargeable AA battery?

1.25 Volts
The proper voltage for AA/AAA NiCd/NiMh rechargeable battery is 1.25 Volts. These are great batteries.

Can you overcharge a rechargeable battery?

Don’t overdo it. One of the most important things you can do to extend battery life is to avoid overcharging. Disconnect chargers and devices with rechargeable batteries after the battery reaches full charge.

How long does a rechargeable AA battery last?

Assuming the average lifespan of a rechargeable battery is about four years, you could buy a single rechargeable battery instead of the 10 alkaline batteries you’d otherwise burn through in that time.

How does the rechargeable battery capacity tester work?

The tester discharges the battery while monitoring the voltage of the batteries. When the low threshold is reached, that cell is done it disconnects the load from the battery.

How do you test a battery under load?

Test the battery under load after charging. For AA and AAA, use a resistor of about 10 ohms, or a small incandescent flashlight bulb, in parallel with the multimeter. NiCd or NiMH cells should be ~1.4 volts, though different cell chemistries may give a range of ~1.35 to ~1.5 V.

What kind of battery tester do I Need?

When all tests are complete a series of beeps alerts the user. The tester identifies the type of battery by its initial voltage allowing both NiCd and NiMh batteries to be tested.

How to check AA / AAA alkaline battery using voltmeter?

This electronics tip has to deal with checking common alkaline AA/AAA batteries or AA/AAA rechargeable batteries for proper voltage with a voltmeter.