My grandfather would occasionally recharge non-rechargeable batteries, and the family would act like the house was going to explode. I admit I have inherited that trait. Not often, but occasionally, I have recharged a non-rechargeable battery. Is this safe, I wondered? I always left the charger outside and the lid open just in case anything needed to vent; I figured this increased the likelihood of my charger surviving.
I looked it up a few days ago, and apparently much of the danger has to do with recharging causing heating and expansion, which can cause a crack, which can cause a leak, causing a burst. Very slow charging reduces this risk, though over multiple charges the risk may grow. Old batteries doing what old batteries do, leaking.
I have several solar yard lights that I do not use. What could have a slower charge than that, I thought. In go the flashlight batteries, followed by the remote AAs followed by the remote AAAs with balls of aluminum foil. All are running much better. Flashlight brighter, remote doesn't have to be picked up to point directly at the TV. Win. I don't imagine I will keep recharging them until they leak, but it is free electricity, gets my solar lights out of the box, won't damage my charger, is still safely outside, and gives me time to find my actual rechargeables which went AWOL.
With the recent hurricanes, it seems like another tool in the box, too. What do you think?
September 12, 2017 at 09:27PM
