STORAGE
If a NiMH battery is not to be used for the foreseeable future, it is best to store it in cool,
dry conditions (10 to 20°C), after being charged to 30 ... 100% of its capacity. Treated in
this way, the battery will still have almost its full capacity after one balancing charge.
USEFUL LIFE
NiMH batteries have a useful life of around 500 ... 1000 charge / discharge cycles, depen-
ding on their application and the charging methods employed. After this the battery must
be considered exhausted, and should be disposed of in the appropriate way.
TEMPERATURE
During a high-current discharge process a NiMH battery heats up very strongly. Before
the pack is recharged it must therefore be allowed to cool down again. A warm cell, far
less a hot cell, can absorb less charge, and is therefore unable to produce its full perfor-
mance.
FINAL DISCHARGE VOLTAGE, DEEP-DISCHARGING
The permissible final discharge voltage of NiMH batteries, measured under load, is
around 1 Volt per cell. If the battery is discharged below this figure, it is said to be deep-
discharged. This can result in individual cells in a pack reversing their polarity, i.e. nega-
tive potential is present at the positive terminal, and positive potential at the negative ter-
minal; this can be checked with a Voltmeter under a low load. Permanent cell damage can
only be avoided in such cases - if at all - by immediately giving the pack a 14- to 16-hour
slow charge.
NiMH batteries are highly susceptible to deep-discharging, and this should be avoided as
far as possible. Deep-discharging can easily result in irreparable cell damage.
When handling NiMH cells certain safety measures are absolutely necessary to avoid the
risk of personal injury and property damage. When you use these batteries, you are per-
sonally responsible for any problems which arise.
•
NiMH cells must never come into contact with open fire, as they may explode.
•
Never forcibly open NiMH cells; they contain corrosive materials.
•
Never short-circuit NiMH cells - fire hazard, possible explosion hazard.
•
If electrolyte should escape from the cell, do not allow it to touch your skin or eyes. If
this should happen despite taking normal precautions, immediately wash it off using
plenty of clean water, and seek medical attention immediately. Never place NiMH cells
or batteries in your mouth, as they contain toxic materials.
•
Never solder directly to the cell case; the negative end of the cell is particularly vul-
nerable to damage.
•
A charged NiMH battery is not a child's plaything. Store these batteries well out of the
reach of children.
•
Please read and observe the safety notes and other information provided by the bat-
tery manufacturer before charging and discharging the cells.
Operating instructions
POWER PEAK ULTIMATE 2
26
No.
8470