battery use by dates

Stephen · 2016-01-22T17:09:32+00:00

Hello, I bought a few strips of LR44 button cells because I noticed a lot of the children's toys seem to use them now. Today I found a strip that I had lost, only it says use by January 2015. I will wait for something to go flat and try them to see if they still work. Do you think they will? Why do batteries have a use by date? Not just these LR44 ones but any type. Do they self discharge? Is it that even sitting in the pack, their chemicals are reacting and eventually the reaction completes, making the battery flat? Thanks, Stephen.

Jan 22, 2016 23 Replies

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tabbypurr 10 years ago

I mean the packet was opened, so no knowing if the 25% dead ones were unused or used. IOW at least 75% were fine 8 years after BB date.

how can a NIFe cell be using the same chemistry as an alkaline zinc & carbon cell?

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pamela 10 years ago

From the orginal context, I don't think Tabbypurr was talking about open cells when he mentioned unsealed alkaline:

"I tested a batch of unsealed alkaline cells 8 years past their BB date, and 75% of them were full or almost so. About 25% were of little use. IOW you can greatly exceed the BB dates in practice."

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pamela 10 years ago

Now I understand. Thanks.

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Vir Campestris 10 years ago

Is that Iron or Ion?

Andy

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