Can I use frozen and defrosted batteries?

**NotAllThere** · 16 February 2009, 19:49

Probably. It shouldn't be dangerous to try. I wouldn't make the attempt with LiPo batteries though...

**bogeyman** · 16 February 2009, 19:54

Originally posted by DiscoStu View Post

Ok, I realise I'm inviting mockery but here goes anyway...

I bought a pack of AAA batteries a couple of months ago and they disappeared as soon as I got them home. I found them tonight. In the freezer. They must have somehow got mixed up in some frozen food.

They seem to be defrosting nicely, will they be ok to use once they reach room temperature?

What sort are they? Not that it should matter greatly.

They won't be very efficient from cold but let them warm up gently and they should be fine.

If frozen recharchable Lithiums, leave them at room temp for 48 hours or so before charging so the thermal stress evens out and you don't get pockets of gas and water vapour forming in the cells during the charge.

**zara_backdog** · 16 February 2009, 20:00

Sorry, got my blond head on - Years ago use to put mobile phone batteries in the fridge so they would hold their charge better

**bogeyman** · 16 February 2009, 20:04

Originally posted by zara_backdog View Post

Sorry, got my blond head on - Years ago use to put mobile phone batteries in the fridge so they would hold their charge better

Mmmm. Bit of an urban myth, that one.

**Grinder** · 16 February 2009, 20:10

If you're in a rush, check your microwave it might have a defrost setting

**bogeyman** · 16 February 2009, 20:12

Originally posted by Grinder View Post

If you're in a rush, check your microwave it might have a defrost setting

I guess the

meant your comment was a joke? Right?

Never underestimate the stupidity of people in a hurry.

**BolshieBastard** · 16 February 2009, 20:16

Chuck them away. After a few months in the freezer they'll be knackered.

They might re charge if they are rechargeable but they wont hold a full charge very long. If they are alkaline you may get a bit of juice out of them but I doubt it.

Obviously dont charge while still frozen and dont re charge if they arent rechargeable.

**bogeyman** · 16 February 2009, 20:17

Originally posted by BolshieBastard View Post

Chuck them away. After a few months in the freezer they'll be knackered.

They might re charge if they are rechargeable but they wont hold a full charge very long. If they are alkaline you may get a bit of juice out of them but I doubt it.

Obviously dont charge while still frozen and dont re charge if they arent rechargeable.

No they will probably be fine if you warm then up slowly so as to minimize thermal shock to the internal contacts etc.

**BolshieBastard** · 16 February 2009, 20:29

Originally posted by bogeyman View Post

No they will probably be fine if you warm then up slowly so as to minimize thermal shock to the internal contacts etc.

I very much doubt it. Cold 'kills' the charge in batteries. Underload they'll soon flat line.

You can squeeze a bit more juice out of flat batteries by warming them in your hands but the extra few volts wont last long.

If they're lipos and have puffed up, then they're deffo knackered.

Can I use frozen and defrosted batteries?