All batteries and cells from the very early Babylonian Cell to the batteries and cells
that power the Mars Rover are electro-chemical devices; the electricity is produced by
a chemical reaction. Strictly speaking a battery is made up of two or more cells, it
has become common usage to refer to a cell (such as a "D" cell) as a battery. In this
article a cell is defined as a component of a battery and a battery is defined as a
group of cells. Cells can be connected in series or parallel to make a battery.
Batteries and cells can be divided neatly into two types, primary and secondary. In
primary batteries and cells the chemical reaction that produces the electricity is not
reversible thus the battery or cell is not rechargeable. In secondary batteries and
cells the chemical reaction is reversible resulting in a rechargeable battery or cell.
Batteries are often identified by their chemical make up, commonly referred to as the
"battery or cell chemistry". Some of the more common battery and cell chemistries are
listed below.
Alkaline
Carbon-Zinc
Lithium Thionyl Chloride
Zinc Air
Lithium Sulfur Dioxide
Lithium Manganese Dioxide
Silver Oxide
Sealed Lead-Acid
Nickel Cadmium
Nickel Metal Hydride
Lithium Ion
Lithium Polymer
- Never solder or apply heat directly to batteries or cells.
- Never disassemble batteries or cells.
- Never short circuit a battery.
- Never wear rings, watches, necklaces or other jewelry that might short circuit a battery or cell.
- Never attempt to charge a primary battery or cell.
- Never charge a battery or cell in an gas tight enclosure.
- Never mix cells of different chemistries in the same circuit.
- Always provide adequate ventilation when charging batteries.
- Always wear eye protection when handling or working near batteries and cells.
- Always check polarity before charging batteries or cells.
- Always dispose of batteries and cells in compliance with laws and regulations in your area. Most batteries can be recycled.
- The above are general guidelines for battery safety and are by no means all inclusive.
Consult the manufacturer of any battery that you are using for specific safety instructions.
- It is important to note that batteries are always "live" and should be handled with caution.
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