Nickel-cadmium batteries provide superior power capabilities when used at low temperatures. They also perform a higher number of charge/discharge cycles than lead-acid batteries.
Maintenance
Nickel-cadmium cells are of a sealed construction. They contain no free electrolyte, and in most cases require no service or maintenance other than recharging.
Charging
Charge new nickel-cadmium batteries prior to use due to their self-discharge rate.
Nickel-cadmium cells are designed to be fully charged using a nickel- cadmium battery charger within 14 to 16 hours. Do not exceed 16 hours or you may damage or shorten the life of the battery. The charge rate is 400 mA dc.
Storage
At room temperature, the self discharge rate of nickel-cadmium batteries can be as high as 2% per day. When charged cells have been stored for a long period of time, or at an elevated temperature, a change starts to take place in the negative probe. The structure changes so that it is less reactive than a fresh cell. This structure will return to normal after one or two charge/discharge cycles. Batteries that have been stored for extended periods of time (longer than one week) should be fully charged prior to use.
Nickel-cadmium cells can be stored for extended periods of time, in either a charged or discharged condition, without significant degradation in their performance. However, after long storage periods, the battery pack may require a few charge/discharge cycles to restore its full capacity.
