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Charging Considerations
It is important to consider the surrounding temperature whenever you are
charging the NiMH battery pack. The process is most efficient at normal
room temperature or slightly cooler. It is essential that you charge
batteries within the stated range of 32°F to 113°F (0°C to 45°C).
Charging batteries outside of the specified range could damage the
batteries and shorten their life cycle.
Effects Of Overcharging Batteries
Overcharging may occur when a NiMH rechargeable battery is charged in
regular or quick charging rate after it has been fully charged, but there is
no risk of overcharging while charged in trickle charging rate.
If NiMH batteries of PDT are charged by a power adapter plugged
directly to its DC jack for too long, they can sustain a temporary
reduction of capacity due to overcharging. A battery left to charge for
several weeks may appear to have minimal capacity. This type of failure
can be remedied by temporarily depleting the battery of its power and
recharging it to rejuvenate it. This condition can be prevented by avoiding
overcharging for long periods of time or always using PT016 to charge
the batteries of PDT. The PT016 starts the charging process in quick
charging rate and switches to trickle charging rate when it detects the
battery is fully charged.
2.5 Storage and Safety Precautions
Batteries should be stored in an open circuit condition and placed where
there is no risk of accidental shorting or other damage. Although charged
NiMH batteries may be left unused for several months, their capacity may
be reduced due to back up and internal resistance. If this happens they
will require recharging prior to use. NiMH batteries may be stored at
temperatures between -4°F and 158°F (-20°C to 70°C), however they
may be depleted more rapidly at the high end of this range.