How to Buy Lithium-Ion Batteries

The evolution of battery technology has seen lithium-ion batteries grow in popularity for their high energy densities and efficiency in providing potent sources of power. Since the invention of rechargeable lithium-ion cells, the general cost of replacing the batteries has been significantly cut down by a considerable percentage. Instead of purchasing new battery packs every time the power in your electrical device runs dry, it is now easier to recharge the battery pack back to full strength. This has dramatically benefited users economically as well as environmentally since the constant replacement of the cells called for unhealthy disposal for the environment.

How to avoid buying fake lithium-ion batteries

Why are phony battery packs dangerous?

· You end up spending much more continually replacing the fake cells with extra fake ones instead of getting a proper and official pack.

· They might destroy your electronic device if they happen to leak.

· They don’t last as long as intended in their advertisements.

· There have been reported cases of explosions and fire-related incidents with fake batteries.

How to spot fake lithium-ion batteries

The false qualities of a battery pack revolve around its packaging. If the packaging contains weird contents or details, then it most definitely is a fake battery pack. Many different brands of lithium-ion batteries have been counterfeited to the point where it becomes difficult to distinguish real from fake. Here are some of the properties to look out for on fake lithium-ion batteries:

1.Loose plastic covers

2.Faded colors on the labels

3.Insane claims (extremely high power ratings; above set-standard)

4.Poorly constructed packaging

5.Misspellings (Eve ready instead of Eveready)

What factors do you need to check before buying?

There are many things to consider when replacing your lithium-ion battery pack or purchasing a new one for the first time. Here are some of the factors one should take note of:

1.Power requirements

What are the power requirements for your electronic device? If you’re getting a lithium-ion battery large enough to high-end power machines, one should also consider the reserve capacity of the pack. As the need and demand for power increases, it makes the demand for better and more productive reserve capacity.

2.Warranty provided

Consider the type of guarantee that is important to satisfy your budget needs. All manufacturers offer warranties for their batteries, which differ in many terms and conditions. Keenly read the fine print provided for warranty and make a decision that best suits your budget line.

3.Look for a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that is compatible with your device

The type of cell you would be buying depends on your device’s specifications and requirements. Don’t just buy a battery that seems to be the same shape as the open-space on your device. It would be wise to check the device’s manual and find out which is the best type of battery pack compatible with the gadget.

4.Adjust your budget wisely

You might pay more when purchasing rechargeable lithium-ion batteries as compared to the disposable ones. However, in the long run, the cost of replacing the disposable cells every time they run dry might outweigh the price of the rechargeable cells by a significant percentage.

5.Check and compare the battery life

When purchasing a lithium-ion battery, the milliamp-hour rating (mAh) indicated on the sticker is an essential consideration as far as knowing the amount of energy a pack would hold. You should also consider the device in use. A piece of electronic equipment that requires high voltage, such as an LED flashlight, will use up the battery faster than an electric toothbrush will.

6.Factor in the environmental impact of your battery pack choice

Rechargeable battery packs are better and greener for the environment as compared to disposable ones.

7.Check for safety features

Make sure that the lithium-ion pack you settle for is safe with in-built safety features, as indicated on the labels or stickers. Avoid those cells that are a project of industry or official recalls.

8.Go through the consumer reviews

Do not, however, rely on the reviews as much because people have different intentions. As much as you should focus on the positive comments, you should also consider the negative ones too in your evaluation.

9.Buy a charger for your battery pack

This item is a necessity for recharging your rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. One should search for a charger that is reliable, most preferably the battery pack’s original charger. Getting a charger that can accommodate various charging ports, like wall plugs, USB ports, and car charging ports, would be more convenient.

How do you prolong your new lithium-ion battery?

1.Keep your batteries at room temperature

Room temperature ranges explicitly between 20- and 25-degrees C. When a lithium-ion battery is subjected to extreme temperatures, it tends to degrade faster than usual and may pose danger risks at times.

2.Use the right type of charger for your battery

Carelessly charging your battery pack using any available charger not only reduces its lifespan but might also generate many danger risks. Cells tend to overheat or even catch fire at times, which may lead to explosions.

3.Avoid discharging your battery fully

For safety reasons on the battery’s sake, do not discharge your battery pack bellow 2 volts per cell. This act may open a safety circuit built into the cell and ultimately kill the battery pack.

4.Store your battery in a cool place

If you need to store your battery, load it up to at least 40% of its total capacity, and store it in a cool place away from heat.

Final thoughts

Ignore the cheap aftermarket battery packs and get yourself an official and authorized battery when the time to replace your device’s cells is overdue. It might be more expensive than acquiring a cheap knock-off or third-party pack shipped directly from an Asian factory overseas, but it’s much safer. It doesn’t matter whether or not the knock-off explodes or causes fire-related incidents; it may have a higher degradation rate than an official one.