We’ve all been there: the moment you need to use your flashlight, it refuses to switch on even if you have hardly used it in months. There’s a good chance that your batteries are the source of the problem. Learning how to use your batteries properly, and placing them in safe storage when you don’t use them, help increase their lifespan.
Leaving your batteries in a flashlight may drain them through a process called self-discharging. In addition, batteries contain chemicals that may leak overtime in an unused flashlight, leaving you with no power in a moment of emergency. You should never leave batteries in disused equipment.
In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss why you should never leave batteries inside a flashlight that you don’t use, the safest ways to store both your flashlight and its batteries, and I’ll provide a few tips on handling your batteries safely.
What Is the Best Way To Store Flashlight Batteries?
How you store your flashlight batteries is essential to its lifespan and how well it functions.
Storing your flashlight or your batteries inappropriately may cause them to break or diminish their performance.
The best way to store your flashlight batteries is in their original packaging in a cool, dry place. It’s better to keep them next to your flashlight for more convenience, but always remove them from the flashlight when you are not using it.
Keeping the batteries in an easily-accessible place is essential for any emergency or blackout.
Since the batteries need to function well to power the flashlight, you must store them properly.
The best way is to put them in their original packaging, but you can also store them in a sealed ziplock bag.
If you store your batteries inside your flashlight, they’ll deplete energy over time and cause leakages that can be a hazard.
Flashlights are known for diminishing the power in the battery even when it is not being used.
However, you can always invest in a flashlight that has a distinct function to stop this from happening.
Lastly, you should never put your flashlight or the batteries in direct sunlight.
High temperatures could potentially increase the possibility of fatal leakage, leading to the destruction of the batteries and the flashlight itself.
Leaving Batteries in a Flashlight
If you leave your batteries in your flashlight when it is not being used, it may not create any safety problems that you can clearly see. However, the risk of malfunctioning and possibly dangerous leakage tends to increase over time.
It is generally considered unsafe to leave batteries in a flashlight. Because of the risk of leakage and deep discharge, you should always play on the safe side and keep your batteries in a cool, dry place next to the flashlight rather than inside it.
Deep discharging – otherwise known as over-discharging – usually occurs when the capacity of the battery has been depleted past 0%, to a point when the battery is destroyed. When this happens, the battery is not usually salvageable, and you’ll have to purchase a new one.
In a flashlight, deep discharging can occur if the battery is left for too long inside the device.
The only way to prevent this problem is to remove and replace the batteries regularly or remove the batteries from the flashlight altogether to prevent deep discharging from occurring and potentially destroying your flashlight.
Additionally, if you leave your batteries inside the flashlight, they may produce dangerous gases, and the liquid may leak over time.
It will destroy the function of the battery and prevent the flashlight from working the way it should.
Safety Precautions for Handling Batteries
Though they seem harmless, batteries can be dangerous if handled improperly.
Placing them inside a device in the correct direction, keeping them out of direct sunlight and heat, and avoiding touching used batteries with your bare hands can help you stay safe.
There are a few safety precautions for handling batteries. If you find that the batteries have leaked, you must never touch them with your bare hands, and always wear gloves or other protective equipment.
Keeping them out of water (unless they’re waterproof) is also essential to keep yourself safe.
The safe handling of your batteries, whether it’s for your flashlight or another device, is vital for your safety as well as the performance of the appliance.
It’s even more critical when you see signs of damage or leakage in the battery as the acid can lead to injuries.
For a complete list of precautions, see the safety requirements at MK Battery.
Final Thoughts
Leaving batteries inside a flashlight when it isn’t being used could over-deplete the battery’s life and end with the flashlight breaking due to leakage or fire.
It is best to handle batteries and electrical equipment with caution and always store your batteries safely and conveniently.
