Originally posted by: Sphexi
Originally posted by: loic2003
I heard the opposite. Just spoke to a fmily who went to lapland (~ -10 to -15C) and they said the batteries of their cameras lasted five or six shots. YMMV.
Edit: actually be a geek and do an experiment!
There's a difference between keeping batteries in a cold environment between uses/charges, and using them in a very cold environment.
Putting NiMH batteries in the freezer will allow them to hold their charge a LOT longer than normal (normally they lose it after two weeks or so), but using them in subzero temps would probably drain them a lot faster than normal. Obviously to use them, let them warm up to room temp over an hour or so, and they'd be fine.
So, you'd advocate having to wait an hour or longer jsut to prolong a charge for a few minutes? Seems to be a high price to pay. I find it interesting that most "experts" in the area of batteries usually state there is little to no advantage to storing in refrigerators, esp. since the battery has to warm up to have its full poetntial for use.
I'd think most people, esp. using rechargeables, want the power now, not an hour or longer form now. It'd seem much easier to me to have two sets of rechargeable batteries, one set in use and one set in a trickle charger......then they'd always be available for immediate use.
As for non-rechargeables, Eveready states on their website that storing in the refrigerator is not recommended and indeed may do slight harm to the battery.
Should I store batteries in the refrigerator?
Storing batteries in refrigerators or freezers is not required or recommended for batteries produced today. In fact, cold temperature storage can harm batteries. To maximize performance and shelf life, store batteries at normal room temperatures with moderate humidity levels.
Quote taken from Energizer's FAQ section.
I found this interesting:
This next is from Ray-O-Vac, Michael Jordan's boss nowadays:
Storage
Batteries depend on internal chemical reactions to produce power. Chemical reactions are accelerated by high temperatures and retarded by low temperatures. Therefore, to minimize power loss during storage, batteries should ideally be stored at a maximum temperature of 77 F (25 C). Refrigerated storage is neither necessary nor recommended.
What gives? Does Ray-O-Vac not want us to refrigerate batteries because they figure warm batteries will run out sooner and we'll buy more? Not necessarily. A common misconception is that batteries are generating electricity even when they're not being used. That's not the case. Until somebody throws the switch, a battery only has electrical potential. If no juice is flowing, no chemicals are reacting, and there's no point in refrigerating the battery. Quite the contrary--since refrigeration slows a reaction, the electricity won't be there when you want it. That's why car batteries don't work well in subzero temperatures.
Taken from Straight Dope website.
Interesting comments made.
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