--- title: Extending Battery Pack Life Through Proper Care description: Understand how charging, temperature, and storage affect battery pack lifespan, with practical care tips for lithium-ion, NiMH, lead-acid, and NiCd. image: https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog/various-custom-battery-packs.jpg --- [![Epec Engineered Technologies](https://www.epectec.com/images/logo.png "Epec Engineered Technologies")](https://www.epectec.com/) [![Epec Engineered Technologies](https://www.epectec.com/images/logo.png "Epec Engineered Technologies")](https://www.epectec.com/) - [Articles](https://www.epectec.com/articles/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) - [Webinars](https://www.epectec.com/webinar/) - [Videos](https://www.epectec.com/videos/) - [Case Studies](https://www.epectec.com/case-studies/) - [News & Events](https://www.epectec.com/news/) - [Customer Portal](https://system.netsuite.com/c.406760/site/NSlogin.html) - [About](https://www.epectec.com/about/overview/) - Back - [Company Overview](https://www.epectec.com/about/overview/) - 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[Register](https://secure.epecpcb.com/epec/index2.jsp) [![](https://www.epectec.com/images/InstantPCBQuote-logo.png)](https://www.epectec.com/instantpcbquote/) [Login](https://secure.epecpcb.com/epec/) [Register](https://secure.epecpcb.com/epec/index2.jsp) Register to Quote and Order Your PCBs Fast, Easy & Online, 24/7 - [Home](https://www.epectec.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.epectec.com/) - Extending Battery Pack Life Through Proper Care Share This Page: [LinkedIn](https://blog.epectec.com/#linkedin) [X](https://blog.epectec.com/#x) [Facebook](https://blog.epectec.com/#facebook) [Email](https://blog.epectec.com/#email) # Extending Battery Pack Life Through Proper Care [![Anton Beck](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog-Authors/anton-beck.jpg "Anton Beck")](https://blog.epectec.com/author/anton-beck) Written by [Anton Beck](https://blog.epectec.com/author/anton-beck) Posted on September 12, 2019 at 9:54 AM ![Anton Beck](https://blog.epectec.com/hubfs/Blog-Authors/anton-beck.jpg "Anton Beck") - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Battery pack](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/) life depends on more than chemistry and initial capacity. How a rechargeable battery is charged, discharged, operated, and stored can also affect its service life. There isn't a single storage or charging practice that applies equally to every rechargeable battery. [Lithium-ion](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/lithium-battery-technologies.html), [Nickel-Metal Hydride](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/custom-nimh-battery-packs.html), [lead-acid](https://www.epectec.com/articles/lead-acid-vs-lithium-military-battery-packs.html), and [Nickel-cadmium batteries](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/nickel-battery-technologies.html) respond differently to storage state of charge, discharge cycles, and environmental conditions. Proper battery care therefore starts with identifying the chemistry and then applying the appropriate operating and storage practices. ![Example of various custom battery packs](https://blog.epectec.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/various-custom-battery-packs.jpg?width=600&name=various-custom-battery-packs.jpg) *Example of various custom battery packs.* ## Charge and Discharge Practices Affect Battery Life Repeatedly discharging a rechargeable battery completely can affect its service life. Avoid discharging to 0% and generally maintain the battery between approximately 20% and 80% of charge. That guidance should not be interpreted to mean that a battery should remain connected to a charger continuously. It is recommended against leaving a battery pack plugged in for extended periods, particularly when the pack isn't being used. Some manufacturers recommend fully charging the battery and then discharging it to approximately 20% at least once per month. Because cycling requirements can differ by chemistry, this practice should be evaluated according to the requirements of the particular battery pack rather than applied universally. [When a pack will be stored](https://blog.epectec.com/lithium-battery-storage) for an extended period, avoid storing it at a 100% charge. Its general recommendation is to charge the pack to approximately 80% and keep it in a cool, dry environment. However, chemistry-specific requirements can differ substantially from this general guidance. [![Download Our Guide on Battery Pack Design Tips](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/707152/4375f228-c98b-40c8-af0d-ce5345a319ba.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/707152/4375f228-c98b-40c8-af0d-ce5345a319ba) ## Temperature and Humidity Affect Battery Pack Storage and Operation Environmental conditions also affect battery life. Prolonged exposure to heat is particularly harmful, especially when combined with a full charge. Continued use and charging under high-temperature conditions may affect cell stability. There are potential safety concerns when a damaged battery enclosure is exposed to humid conditions. Cold temperatures introduce different concerns. It is recommended against charging or using the battery pack below approximately 32°F because low-temperature operation may cause metal plating at the battery anode. This condition can contribute to an internal short and subsequent heating of the battery pack. As a general operating guideline, limit battery-pack and connected-device use to temperatures between 32°F and 104°F. Because these temperature recommendations are presented broadly rather than for a specific chemistry or battery design, the appropriate limits for an individual battery pack should be established according to its particular requirements. ## Nickel Metal Hydride Battery Care [Nickel Metal Hydride (NI-MH) batteries](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/custom-nimh-battery-packs.html) have different cycling characteristics from lithium-based batteries. Ni-MH battery packs have a higher energy density and approximately 30-40% higher capacity over a standard lithium battery, but this advantage comes with reduced cycle life. Repeated deep cycling is a concern for Ni-MH batteries. A deep cycle involves fully charging the battery, fully discharging it, and then charging it again. What is recommended? A shallower cycle in which the battery is charged to approximately 80%, discharged to approximately 20%, and then recharged to approximately 80%. Repeated deep cycling could result in performance problems after 200 or 300 cycles. Because achievable cycle life depends on the particular battery and operating conditions, that numerical threshold should be verified before being treated as a general Ni-MH specification. ## Lead Acid Batteries Should Not Be Stored Discharged Battery chemistry becomes particularly important when selecting a storage [state of charge](https://blog.epectec.com/external-battery-storage-the-chemistry-and-state-of-charge). Lead-acid batteries can develop sulfate at the electrodes when fully or partially discharged. For this reason, it is recommended to store these batteries with a charge of at least 80%, particularly during extended storage periods. This chemistry-specific recommendation differs from the broader advice to avoid long-term storage at high states of charge. It demonstrates why storage instructions should be based on battery chemistry rather than a universal percentage. ## Nickel-Cadmium Batteries Allow Different Storage Conditions Nickel-cadmium batteries can be stored in either a charged or discharged condition. Long-term storage may increase self-discharge; it is recommended to maintain a clean, cool storage environment. After extended storage, two or three deep discharge cycles may be necessary to restore full capacity. This recommendation is specific to Nickel-Cadmium batteries and should not be applied to another rechargeable chemistry without appropriate technical guidance. ## Lithium-Ion Battery Storage Requires Different Conditions Store these packs at approximately 59°F when possible and maintain the cells at a partially discharged state of approximately 30-50% of capacity. The appropriate storage condition therefore depends on the chemistry rather than a single state-of-charge target for every rechargeable battery. ## Match Battery Care to Chemistry and Operating Conditions Battery service life is affected by a combination of charging, discharging, temperature, storage, and chemistry. A good practice that is appropriate for one battery type may not be appropriate for another. **This can be summarized by chemistry:** - **Lithium-ion:** Store partially discharged at approximately 30-50% capacity and, when possible, at approximately 59°F - **Nickel Metal Hydride:** Avoid repeated deep cycling. Shallower cycling between approximately 20% and 80% is recommended - **Lead-acid:** Avoid extended storage in a discharged condition. Maintain at least an 80% charge for storage - **Nickel-cadmium:** Charged or discharged storage; two or three deep discharge cycles may be required to restore full capacity following extended storage These differences make [battery chemistry](https://www.epectec.com/batteries/chemistry/) an essential part of any storage or care plan. Rather than applying one charging or storage rule to every battery pack, operating practices should be matched to the particular chemistry and requirements of the pack. ## Summary Overall, it's essential to understand that no type of battery pack - regardless of its chemistry - is going to last forever. They simply weren't designed that way. However, there are a number of things that you can do, particularly as they relate to how you use them and how you store them when you're not using them, that will go a long way towards guaranteeing that they will last as long as possible. --- ## Key Takeaways - **Avoid Deep Discharges and Overcharging:** For optimal battery lifespan, keep charge levels between 20% and 80%. Regularly draining to 0% or leaving batteries plugged in at 100% can accelerate degradation. - **Store Batteries Properly When Not in Use:** If storing for extended periods, charge batteries to around 80% and keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing fully charged or fully depleted batteries to prevent capacity loss. - **Protect Batteries from Extreme Temperatures:** Exposure to high heat or freezing conditions significantly reduces battery life and can create safety risks. Operate and charge batteries between 32°F and 104°F whenever possible. - **Tailor Care Based on Battery Chemistry:** Different chemistries, like Lithium-ion, Ni-MH, Lead Acid, or Ni-Cd, have unique storage and usage guidelines. Understanding these differences helps maximize performance and longevity. - **Shallow Cycles Extend Battery Life:** For rechargeable batteries, especially Ni-MH types, shallow charge/discharge cycles (e.g., 80% to 20%) are preferred over full cycles to prevent premature wear and maintain capacity over time. - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Topics: [Battery Packs](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/battery-packs) --- [Next](https://blog.epectec.com/lithium-iron-phosphate-vs-lithium-ion-differences-and-advantages) | [All posts](https://blog.epectec.com/all) | [Previous](https://blog.epectec.com/backup-battery-systems-ensuring-power-to-systems-during-outages) [![Custom Battery Pack Enclosure Design Factors](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/707152/8f70e7e4-2e3a-4255-9234-8f0465611c52.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/707152/8f70e7e4-2e3a-4255-9234-8f0465611c52) ## Leave a Comment --- ## Related Posts --- ### Recent Posts --- ### Posts by Topic - [Printed Circuit Boards (162)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/printed-circuit-boards) - [Product Design (139)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/product-design) - [Battery Packs (122)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/battery-packs) - [Cable Assemblies (103)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/cable-assemblies) - [Flex & Rigid-Flex PCB's (97)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/flex-rigid-flex-pcbs) - [Electronics Industry (61)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/electronics-industry) - [User Interfaces (55)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/user-interfaces) - [Quality Solutions (33)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/quality-solutions) - [Flexible Heaters (31)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/flexible-heaters) - [Events, Training, and Support (9)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/events-training-and-support) - [RF Products (7)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/rf-products) - [CNC Machining (3)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/cnc-machining) - [Fans & Motors (1)](https://blog.epectec.com/topic/fans-motors) See All --- --- ### Need Help with A Project? 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