RAM Battery charger

[The Good Dr]

Hello does anyone know if its possible to charge standard alkaline batteries in a RAM (rechargeable alkaline manganese) charger?

[IanB]

Yes, it is possible. No, it is not a good idea.

Alkaline batteries are prone to leaking even if used normally. If you try to recharge them the possibility of them spilling their guts everywhere is greatly increased. So the question is, how much do you value the equipment you plan to use these batteries in?

Some of us have completely abandoned the use of alkaline batteries. As someone has as their tag line on another forum: "Friends don't let friends use alkaline batteries."

Current rechargeable battery technology in the form of Sanyo eneloops or similar products has all but rendered the RAM battery obsolete. Eneloops will work in almost all applications of alkaline batteries, and crucially, they will not leak.

For those odd occasions like clocks where you want to use a disposable battery there are Energizer lithium primary cells. The Energizer Advanced lithium has the same capacity as the Ultimate lithium for 2/3 price and as with the eneloops, they will not leak either.

There is no need to risk leaky alkaline batteries in any of your devices these days.

[Teemo]

Hello,
I have AccuCell charger for alkaline betteries. I got this for free some years ago. It was interesting to play with alkaline batteries, yes they take charge. Unfortunately there are huge drawbacks for using recharged alkalines. They can only be charged if they are not completely empty. And recharged alkalines are VERY prone to leak. Some brands tend to leak more quickly, and they do not leak during charging, but after, when they are in use! This AccuCell charger was ment for their special alkaline rechargeable batteries. I did not have those of cource so I experimenterd with regular alkalines.

But there is absolutely no practical point of really using recharged alkalines. They were nice to play with, but absolutely no practical value to me.

[The Good Dr]

Thank you both for your opinion's and advice. I think I'll give recharging alkaline's a miss, it just seems such a waste as nearly all the kids toys this year are battery powered. I think I'll invest in a good set of rechargeable's. Many thanks, kind regards Edwin.