Author Topic: Wipe Off the Battery Before Use?  (Read 1084 times)

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Offline Boris_yoTopic starter

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Wipe Off the Battery Before Use?
« on: October 18, 2022, 04:59:47 pm »
Hi. What is the purpose for wiping off the lithium cell battery before using it?
I found it mentioned on a few websites.

 

Offline ataradov

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Re: Wipe Off the Battery Before Use?
« Reply #1 on: October 18, 2022, 05:26:01 pm »
I would assume they don't want the finger grease and sweat to cause oxidation and poor contact over time.
Alex
 
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Offline pcprogrammer

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Re: Wipe Off the Battery Before Use?
« Reply #2 on: October 18, 2022, 06:56:46 pm »
And to not create a restive bridge between the two poles, which shortens the battery life. Best to touch these batteries as little as possible.

I usually try to leave it in the plastic and slip it into place without touching it at all.

Offline james_s

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Re: Wipe Off the Battery Before Use?
« Reply #3 on: October 18, 2022, 08:42:50 pm »
It's the latter. Finger oils contain salts and these combined with moisture forms a slightly conductive film. It's not much, but when spread over the multiple years these small cells can last it doesn't take much leakage current to significantly reduce the lifespan.
 

Offline Boris_yoTopic starter

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Re: Wipe Off the Battery Before Use?
« Reply #4 on: October 19, 2022, 12:44:50 am »
This is only relevant to CR2032 and similar sized lithium cell type batteries? What about small sized batteries like LR44 and AG3? And lithium/alkaline AAs/AAAs? 9v rectangular battery?
 

Offline ataradov

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Re: Wipe Off the Battery Before Use?
« Reply #5 on: October 19, 2022, 12:50:21 am »
It is relevant for all types of batteries, but it has most impact on small batteries that don't have a lot of capacity to begin with. Discharging even AAA battery though dirt and grime traces would take a while and self discharge would likely to be higher anyway.
Alex
 

Offline Halcyon

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Re: Wipe Off the Battery Before Use?
« Reply #6 on: October 19, 2022, 03:25:05 am »
I was always taught to give contacts and button cells a clean with alcohol when replacing them. So I've always done it that way. I mean, if for no other reason that it's nice and clean.
 


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