Good maintenance practices make a big difference in extending the life of your Ni-Cd batteries and ensuring safe operation.
Visual Inspection
- Check Terminals: Look for corrosion, rust, or leakage.
- Inspect Casings: Any bulging, cracking, or deformation suggests internal damage.
- Temperature Monitoring: Unusual heating during use or charging could signal a problem.
Cleaning Contacts
- Use a dry cloth or contact cleaner to wipe terminals regularly.
- Avoid using wet cloths or corrosive chemicals.
Regular Usage
- Batteries should be used periodically.
- If left unused for long periods, they should be fully charged and discharged every 3–6 months.
Record Keeping
- Maintain a log of charge-discharge cycles and battery performance.
- Early detection of declining performance allows for timely intervention.
Following a simple but consistent maintenance schedule will save you from costly replacements and improve battery reliability.