2014Batteries/Power forum
Safety and maintenance practices for leaving batteries on charge during extended absences
12 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Leaving batteries unattended on chargers during extended trips presents a fire risk and manufacturers recommend turning off charging stations when away for several days or more.
- Modern chargers typically draw minimal power once batteries reach full charge, with little to no heat generation during float charging.
- Battery longevity can be reduced by continuously keeping batteries on charge, and many users report better long-term performance by charging only as needed.
- Manufacturers recommend storing batteries in a partially discharged state, such as 40 percent, for long-term storage periods, though definitions of long-term storage vary.
- Batteries should be cycled at least every 60 to 90 days during storage to maintain health and prevent complete discharge, which may result in permanent damage after six months or more.
- Older battery chemistries like nickel-cadmium behave differently from modern lithium-ion systems, which have additional built-in safety features.
Depends on
- The definition of long-term storage varies by manufacturer and individual interpretation, with ranges from three days to several weeks.
- Exact state-of-charge cannot always be measured precisely without manufacturer-specific tools, relying instead on charger indicator lights.
- Anecdotal evidence shows significant variation in individual battery longevity depending on usage patterns and maintenance practices.
- Manufacturer websites often do not specify storage duration due to legal liability concerns.
- One lithium battery fire incident was mentioned but without complete details on battery type or charger specifications.