Testing batteries

[js5895]

Hi,

Can I test AAA, AA, C, etc. batteries to see if they're good, like car
batteries.
Check the voltage and get for instance, 12.8v(100%), 12.5v(50%), 11.8v(10%)
If so, do I put a load on it while testing? Like a light bulb.

Thanks.

 

[Tom Biasi]

"js5895" <js5895@tmp.com> wrote in message
news:Ucs1e.116813$H05.78387@twister.nyroc.rr.com...

Hi,

Can I test AAA, AA, C, etc. batteries to see if they're good, like car
batteries.
Check the voltage and get for instance, 12.8v(100%), 12.5v(50%),
11.8v(10%)
If so, do I put a load on it while testing? Like a light bulb.

Thanks.


There is a specified load and a corresponding acceptable voltage drop for

each battery size and type.
Get the specs or buy a battery tester for about 5 bucks.
Tom

 

[js5895]

Thanks.
Specifications like this:
http://data.energizer.com/
http://www.rayovac.com/BusinessPartners/oem/specs/bat9.shtml
http://www.duracell.com/oem/

"Tom Biasi" <tombiasi@REMOVEoptonline.net> wrote in message
news:62w1e.2699$EW3.1746@fe12.lga...

"js5895" <js5895@tmp.com> wrote in message
news:Ucs1e.116813$H05.78387@twister.nyroc.rr.com...
Hi,

Can I test AAA, AA, C, etc. batteries to see if they're good, like car
batteries.
Check the voltage and get for instance, 12.8v(100%), 12.5v(50%),
11.8v(10%)
If so, do I put a load on it while testing? Like a light bulb.

Thanks.


There is a specified load and a corresponding acceptable voltage drop for
each battery size and type.
Get the specs or buy a battery tester for about 5 bucks.
Tom

 

[Tom Biasi]

"js5895" <js5895@tmp.com> wrote in message
news:zgJ1e.106024$vK5.47319@twister.nyroc.rr.com...

Thanks.
Specifications like this:
http://data.energizer.com/
http://www.rayovac.com/BusinessPartners/oem/specs/bat9.shtml
http://www.duracell.com/oem/

I didn't see anything in those links to help you.

You need to know the load that the manufacturer wants for the load test and
the voltage curve that will result.
You could put 100 Ohms or so across your meter leads and see if the battery
drops much below the rated voltage, with some practice you will develop a
sense of when your batteries are starting to fail.
This is crude but not much worse than the cheap testers like this one
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4943228133&category=10363
Regards,
Tom

 

[mike]

js5895 wrote:

Hi,

Can I test AAA, AA, C, etc. batteries to see if they're good, like car
batteries.
Check the voltage and get for instance, 12.8v(100%), 12.5v(50%), 11.8v(10%)
If so, do I put a load on it while testing? Like a light bulb.

Thanks.

Curiosity is good. You should do whatever it takes to satisfy it.
But, the only load that makes sense in testing batteries is the load
that you are gonna apply. Batteries destined for a digital camera
need to be tested at high load. But that would give pessimistic readings
if you were gonna use the batteries in a clock.

For a quick check,
Stick 'em in a flashlight and see how dim it is.

Used to be able to buy batteries with a built-in tester. Peel that off
and use it. Can't find any in my battery box. Not sure they make 'em
any more. Expect that function cost way more than people were willing
to pay.
mike


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