NiMH shelf life?

[pgh13]

I have a timer which is backed up by a single Varta V150 cell. I had to replace the cell several years ago and at the time could only get a 2.4v version, so I split it and used one cell. Is the unused cell likely to be usable after this time? I looked up the RS datasheet but the only reference there to life expectancy talks about charge/discharge cycles, not shelf life.

 

[Lazarus]

Also depends upon whether it was left charged or discharged, I believe - although after all the time that has elapsed I shouldn't hold out much hope either way.

Frankly, the only way sure to tell is to try it.

 

[Channel Hopper]

Metal Hydride batteries are self disharging, after about a month the battery is effectively without charge.

As long as the battery hasn't been in device with others that might have caused polarity reversal the condition should be fine.

The main criteria for NiMH cells is , only recharge at minimum rate , and always disconnect immediately after the battery is fully charged.

 

[pgh13]

Thanks CH. I'll give it a go. It's been sitting in its own little plazzy bag in the 'that'll come in handy' box. I'd have tried it yesterday but the printer threw in its hand and then the PSU for the firewall (that I need for work) fried and the spare that was left over after I killed the last router (because sh1t for brains D-Link fit the same size connector to their 12v and 5v units and no over voltage protection :mad also failed to perform . Still, mustn't grumble!