Batteries FAQ - All Battery Types

Yes. Extreme heat or cold reduces battery performance. For this reason, we recommend storing batteries at room temperature in a dry environment. You'll want to avoid putting battery-powered devices in very warm places. In addition, refrigeration is not necessary or recommended.

For best performance, keep battery contact surfaces and battery compartment contacts clean.

Refrigeration is not necessary or recommended, as heat or cold reduces battery performance. We recommend storing batteries at room temperature in a dry environment. You'll want to avoid storing batteries or battery-powered devices in very warm places.

Procell alkaline AA, AAA have a best by 12 years shelf life, Procell alkaline C, D batteries have a best by 10 years shelf life. Procell alkaline 9V batteries last up to 5 years.

Batteries may seem simple, but the delivery of packaged power is a complicated electrochemical process. 

Electric current in the form of electrons begins to flow in the external circuit when the device - a light bulb for example - is turned on. At that time, the anode material, zinc, gives up two electrons per atom in a process called oxidation, leaving a zinc (Zn) charge of unstable ions behind. After the electrons do their work powering the light bulb, they re-enter the cell at the cathode, where they combine with the active material, manganese dioxide, in a process called reduction. 

The combined processes of oxidation and reduction couldn’t occur in a power cell without an internal way to carry electrons back to the anode, balancing the external flow of current. This process is accomplished by the movement of negatively charged hydroxide ions present in the water solution called the electrolyte. 

Every electron entering the cathode reacts with the manganese dioxide to form MnOO-. Then, MnOO- reacts with water from the electrolyte. In that reaction, the water splits, releasing hydroxide ions into the electrolyte and hydrogen ions that combine with MnOO- to form MnOOH. 

The internal circuit is completed when the hydroxide ions produced in this reaction at the cathode flow to the anode in the form of ionic current. There, they combine with unstable zinc ions, which were formed at the anode when the electrons were originally given up to the external circuit. This produces zinc oxide and water, and completes the circuit (which is necessary to have a constant flow of electricity) and powers your device.

Battery life can be measured in milliamp hour (mAh). This unit measures (electric) power over time.

The following tips may help extend the life of your batteries: 

• Turn off battery-operated radios and appliances whenever they’re not in use 
• Store your batteries in a dry place at normal room temperature without the contacts touching 

Always replace the battery or batteries in your equipment with the size and type specified by the device manufacturer. For standard size batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, 9V), alkaline batteries are often recommended for best performance. Zinc carbon batteries have inferior life spans and equipment may not operate properly if zinc carbon batteries are used. This is due to reduced mAh and charge of zinc carbon battery chemistry.

We do recommend changing all batteries in a unit at the same time. A partially used battery will drain energy from a new one, reducing the total amount of battery power available.

No, different batteries provide different lengths of life and power output. This can depend on battery chemistry, as well as the needs of the device they’re powering.

No, Procell batteries are not designed to be used underwater or in vacuum conditions. Procell cell design enables operation in temperatures from:

-4°F to 129.2°F or -20°C to 54°C, with Lithium coin and High-Power Lithium batteries operating in temperatures from -4°F to 140°F or -20°C to 60°C.

It is not recommended to mix old and new batteries. Mixing batteries will reduce overall performance and may cause battery leakage or rupture. When needed, we suggest replacing all batteries within a device.

Batteries should be removed from devices/equipment when:

• The batteries are worn out. This can be indicated by loss of power to the device or a lower physical reading on a voltmeter.
• The device is being powered by AC current rather than battery power

Carefully follow instructions on your equipment regarding proper insertion of batteries, ensuring that the + (plus) and – (minus) terminals are aligned correctly. These should be clearly marked on both the device and on the battery.

CAUTION: Some equipment using three or more batteries may appear to work properly even if one battery is inserted incorrectly; such usage may lead to battery leakage or rupture that could result in equipment damage.

Only batteries that are specifically labeled "rechargeable" should be recharged. Any attempt to recharge a non-rechargeable battery could result in rupture or leakage. Procell Alkaline batteries are not rechargeable.

“Alkaline” refers to the chemical components that make up this category of battery.

Alkaline or Alkaline Manganese Dioxide cells have many advantages over zinc-carbon cells including up to ten times the ampere-hour capacity at high and continuous drain conditions. Also, performance at low temperatures is superior to other conventional aqueous electrolyte primary cells. Other significant advantages are longer shelf life, better leakage resistance, and superior low-temperature performance. Its more effective, secure seal provides excellent resistance to leakage and corrosion.

Lithium and alkaline batteries employ different chemistries for maximum performance in different devices.

Batteries may be small, but they’re far from simple. 

They’re highly engineered electrochemical cells. Chemical energy is converted to electrical energy by a redox reaction. This process takes place between the three major parts of a battery: the anode, cathode, and electrolyte. 

Different types of batteries use different materials for these parts. The materials for these parts are chosen depending on how well they give up or attract electrons, something that must happen for an electric current to be generated. 

The anode is often a metal, the cathode is a metallic oxide, and the electrolyte is a salt solution that facilitates the ion flow.

In the 1860s, George Leclanche of France developed what would be the forerunner of the world's first widely used battery; the zinc carbon cell. 

The anode was a zinc and mercury-alloyed rod (zinc, the anode in Alessandro Volta’s original cell, proved to be one of the best metals for the job). The cathode was a porous cup of crushed manganese dioxide and some carbon. Into the mix was inserted a carbon rod to act as a current collector via carbon charge. Both the anode and the cathode cup were plunged into a liquid solution of ammonium chloride, which acted as the electrolyte. The system was called a “wet cell.” 

Though Leclanche’s cell was rugged and inexpensive, it was eventually replaced by the improved “dry cell” in the 1880s. The anode became the zinc can containing the cell, and the electrolyte became a paste rather than a liquid; basically, the zinc carbon cell that is known today.

No, all Procell batteries are mercury-free.

The date appearing on Procell battery packaging is the expiration date, which represents the shelf-life. The manufacture date does not appear on Procell batteries, but can be deduced from the expiration date based on the following guidance:

Procell AA, AAA have a reliable performance up to 12 years in storage, C and D batteries have a reliable performance up to 10 years in storage. Procell 9V batteries last up to 5 years.

All batteries (alkaline, rechargeable, lithium, silver oxide, zinc air) can and should be recycled according to local guidance. 

Procell alkaline batteries are composed primarily of common metals - steel, zinc, and manganese - and do not pose a health or environmental risk during normal use or disposal. We have voluntarily eliminated all of the added mercury from Procell alkaline batteries since the early 1990s, while maintaining the performance consumer’s demand.

Procell alkaline batteries are composed primarily of common metals - steel, zinc, and manganese - and do not pose a health or environmental risk during normal use or disposal. Procell has voluntarily eliminated all of the added mercury from Procell alkaline batteries since the early 1990s, while maintaining the performance consumer’s demand.

In the unlikely event that a battery is wet or covered with a white powdery substance, limit your handling of the battery. Only handle the battery as required for proper removal and disposal and immediately wash any exposed body surfaces and clothing with soap and water. If contact with the eyes occurs, immediately flush the eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes and then seek immediate medical assistance.

Although most batteries contain chemicals that won’t harm exposed skin, any direct contact with the Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) or any internal chemical components contained in battery cells on skin should still be treated as any chemical exposure would. Always take precautions when handling exposed battery chemicals. Battery chemicals shouldn’t be placed near the eyes or ingested. Contact a physician immediately if this should occur.

Follow these tips to clean up after a battery has leaked: 

• Work in a well-ventilated area. 
• Wear gloves and safety glasses. 
• Remove battery leakage residue from the electrical contacts using a toothbrush or cotton swab. 
• Make sure the electronic device is completely dry before trying a new battery. 

To avoid future problems, adopt the following practices:

• Do not mix and match different battery brands in the same device.
• Remove batteries from devices that are being stored.
• To clean any leakage of the following battery types, Alkaline, NiCd and NiMH batteries, use a mixture of equal amounts of diluted vinegar or lemon juice with water (50/50 ratio).

NEVER light or dispose of batteries in a fire - they may explode, rupture, and cause safety risks.

If you experience any issue with your Procell batteries, please complete our Contact Us form here on the website and a Procell representative will be in touch.

To contact a local Procell battery distributor, please complete our Contact Us form here on the website and a Procell representative will be in touch.