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Leaky Batteries- what is the answer?
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Dec 8, 2022 08:51:14   #
tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio
 
I'm in the habit of removing batteries from my equipment when I'm done with it but I usually will leave the batteries in the case.
My flash units for example, I leave four batteries in the nylon case so when I grab a flash all I have to do is install the included batteries and away I go.
Well, this morning, I find that the Duracells (copper tops) have soiled themselves in my flash's nylon case. Luckily, I had some spare batteries so I didn't have to shut down my operation.
What batteries are the best for keeping it together during long term storage?
I just purchased a blister pack of Ray-o-Vacs to give them a chance. I also have some Enoloops that I constantly forget so they enjoy life in the charger.

Reply
Dec 8, 2022 08:55:25   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
I've only purchased Duracells for YEARS.
I found they last the longest, both in use and storage.
All alkalines have the propensity to leak. Some just do it sooner than others.

I just check them once a month for any leakage.

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Dec 8, 2022 08:56:34   #
BebuLamar
 
tradio wrote:
I'm in the habit of removing batteries from my equipment when I'm done with it but I usually will leave the batteries in the case.
My flash units for example, I leave four batteries in the nylon case so when I grab a flash all I have to do is install the included batteries and away I go.
Well, this morning, I find that the Duracells (copper tops) have soiled themselves in my flash's nylon case. Luckily, I had some spare batteries so I didn't have to shut down my operation.
What batteries are the best for keeping it together during long term storage?
I just purchased a blister pack of Ray-o-Vacs to give them a chance. I also have some Enoloops that I constantly forget so they enjoy life in the charger.
I'm in the habit of removing batteries from my equ... (show quote)


I have many Ray-0-Vac that leaked. They even leaked still in the original blister pak. Eneloops wouldn't leak but I do understand your charging problem. I would suggest you to call Duracell immediately. Make sure to save all the cells and prepare to take pictures of the damage flash.
They are supposed to fix or replace your flash when that happen.

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Dec 8, 2022 08:59:15   #
Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.
 
I can’t answer to the battery discharge we get with older batteries, but I can tell you that when I remove the batteries from anything, I put them in a zip-lock SNACK bag.
I’lol be watching to see your report on other batteries.
Maybe Consumer Reports has something about batteries.

Just checked CR. They do have ratings on AA but their choice is lithium.
You’ll need a membership to see the ratings and reports.

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Dec 8, 2022 09:26:33   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
LITHIUM - rechargeables if possible $$$

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Dec 8, 2022 09:34:46   #
JimRPhoto Loc: Raleigh NC
 
There was a time when Duracell batteries NEVER leaked, even when they were dead. For years we bought only Duracell for this reason. Sadly, nowadays, I find every brand of battery I use will eventually leak. Duracell must have changed their materials or location of manufacture. So I mark my calendar to check the charge on all my remote and camera system batteries every six months.

I have also been using rechargeable AA batteries with my flash units, and AAA batteries with one remote that drains batteries fast. I have never, to my recollection, had a rechargeable AA or AAA battery leak.

Good luck!

JimR

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Dec 8, 2022 09:35:08   #
burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC
 
tradio wrote:
I'm in the habit of removing batteries from my equipment when I'm done with it but I usually will leave the batteries in the case.
My flash units for example, I leave four batteries in the nylon case so when I grab a flash all I have to do is install the included batteries and away I go.
Well, this morning, I find that the Duracells (copper tops) have soiled themselves in my flash's nylon case. Luckily, I had some spare batteries so I didn't have to shut down my operation.
What batteries are the best for keeping it together during long term storage?
I just purchased a blister pack of Ray-o-Vacs to give them a chance. I also have some Enoloops that I constantly forget so they enjoy life in the charger.
I'm in the habit of removing batteries from my equ... (show quote)


All batteries will leak under the right conditions. If they didn't, they would swell or explode.

The seals are pretty good at preserving the integrity of the cells most of the time. But if they are stored in a very warm location, discharged rapidly, dropped...

I tend to use Ray-o-Vacs most of the time — the red ones with extended life. I will buy the ten-year Lithium non-rechargeables for things I don't use often. I use NiMh cells in flash units and other high drain devices. Buy batteries from dealers who move lots of them. I tend to get them in Lowe's, Walmart, and Home Depot because I know they sell them quickly. Still, I check the "Best by 20xx" dates and grab the freshest I can find.

Occasionally, I'll find a bad cell in the original package. I then whip out my battery tester and test them all, discarding any that are weak.

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Dec 8, 2022 09:39:25   #
BebuLamar
 
JimRPhoto wrote:
There was a time when Duracell batteries NEVER leaked, even when they were dead. For years we bought only Duracell for this reason. Sadly, nowadays, I find every brand of battery I use will eventually leak. Duracell must have changed their materials or location of manufacture. So I mark my calendar to check the charge on all my remote and camera system batteries every six months.

I have also been using rechargeable AA batteries with my flash units, and AAA batteries with one remote that drains batteries fast. I have never, to my recollection, had a rechargeable AA or AAA battery leak.

Good luck!

JimR
There was a time when Duracell batteries NEVER lea... (show quote)


I think every brand changed their chemicals and they all leak. Before they leaked only you left the device on and it keep draining the battery so they leak. If you turn off the device they don't leak but now every brand leak even outside of the device and in brand new blister pak.

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Dec 8, 2022 09:54:57   #
Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore
 
I had a 500 dollar ring flash for my intra oral photos when I was practicing dentistry and my Duracell leaked ruining the unit.
The repair tech said he's seen a lot more Duracell leak but that could be lot more Duracell sold.
Companies aren't responsible as they have no control over usage and storage. I did keep spare batteries in my glove box and that's a terrible place to store them.

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Dec 8, 2022 10:03:16   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
Sidwalkastronomy wrote:
... I did keep spare batteries in my glove box and that's a terrible place to store them.

Yea, they don't like being baked in a 140° car.....
Possibly not frozen either.

Reply
Dec 8, 2022 10:20:41   #
burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC
 
Longshadow wrote:
Yea, they don't like being baked in a 140° car.....
Possibly not frozen either.


I change the batteries in my car flashlights when I change the batteries in our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. I also give the contacts a squirt of Hosa D5S-6 CAIG DeoxIT 5% Spray Contact Cleaner or WD-40 *brand* CONTACT CLEANER (not the water dispersant). Either does a good job of removing oxidation.

When batteries leak, if you can get them out, use a swab made for cleaning video tape heads or camera sensors. Moisten it with vinegar, and scrub off the alkaline residue and any oxidation. Wipe the contacts and area around them clean with a rag moistened with distilled water, several times. Follow with a spray of contact cleaner. This will USUALLY restore the device to operating condition if the goo hasn't gone too far into circuitry. Don't use anything abrasive (pencil eraser or emery board), because you'll remove the electroplating on the contacts and the bare metal underneath will oxidize much more rapidly!

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Dec 8, 2022 10:24:21   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
burkphoto wrote:
I change the batteries in my car flashlights when I change the batteries in our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. I also give the contacts a squirt of Hosa D5S-6 CAIG DeoxIT 5% Spray Contact Cleaner or WD-40 *brand* CONTACT CLEANER (not the water dispersant). Either does a good job of removing oxidation.

When batteries leak, if you can get them out, use a swab made for cleaning video tape heads or camera sensors. Moisten it with vinegar, and scrub off the alkaline residue and any oxidation. Wipe the contacts and area around them clean with a rag moistened with distilled water, several times. Follow with a spray of contact cleaner. This will USUALLY restore the device to operating condition if the goo hasn't gone too far into circuitry. Don't use anything abrasive (pencil eraser or emery board), because you'll remove the electroplating on the contacts and the bare metal underneath will oxidize much more rapidly!
I change the batteries in my car flashlights when ... (show quote)


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Dec 8, 2022 10:30:49   #
anotherview Loc: California
 
My position on this topic: Remove AA batteries from a device as a precaution when the device will go unused for more than a short time.
Otherwise, the device potentially faces contamination from a leaky battery.
tradio wrote:
I'm in the habit of removing batteries from my equipment when I'm done with it but I usually will leave the batteries in the case.
My flash units for example, I leave four batteries in the nylon case so when I grab a flash all I have to do is install the included batteries and away I go.
Well, this morning, I find that the Duracells (copper tops) have soiled themselves in my flash's nylon case. Luckily, I had some spare batteries so I didn't have to shut down my operation.
What batteries are the best for keeping it together during long term storage?
I just purchased a blister pack of Ray-o-Vacs to give them a chance. I also have some Enoloops that I constantly forget so they enjoy life in the charger.
I'm in the habit of removing batteries from my equ... (show quote)

Reply
Dec 8, 2022 10:31:34   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
anotherview wrote:
My position on this topic: Remove AA batteries from a device as a precaution when the device will go unused for more than a short time.
Otherwise, the device potentially faces contamination from a leaky battery.

Simple.....

Reply
Dec 8, 2022 10:47:00   #
Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis
 
Longshadow wrote:
Simple.....


And put them I a ziploc bag!!!

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