Is it safe to use partially leaked rechargeable NIMH batteries?

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6pack

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I have four LaCrosse NIMH batteries. After a few uses I'm seeing some wet spots on the top +ve terminal side of the batteries. Like dark blotches. So seems these have leaked. And they smell some sort of plasticy smell too.

So is it safe to charge and use these partially leaked rechargeable NIMH batteries?
Read on Amazon that these Lacrosse ones leak and might explode while charging :O
 
Why take a chance mate? They may mostly work, but then there is some possibility of them exploding causing damage to charger, property and personnel.
 
the cost of the new batteries is a problem actually. these are 2700MaH AA ones, and new rechargeable ones cost a lot. Haven't even charged these more than 5 times. So feel bad about throwing these in dustbin.
 
If they are leaking they will damage the camera or whatever item you are using it in.

Dont take a chance under any circumstance
 
Don't use those!!

I have experienced this twice. First time it spoiled my digital camera beyond repair (Camera cost USD449), second time, another leaky battery, mildly exploded in the charger.

It was a hard lesson for me but I learnt from the experience not to be penny-wise-and-pound-foolish
 
^ Exactly, I actually saw it damaging the charger itself, which should be costlier than these.

time to throw them, what brand were they BTW?
 
6pack said:
I have four LaCrosse NIMH batteries. After a few uses I'm seeing some wet spots on the top +ve terminal side of the batteries. Like dark blotches. So seems these have leaked. And they smell some sort of plasticy smell too.

So is it safe to charge and use these partially leaked rechargeable NIMH batteries?
Read on Amazon that these Lacrosse ones leak and might explode while charging :O
Click to expand...
They've just vented. What kind of charger do you have, if its programmable then you can select lower charging current. However if you only have one of those non-programmable quick charger types then it would be advisable not to use these in it.
 
LaCrosse charger. I usually charge at lowest setting - 200MaH which is the default. I dont think there is a lower setting than this.

Noob Q: Vented means? :ashamed:

Pic attached of the batteries in question. Apologies for bad quality of the pic. Was taken with an old phone.



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No, not safe at all. Dispose of them at the earliest.

And if you are still wondering.....then.......it is as safe as using a slightly punctured condom :D
 
Do they carry a warranty?? If they do, you could consider that unless they are old and not been used often.
 
6pack said:
LaCrosse charger. I usually charge at lowest setting - 200MaH which is the default. I dont think there is a lower setting than this.
Noob Q: Vented means? :ashamed:
Click to expand...
It just means when a battery overheats it discharges some hydrogen+oxygen, in this case some electrolyte leaked out too. There's a valve near the positive terminal to let out excess pressure should it build up.

Recently, do you find batteries to be unusually warmer when they come off this charger ? ?
 
similar cases have found with htc mobile batteries. It leaks some red liquid and enters the circuitry which then makes the phone unusable & even voids the warranty.

As you said you hardly used them not more than 5 times means it all happened due to extreme voltage fluctuation or a faulty charger or even (cant ignore) improper mfgd battery though it is branded one.

Save your camera or device which imho is more costly than these batteries n chargers.
 
@blr_p, nopes. These batteries were a little warm last time i charged them (about a few months back). The 4 GP batteries which I charged just yesterday were cool to touch though.

Could it mean a faulty valve in the batteries then?
 
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