FAQ
Charging
What is self-discharge?
Self-discharge is a phenomenon in which the stored charge in batteries gradually decreases over time, even when the batteries aren't being used. For example, do you know how sometimes you charge your phone and leave it overnight, but when you wake up the battery isn't 100%? That's because of self-discharge.
How can I minimise self-discharge?
To minimise self-discharge, store your batteries in a dry place. Also, don't take them sunbathing. They hate high temperatures and direct sunlight.
Can rechargeable batteries be charged by chargers of other brands?
Using a different brand's charger with your itson rechargeable batteries is a bit like going on a date with someone who might not quite get your vibe. It could work, but there's no guarantee it'll be a perfect match. For the best connection, stick with an itson charger.
What does the smart charge function in battery chargers do?
The Smart Charge feature on chargers is like having a super smart friend who checks everything before charging your batteries. It looks at things like how hot your batteries and charger are, and the charging conditions. It then charges each battery in the best possible conditions. This cool feature can reduce your charge time by 5% compared to chargers that don't have it.
What should I do when my charger makes a high pitched sizzling noise?
This is a vibration noise that occurs when electric current flows through a transformer or winding wire inside a component. Annoying? Yes. Dangerous? No. You can still use your charger safely.
Can Ni-MH chargers charge other battery types?
We strongly recommend that you do not attempt to recharge primary batteries such as alkaline, zinc-carbon or lithium with Ni-MH chargers. Alkaline batteries, for example, are not meant to be recharged, and if you try, they could leak or, worse, go boom!
Do I need to charge and discharge batteries before use to get better performance?
No, all itson batteries are ready to use right out of the box. However, because they go through some changes in temperature and conditions during shipping, they may have lost a little juice along the way. So when you open the box, they may not be at full power, but they're still good to go.
Is it normal for batteries or chargers to heat up while charging?
New energy flows into a battery when it is being charged. This generates some heat. If the battery or charger becomes too hot to touch, stop charging immediately. However, you can leave the fire extinguisher on the wall. You won't need it.
What is the cycle life of rechargeable batteries?
Cycle life is the number of times the battery can be recharged. Simple as that.
What is the meaning of the “mAh” on rechargeable batteries?
The capacity of a battery is indicated in XXXX mAh (milliampere-hour). For example, if you use a 2000 mAh battery in a device that draws 100 milliamperes of current continuously, the device will run for approximately 20 hours. Quick maths.
When should I recharge my batteries?
Do you wait to eat until you're about to faint? You don't, do you? The same goes for batteries. In general, it's best to never let your batteries deplete completely. Try to recharge them before the energy level drops below 30%.
General
Why is there no mention about capacity on my alkaline batteries?
It is difficult to calculate the exact capacity of alkaline batteries. This is because alkaline batteries have a gradually decreasing voltage level. Some devices require more voltage and will stop working when the batteries can no longer provide the required voltage - even though the battery still has some energy left.
What does “No Mercury added” mean?
This is a pinky swear that no mercury was added during the production of the battery.
Why does the battery show a minus voltage when I use the voltmeter?
Ah, a classic example of wrongly connected poles. Just connect the poles to the corresponding terminals of the voltmeter and you should be good to go.
What does the expiry date on the battery mean?
A battery is a chemical product that generates electricity through chemical reactions within it. These reactions and the materials inside the battery deteriorate over time, causing the battery's performance to decline. When a battery no longer performs as it should, it has expired, just like your Amazon Prime free trail.
How do I know when my battery’s service life has ended?
If a battery's service life has been reduced to half its original capacity, or if it never seems to charge, it's probably time to recycle it and get a new one.
Do I need to use the same type of battery in one device?
You don't, but you should. Any small difference between batteries will cause both batteries to overcompensate and drain faster.
Can hearing aid batteries be recycled?
You heard it - or should we say read it here first: all batteries, including hearing aid batteries, can and should be recycled.
How do hearing aid batteries work?
Hearing aid batteries or zinc-air batteries react with air. Once you remove the seal, the battery is ready to release energy. Be sure to let the battery breathe for a few minutes before inserting it into your device. It needs a quick breather to perform at its best.
How long does a lithium coin battery last?
The life of a lithium coin battery varies greatly depending on the device and conditions. For example, a lithium coin battery used in a car key can last up to 4-5 years and will deplete much slower than a battery used in an alarm system because the battery is not in constant use.
Do batteries expire?
Yes, all batteries have an expiry date. When batteries expire, you can still use them, but they won't perform as well as they used to. They don't age like fine wine or LeBron James.
What is the difference between alkaline batteries and rechargeable batteries?
Alkaline batteries are single-use batteries and can't be recharged.
How can I recycle batteries?
You can take your empty (single-use) batteries and end-of-life rechargeable batteries to a recycling point for free. It costs you zero, zilch, nada.
Why should I recycle my old batteries?
By recycling your batteries, you actively help reduce landfill waste and protect the planet (go you!). Almost all of the materials in batteries can be reused to make new batteries or processed in other industries.
How is itson reducing its impact on the environment?
Great question! You can find the answer(s) in our blog.
Leakage
How should I treat the white powder coming from Alkaline leakage?
White powder? Have you been swapping batteries with Pablo Escobar?
Joking aside, the white powder that comes out of alkaline battery leaks is potassium hydroxide. Potassium hydroxide is corrosive, which means you don't want to get it on your skin or in your eyes.
Skin contact may cause chemical burns. Wash exposed skin with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. In case of irritation, injury or pain, seek medical attention. In case of eye contact, do not rub the eyes, but flush with lukewarm water for at least 30 minutes and get medical attention immediately.
Why is my battery leaking?
The most common causes of battery leakage are mixed use and lack of use. If you leave a battery in a device and then don't use it for a long time, hydrogen can build up in the battery cell, causing the insulating seals to break. In other words: the battery starts crying because you're not using it properly or enough.
What should I do when my rechargeable battery is leaking?
Avoid direct skin contact with the leaked substance, place the batteries in a plastic bag before recycling and clean the battery holder/device with a dry cotton bud. If you get the leaked substance on your hands, wash them thoroughly with soap and water, just like your grandma taught you.
Can hearing aid batteries leak?
While leakage is rare, it may still occur if the battery is used incorrectly. Leakage is usually caused by leaving the battery in an unused device or short-circuiting.
Product range
What is the right itson alkaline battery for my device?
There are 2 types of itson alkaline batteries, ItsPREMIUM and ItsPOWER. ItsPREMIUM is more suitable for high-drain devices such as portable Bluetooth speakers and digital cameras. ItsPOWER is more suitable for medium- and low-drain devices such as remote controls and torches.
What are characteristics and voltage of zinc-air batteries?
Zinc-air batteries are different from other batteries. They do not contain any active materials in their positive electrode. This type of battery reacts with air, so it's important to remove the tag before inserting the battery into your device. They provide a current of 1.4V when used correctly.
Safety
How do I dispose of a battery?
You can and should recycle any type of battery you use - even end-of-life rechargeable batteries. Before recycling, check the recycling regulations in your country. In most countries, you can take your batteries to a recycling point for free.
How should I treat the liquid coming out of the battery?
Uh-oh! If your battery decides to have a little meltdown, take a cue from the Kardashians – turn off your device and remove the battery ASAP. But please, don't get all dramatic like a Kardashian crisis – use a cotton swab to clean up the mess and keep your skin away from the battery drama.
Can I mix different types/brands of batteries?
Unless you're a DJ or a bartender, you shouldn't be mixing anything really, especially not batteries. Mixing batteries causes an imbalance in the energy flow. Some batteries will overcompensate this by discharging faster than usual, which greatly reduces their lifespan.
Can I charge my alkaline or zinc-carbon battery?
Alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries are not meant to be charged, so we suggest you don't try to do so anyway. Unless you like explosions.
What happens if I accidentally put my batteries in the washing machine?
They may have a lavender scent, but they'll also be useless as batteries are no match for water. Luckily, the chances of batteries leaking inside a washing machine are minimal thanks to the safety valve. So your laundry will come out just fine.
What is child safe packaging? Why is the coin battery packaging so difficult to open?
Children love shiny things and putting things in their mouths. That's why it's wise to keep coin batteries out of their reach. itson's coin battery packaging has been specially designed to be super hard for children to open and to prevent accidental swallowing.
What should I do when I’ve swallowed a battery?
Go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Do not eat or drink anything until a doctor has made a proper diagnosis.
Storage
How do I store batteries?
To keep batteries in optimum condition, store them in their original packaging at room temperature in a dry environment. If you no longer have the original packaging, make sure that you do not store/mix them with other batteries.
Does my battery discharge during storage?
Yes, it does. Batteries are chemical products, which means that certain chemical processes take place in the battery over time. Because of these processes, some batteries discharge slightly even when they're not being used.
How long will itson batteries last in their original packaging?
The shelf life of itson batteries varies from product to product. See the product USPs for more information on the shelf life of each battery.
What does the expiry date on my coin battery mean?
The expiry date indicates how long the battery will function properly according to industry standards.
Can I store a zinc-air battery again after I’ve peeled off the seal?
You can, but we don't recommend it. Once you remove the seal, the battery starts to 'breathe' and give off energy even when it's not being used. Therefore, the battery won't last until the expiry date if the seal is removed.
Should I store batteries in the refrigerator or freezer?
No, never cool or freeze your itson batteries. They are super powerful, but not as powerful as Captain America. They won't survive being frozen like him!
Usage
How do I properly change batteries? What should I pay attention to?
Even if it's just one of your batteries that's gone to battery heaven, you should replace them all at the same time. When you put in new batteries, make sure they are all the same brand, type and expiry date. Never mix old and new batteries.
Why do batteries heat up?
If you were expecting a pun or a bad joke, we're sorry to disappoint you. However, we have a helpful answer to make up for it. A hot battery can be caused by anything from improper storage to a short circuit. A little heat is fine, but watch out for unusual heat.
My appliance doesn't work for as long as it did with the original batteries. Why not?
There's a good chance that you've replaced the original batteries with a different type. This can affect the performance of the device. For example, zinc-carbon batteries will perform differently to alkaline batteries.
Why is it difficult to insert some of the batteries into the battery compartment?
This is because batteries of the same size can vary slightly in size from manufacturer to manufacturer. To avoid buying batteries that don't fit, always buy the same type of batteries as you used before.
Why doesn't the appliance work after changing the batteries?
The battery may be inserted incorrectly in the battery compartment, or there may be a poor connection between the battery and the compartment terminal. Another possibility is that your appliance itself is broken.
Does the weight of my battery change after usage?
Yes, it does. A depleted battery weighs slightly less than a full/charged one. But it doesn't have to tighten its belt to keep its trousers up like we do when we lose a few pounds.
How does temperature affect my batteries?
Batteries should be stored at room temperature. Extreme heat or cold can significantly reduce battery life. So don't take them to the sauna or ice skating.
Should I insert a battery in a specific direction?
Always insert batteries with the poles facing the right way. Otherwise you'll get a short circuit.
Can I use my Ni-MH batteries until the device completely stops working?
This is not recommended as it can lead to over-discharging of your Ni-Mh batteries, which is one of the main causes of shortened battery life. So replace or recharge your batteries on time. And give them a standing ovation when you do, because they have worked really, really hard.
How can I extend the service life of my rechargeable batteries?
For best performance, always try to keep the battery's energy level above 30% of its total capacity. Also, always use batteries of the same type and expiry date, and preferably the same brand. Mixing batteries will cause them to overcompensate and discharge faster than usual, which will affect their service life.
What should I do when my rechargeable batteries heat up when I’m using them?
While some heat is normal, unusually hot batteries can be caused by over-discharging or short-circuiting. If your batteries overheat and become almost too hot to touch, remove them from your device immediately.
Why is the battery life of my smart key so short?
Smart key batteries usually last between 1 and 2 years. If your smart key battery depletes before this, it may be due to electromagnetic interference. Therefore, avoid keeping your smart key near other electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops.
Can hearing aid batteries be carried on a plane?
You're always allowed to board a plane with your hearing aid batteries in the device. TIP: do check with your airline for their policy on carrying spare hearing aid batteries.
When should I replace hearing aid batteries?
Replace the battery as soon as your hearing aid stops working properly. If this happens unusually quickly, check that there is no loose contact between the battery and the terminals inside.
Why do hearing aid batteries need to be activated?
Hearing aid batteries are zinc-air batteries. This type of battery needs air to work and comes with a seal. When you remove the seal, air flows into the battery, allowing it to release energy. Before inserting the batteries into your hearing aid, allow them to 'breathe' for a few minutes.
When should I remove the batteries from my device?
Remove the batteries from your device when they're empty, when you're not going to use the device for an extended period of time, or when your device is connected to AC power (plugged into a wall socket or other power source). If you're not going to be using your device for a long time, or if it's plugged in, make sure you send your batteries on holiday. They've earned it.