Why do my batteries suddenly discharge?

Ni-MH Rechargeable batteries. If you aren't using them to keep them charged on the shelf or discharge.....?

• Is it better to Charge them & then leave em on the shelf until you need them and charge em in between until you need them. Or just leave them to discharge until you need them and ...show more

• Answer:

  I prefer to keep 'em charged. Top up standard NiMH cells every couple of months to avoid a self discharge to a point from which they might not recover. Better yet, look for the newer type of NiMH batteries that feature a much lower self discharge rate. They are sometimes described as "precharged" since they can hold a large percentage of their charge for a year or longer. The links I've posted below are the best I've found regarding the care and use of NiMH batteries and give more detail about the low self discharge type. Don