We have a number of little sensor lights in our hallways and bathrooms that use AAA batteries. Haven't kept count, but it seems like we go through a lot. I've decided to look into rechargeable.
Anyone have brands for batteries and chargers that they liked?
After doing some research, I bought some Eneloop AA batteries for a clock. They work fine and I'd recommend that brand.
I agree. I did some research 4 years ago, after Superstorm Sandy wiped out the NJ & NY coastline and I needed some emergency, backup batteries. All reports then said Panasonic Eneloop 4th generation batteries were the best in terms of price, rechargeability & staying power. The Amazon descriptions usually state they are 4th generation or look for the battery model number: BK-3MCC for the Eneloop AA batteries. Also the packaging should state: 70% charge remaining after 10 years.
AmazonBasics rechargeable batteries came in as a close second. However, one review of them said, either the AA or the AAA weren't as good. I forget which one, as I'm staying with Eneloops.
This past week, after being in the NYC blackout, I did some research again to see if I need to upgrade my batteries. Technology has changed a LOT in the past few years and I realized I have to get a lot of different emergency preparedness items that run on hand-crank, with solar & (rechargeable) battery back-up.
One thing I was surprised at, was that when I switched on my LED lanterns, which I hadn't used in quite a few months and know that it was even more months before that, that the batteries in them were recharged, I found the lights quite bright and were steadily staying on.
After, I researched & found that the newer NiMH batteries developed in the last few years are able to retain about 70% of their charge for a few years, while not in use. (It's called self-discharging.) The first rechargeable batteries ever that came out, (not NiMH batteries,) would lose their charge within a couple months, even when not used. And they needed to be recharged often while in use. I had those. That was my only knowledge & reference to rechargeable batteries. I didn't know the technology had changed. And that I had luckily bought some of the newer ones.
Make sure the package of batteries you buy say they are NiMH and that they state they retain a good percentage of their charge for several years. The packages usually say they come pre-charged from the factory as they hold their charge for about 5 years now. Stay away from any ebay or Amazon reseller sales where they may be getting rid of the really old (first generation, and not NiMH) rechargeable batteries.
Also get a SLOW recharger specifically for NiMH batteries. It may take a few hours to recharge batteries, instead of one hour. But, the "quick" rechargers actually kill the life of the batteries faster.
I am also getting a new recharger that works via a USB input, (any USB cellphone charger,) as well as by regular AC power that plugs into a wall outlet. This way, if I'm stuck in another emergency and have to recharge my batteries, I can do so via a solar charger or hand-crank/solar lantern that will recharge my cell phone AND I can connect the USB battery recharger. I'm making sure I'm ready for any zombie or climate change apocalypse. You didn't list that as one of your needs. But, it's an option to think about having.
Wow, thanks for the detailed answer.
I never would have thought of USB charging nor zombies. I do have a few that plug in and one solar charger. Not sure what I need for zombies. Would hand sanitizer work????
I use the Amazon basics for AA and AAA rechargeable batteries and have had great results with them.
The rechargeable batteries that I get from them has always been black labeled. The regular batteries are silver. Beyond that I have no idea the differences in any other color.They have several different colors , I'm assuming that means different levels of something, not just to look pretty.
They have several different colors , I'm assuming that means different levels of something, not just to look pretty.
Amazon buys their batteries from several suppliers. Some of them are alleged to be the FDK/Fujitsu batteries that are functionally the same as the latest Panasonic Eneloop. However, these would all be labelled as being made in Japan, and it's difficult to order them with that kind of specificity. If you can find them at one of Amazon's physical stores, it's possible to check the box. However, I've been reading that the AmazonBasics AAA batteries are only labelled as made in China.The rechargeable batteries that I get from them has always been black labeled. The regular batteries are silver. Beyond that I have no idea the differences in any other color.
Eneloops have often come in limited edition "fashion colors" over the years where the batteries were identical.It's probably for the different usages & amount of power in them. The Eneloops also have 2 different colors. One is white, for standard usage. Black ones are the "Pro" version whhich have more power for things that need extreme intense power right away, like flashlights. Yet, they are rated to only be good for 500 recharges vs the standard ones that are capable of 2000 recharges.
How many AAAs do you need? It's pretty easy to keep spares and then cycle them in and out every week/month/etc.
Here's a package with 12 AAAs and a charger:
https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-BK-4MCCA8BA-eneloop-Pre-Charged-Rechargeable/dp/B07QXBW6T2/
The think I like about this battery (although Panasonic doesn't really make them) is that I've never seen one leak liquid like I've seen with other batteries. I've had a few fail, but that's not necessarily avoidable. There will always be some batteries that fail, but I'd rather they not leak too where they damage the device.
I've got several of these from over the years. The link is actually kind of generic. You'll need to select the options as to the type of charger (or no charger) and then see what other options you have. And the selection is kind of clunky.That would fit the bill. We have a couple of motion sensor night lights in the downstairs hallway and one in a bathroom.
Even though it wouldn't give many extra's, the chance of all dying at the same time is small.
Thank you for the information.
I've got several of these from over the years. The link is actually kind of generic. You'll need to select the options as to the type of charger (or no charger) and then see what other options you have. And the selection is kind of clunky.
How many batteries total do you need?
How long do you suppose they’re lasting now on alkalines?I would need 9 in use.
Now before I purchase, how long would one last? It's a sensor light that probably turns on 5-10 times a day for maybe 30 seconds. Am I going to be replacing /charging every other day?