There is some misunderstanding about the use and care of batteries. While lead acid and nickel cadium (NiCad) have similar characteristics, there are differences. Neither battery should be discharged too deeply. A nickel cadium (NiCad) battery must not be discharged below 1 volt per cell. These batteries are rated as 1.20 volts per cell. A 12 volt NiCad battery has 10 cells and must not be discharged below 10 volts (10 X 1 = 10). A lead acid battery is rated at 2 volts per cell and must not be discharged below 1.75 volts per cell. A 12 volt lead acid battery has 6 cells and must not be discharged below 10.5 volts (6 x 1.75 = 10.5). If these batteries are discharged below this, they will most likely be damaged.

Devices like cell phones have circuits in them which prevent their batteries from being discharged too deeply by shutting off the circuit at a preset minimum voltage.

While NiCad batteries perform better in the cold than lead acid, the lead acid performs well in the cold if they are kept in insulated cases such as Clairmont Camera provides. Clairmont can also provide specially insulated pouches that their batteries fit into. Batteries should be at room temperature before they are charged. If they are charged below 0 degrees Celsius, they are likely to be damaged. Lente Equipment makes a charger that will not charge a cold battery before its temperature is up to a safe charging temperature.

After a battery is taken off charge, expect it to auto discharge about 20% the first week and then about 10% per week thereafter. Batteries should be stored in a charged condition. If a NiCad battery has never been charged since it was manufactured, it can be best stored never charged.

Any metal battery cell that has a dent in it must be discarded. Return any discarded battery cells to a battery cell vendor and they will see that it gets recycled properly.

Any battery that gets over 115 degrees while charging or in use will be damaged. If a NiCad battery cell is charged with a good charger and it gets hot (over 115 degrees) it is bad.

Any good charger has a circuit that will not overcharge a battery no matter how long it is plugged in.

When using batteries to power a 9" monitors, recharge battery after 1/2 battery's amp our rating. Example, recharge a 10 amp battery after using on monitor after 5 hours. If you discharge the battery deeply, it will be damaged.