CR (Lithium Manganese Dioxide) Battery Care & Usage Guidelines

### **CR (Lithium Manganese Dioxide) Battery Care & Usage Guidelines**

**Important Note:** CR batteries are **primary (non-rechargeable) cells**. The term "maintenance" here refers to safe handling, proper storage, and usage practices to ensure they deliver their full rated capacity and prevent hazards.

#### **Core Principles**

Ensure **safe usage**, prevent **short circuits**, store in **proper conditions**, and **dispose of correctly**.

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### **Part 1: Usage & Handling Best Practices**

1.  **Never Attempt to Recharge**

   *   CR batteries are **not designed to be recharged**. Attempting to recharge them can cause **internal gas buildup, leakage, intense heat, or even explosion**. Use only chargers and rechargeable batteries (like Li-ion) if you need a reusable power source.

2.  **Prevent Short Circuits**

   *   This is the most critical safety rule. **Never** let the battery's positive (+) and negative (-) terminals come into contact with conductive materials (like keys, coins, or metal sheets).

   *   **Storage Tip:** Keep batteries in their original packaging until use. When storing loose batteries, place them in a non-conductive container with terminals not touching each other. Using individual plastic caps or taping terminals (especially for button cells) is a good practice.

3.  **Do Not Mix Batteries**

   *   **In a device:** Never use old and new batteries together, or mix different brands, types (e.g., alkaline with lithium), or charge levels.

   *   **For storage:** Do not store loose batteries where different terminals can contact each other. Mixing can cause leakage or imbalance.

   *   This practice prevents leakage, improper device operation, and potential hazards.

4.  **Insert Correctly**

   *   Always observe the correct **polarity (+/-)** when inserting the battery into a device. Incorrect installation can cause short circuits, leakage, or damage to the device.

5.  **Remove Batteries from Unused Devices**

   *   If a device will not be used for an extended period (months), **remove the CR batteries**. This prevents potential leakage from a fully discharged or slowly draining battery, which can corrode and damage the device.

6.  **Keep Them Clean and Dry**

   *   Wipe the battery terminals with a clean, dry cloth if they become dirty. Clean terminals ensure good electrical contact. Avoid exposure to moisture.

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### **Part 2: Storage & Disposal**

1.  **Ideal Storage Conditions**

   *   **Store in a Cool, Dry Place.** The ideal storage temperature is **room temperature (around 20°C / 68°F)**. Avoid high temperatures (e.g., in a hot car), which accelerate self-discharge and can degrade the battery.

   *   **Low Humidity:** Prevents terminal corrosion.

   *   CR batteries have a very **low self-discharge rate** (typically 1% per year), so they can retain most of their charge for up to 10 years when stored properly.

2.  **Proper Disposal**

   *   **Do NOT dispose of CR batteries in regular household trash.**

   *   Even though they contain lithium, they are generally **non-hazardous waste** but should still be recycled.

   *   Take them to designated battery recycling drop-off points (found at many electronics stores, supermarkets, or community waste centers).

   *   **Important:** For safety during disposal, place a piece of tape over **both terminals** of each battery. This prevents accidental short circuits in the collection bin, which can cause fires.

### **Part 3: Signs of a Problem & What to Do**

*   **Leakage:** If you see a white crystalline or powdery substance around the battery, **do not touch it with bare hands**. Use gloves, carefully remove the battery, and dispose of it properly. Clean the device compartment with a cotton swab and a mild acid like vinegar or lemon juice (to neutralize the alkaline leak), then wipe dry.

*   **Deformation (Swelling/Heating):** If a battery becomes swollen, hot to the touch, or shows any deformity during use or storage, **remove it from the device immediately with caution**. Place it in a non-flammable container in a safe, open area away from combustible materials, and contact your local waste authority for safe disposal instructions.

### **Summary Checklist for CR Batteries**

*   [ ] **NEVER** attempt to recharge a CR battery.

*   [ ] **ALWAYS** prevent short circuits (store terminals separately/covered).

*   [ ] **Check polarity (+/-)** when inserting into a device.

*   [ ] **Remove** batteries from long-term unused devices.

*   [ ] **Store** in a **cool, dry place**.

*   [ ] **Dispose** properly at a recycling center; **tape terminals** before disposal.

*   [ ] **Do not mix** old/new or different types of batteries.

By following these simple guidelines, you ensure the safe, effective, and reliable use of your CR batteries throughout their long shelf life and service life.