New NiMH rechargeable batteries can last from 500 to 1000 charges.  How you care for your rechargable batteries is the key factor in determining the length of their useful life.

When you receive your new NiMH  rechargeable batteries or battery pack, you must charge them fully before the first use.  They may show full voltage and power required to operate your device, but charging before you use them the first time is still very important.  Please note that for new NiMH rechargeable batteries, it can take from three to five charge and discharge (use) cycles before they reach their peak performance.  Some battery chargers have a discharge, or conditioning, feature.  We do not recommend conditioning new NiMH rechargeable batteries until after the tenth charge cycle, and it is not necessary even then because you actually condition the rechargeable batteries just by using them.

At normal room temperature, NiMH rechargeable batteries will generally lose about 1% of their charge per day.  Higher temperatures will increase this loss, and lower temperatures (40-60F) will reduce this daily loss.  This “shelf life” is less of a factor if you use them within the first five to ten days after they are charged.

One of the best ways to ensure that your NiMH rechargeable batteries will last as long as possible is to use them often.  The more they are charged and used, the longer NiMH rechargeable batteries will last.  Whether discharged or not, NiMH rechargeable batteries should be charged at least every sixty days.

Just a few more tips:

·    never drop NiMH rechargeable batteries on a hard floor or surface.

·    never carry NiMH batteries loose in your pocket. Coins or other metal objects can cause them to short resulting in severe burns or even a fire or explosion.  The best preventive is to keep batteries in battery holders.

·  do not unplug the charger and then leave the batteries in the charger—remove the batteries first—or they will discharge.

·  be sure to use a well designed Battery charger that will prevent overcharging.  One of the primary causes of premature failure of NiMH rechargeable batteries is improper or overcharging.