Frequently Asked Questions

Ni-MH rechargeable batteries can be used in appliances which require alkaline batteries, even with lower initial voltage. 

If the appliance has a charging function they can be used, under certain conditions. 

While you can use a charger from another brand, we always recommend charging your eneloop rechargeable batteries with an eneloop or Panasonic charger for optimal performance.

The electrical capacity of different types or batches can differ. If such different batteries are used the difference in electrical capacity will grow during usage which could eventually cause one of the batteries to over discharge, leak and even explode.

It is not recommended as this could lead to over-discharging the batteries which is one of the main causes of shortening the service life of your batteries.

Ni-MH rechargeable batteries can be used for (torch) lights with a wire filament. Since the initial voltage in alkaline batteries (1.5V) decreases more quickly than in rechargeable batteries (1.2V), torches using Ni-MH will remain brighter for a longer period of time

Panasonic strongly advocates not attempting to charge primary batteries such as alkaline, zinc carbon, or lithium, using Ni-MH chargers.

Do not do this, as there are huge differences in charging conditions between the two types of batteries.

All of our eneloop rechargeable batteries are fully charged at our factories before shipment.

The occurrence of the symptoms in following article could indicate that your rechargeable batteries need replacing.

Extending the life of rechargeable batteries depends on several factors.

In short: use common sense when handling batteries. Correctly insert batteries, always group your batteries and don't leave batteries in devices that aren't used for longer periods of time.

This should be avoided at any time. When the battery has been in a washing machine, it is no longer fit to use. Please dispose this battery.

Once water enters into a battery, it is very difficult to get it out due to the battery’s safety vent (which doesn’t allow any liquids to leak out of the battery)

Some heat is perfectly fine. It depends on the charging type and the battery's capacity. In case of excessive heat, use common sense and remove the charger from its power plug.

When the batteries are used incorrectly it could induce leakage. 

The capacity of batteries is indicated as XXXX mAh (milliampere/hour).

The life cycle is the number of times the battery has been charged.

The memory effect is an occasional defect, which occurs in Ni-Cd and Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, where the maximum battery voltage decreases even though the original power of the battery remains the same.

The smart charge function on chargers checks the charging conditions of the batteries, the temperatures of both the batteries and the charger, etc. This allows the charger to individually charge each battery under the best conditions.