If you have problems starting your car, you should make sure that it is not related to the battery. The simplest and effective way Checking the condition of the battery can be called using a multimeter.

The following sequence of actions can be distinguished when checking a battery with a multimeter:

1. We install the device in the required mode. The multimeter allows you to check several indicators, depending on which method is used to calculate the necessary data.
2. Setting ranges higher than those indicated in the battery specification. Otherwise, it is impossible to measure the necessary indicators.
3. Dipstick that is black, install it in the minus socket. All such devices have 2 probes - red and black.
4. Red dipstick connect to the red socket.
5. Within seconds the main indicators are recorded.
6. After that Once the necessary data has been obtained, we disconnect the circuit.

In a similar way, you can check the operation of the battery. However, it is important not only to obtain the data, but also to know what it may mean. An example is the definition of charge. A multimeter cannot measure such an indicator; it must be obtained based on the voltage obtained when checking the circuit.

Checking charge and capacity

The battery charge can be checked only by converting the received data from the multimeter. It is recommended to check it provided that about 5 hours have passed since it was disconnected from the car or recharged. This will allow you to obtain more accurate data. It is worth noting that ambient temperature cannot affect the accuracy of the readings.

When considering the indicators, we note the following pattern:

1. Voltage 12.8 V indicates the battery is fully charged. This value maybe even slightly higher. However, a significant excess indicates serious malfunctions.
2. Indicator 12.6 V corresponds to 75% charge.
3. Voltage 12.2 V– The battery has only half a charge.
4. 12V on multimeter says the charge is 25%.

If the voltage in the created circuit is less than 12 V, then the charge has dropped below 25%.

Another important indicator is the battery capacity.

You can check the capacity as follows:

1. Should be carried out fully charge the battery.
2. In order to obtain the necessary data on the battery, you should apply a load, for which you can connect several car headlights into one circuit.
3. Dim glow if the indicator is less than 12.4 V, it means that in winter there may be problems with starting the car.
4. If the indicator drops below 12 V, which means the battery needs to be replaced.

Regularly checking the condition of the vehicle's power supply eliminates the possibility that problems will arise while driving. Timely recharging when the vehicle is idle allows you to extend the battery life.

Multimeter indicators

Multimeter– a sought-after tool not only among motorists. It is used in any area where it is necessary to measure current: voltage, resistance and its strength.

Its versatility is characterized by the fact that the device includes the following:

1. Voltmeter.
2. Ammeter.
3. Ohmmeter.

The device is compact and can be easily carried and stored in a car. Thanks to constant use to check the condition of the battery, it can be maintained in working condition for a long time.

There are several versions of such a device.

1. Measurement in progress DC voltage indicators range from 0 to 200 mV, as well as 2 V, 20 V, 200 V, 1000 V.
2. D.C can be measured within 2 mA, 20 mA, 200 mA.
3. AC voltage has a range from 0 to 200 V, 750 V.
4. Resistance can be measured from 0 to 200 ohms.

There are more complex versions of the multimeter.

Battery voltage measurement

An important indicator of a battery is its voltage. That is why many measure this particular indicator.

With the engine running, it is possible to measure the voltage. A normal voltage is considered to be between 13.5 and 14 V. But a voltage above this value when the engine is running indicates that the battery is low charged and the voltage regulator is supplying it from the generator large quantity energy to charge it. It is worth considering that this is a common occurrence in winter, since the battery can be seriously discharged overnight.

Increasing battery voltage- a phenomenon that should not be feared. If everything is in order with the technical condition of the vehicle’s electrical equipment, after 10 minutes the voltage indicator will stabilize and will be within 14 V.

However, if after 10 minutes this does not happen, then you should think about the state of the voltage regulator. Constant operation at such indicators can lead to boiling of the battery. Another phenomenon that determines the problem with an incorrect voltage indicator is the passage of the oxidation process on the contacts.

To prevent this phenomenon, you need to clean the contacts. If the voltage drops below 13 V, the battery should be replaced, since such data indicates its malfunction.

When taking measurements while the engine is off, the following nuances can be highlighted:

1. Voltage less than 12 V can lead to the car not starting, especially during cold weather. When the ambient temperature drops, the engine oil thickens, and the properties of the fuel also change. Therefore, the battery cannot crank the crankshaft, since more effort is required under such conditions.
2. Normal voltage, which will be enough to start the engine, can be considered 13 V.
3. Measurement should not be carried out immediately after the end of the movement, but before it begins.
4. High charge level indicates the battery's ability to hold voltage for a long time. The lower the charge level, the faster its loss occurs. Therefore, new batteries or those that are in good technical condition are able to maintain their functionality for a long period of time even without recharging.

Leakage current measurement

Minimum leakage current can be found in almost any car, even in new models. This is due to the fact that some car systems consume minimal electricity even when the engine is turned off or when the key is not in the ignition.

IN different sources the indicator of such current ranges from 10 to 80 mA. Great importance Leaks indicate that the vehicle's electrical equipment is faulty. A leakage value of 60 mA determines that a battery in this condition can last for many years if used properly.

Much more Negative influence This occurs when the battery is not charged for several days. You can also measure leakage using a multimeter.

The measurement procedure is as follows:

1. Setting the measurement mode at 10 A or 20 A. It is best to set a higher value if the device used allows it.
2. It is recommended to check in case of mass rupture from a safety point of view.
3. We remove the minus.
4. One of the probes connect to the battery negative.
5. Another connect to the removed wire.
6. We get a certain result.

For an accurate indicator, you should properly prepare the car:

1. Disable interior lighting, turn off the radio and other consumers.
2. We take it out keys from the ignition.

If the result obtained is within 60 mA, then everything is in order with the electrical equipment of the car. If you get a larger value, you need to search for a circuit that consumes more current. To do this, you can remove the fuses one by one and measure the value in each position.

Other ways to test a battery with a multimeter

The classic way to check battery capacity is to use a test charge:

1. To start fully charge the battery.
2. Then apply the load so that the discharge current is calculated according to the data from the passport.
3. After that a measuring device is included in the circuit.
4. Measure time, which will be needed to reduce the current value to less than 50% of the desired value. This time is indicated in the battery passport.

Modern batteries in good condition lose current after approximately the specified estimated time. If this process happens faster, then the battery is losing its capacity.

Power supplies have many characteristics that determine how effectively they perform their functions. For example, if a standard battery inserted into motherboard computer or laptop, stops delivering the required 3 volts, the device’s basic input/output system (or BIOS) is no longer able to store configuration data. In this case, a few minutes after the power supply is cut off, the computer’s internal clock, drive parameters, and boot order are lost.

This is fraught with equipment failure or, even with special knowledge, the need to re-make changes to the configuration every time you turn it on.

Another example is AA batteries or rechargeable batteries. If such a battery stops producing the required amount of current, the device that operates from it may stop working. perform their functions correctly. The TV remote will refuse to change channels or turn it on or off, the portable radio will stop picking up your favorite stations, and the camera will stop working completely.

To check all these elements for functionality, battery testers are used. These are inexpensive and easy-to-use devices that can provide readings of basic battery characteristics or battery on an analog or digital screen. Ideal for use at home, when you can do without the use of specialized equipment. Basically, the output voltage and, in some cases, the current from the battery are measured.

Using such a device you can check:

• Batteries with an operating voltage range of 1.5-9 V. This includes the usual form factors such as AA, AAA and nickel-metal hydride (MN).
• Batteries such as “Krona” and others with an operating voltage of 9 volts.
• Lithium-ion and lithium polymer batteries operating at 3.7 V: 18,650, 17,335, 26,650 and others.

The length of the supply element should not exceed 7 cm.

You can assemble such a device with your own hands, based on popular Arduino boards. Schemes and required sketches for firmware can be easily found on the Internet.

If you are wondering how to test a battery with a battery tester, don't worry. The principle of operation is very simple - using a special clamp that can adjust the distance between the contacts of the device to measure various form factors, we connect the battery or accumulator to the corresponding terminals. It is important not to confuse the polarity; they help with this marked marks. After this, we look at the screen and compare the resulting value with the value indicated on the battery.

If it should give out one and a half volts, but shows about one or even less, you should definitely replace it. Such batteries are considered discharged. If the indicator differs downward by less than 10-15 percent, the element will be able to produce the required values ​​for some more time, but it is better not to risk it and replace it too. With equal or slightly higher values, the battery is considered serviceable and suitable. In a similar way, you can perform such a task as checking the battery capacity with a tester.

Checking batteries with a multimeter

In addition to testers, you can use a more universal tool. The multimeter allows you not only to measure current or voltage values, but also to record breakdowns, wire breaks, if any are removed from the battery, determine the integrity of the windings of various transformers, and much more.

To obtain the values, a pair of probes are used, usually red and black, corresponding to the plus and minus polarities. This greatly simplifies the process by avoiding polarity errors. All multimeters are equipped with a digital screen and a mode switch. You can use it to measure:

• The magnitude of direct and alternating currents.
• Voltage of various electrical parts and connections.
• The resistance of these parts.
• Frequency of the harmonic signal.
• Coil inductance.
• Electrical capacity (charge amount).

Additional functions of the device include:

• Continuity of electrical circuits with low (less than 50 Ohms) resistance. At the same time with subsequent sound indication. The function is useful for determining short circuits on printed circuit boards various devices.
• Generation of the simplest pulse or harmonic test signals.
• Temperature measurement using a thermocouple connected to the probe connectors.
• Testing diodes and transistors.

To check batteries, the current and voltage measurement modes are sufficient.

Measuring the voltage of batteries and accumulators

To determine the output voltage of any household batteries and accumulators, one operating mode of the multimeter is used - constant pressure up to 20 volts. This is due to the fact that at the household level, self-powered devices that produce higher voltages are not used. After selecting the mode, use the multimeter probes to touch the corresponding battery contacts. On the screen value appears, which must be compared with the nominal one.

AA batteries can operate normally in the range of 1.2 to 1.35 volts. If the value is lower, it should be discarded. Rechargeable batteries Krona type must produce at least 9 volts to be considered suitable. The indicators of other elements should be checked with the values ​​​​on their body.

For example, if you check CR2032, CR2025 and other batteries used to power the BIOS, they must produce at least 3 volts. When performing such a measurement, you should know a little trick. If the battery produces the required 3 volts on the screen, but problems in operation are still observed, you should recheck value, setting the measurement mode to 200 volts. This way you can identify deteriorated batteries that at first glance seem normal.

Determining the capacity of power supplies

If you are interested in how to measure battery capacity with a multimeter, first of all you should understand the concept itself. Capacity is the product of the quantity direct current battery discharge for the discharge time in hours. Measured in milliamp-hours and displays the operating time of the battery at maximum load device connected to it.

Thus, we can conclude that it cannot be checked directly using a multimeter. Measuring capacity is possible only by measuring the discharge rate to 1 volt or lower with a multimeter and stopwatch, applying a load of 0.1-0.15 amperes to the battery. The load value is multiplied by time and the required value is obtained. Any load resistor can be used as a discharge device.

Using this method, you can either check your phone battery with a multimeter to see if the declared capacity differs from the true one, or determine the approximate time of the charge-discharge cycle. The first is very useful if you purchased a device from China - the batteries of their smartphones are often labeled with deliberately false, inflated information about the capacity.

Rules for recycling used elements

If instrument readings show that a battery or accumulator has expired, it must be properly disposed of. The fact is that the substances contained in them are very aggressive and cause serious harm to the environment. Electrolyte, which contains various acids and alkalis, cannot be stored in any form at home.

• It is prohibited to store such elements near or inside other electrical appliances. Acid or alkali, which after some time makes a hole in the housing, will cause damage to surrounding objects.
• Destruction of batteries and accumulators by mechanical means is not allowed. In addition to the possibility of electrolyte getting on the skin and causing burns, you should be wary of a chemical fire due to damage to the housings of some lithium-ion batteries. Since lithium is a very active alkali metal, if it comes into contact with open air it can ignite and burn for quite a long time. If such fires occur, such fires should be extinguished exclusively with powder or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers.
• Throwing them in trash cans is also prohibited. In any city there are collection points for used batteries; it is better to use their services, because by throwing away batteries just like that, you expose the environment to the danger of contamination with harmful substances.
• Avoid using methods to “set fire” to batteries - applying high current to completely depleted cells in order to restore the ability to charge them. Such manipulations shorten their service life even more and are not safe.

And most importantly, if you use self-powered devices, do not allow them to overheat. This significantly reduces their service life, leads to damage to the power elements and reduces the possible number of charge-discharge cycles. This is due to the fact that as the temperature inside the device increases, the processes of oxidation and degradation of the metal components of batteries and batteries are significantly accelerated.

When problems arise with turning on any mobile device, be it a smartphone or a remote control remote control, first of all, change its power supply - a battery or accumulator. But you can make sure that the energy source is working without replacing it. To do this, you just need to know how to check the battery for compliance with its characteristics using a multimeter, and then decide to replace it.

Battery and its parameters

A battery is a power supply with accumulated internal electrical energy. Structurally, it is a container in which there is a substance (electrolyte) that ensures the movement of charge carriers from one pole of the product to the other, thereby creating electricity. This may be due to chemical processes that release energy. Gradually, these processes slow down, and the battery loses its ability to create current, that is, it “runs out.”

Batteries are divided into the following two main types:

Any battery consists of three elements: two electrodes (anode and cathode) and an aggressive environment - the electrolyte. The latter is a liquid, therefore, to prevent it from leaking out of the shell, a polymer thickener is added. The anode is made in powder form. When it reacts with an electrolyte, it gradually dissolves, resulting in the formation of free charges, which are immediately absorbed, and an equilibrium state occurs.

If you connect a power source to an electrical circuit, redox reactions begin in it. An excess of electrons appears at the anode, which are attracted to the cathode. The redistribution of charges leads to the appearance of a potential difference on the electrodes.

Over time, the initial composition of the anode and cathode changes, and the amount of electrolyte decreases. During the reaction, substances appear that interfere with the movement of charges. All this leads to the fact that the current supplied by the battery decreases, and along with it the potential difference decreases.

Rechargeable batteries essentially work in a similar way to batteries. In them, too, when the anode is depleted, electrons are no longer produced, and the battery loses current and voltage. But due to the type of material used, the anode has the ability to recover. To do this, an electric current is passed through it, leading to its enrichment and replenishment of the charge.

Battery characteristics

All battery parameters are divided into two main types: electrical and physical. The first includes the standard size of the product and its geometric shape. But no matter how the battery looks, it always has two terminals: positive and negative. They are indicated on the body accordingly by signs « +" and "-".

The main characteristics of the batteries include:

Measurement methods

When examining batteries, two parameters are most often measured - capacity and voltage. To measure characteristics, both laboratory stands with specialized electronic devices and household level testers can be used.

Specialized devices include testers that measure only a certain parameter. For example, a voltmeter or a capacitance meter. Such devices are based on microcontrollers and special analyzers, and their operation is fully automated. Moreover, they can be either completely finished devices or devices designed to be connected to a personal computer.

And there are also universal meters that, when a battery is connected to them, display the results of measurements of several parameters at once. But they are usually inferior in accuracy to specialized equipment.

In addition, to obtain general information You can use LEDs or piezo speakers to indicate the performance of the power source. Using pieces of wire, voltage from the battery is supplied to them, and the suitability of the element is assessed visually or by sound. But it will not be possible to obtain reliable indicators without checking with a tester. It does not matter whether it is digital or analog.

Using a Multimeter

A multimeter is a device designed to measure various electrical parameters. According to their operating principle, testers can be digital or analog. Regardless of this, they important characteristics is the accuracy and range of measurement. The higher these characteristics are, the smaller the error in the obtained result will be.

Before checking the battery with a tester, you need to configure it correctly and make sure that its power source is working. If there is insufficient voltage supplied to the meter circuit, the obtained readings will be distorted.

In order for the user to know exactly when to replace the power element, the digital device provides an indication. To do this, the built-in analyzer monitors the voltage level of the battery powering it and, if problems arise with it, signals it with a flashing icon on the device screen. And for an analog tester, the reason for replacing the power elements will be the inability to set the device’s needle to the zero position.

To obtain the correct result, it is worth not only using a prepared device, but also taking measurements at a temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius. This is due to the fact that the parameters of the battery change when the temperature changes, especially with regard to its heating.

Voltage measurement

Checking the voltage level with a tester is not difficult at all. To do this, you need to connect the red plug of the wire to the socket of the device, designated VΩ or simply V, and the black one to the COM socket. And then set the slide switch in the DCV zone to a value higher than the rated voltage level of the battery.

The next step is to connect the ends of the wires to the battery being measured. To do this, the red probe of the multimeter is connected to its positive terminal, and the black one to the negative terminal. After this, the device turns on, and a number indicating the voltage in volts appears on the display.

Thus, You can check it with a multimeter like a phone battery, car or any other device, or a simple battery. But you should know that even if the voltage level is normal, this does not mean that the power source will be fully operational.

Capacity check

It will not be possible to directly check the battery capacity with a multimeter, despite the versatility of the device, since it simply does not have such a function. But it is quite possible to measure the discharge time and then calculate the capacity. To do this, you will need to perform a number of actions:

When the task is to find out exactly the battery capacity, measurements continue. To do this, the rule is used that the capacitance is found by multiplying the current passing through the resistance by the time spent for this. Therefore, in addition to a multimeter, you will need a variable resistance of about 100 Ohms, included in the gap of the red probe.

This method is suitable for measuring a previously fully charged battery, but not a simple battery. After all, if you check its capacity, then at the end of the measurement it will simply lose its resource.

So, when the circuit is assembled, you will need to touch the anode and cathode of the battery with the probes and use a resistor to set the discharge current to about 500 mA. Then you need to turn on the stopwatch and monitor the voltage on the batteries using another tester. As soon as it drops below 30% of the rated voltage, the stopwatch is stopped. Then, multiplying the resulting time in hours by the current, the desired capacitance value is obtained.

Finding resistance

Another measurement to determine the condition of a battery is to find its internal resistance. But in addition to the meter itself, you will need a powerful 12-volt light bulb, like the one installed in cars.

The measurement method consists of performing the following sequence of actions:

Based on the data obtained, using Ohm’s law for the circuit section, it is calculated internal resistance battery, and a conclusion is drawn. For example, with a light bulb connected, a voltage U1 equal to 4 volts was obtained, and without it U2 - 4.1 volts. And the measured current was I = 1.45 A. Substituting these values ​​into the formula, we need to find the internal resistance. For the example under consideration it will be equal to:

R = (U2-U1)/I = (4.1−4)/1.45 = 0.07 Ohm.

Thus, after carrying out a set of measurements, it will be possible to confidently state the condition of the battery. In this case, a large internal resistance of the battery will mean a significant deterioration in its condition and rapid degradation.

Today, batteries of various types are used in a wide variety of equipment. This ensures autonomy and comfort when working with equipment. From proper operation The functioning of the equipment depends on the battery, so users strive to monitor the main indicators of the batteries.

Owners of vehicles, devices, mechanisms, tools that run on electricity may have a question: This simple process is carried out according to specific instructions. It will be interesting for every user to study in detail how to take measurements themselves.

What is a multimeter

It is performed using a special device. It combines the functions of an ohmmeter. Therefore, the multimeter is considered a universal device.

Using the presented equipment, you can check the wire for a break, the voltage in the socket, the performance of household electrical appliances, and also assess the charge level of the batteries various types(car, laptop, phone, household appliances, etc.).

The device allows you to measure constant and alternating current, its continuity in the network. It also provides information about the resistance of a circuit element. This is a useful device that every home craftsman will find useful in everyday life.

Types of Multimeters

Wondering Is it possible to measure battery capacity with a multimeter? car, smartphone, laptop or any other household appliance, you need to consider the types of devices presented.

There are analog and digital multimeters. In the first case, the measurement result is shown by an arrow on a special scale. This is one of the cheapest types of devices. However, for those who have never used such devices, it is better to give preference to digital varieties. Also, analog multimeters have a small measurement error.

Digital multimeters display the measurement result on the display. This distinguishes them from the previous group of devices. The information on the screen is highly accurate and understandable to any user.

Device structure

Delving into the question how to determine battery capacity with a multimeter, you also need to understand how the device works. The design of the device has a dial. Test information is displayed on it. If an analog type of device is used, it is necessary to study the meaning of the divisions before use.

The device also has a button or function switch. This design element allows you to switch modes and the scale of the counter. When storing the device, the handle is set to the off position. To start working with the multimeter, turn the lever into the desired mode.

The housing must have holes for probes. The probe with the red wire has a positive polarity, and the one with the black wire has a negative polarity. These are the main points that a novice user should know.

Existing battery types

When using household appliances, the user may be interested in How to measure the capacity of a 18650 battery with a multimeter. This one is popularly called finger-shaped.

It is most often used in various remote controls, flashlights, household appliances. To examine the performance of each battery, the charge of such batteries is measured.

The user may also be interested in how to check the functional qualities of such varieties as a battery for a laptop, smartphone or any other gadget. If, after fully charging the device, the multimeter shows a capacity different from that declared by the manufacturer, the battery will soon have to be changed.

Various power tools may use a battery that requires the correct charging approach. If this manufacturer's requirement is not met, the battery capacity is gradually reduced. You can determine such problems using a multimeter.

One of the main areas of application of the measuring device is assessing the capacity of a car battery. In this case, a special measurement technology is used.

Battery charge measurement

Considering how to measure phone battery capacity with a multimeter, as well as other types of household batteries, the technology of this process should be studied. First of all, you need to turn it on. Its mode switching lever is set to the “DC” position.

The maximum range when measuring these types of batteries should be from 10 to 20 MA. Next, the probes are brought to the battery contacts. In this case, the “minus” must be connected to the “plus” and vice versa. If the action is performed correctly, a test reading will appear on the screen. For example, for a AA battery the value can range from 0 to 1.5 V.

After measurements electrical circuit quickly disconnect. For all batteries that are tested using the presented method, the result obtained should be compared with the indicators on the box. If there are deviations, you need to draw conclusions about the further use of the battery.

Car battery

Car owners may also be interested in: How to measure battery capacity with a multimeter. Instructions This process contains a number of features. Batteries may have a sensor that allows you to determine their capacity and charge changes. However, not every car battery there is such a function. In this case, a multimeter will help to evaluate the indicators.

During the test, the voltage at the terminals is measured. A fully charged battery will have a reading of 12.6 V. If the reading drops to 12.2 V, this indicates a battery. In this case, the car owner must recharge the battery.

If without load on the battery the multimeter shows a figure less than 12 V, this means that the device is completely discharged. Device readings less than 11 V are considered critical. In this case, the battery can no longer be used. Also, the battery cannot be charged, so you will have to purchase new equipment.

How to check the battery?

Studying how to measure battery capacity with a multimeter, you need to consider the procedure for the vehicle battery. A full check of the autonomous power source will allow you to avoid problems in the vehicle’s electrical network and extend the life of the battery.

First, the battery must be disconnected from the machine system. It is allowed to disconnect only the “minus” contact. Next you need to turn on the multimeter. The test mode is set to the range from 0 to 20 V.

The multimeter probes are connected to the battery contacts. The red wire is connected to the positive terminal, and the black wire is connected to the negative terminal. If this procedure is performed correctly, the measurement result will appear on the device screen.

Measuring capacitance with a multimeter

Studying how to measure battery capacity with a multimeter, the main features of this process should be considered. There are several ways to do it. Less commonly used is the approach of measuring capacitance using a control discharge. Capacity measurement occurs at a load that is capable of taking half the battery current.

When carrying out this process, the vehicle owner must take into account the density of the electrolyte. If the battery is fully charged, this figure will be 1.24 g/cm³. If the battery is one-fourth discharged, the reading will be 1.2 g/cm³. Accordingly, a half-discharged power source will show 1.16 g/cm³.

The check is performed if the car does not start well. The capacity and charge of the battery must be within the limits established by the manufacturer, otherwise the operation of the equipment will be defective.

Capacity measurement

Knowing how to measure battery capacity with a multimeter, you can perform the procedure yourself. To do this, you need to prepare a multimeter. When measuring, the battery must be subject to a load that takes half the battery current. For example, if the battery capacity is 7 Ah, then the load should be 3.5 V. You will need a car headlight bulb (35-40 V).

If the light shines brightly, you can take measurements. A voltage at the terminals of 12.4 V indicates that the battery is in good condition and has full capacity. If there are certain problems with starting, the problem is not with the battery. If the capacity is less than 12.4 V, you should think about purchasing a new battery soon.

If the equipment parameters during measurements do not correspond to those indicated by the manufacturer in the instructions, the car, telephone, or power tools will not be able to work correctly. This will cause them to quickly break down and lead to the need to purchase new expensive equipment.

Having considered how to measure battery capacity with a multimeter, You can evaluate the functionality of any type of battery. This will avoid any malfunction electrical engineering, powered from an autonomous source of electricity.

The scope of application of finger elements is so limitless that it is simply impossible to list the electrical appliances in which they are used. Variation in prices can also mislead the buyer - it seems like identical copies differ in price, sometimes by 10 times. As a result, you buy batteries that have a service life that differs several times.

Sooner or later, a certain number of batteries accumulate at home, which are a pity to throw away (what if they are still alive?). At the same time, most electrical appliances no longer work on them.
The issue of recycling is especially relevant when several pieces (2, 4 or even 8) work in one device.

The elements are connected in series, so the discharge of one entails a power failure for the entire “system”.

How to check the battery charge to reject truly faulty cells?

It would seem that the instructions are simple:

1. Set the tester mode to the “DC voltage measurement” position;
2. Select the measurement limit of 20 volts;
3. Connect the contacts of the measuring wires to the element being tested;
4. Take readings.

A voltage of at least 1.35 volts is considered normal. These will work on any device. For undemanding consumers, 1.2 volts is sufficient. If the charge in volts is lower, it must be disposed of.

Important! A few recycling rules:

• Do not store discharged batteries near other objects, especially inside an electrical appliance. Sooner or later it will leak out and ruin everything nearby.
• Do not dispose of batteries in regular trash cans. These devices are harmful to nature, so dispose of them in specially designated areas.
• Do not try to destroy (flatten, pick apart) the battery case. Inside there is an alkali or acid that can burn the skin.

However, checking the batteries with a multimeter will not show the true picture.

You will see EMF value, that is, the potential difference without load. The tester does not count; its internal resistance is so small that it does not affect the discharge current. It is necessary to load the element with a typical consumer. A regular flashlight bulb will do.

Important! Do not use LEDs for testing.

• Firstly, their resistance is too low for the load;
• Secondly, LED elements must be able to be connected, otherwise you will simply destroy them;
• Thirdly, the voltage at which the diode will glow is more than 2.5 volts. One battery is not enough.