Improve Your Cordless Phone Battery Life

All cordless phone handsets use a rechargeable battery made from any of the following materials: nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), or lithium polymer (Li-ion). 

Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries have been around the longest time, they are inexpensive but have the lowest energy density. The higher the energy density, the more power the battery can hold for a specific size. The main drawback is NiCd batteries contains toxic metals and is not environmentally friendly.  NiCD batteries are also subject to a memory effect, so it is best to let them drain completely before placing the handsets back on the base or handset charger. 

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries has a higher energy density.  But the NiMH batteries have lower cycle life - meaning they would need to be replaced sooner because they loose their ability to hold a charge after repeated charges. Mild toxic metals are associated with NiMH type batteries.

Lithium Ion (Li-ion) is the newest type of rechargeable battery and is the fastest growing battery system. Li-ion are light weight - that is why they have a high energy density. These batteries are expensive to manufacture and are about 40 percent higher in cost than NiCd and NiMH batteries.  Li-ion batteries are typically used in notebook computers and cellular phones.  There is a limited availability of these batteries in cordless phones.  

Nickel-metal hydride and lithium batteries are less immune to the memory effect.  Although, all rechargeable batteries will soon lose their ability to hold a charge.

If you have a Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) battery that currently does not hold a charge, follow the advice below to extend the battery’s capacity. Many people who do not know about this effect just throw away the battery because they think it is dead. The battery can be revived assuming the battery isn't completely damaged from years of memory buildup. The simplest way to get rid of memory is to discharge the battery and charge it fully. Repeat this procedure until you notice the battery lasting longer and longer on the drain. Make sure you charge the battery fully for 24 hours. 

Our best advice is to treat your battery well from the beginning by never letting it acquire memory, you won't have to worry about these weird procedures. Also, remember that all batteries have an expected life. NiCd's have a life of approximately 1000 cycles as long as they are treated very well. So, if your battery is really old and doesn't hold a charge anymore, chances are it's not memory, but a tired battery. Please dispose your battery at a recycling center.