NiCAD Batteries

Keeping your electronic devices and equipment charged helps to ensure operations are kept running and your people are kept safe. When choosing a NiCAD battery or accessory, it's important to have all the right information to ensure you can make a confident purchasing decision. Here at Cromwell, we have a choice range of NiCAD batteries and accessories from leading brand Unilite.

What are NiCAD batteries?

NiCAD (Nickel Cadmium) batteries - also known as NiCD batteries - are a type of rechargeable battery that functions by using nickel oxide hydroxide and metallic cadmium as the electrodes. When compared with other types of rechargeable batteries, NiCAD batteries are superior due to their good cycle life and high performance even when at low temperatures. They are comparably cheaper than other rechargeable batteries and are simple to both charge and store when not in use, but they do however contain some harmful chemicals and must be used and then disposed of safely.

When are NiCAD batteries used?

NiCAD batteries have a broad use and are found in a range of products where a large capacity and high discharge rates are required and where sudden cut out or loss of charge would be extremely hazardous. For example, NiCAD batteries are found in everyday, domestic devices such as toys, portable electronic devices and cordless phones as well as more industrial scale products such as medical equipment, aviation equipment and even power tools. They are less frequently used now and have largely been replaced by NiMH batteries in various industries.

Considerations when choosing a NiCAD battery

• Size - Like other types of batteries, NiCAD batteries are available in a wide range of sizes from standard AA and AAA to more specialised sizes. It's always advisable to check what size your device requires before purchasing.

NiCAD battery jargon buster

We want to make it easy for you to shop our range of NiCAD batteries and accessories, so here are some key terms that will help you understand the range and applications a little better.

What does cycle life refer to?

The cycle life of a battery refers to the number of charge and discharge cycles that it can withstand before it loses performance capabilities and needs replacing. Simply put, NiCAD batteries offer a good cycle life as they can be charged and discharged numerous times, more than other similar rechargeable batteries such as NiMH batteries.

FAQs

What's the difference between NiCAD and NiMH batteries?

NiCAD (Nickel Cadmium) batteries and NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries differ in various ways, the main three being in their impact on the environment, memory effect and overall capacity. NiMH batteries are free from harmful chemicals such as lead and mercury which in turn makes them better for the environment, are high capacity and doesn't overcharge unlike NiCAD batteries. NiCAD batteries however, are more cost-effective and can take a high number of charges.

Are NiCAD batteries recyclable?

They absolutely are. Unlike regular recycling materials however, they must be taken to a specific recycling centre that accepts NiCAD batteries. The nearest recycling centre to you that accepts NiCAD batteries can be found online. They can also be collected by the appropriate recycling authority; several external companies offer this service across the globe and more information on this service and which companies in your area offer it can be found online.