Storing batteries

Chip Larkin <chiplarkin [at] att__com>

>If anyone else has grappled with these issues--whether or not to
>keep batteries associated with an object, and if yes, how to store
>them--your thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

Although I don't have any data or references to support my opinion
on this matter, I think that, where possible, batteries should be
removed from objects, or at least electrically isolated from the
object.  Dry cell batteries have a habit of "leaking" or "sweating"
which is really corrosion within the battery. As most dry cell
batteries contain chlorides, a leaking battery can do a great deal
of damage to surrounding metal. Most batteries, including dry cell,
require moisture to function. By storing the batteries in a cool dry
place you should be able to reduce the chemical activity within the
battery, thereby reducing the risk of the battery leaking.

George Bailey
Objects Conservator
Australian War Memorial


                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 14:38
                Distributed: Saturday, January 13, 2001
                       Message Id: cdl-14-38-004
                                  ***