| Nickel Cadmium also known as NiCad or NiCd NiCd cells were the forerunners of
the cells we use today. Many power tools still use these cells. NiCd cells suffer from the
disadvantage that if not fully discharged and are charged they pretend to be charged and
then run flat very quickly. This effect is know as the "memory effect"
Generally they are good for
200 recharge cycles.
Cell Voltage is 1.2V
Nickel Metal Hydride or NiMh
These cells have become the
replacement for NiCad cells and will be offered in preference where the size required is
available. They offer a higher storage capacity and therefore will produce more torque in
power tools and will last longer between charges. These cells do not suffer from memory
effect and can be recharged fully from any state of discharge.
Standard
NiCad chargers can
be used with these batteries.
Generally they are good for
1000 recharge cycles.
Cell voltage is 1.2V
Lithium Ion or Li-ion
These cells are the next
generation of rechargeable batteries. They deliver power at higher voltages i.e 3.6V and
extensive use has been made of these cells in portable computers. The cells are expensive
and management circuitry is employed in the cells to prevent overcharging and explosion.
Cell Voltage 3.6V |
