Failure of NiCd Rechargeable Batteries

6. (1989)

Nickel-Cadmium batteries are commonly used in rechargeable equipment or removed from the equipment or removed from the equipment then recharged.  Rechargeable NiCd batteries exist for most of the situations where normal alkaline batteries are used.

Normal batteries and nickel-cadmium batteries should not be mixed to supply power for equipment.

One area of concern with the use of the nickel-cadmium batteries is their ability to deliver very high currents under faulty or short circuit conditions.  For example, a rechargeable torch was accidently dropped.  When switched on, the plastic torch melted in the persons's hand.  Obviously a hazard to the user.

All new NiCd powder apparatus or equipment should be included under the acceptance and testing provisions of the ANU Code of Practice for Electrical Safety.  Ideally, a fuse or similar mechanism should protect this type of equipment.

Obviously do not use any equipment that has been damaged.