Rechargeable Batteries - Reverse Charging Damages Batteries

Reverse charging is something one doesn’t usually think can happen in a rechargeable battery. It is when a rechargeable battery is recharged with its polarity reversed. Reverse polarity is when the battery is put in the charger with the positive (+) lead connected where the negative (-) lead should go. In other words, the battery is placed in backwards. This can cause the battery to be discharged below its minimum voltage which makes it difficult revive.

Reverse charging can happen in different ways, but the one most common is when the battery is inserted into the charger incorrectly, and the leads are connected opposite of what will charge the battery as mentioned above.

Be sure when you place the discharged batteries into the charger to just make sure the connectors are in contact with the proper end of the batteries. Also make sure they are in straight and are seated in well. You may hear a slight “snap” sound or feel the battery fit into place. You will develop a way of telling when they are in correctly by both sound and feel. Both safety and function are important and become second nature.

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