Alkaline Battery Leakage Testing - Part 1 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 03:04:18 am
content: Will eventually be a full video when/if I get the results.Comparing battery leakage on 7 different brands of alkaline aa batteries. Duracell, Energiser, Varta, Panasonic, Fujitsu and others.

author: gamalot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 03:09:37 am
content: I don't even know that Coles has their own brand batteries.

author: r3bers
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 03:26:12 am
content: I think on 47 Ohm will not work. Maybe something around 10 mA and maybe lower, 300 Ohm and higher. Because process of recharging will be short (maybe hours) on this load, all power will go into resister.

author: Andrew McNamara
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 03:29:01 am
content: Quote from: gamalot on March 07, 2019, 03:09:37 amWhy not? They have their own brand everything else? Chinese manufacturers are more than happy to put your brand name on their product, rather than soil their own...

author: Andrew McNamara
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 03:36:39 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 07, 2019, 03:04:18 amOne thing I've noticed is that they seem more prone to leaking when contained - a classic example being the old Maglite torches.Weusedto know how to make batteries that didn't leak - 1980's RadioShack's helishly expensive premium series of batteries were nearly bulletproof. I wish I still had a choice between cheap shit and spending a bit more for batteries that don't destroy my gear.I once contacted Eveready about their leak guarantee... they were more than happy to replace my device... provided I complied with a long list of absurd, impossible to comply with conditions...

author: Muttley Snickers
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 03:37:35 am
content: There was a discussion on leaking batteries recently and there are a few more threads on this topic around the forum as well, the thread is linked below. I recently bought some AA and AAA alkalines from Supercheap Auto but have no idea who the original manufacturer was and wondered if it was possible to determine the origin of different relabeled batteries.If the same manufacturing process was used then there should be certain aspects which could help identify the maker, things such as physical dimensions, weight, initial voltage and other indicators such as the roll direction of the outer case. For example have a look at the negative end of any AA battery and compare the seam angle with another brand as they do differ.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/leaking-aa-and-aaa-batteries/Dick Smith owes me a Maglite.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 03:58:29 am
content: Quote from: gamalot on March 07, 2019, 03:09:37 amThey don't make them of course, but an in-house rebadge.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 04:00:49 am
content: Quote from: Muttley Snickers on March 07, 2019, 03:37:35 amHe just called me twice today actually, really, if I'd seen this earlier I would have mentioned it. Oh, he hasn't owned Dick Smith since 1982, guess he can't do much

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 04:02:16 am
content: Quote from: Andrew McNamara on March 07, 2019, 03:36:39 amThat's why mercury was added to batteries, it was a leakage protection barrier, but of course now it's banned.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 04:04:32 am
content: Quote from: r3bers on March 07, 2019, 03:26:12 amIf you are talking actual power, then no it won't. Even at the end of life the ESR of a AA alkaline is under half an ohm.

author: r3bers
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 04:36:43 am
content: One of battery must be dead to zero to start charging through closed circuit. And there is no data about resistance on this process.Rd - resistance of dead batteryRg - resistance of good batteryRl - resistance of load.Actually IRd must be higher than IRg+IRl to reverse voltage over dead battery. And it must be on low current to have a decent time to leaking.

author: Cnoob
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 09:39:35 am
content: Is this another way of saying "bring back the 9V battery and clip"?

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 05:29:25 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 07, 2019, 04:02:16 amThat is what I was going to suggest but you beat me to it. Before the tiny amount of mercury was removed from alkaline batteries, I do not remember them ever leaking.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 06:58:59 pm
content: Asphalt seal was used before the green movement took over. Not much else can withstand the strong alkaline for years. I'm curious what the seal looks like on these newer cells.I think the new eco seals are cheap crap and are the problem.P.S. I've had good cells leak, it's not the discharged state that affects it.Duracell is King of the leaks, thanks Proctor and Gamble for killing the brand and quality, thanks Berkshire Hathaway for doing nothing at all other than reap profit.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 07:20:16 pm
content: Quote from: floobydust on March 07, 2019, 06:58:59 pmCarbon-zinc cells used asphalt. I have never seen that on alkaline cells. When I need a carbon rod for something, I pick up some cheap carbon-zinc cells, disassemble them, and boil the extracted carbon rod in water to clean it.Many of the leaking alkaline cells I have encountered leaked at the bottom of the outer shell which has nothing to do with the seal at the positive end.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 07:55:36 pm
content: I got the information from the plethora of battery patents, where the chemicals, seals etc. are discussed, and taking apart old alkaline batteries that never leaked after 10 years.It's common asphalt or tar pitch and now could be nylon, styrene hot glue, epoxy etc.I find the leaks start at the -ve end and after a while include the +ve end."... The closure members, since they are usually exposed to the elements contained within the cell are required to be substantially inert to such elements. As a result it has been preferred to utilize plastic e.g. nylon, polyethylene, polysulfone, and other generally inert materials for such members. In many cases, however the aforementioned materials have shortcomings such as cold flow under temperature cycling and imperfections in the surface area thereof. The metallic surface areas in contact therewith generally have imperfections as well. Thus, a cell electrolyte such as the common alkaline KOH utilized in many commercial cells (an aggressive leaking material) may leak, over a period of time, through such imperfections. Such leakage is in fact exacerbated by the hydrogen gas evolution common in alkaline cells which tends to push the electrolyte through the path of least resistance, i.e. the seal.""... The aliphatic or fatty polyamides are coated on sealing members such as grommets by means of a relatively expensive and complicated spraying procedure.""alkaline electrolyte battery container, cover, etc. tends to crawl the wall by capillary action to wet the sealing piece has the property that oozes to the outside from the sealing part of the battery. This behavior metal surface is connected to the negative electrode, i.e. it appeared strongly to the negative terminal side of the sealing portion, prone to leakage. This is commonly known as liquid leakage due to electrical capillary action..."US4618547AUS10008748B2US20050271942A1JP2870152B2

author: darik
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 08:18:10 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 07, 2019, 04:02:16 amFor years I've been wondering what the hell changed. I remember alkalines being practically leakproof, you only had to worry about those shitty cheap carbon batteries. Then suddenly they're going off like firecrackers and you can't trust them at all.I knew it had to be something specific, thank you.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 10:05:32 pm
content: Quote from: Cnoob on March 07, 2019, 09:39:35 am9V batteries just contain 6 x AAAA alkaline batteries

author: Cnoob
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 10:17:29 pm
content: In all Seriousness Dave and others this topic has made me go and check the batteries in my test equipment 10 items in total.I have a digital pen which uses one AAAA .edit: I forgot one too check my frequency counter so 11 items. 13 items nowPS it does explain why I had 4AAA batteries leak in an LED torch which I was surprised because they were not that old.

author: Towger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 10:24:25 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 07, 2019, 10:05:32 pmSome are (were) a pile of flat rectangular cells.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 07, 2019, 10:46:23 pm
content: Quote from: Towger on March 07, 2019, 10:24:25 pmYes, Coles and Varta at least.But if they are the same Alkaline chemistry then I'm assuming there is no reason why they can't leak the same.

author: r3bers
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2019, 01:50:08 pm
content: There is more conditions to leak in 9V battery in long time. Because unbalanced current through 6 elements will be much possible.

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2019, 02:38:13 pm
content: Sidenote, I just watched a video where they unboxed a never-before opened pinball machine still sealed int he original shipping box, from 1993. For backup in the electronics there were 4x AA Panasonic cells. Not alkalines. Not only had they not leaked, they actually were STILL GOOD!In more than a few ways, it seems we've taken a step backwards when it comes to common removable batteries. There's even a fair percentage of DOA fresh out of the package and still not past the expiration date, not to mention the now almost guaranteed TO leak design.

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2019, 07:28:39 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 07, 2019, 10:05:32 pmThat is not correct, 9V batteries are made either with 6 AAAA cells or with stacked blocks.I disassembled a lot of 9V batteries here:https://lygte-info.dk/info/BatteryDisassembly9VAlkaline%20UK.html

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2019, 08:01:45 pm
content: Took apart a leaking Duracell AAA battery. The -ve end seal is a plastic disc with a copper pole going through the middle. Then a felt washer and cap over that to make the -ve terminal.A hard crimp on a plastic washer is clearly a fail for a seal here. They can't use an o-ring? OMG shareholder profits would sufferDate marking (best before) MAR 2018, Made in USA.edit: took it apart further. The seal is a plastic piston with a layer of tar applied to the outside ring.

author: mancausoft
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2019, 08:32:58 pm
content: Quote from: rrinker on March 08, 2019, 02:38:13 pmI think is just a case, i see a lot of battery inside old computer, and the same brand/model of battery, similar age, but someone are leak other not leak at all... it's hard to judge with only a case

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2019, 08:55:34 pm
content: Quote from: David Hess on March 07, 2019, 05:29:25 pmAhh so the added mercury stopped gas build-up."Gas can form in all of these  batteries due to the corrosion of zinc. Zinc in the battery gets corroded into the electrolyte as the battery is used. This corrosion can cause electrolysis and can cause the generation of hydrogen gas in the canister. Build-up of hydrogen gas can cause the battery to leak, limiting the ability of the battery to function. Mercury suppresses this zinc corrosion, which is why it is added..."I'd like to believe the mercury environmental bans made Duracell batteries crap, but other brands aren't leaking. I can still buy Dick Smith AA batteries, 12 year supply stockpiled... and years old already but not leaking lol.You need a seal that can "burp" or permit gas to pass, but not electrolyte.

author: Towger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2019, 09:13:09 am
content: I have seen a Duracell still in date and in its original packaging leak. I now buy Ikea batteries in bulk ever time the wife drags me there, don't think I have seen a problem with them, including kids toys left up in the attic for years.

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2019, 09:16:53 pm
content: I took apart a pissing leaking Energizer AAA. It uses the same basic seal design as the Duracell.A plastic piston with bitumen ring = fail. Made in USA 12-2027 date.The battery sparked and started getting hot with tiny smoke while I took it apart. It wasn't dead.

author: mzacharias
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2019, 05:10:10 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 07, 2019, 10:05:32 pmYes, but they have another enclosure around them all. This is why I often prefer 9V batteries in the Fluke 87's etc - less likely to leak within a reasonable time.I do have a 189 and an 87IV, which of course use AA's, but I obsess about the battery terminals, and even spent $60.00 US on a spare set of terminals just in case.Those models are battery hogs of course, and 9V batteries would not be appropriate for them.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2019, 05:21:14 pm
content: Quote from: mzacharias on March 14, 2019, 05:10:10 pmA 9v Battery snap is alsoreallyeasy to replace.I don't have a problem with 9V batteries in things that don't need replacement batteries very often.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2019, 07:29:31 pm
content: Quote from: rrinker on March 08, 2019, 02:38:13 pmQuite impressive. I've had some ancient equipment with batteries still mechanically whole, although in my case their charge was long gone.If I recall correctly, the discharge is what increases internal pressure due to gas development inside the battery's chamber.Quote from: rrinker on March 08, 2019, 02:38:13 pmI would say that we've taken a step backwards when it comes to overall quality.

author: Synthtech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 14, 2019, 08:30:02 pm
content: I don’t allow those copper and black coloured Duracell batteries into my building.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2019, 01:51:05 am
content: My solution to the increasing unreliability of manganese-alkaline cells is to use low discharge NiMH cells instead. They can still leak but only from the vent but to a much lower extent; none of my Eneloops has leaked at all before wearing out.

author: Barny
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2019, 06:13:50 am
content: Are there first results from the testing?

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2019, 06:33:49 am
content: Quote from: David Hess on March 15, 2019, 01:51:05 amSame here. Eneloop and I have some of the Amazon Basics ones, the made in Japan variety. I've been using Eneloop since shortly after they appeared on the market and I've never had one leak. Even for rather low drain applications I view it as cheap insurance, no reason to buy disposable batteries anymore.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 10, 2019, 12:59:04 pm
content: Quote from: Barny on June 10, 2019, 06:13:50 amIt's only been 3 months. I wouldn't expect to see anything yet. But it would bereallybad if there was something to report.Dave.... any surprises as yet - or are things looking unchanged?

author: GromBeestje
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2019, 06:13:58 pm
content: It has been a while indeed. I was wondering if the flooding of the office interfered with the experiment.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 23, 2019, 11:49:42 pm
content: Quote from: Brumby on June 10, 2019, 12:59:04 pmNothing to report.I suspect that the discharge rate was too high, should had lowered it drastically.

author: wilfred
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2019, 12:13:51 am
content: You have to leave the test setup undisturbed. Any physical movement or variation in power drain rate will prevent leakage. All batteries I have ever had leak have been sitting undisturbed and any device unused. A control group in regular use have never leaked.

author: Circlotron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2019, 12:21:42 am
content: Quote from: David Hess on March 07, 2019, 07:20:16 pmI think I read somewhere that alkaline cells are opposite polarity to carbon zinc ones. That is, alkalines have the outer case positive and the centre rod negative. The entire cell is inverted in the outer wrapper with a bump on its “base” at the top and the rod terminated at the bottom where the seal is. That would explain it leaking at the bottom.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 24, 2019, 12:29:36 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on June 24, 2019, 12:13:51 amThat's what I've done.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2019, 05:08:21 am
content: I wonder if the position they sit in has an effect on leakage rates?I'm not sure I buy the necessity to leave them undisturbed, I mean it's good for keeping the test consistent however I think the leakage statistics are skewed by the fact that a seldom used device can sit there until the batteries start leaking unnoticed while something you are using regularly is probably going to have the batteries changed on a more regular basis too.

author: wilfred
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2019, 06:15:56 am
content: Quote from: james_s on June 24, 2019, 05:08:21 amI think that is what I was trying to say. Not quite facetious but almost.

author: Barny
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2019, 12:23:49 pm
content: Because the batteries in my label printer got the white fluff (they had absolutly no load and got freshly inserted 3 month ago) I got remindet in this test.Are there any news about this test?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 23, 2019, 03:57:24 am
content: Quote from: Barny on December 22, 2019, 12:23:49 pmIt was a flop.I might shoot a 2nd channel video.

author: Barny
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2019, 09:29:10 am
content: Thanks for the information.I wish everyone a restfull holliday.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2019, 10:13:21 pm
content: I think it might be worth setting them aside for another year or two. I've had a handful of new batteries leak in the package well before the expiration date but that has been a small percentage, you might need a few hundred of them for the 10 month test to yield any results. More often I've left batteries in something for a year to a couple years and found they were leaking all over. This test was likely too short with much too large a load on the cells.

author: paulc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2019, 02:24:16 pm
content: Not very astonishing.I found just now a UNCONNECTED, UNUSED KIRKLAND AAA battery leaking in one of my drawers.(Use before DEC 2025).What about that?

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2019, 01:54:31 am
content: Kirkland alkaline batteries are made by Duracell, Costco CEO Craig Jelinek mentioned in an interview.Berkshire Hathaway ownership and cost reductions have clearly made Duracell the worst alkaline batteries I have ever seen, King of Leaks.