Batteries offer portable power. Dozens of things in everyone's home run on batteries. Some household batteries are use-and-toss while others use a recharger to replenish their stored electricity. They include household battery rechargers (AA, AAA, C, D batteries) as well as all the new shop tools (drills, saws, vacuums, etc.) that run on special rechargeable batteries. Let's visit the Fix-It Club to find out how to keep all those batteries charging.

How Does It Work?

Household battery chargers include a transformer and a circuit board--not much to work on unless you're an electrical technician.

Batteries produce electric current from the chemical reaction between two electrodes and an electrolyte. Battery rechargers convert 120V alternating current (AC) into small-voltage direct current (DC). The voltage ranges from 1.2V to 24V or more, depending on the battery and the charger.

Many cordless appliances are powered by a rechargeable nickel-cadmium (nicad) battery or battery pack consisting of as many as 20 cells. Each cell provides direct current at about 1.2 volts. Batter packs slip directly into the appliance or tool or have snap-on terminals. Some battery packs have built-in batteries that cannot be removed; they must be charged in the unit.

What Can Go Wrong?

Lots of things can happen to rechargeable batteries, none of them unsolvable. Rechargeable batteries lose their power. Electrical contacts may not be making full contact. The charger may be defective. Batteries wear out or become defective.

Fix-It Tip

How long will rechargeable batteries last? As many as 1,000 recharges. To get the most from rechargeable batteries, read and follow the instructions that come with the recharger unit.