Lithium-Ion rechargeable batteries require routine maintenance and care in their use and handling. Read and follow the guidelines in this document to safely use Lithium-Ion batteries and achieve the maximum battery life span
Overview
Do not leave batteries unused for extended periods of time, either in the product or in storage. When a battery has been unused for 6 months, check the charge status and charge or dispose of the battery as appropriate.
The typical estimated life of a Lithium-Ion battery is about two to three years or 300 to 500 charge cycles, whichever occurs first. One charge cycle is a period of use from fully charged, to fully discharged, and fully recharged again. Use a two to three year life expectancy for batteries that do not run through complete charge cycles.
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries have a limited life and will gradually lose their capacity to hold a charge. This loss of capacity (aging) is irreversible. As the battery loses capacity, the length of time it will power the product (run time) decreases.
Lithium-Ion batteries continue to slowly discharge (self-discharge) when not in use or while in storage. Routinely check the battery’s charge status. The product user manual typically includes information on how to check battery status, as well as battery charging instructions. The latest product manuals are available at www.tektronix.com/manuals.
Use only Tektronix-approved batteries in your Tektronix products.
Battery Maintenance
- Observe and note the run time that a new fully-charged battery provides for powering your product. Use this new battery run time as a basis to compare run times for older batteries. The run time of your battery will vary depending on the product’s configuration and the applications that you run.
- Routinely check the battery’s charge status.
- Carefully monitor batteries that are approaching the end of their estimated life.
- Consider replacing the battery with a new one if you note either of the following conditions:
- The battery run time drops below about 80% of the original run time.
- The battery charge time increases significantly.
- If a battery is stored or otherwise unused for an extended period, be sure to follow the storage instructions in this document. If you do not follow the instructions, and the battery has no charge remaining when you check it, consider it to be damaged. Do not attempt to recharge it or to use it. Replace it with a new battery.
Charging
Always follow the charging instructions provided with your product. Refer to your product’s user manual and/or online help for detailed information about charging its battery. The latest version of your Tektronix product user manual is available at www.tektronix.com.
NOTE. When you troubleshoot battery issues for dual battery configurations, test one battery and one battery slot at a time. A defective battery can prevent the battery in the opposite slot from charging, leaving you with two uncharged batteries.
Storage
- Charge or discharge the battery to approximately 50% of capacity before storage.
- Charge the battery to approximately 50% of capacity at least once every six months.
- Remove the battery and store it separately from the product.
- Store the battery at temperatures between 5 °C and 20 °C (41 °F and 68 °F).
NOTE. The battery self-discharges during storage. Higher temperatures (above 20 °C or 68 °F) reduce the battery storage life.
Handling Precautions
- Do not disassemble, crush, or puncture a battery.
- Do not short the external contacts on a battery.
- Do not dispose of a battery in fire or water.
- Do not expose a battery to temperatures above 60 °C (140 °F).
- Keep the battery away from children.
- Avoid exposing the battery to excessive shock or vibration.
- Do not use a damaged battery.
- If a battery pack has leaking fluids, do not touch any fluids. Dispose of a leaking battery pack (see Disposal and Recycling in this document).
- In case of eye contact with fluid, do not rub eyes. Immediately flush eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower lids, until no evidence of the fluid remains. Seek medical attention.
Transportation
- Always check all applicable local, national, and international regulations before transporting a Lithium-Ion battery.
- Transporting an end-of-life, damaged, or recalled battery may, in certain cases, be specifically limited or prohibited.
Disposal and Recycling
- Lithium-Ion batteries are subject to disposal and recycling regulations that vary by country and region. Always check and follow your applicable regulations before disposing of any battery. Contact Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (www.rbrc.org) for U.S.A. and Canada, or your local battery recycling organization.
- Many countries prohibit the disposal of waste electronic equipment in standard waste receptacles.
- Place only discharged batteries in a battery collection container. Use electrical tape or other approved covering over the battery connection points to prevent short circuits.