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Nickel Cadmium/Nickel Metal Hydride Battery Questions

What is the difference between a NiCd (nickel cadmium) battery and a NiMh (nickel metal hydride) battery?
There are two main differences between the two. The NiMh battery offers a capacity that is almost twice that of the NiCd. This means longer run times without additional weight. NiMh batteries are less prone to develop a memory effect. In addition, NiMh batteries are environmentally friendlier than the NiCd since they do not contain heavy metals.

Can I substitute a NiMh battery for a NiCd battery?
NiCd and NiMh batteries are different from one another and cannot be substituted unless your device has been pre-configured from the factory to accept more than one chemistry type.

Do NiCd and NiMh batteries self-discharge?
Yes, these batteries will self-discharge a small amount each day. The amount of self-discharge depends on many factors including ambient temperature.

Must these batteries be recycled when they are no longer working?
Yes. NiMh and NiCd batteries batteries must be recycled properly.