Originally Posted By: unimogbert

I'd modify the statement to add INSPECT THE BATTERIES AND CONTACTS as well as testing. Any leakage must be dealt with quickly and further use should be done understanding that corrosion of contacts may cause problems.

Batteries don't leak as much as they used to but... all it takes is that one time when you really, really need the item to work...


Use rechargeable batteries of the low self discharge (LSD) nimh (nikkel metal-hybride) type. Sanyo eneloop is the most recognized type and brand, but there are others.

Not only will they never leak - they also have much better performance than alkaline batteries (that WILL leak, sooner or later, no matter what the brand is). The low self discharge part means that they will loose charge when stored, but the rate is so slow that it's not an inconvenience - the battery will still be at 80% after 2 years. Here's a little to read on the matter: http://www.stefanv.com/electronics/sanyo_eneloop.html

Of course, the ultimate long storage battery is lithium primaries (1.6v), but they are so expensive you don't really want to use them. Makes excellent emergency backup, though.