Some common sense Tips on how to use and care for chargers.

• Read and follow the instructions with your charger. Different chargers use different methods and charging rates.
• Keep the charger in a cool dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, high temperatures and moisture.
• Allow flat batteries to return to room temperate before recharging.
• It is better to spend a few extra dollars on a charger that has built in safety features, compared to manual chargers which have very few, if any.
• Reset the charger each time you charge a battery set, that is, turn the charger off and on again. Resetting the charger reduces potential problems.
• Charge the batteries with the charger lid open to help dissipate heat – heat being the enemy of batteries.
• To insert a battery you need to move one of the terminals in the charger to fit the battery. Make sure you push the charger terminal at its base. If you push the top of the terminal you may bend the terminal.
• Jiggle or roll the battery after it is inserted into the recharging slot to make sure proper contact is made with the positive and negative terminals on the charger. If proper contact is not being made, check to see you have not bent the terminal; a slight bend can prevent proper contact being made.
• Batteries are best charged between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. Which can be a challenge in hot climates during summer.
• Clean the charger at least once a year. Unplug the charger from the power source. Clean the terminals with a cloth slightly dampened (not wet) with methylated spirits. Then clean the terminal with a dry clean cloth. Leave the charger overnight with the lid up, just to ensure any spirits have evaporated completely.
• Do not let children use battery chargers. Parents this is your responsibility. Batteries and chargers can be damaged if mishandled. It is easier to damage a charger than you think. Damaged chargers may expose the user to electrocution and damaged batteries can leak toxic chemicals. Using a bit of common sense will avoid any nasty surprises. Both chargers and batteries when used responsibly will give many years of safe reliable service