Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) - 1.2 volts per cell

Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) Batteries

     Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) - 1.2 volts per cell This is the most common portable battery chemistry in use today. It provides good load characteristics, is economically priced and simple to use. You'll find them in batteries for power tools, mobile phones, two way radios, video cameras and medical instruments. They are most suitable for driving appliances with motors where heavy amperage loads are needed. With proper use and care they provide up to 1500 charge/discharge cycles.
     The most annoying feature of this Nickel/Cadmium chemistry is that it builds up a "memory" problem (a crystalline formation) if not regularly discharged when in use. This feature is apparent if the NiCd battery is continually "topped up". Reduction of the "memory" is achieved by the discharging of the battery.
     The major Japanese manufacturers claim to have reduced this "memory" problem in the technology ,to some degree.
     The Cadmium content of the NiCd battery is toxic and is hazardous to the environment. Governments are slowly moving towards responsible disposal programmes to reduce the hazard.

More on this subject
Beginner's Help
BUG Club Home