A replacement battery is non-OEM* battery designed to match the specifications required to power a device as specified by its OEM. The demand of replacement batteries has increased manifold in recent times due to its lesser cost compared to the OEM batteries. Furthermore, replacement batteries are covered under various warranty, guaranty and return policies crafted to suit the user’s requirements.
However, we need to take care of few critical specifications before buying the replacement batteries. These specifications detailed below should match those in the existing battery.
1. Voltage –
The output voltage of the battery is an important parameter. It is indicated with the letter V or Volt. The voltage mentioned in the existing battery is the float voltage, which is available across the terminals under fully charged condition. The float voltage of the replacement battery should match the float voltage of the OEM battery. However, a variation of maximum 5% is within the acceptable limit. A difference exceeding 5% may result in circuitry damage of the device or underperformance.
2. Chemistry –
The chemical components and their arrangement which are responsible for converting chemical energy to electrical energy and reverse this conversion is called Battery Chemistry. It is indicated by acronyms of various metals used in the chemistry. Few examples of Li-ion, Li-polymer, Ni-MH, Ni-Cad, SLA/VRLA etc. The performance characteristic of a battery is dependent on the chemistry. A change is chemistry will affect the performance. Additionally, the existing charger may be designed to charge only one chemistry and may not charge a replacement battery with different chemistry. While buying a replacement battery with a different chemistry, we need to ensure whether the charger can charge that different chemistry. However, in recent times chargers are available which can charge multiple chemistry.
3. Dimensions-
The dimension of the battery is important for proper fitment. A smaller battery will give loose fitment which will damage of electrical contact area and the battery may fall out in absence of covering lid. A higher dimension battery will not fit in the existing area.
4. Capacity –
Battery capacity is a measure of the charge stored by the battery, and is determined by the mass of active material contained in the battery. The battery capacity represents the maximum amount of energy that can be extracted from the battery under certain specified conditions. It is indicated by acronyms mAH** or AH. Choosing a battery of lower capacity will reduce the service life of the one charge cycle, whereas a higher capacity battery will enhance the service life. Sometimes to accommodate a higher capacity, one dimension of the battery is increased. However, the extended dimension is designed in such a way that it will not disturb the fitment in existing setup of the device.
5. Warranty policies –
A replacement battery covered by its Seller’s warranty policies and an active customer support service will ensure smooth transition from OEM batteries to their replacement batteries.
6. Special Requirements –
For special requirement like Intrinsically safe, IMPRES compatible and various certifications, we need to check the details in the product page or contact customer care to seek availability of our special requirements.
