Saturday, September 06, 2008

mixing batteries

I have heard that you shouldn’t mix old and new batteries. Why?
—Gretta Golyansky, Aurora, Colo.

As the weakest battery dies, power surging through it from much-stronger batteries may cause it to leak and ruin your device. In rare cases, an airtight or waterproof device—such as an underwater flashlight—may even explode if ignited by a nearby spark or excess heat. The risk also is present if you mix different types or brands of batteries or insert them backward so that their polarity is reversed.

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