How to Condition a Lithium Battery

Many technology products such as cell phones and laptop computers that you depend upon on a daily basis use some type of lithium battery that is rechargeable. Although rechargeable batteries have a certain life expectancy, you can make them last longer and perform more efficiently through proper conditioning.

Step 1: Charge the Battery

When the lithium battery is new, it typically comes partially charged. Whether you are using a battery charger or a plug-in adaptor for your electronic device, plug it into an electrical outlet and let the lithium battery charge fully before using the device. If you are charging a laptop computer, for instance, you may use the computer while the lithium battery charges, so long as you leave it plugged into the wall while you use it.

Step 2: Fully Discharge the Battery

Once the lithium battery is fully charged, then you need to discharge the battery. If you don’t discharge it all the way before plugging it back into an electrical outlet, you may reduce the life expectancy of the battery. To fully discharge the lithium battery, use the electronic device on battery power only until it is run all the way down. For most electronic devices, this means that the device either will shut down or it will not power up the next time you go to use it.

Although lithium batteries do not have the “memory” issues that nickel cadmium batteries have, lithium batteries can be overcharged, which will reduce their lifespan. In general, do not charge a lithium battery for more than 24 straight hours.

In addition, with electronic devices that have a battery “fuel gauge”, the batteries should be allowed to run all the way down from time to time to reset the gauge. If you do not let them run all the way down, the gauge can be thrown off and will not show the proper percentage of remaining battery power, which can in turn cause you to lose whatever you are working on that has not been saved.

Step 3: Recharge the Battery

Once the lithium battery has run completely down, you need to recharge it. Either plug in your battery recharger or plug in your electronic device to an electrical outlet using the power adaptor. Allow the electronic device to fully recharge before removing the adaptor. Once the device is fully charged, remove the power adaptor and begin using your device with only the battery power.

All lithium batteries have a certain life expectancy that can’t be exceeded. Eventually, you will have to replace your lithium battery. However, proper care and conditioning will increase the life of your battery up to its life expectancy, allowing you to get the most out of these expensive rechargeable batteries.