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  • Author Author: shabaz
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Leaking Alkaline Cells

shabaz

I just opened up a (semi) expensive bit of equipment and discovered the Duracells inside had leaked with the typical

white powder (potassium hydroxide) : (  and corroded contacts in the battery compartment as the result.

These ones were dated 'best before' March 2024, and had been inserted for less than a couple of months (and had just average use

during this time).

 

I was wondering what experiences others have had, and if they have successfully brought product liability charges against the manufacturer.

In the UK, a manufacturer can be held responsible for their faulty product, and any damage to property or to people (pure economic loss is not covered -

i.e. down time, loss of earnings, etc). However I expect in most cases the manufacturer just settles before a claim is raised in court.

 

I believe it is well known that Duracell batteries leak (something they don't mention in their bunny commercials) - so I always try to purchase Energizer or

other brands, but sometimes stores only have the Duracell option for alkaline cells : (

 

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  • Are you sure that they are genuine Duracells - I've always found them to be the best primary cells for performance and reliability.

     

    I've just done some tests running down more than 15 pairs of AA cells of different types and at different currents and as I have found in the past the Duracells give the best performance (but not the most joules per £).

     

    MK

  • in reply to michaelkellett

    Hi Michael,

     

    It is hard to say, the print looks clean, and nothing obvious that I could spot unfortunately. When I telephoned Duracell, they just asked for the "Made in.." country (it was Belgium) marked on the cells, and some basic details like if it was a 4-pack or 8-pack of batteries that was purchased, and how many cells were in the device, and if both had the same issue. I also let them know these cells were labelled "Duracell Plus Power".

    Apparently they will send out a voucher for two replacement batteries, and guidance on how to clean the contacts. If I wish to take it further, they want a quote for the repair.

     

    That's interesting that you've been running performance tests on AA cells - Any particular types to definitely avoid?

  • in reply to shabaz

    I have a few more to test  - including some real cheapos from Aldi.

    The only ones I would definitely avoid are the Duracell Ultra and Energizer Ultra Lithium, because although they do give  a little more life than the next level down Duracell and Energizer batteries they offer much worse value for money.

    Of course my tests don't tell me about shelf life or leakage (although I have several coffee jars full of about the last three years worth of dead batteries ready for re-cycling so I could look at them).

     

    You would have hoped that Duracell would do a bit more than just replace the duff battery.

     

    MK

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  • in reply to shabaz

    I have a few more to test  - including some real cheapos from Aldi.

    The only ones I would definitely avoid are the Duracell Ultra and Energizer Ultra Lithium, because although they do give  a little more life than the next level down Duracell and Energizer batteries they offer much worse value for money.

    Of course my tests don't tell me about shelf life or leakage (although I have several coffee jars full of about the last three years worth of dead batteries ready for re-cycling so I could look at them).

     

    You would have hoped that Duracell would do a bit more than just replace the duff battery.

     

    MK

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