# Why shouldn't I use batteries of different manufacturers in the same device? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 18, 2005, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-i-use-batteries-of-different-manufacturers-in-the-same-device/290704 "2005-02-18T13:25:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![gouda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c77e96/32.png) [@gouda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gouda)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2005, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-i-use-batteries-of-different-manufacturers-in-the-same-device/290704/1 "2005-02-18T13:25:25Z")
Is there any reason why two batteries with identical specifications, but made by different manufacturers shouldn’t be used together? What about mixing up used batteries with new ones? And finally, I bought a new set of rechargable batteries, and after the first charge, the plastic cover around one of them ‘melted’ away, leaving the shell exposed. Can I still use this battery? Do I need to buy a whole new set of rechargeable batteries for my digital camera? ---
**Author:** ![mks57](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b9bd4f/32.png) [@mks57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mks57)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2005, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-i-use-batteries-of-different-manufacturers-in-the-same-device/290704/2 "2005-02-18T14:04:12Z")
> [@gouda](#): > > Is there any reason why two batteries with identical specifications, but made by different manufacturers shouldn’t be used together? What about mixing up used batteries with new ones? In general, you want to use a matched set of batteries. That means not mixing different types, manufacturers or used and new batteries. Mismatched batteries can result in shorter battery life and damage/leakage of the weak batteries. ---
**Author:** ![FatBaldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecd19e/32.png) [@FatBaldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FatBaldGuy)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2005, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-i-use-batteries-of-different-manufacturers-in-the-same-device/290704/3 "2005-02-18T14:32:42Z")
Specifically don’t mix old and new batteries. > [@](#): > > Don’t mix old and new batteries, or mix different types or makes of batteries. This can cause rupture or leakage, resulting in personal injury or property damage. From [http://www.energizer.com/learning/batterycare.asp](http://www.energizer.com/learning/batterycare.asp) As for the rechargeble batteries that melted, I would take them back for a refund (assuming you were using a charger meant for that type of battery). ---
**Author:** ![butler1850](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@butler1850](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/butler1850)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2005, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-i-use-batteries-of-different-manufacturers-in-the-same-device/290704/4 "2005-02-18T14:45:12Z")
It’s a discharge rate issue. Batteries produced in a single batch, may differ in how they discharge power compared to batteries produced in a different batch. You want all the batteries putting out the same amount of power, at the same rate, over the use of the cell. If you have “flat” and “full” batteries in the same set, then those that are “full” are going to put out more current, and the “flat” batteries are going to absorb some of it. This can cause issues with overheating, and the leaking that mks57 speaks of. In general, if you bought 3 packs of 4 batteries (same brand/model) each, and were using them at the same rate (assuming rechargables here) and recharging on a similar schedule, you could likely use them interchangably (sp?). As for the one that has bubbled the outer casing, if this has happened on the first charge, then I’d likely return them for a replacement set. Modern battery manufacture is pretty good, but sometimes things slip past Quality Control. If you are using rechargable batteries, the best practice is to use a set fully (full discharge) then charge completely. Using only “half of the charge” can result in some “Memory” and may reduce the running time of that set over the life of the cells. ---
**Author:** ![gouda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c77e96/32.png) [@gouda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gouda)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2005, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-i-use-batteries-of-different-manufacturers-in-the-same-device/290704/5 "2005-02-19T09:53:24Z")
Hmm… it’s a loss then. I bought the batteries (they came with the charger) in Dubai last month - no way am I flying back just to return them. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2005, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-i-use-batteries-of-different-manufacturers-in-the-same-device/290704/6 "2005-02-19T13:12:02Z")
Some battery chargers have a lid that can be closed, but if you read the fine print it says don’t close the lid while charging batteries due to excessive heat buildup.