Dell laptop batteries knowledge base

Dell laptop battery knowledge base

Get answers to common questions about laptop computer batteries including how to choose the best battery for you; battery life and how to make your battery last longer between charges; how to install and charge your battery, and much more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Dell laptop battery last? When should I consider replacing mine?
All rechargeable laptop batteries wear out with time and usage. As time and cumulative use increase, the performance will degrade. For the typical user, noticeable reduction in run time generally will be observed after 18 to 24 months. For a power user, reduction in run time generally may be experienced prior to 18 months. We recommend buying a new Dell laptop battery when the run time does not meet your needs. For troubleshooting information on extending the life of your battery click here

How should I choose between two batteries with different Watt hours (Whr) available on one system?
A Higher Watt hours (Whr) on the same system under the same operating conditions will generally deliver longer battery run time. For example, if you compare the same system, running the same applications, the 53Whr dell battery would provide approximately 65% more run time than the 32Whr battery.

How should I choose the right battery for my new system?
When choosing a battery, the main quality that you need to consider is the amount of energy that can be stored in a battery. This is measured in Watt- Hours (Wh). For longer runtime per charge, choose a battery with a greater Wh rating

Note:

When used under the same conditions, a lower capacity battery will wear out faster than a higher capacity battery because it has to be charged more often.

How do I charge my Dell laptop battery? How long does it take for a Dell laptop battery to fully recharge?
The battery charges in the laptop when the laptop is connected to an AC powersource via the AC adapter. The charge time varies depending on the system. If the system supports ExpressChargeT™ , the battery typically will have greater than 80% charge after about an hour of charging, and fully charge in about 2 hours with the system off.

What is ExpressCharge™?
For a system advertised as having the ExpressCharge™ feature, the battery typically will have greater than 80% charge after about an hour of charging and fully charge in about 2 hours with the system off.

Can a Dell laptop battery be "overcharged"?
No, the battery is designed to stop using the charger when it reaches full charge.

When docked or AC adapter is plugged into a wall outlet, am I using my battery charge?
No.

Does Dell sell external battery chargers?
Dell offers a Datamation battery chargerfor large institution customers. The product can be found at batteries-company.com.

Is it easy to install a battery?
Yes, very easy. First, make sure all open files are saved. Be sure to remove the Ac Adapter and that the computer is off before trying to install or replace a battery. Click here for your Service Manual for instructions on how to replace your Dell vostro 1520 battery.

Will Dell laptops accept non-Dell batteries?
Dell has a rigorous qualification process by which all Dell batteries are validated to ensure proper function, performance and safety. Some non-Dell batteries are available in the market with claims of compatibility with Dell systems. Dell cannot verify these claims, nor the safety of using them in a Dell system. Dell strongly encourages our customers to use only Dell laptop batteries advertised as appropriate for their laptop model. Only Dell notebook batteriescome with a 1-year warranty, are engineered for optimal safety and performance for Dell systems, and are supported by Dell technical support for the length of the warranty period.

What is a modular bay battery?
In some laptop systems Dell offers a battery that can be used in the optical drive media bay (DVD/CD drive bay). This enables the use of two batteries, potentially extending the available run time.

If I install a modular bay battery, are my primary and modular bay batteries working at the same time to power my laptop computer?
No, the modular bay battery is used first, then the system automatically switches to the primary HP 484170-001 battery. This is a deliberate design to allow the most amount of run time to remain in the primary battery in case the modular bay battery is removed and replaced with an optical drive.

For what use is the strip of LED lights on my battery?
Most Dell batteries have an LED indicator that allows users to see how much run time and how much overall battery life are available at the touch of a button. To check battery charge, press the button and the number of lights that appear will tell you charge status. If all lights appear, you have a fully charged Dell inspiron 9300 battery. Each light that appears accounts for approximately 20% charge. To check the battery health, press and hold the status button on the battery charge gauge for at least 3 seconds. If no lights appear, the battery is in good condition and approximately more than 80 percent of its original charge capacity remains. Each light represents incremental degradation. If five lights appear, approximately less than 60 percent of the charge capacity remains, and you should consider replacing the battery.

What does Dell recommend for battery storage for a long period of time?
When storing for more than 4 days these guidelines can better preserve the life of your battery:

Do not store batteries for long periods plugged into or attached to any power source. This includes AC adapters and laptop security carts plugged into an outlet.
Laptop batteries, including those stored in laptop systems, should maintain an Operational Storage Temperature of 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F).
Batteries may be stored in the laptop or outside of the laptop.
Charge batteries before storing. The recommended charging time should not exceed 1 hour. Typically, this should charge the battery to between 80% and 100%. (Some discharge will take place over time. Stored batteries are expected to discharge 10-15% over a four month period, for your information.)

What is a battery slice?
Some Dell laptops have a battery that attaches to the bottom of the system, providing additional runtime for the laptop.

What can I do to make my battery last longer?
There are several things you can do to make your battery last longer:

Choose the right battery. Under the same use conditions, a lower capacity battery will wear out faster than a higher capacity HP 484784-001 battery because it has to be charged more often.
Use the notebook's power saving controls to reduce battery use in your normal day. For example, turn the Bluetooth off if it is not needed; reduce the screen brightness when conditions permit.
Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. If the system is exposed to extreme cold or hot temperatures, allow it to warm up/cool down before use and before charging.
Contrary to last decades' batteries, modern lithium ion batteries do not need to be fully discharged to maintain health.
All batteries wear with use and time. When you find the runtime is no longer satisfactory, it may be time to purchase a new Dell battery.

Should I completely discharge my battery before I charge it?
No, with current lithium ion batteries this practice does not improve the runtime of the battery. This practice is a holdover from the days in which NiMH batteries were used.

Do I need to charge my battery fully when I get a new system or a new battery?
While not required, it is recommended to fully charge your battery.

I generally do not unplug/undock my notebook. Does this hurt the battery?
No, the battery has built in controls which stop the charging process when the battery is full.

Why does the battery have a different warranty period than my system?
Dell's standard battery warranty is one year. Batteries are a consumable item. All batteries degrade with time and use. The warranty is very similar to common auto warranties which exclude consumable items such as tires. For copy of Ltd Hardware Warranty, write Dell USA LP, Attn: Warranties, One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78682 or see www./warranty.

Where can I find the Materials Safety Datasheet (MSDS) for my battery?
To find the MSDS for a specific battery, please see the Product Safety, EMC and Environmental Datasheet published within the drop-down menus at this website: http://www./regulatory_compliance_datasheets If you are seeking a Materials Safety Datasheet for a product(s) which is no longer available for purchase, please send an e-mail to the Regulatory_Compliance@ mailbox with the laptop computer name and the battery part number for the relevant product(s) included in the body of the e-mail.

Laptop Battery Usage Tips Related Articles

Replace HP Laptop Battery Instructions

When to Get a New Replacement Laptop AC Adapter

How to choose the right laptop battery and ac adapter for your laptop

3-Year Warranty Laptop Batteries

How To Make Dell Laptop Battery For An Optimal Runtime

Laptop battery and ac adapter issues troubleshooting tips

How to get the most out of your Lenovo ThinkPad Battery

Helpful laptop battery troubleshooting tips

Properly Notebook Battery Care Guide

How to Use and Maintenance of Your Laptop Batteries

Top 10 Batteries Usage Tips, Hacks and Tricks

Dell latitude d620 laptop battery buying tips

6 Tips for buying a new laptop battery

Replacement Laptop Battery Value

How To Maximize Laptop Battery Life Of Your Windows Laptop

How to Boost Your Toshiba Laptop Battery

Improve laptop battery life and performance ultimate instructions

If you want..	Choose	Trade off
Longer runtime	Higher Capacity	Higher cost Heavier weight
Lighter weight	Lower Capacity	Lower runtime
Lower cost	Lower Capacity	Lower runtime

Share article Dell laptop batteries knowledge base: Dell laptop battery knowledge base Get answers to common questio ...

batteries-company-com.over-blog.com

Dell laptop battery knowledge base

Frequently Asked Questions

Articles récents

Pages

Présentation

Créer un Blog

Articles récents

Battery Care Guide

batteries-company-com.over-blog.com