Technical data
Chapter 11 177
Working with Batteries
Battery Care
Working with Batteries
battery electronics go into shutdown mode. When a battery has 
discharged down to 7.1 volts, it goes into shutdown mode. When this 
occurs, the battery electronics self-disconnect, removing their 
electronic load from the cells. This provides approximately 1 year of 
room temperature storage before the cells self-discharge to the point 
beyond which they should not be recharged. Once a battery has 
reached shutdown mode the battery will undergo a self-test 
immediately upon being put into charge. The charger will then 
attempt to pre-charge the battery at a very low initial charge rate. If 
the voltage does not recover, the battery pack has been allowed to 
discharge beyond the point of safe recovery. The charge cycle will be 
terminated, and the battery pack needs to be replaced.
If the battery does recover from a shutdown mode, the fuel gauge 
accuracy will be reduced. Complete a battery recalibration as soon as 
possible to calibrate the fuel gauge.
Initial Charge Cycle
New batteries must be rapid-charged (typically to 80%), then 
trickle-charged (slowly charged to 100%) for 24 hours, before their first 
use and for the first two or three uses. 
Because the batteries you receive for use with the N1996A are new, 
they have a minimal charge when you receive them. All batteries 
require a “break-in” period, so don't be alarmed if a battery doesn't hold 
a full charge right away. A new battery commonly will show a false full 
charge (voltage) as indicated on the analyzer or charger, and may not 
power up the analyzer upon first use. Before using a new battery, leave 
it charging for 24 hours. 
NOTE Batteries are not standard on the N1996A, but they can be ordered with 
a new analyzer or later as an upgrade kit.
Lithium Ion Battery Disposal
When you notice a large decrease in charge capacity after proper 
recharging, it is probably time to replace the battery. 
Li-Ion batteries need to be disposed of properly. Contact your local 
waste management facility for information regarding environmentally 
sound collection, recycling, and disposal of the batteries. Regulations 
vary for different countries. Dispose of in accordance with local 
regulations. 










