How do I Find the Best Batteries for Christmas Lights?

Finding the best batteries for Christmas lights is a holiday wish come true.

Long lasting batteries are at the top of the wish list for keeping Christmas lights shining brightly throughout the season. Finding long lasting batteries has proven traditionally difficult, but not impossible. LED string lights are known to sustain a longer life on battery power, however traditional string lights can also stay the course through the holidays with quality batteries that can be recharged instead of requiring a trip to the hardware store for replacements.

Things You'll Need

• Nickel-metal hydride batteries
• Battery recharger
• Battery operated Christmas lights

Instructions

1. 

   Not all batteries are well-suited to recharging.

   Locate hardware stores or home improvement centers that stock nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. Most stores stock these batteries as well as appropriately matched rechargers. NiMH batteries have a higher capacity than nickel cadmium batteries and alkaline batteries that typically lose capacity quickly and present more memory loss when they are repeatedly recharged.

2. 

   All reputable NiMH batteries feature a label indicating the capacity.

   Ask a professional electrician at a home improvement center how many NiMH batteries or battery packs (two or more batteries) you will need to sufficiently supply enough power to keep a Christmas light display lit for substantial periods of time during the season. NiMH batteries come in different capacities, but should always feature the amount on the label. Do not purchase them if the capacity is not indicated.

3. 

   Make sure NiMH batteries are recharged on a matching charger.

   Purchase NiMH specific rechargers to ensure the safest and most efficient recharge for NiMH batteries. According to Michael Blue Jay's tips for charging household batteries, using rechargers not specifically designed for certain batteries can cause overcharging and a possible fire should the batteries explode. Keep an eye on batteries being recharged and never leave them unattended. Fire proof boxes for battery recharging are also available at home improvement centers.

4. Decipher how many battery chargers you need to charge MiMH batteries or battery packs. Multiple battery packs should not be connected to one charger as it presents a serious shock and fire hazard. According to Battery Space, homeowners are responsible for double checking and making sure devices, including Christmas lights, operating on batteries have the necessary protection circuits. When in doubt, seek the advice of a professional electrician.

5. 

   Know how long Christmas lights will stay lit on NiMH battery pack options.

   Match Christmas light's input voltage and power usage to the appropriate battery pack needed to ensure lights remain burning for as long as possible. Find out through a certified electrician at a home improvement center how long a specific NiMH battery pack will keep lights going and turn the Christmas lights off during the day to conserve battery power.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan battery needs carefully to avoid additional trips to the hardware store.

• Purchase LED battery operated Christmas lights to optimize the full capacity of batteries for longer periods of time.

• Never assume batteries are risk-free and take the time to read safety instructions.

References

• Michael Blue Jay: Battery Guide
• Battery Space: How to Choose an NiMH Battery Pack

Resources

• c7 Christmas Lights