Do batteries drain when plugged in?

[ScaredShooter]

Do batteries drain when simply left plugged into your gun? If so, why?

I've always been told to disconnect my battery if the gun is left in storage for a period of time.

I don't understand why the battery would drain, because if it's plugged in and the gun isn't firing, there should be an "open" electrical circuit, right? How could voltage then get sucked from the cells?

If somebody can post a link or links to an older thread that accurately explains the why, this thread can be locked.

Thanks for shared knowledge.

[ogrejager]

Because they do. Rechargable batteries that aren't even plugged in drain over time, too. Batteries drain. That's what they do.

I base this not on any other thread or scientific basis, just 30 years of dealing with batteries--if it's rechargeable, it drains over time.

[ScaredShooter]

if it's rechargeable, it drains over time.

Ok, thanks, I get this.. But are you saying that having them plugged in will make them drain no faster than if they're left unplugged?

[sig]

Because they do. Rechargable batteries that aren't even plugged in drain over time, too. Batteries drain. That's what they do.

I base this not on any other thread or scientific basis, just 30 years of dealing with batteries--if it's rechargeable, it drains over time.

To expand on this I've heard that typical NiMH batteries can lose around 30% of their charge per month if they not being used. Also storage temperature plays a roll in discharge rate also. High temps will cause them to drain faster.

You can find lower discharge rate batteries now in AA and AAA size such as the Sanyo Enelopes which on the newest ones claim they may remain up to 75% charged if not used for up to 3 years.

[ScaredShooter]

Because they do. Rechargable batteries that aren't even plugged in drain over time, too. Batteries drain. That's what they do.

I base this not on any other thread or scientific basis, just 30 years of dealing with batteries--if it's rechargeable, it drains over time.

To expand on this I've heard that typical NiMH batteries can lose around 30% of their charge per month if they not being used. Also storage temperature plays a roll in discharge rate also. High temps will cause them to drain faster.

You can find lower discharge rate batteries now in AA and AAA size such as the Sanyo Enelopes which on the newest ones claim they may remain up to 75% charged if not used for up to 3 years.

Alright, again, I do appreciate the background info. However, these are things I knew. What I’m not following is how having your battery plugged into your gun leads to an especially faster than normal discharge, or if it really does..?

[ScaredShooter]

So nobody knows if leavin your battery plugged in kills it faster than leaving it unplugged, and if so why?

[Jewish Ninja]

I have no idea why, but I've had batteries die quicker when I've plugged them into the gun the night before the game.

Its all witchcraft, and I have no idea why it happens or the ability to explain why, but that's the poop.

[Ivan Daylovich™]

It should drain faster, but I don't how much faster. I also don't see how it matters.
If you leave your gun alone for a long period of time you should charge the battery whether you left it in the gun or not.

[ScaredShooter]

Alright, haha thanks guys. Now that I know it's just witchcraft I'll be sure to charge my batteries the night before and keep them outta the gun.

[Blitzkreig]

I just know that my batteries always die when I need them the most and don't have an extra.

[PC]

This is just one of those things that you learn to accept with airsoft. Rechargeable batteries drain no matter what and Jewish Ninja is right, PURE WITCHCRAFT! Just leave it unplugged and you will be safe the day of or before an OP

[DJ]

http://support.radioshack.com/support_t ... d-main.htm

A bit dry, but it should help you understand some of the nuances of batteries ( 1% discharge rate per day)

[-Shifty-]

I have no idea why, but I've had batteries die quicker when I've plugged them into the gun the night before the game.

Its all witchcraft, and I have no idea why it happens or the ability to explain why, but that's the poop.

5000mah battery my a$$. That thing should never die!

[Braddock]

that article is about nicad. Most people use NiMh or Lipo. I charged one of my Lipos 2 weeks ago for a game and I went to charge it again last night and it would not even take a charge. So that tells me that after 2 weeks of leaving it in my gun plugged in, it maintained its full charge.
Just my .2 cents.

[ScaredShooter]

Braddock is right, Lithiums maintain a charge substantially longer than the 30 yr old battery tech from NiMHs and NiCd.
That said, thanks DJ, good article. Not too dry actually.

For my tastes, I like it kinda dry (that's what she said).

I'd love if anyone had a more scientific explanation than witchcraft, but I understand if not.
It just seems odd to me that having the battery plugged into a non-functioning gun would shorten its life more than leaving the battery isolated.

I mean sure, batteries loose juice sitting over time. That's a given. But maybe there is some evil voodoo that runs in all AEGs.