Taping off 9V batteries and button cells when collecting them
Before bringing them in, it is best to cover button cell batteries and the poles of 9V batteries with tape to prevent short circuits. But why is that, and how can tape help?
Plus and minus: too close to each other
Small button cells have a flat shape, which means their positive and negative poles are very close to each other. Also, in 9V batteries, these poles are located right next to each other — namely on top of the rectangular battery. When button cells and 9V batteries come into contact with each other in the collection cube, this sometimes causes a short circuit because the minus or plus poles touch each other.
Tape to the rescue
Cover your button cells and the poles of your 9V batteries with a piece of tape, thus creating a ‘protective layer’. This eliminates the risk of short circuiting between the batteries.
So, always tape over 9V batteries and button cells before turning them in!
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