Question

Anyone using rechargeable batteries for their smart door locks?  

Answer 1

Eneloops in everything that takes batteries in the house. Haven't bought a battery in years

Comments

@arguelles IKEA Ladda are the same batteries just a lot cheaper. Made in the same factory. IKEA, Duracell, and Eneloop are all made in Japan and there is only has one NiMH battery factory in Japan.  

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Yep! Specifically LADDA 2450

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Again, Haven't bought batteries in years

Answer 2

Yes. They work ok with them and does help the life to be more manageable.  

Comments

@ringlet it hilarious that the manufacturers of the locks say not to use rechargeable batteries. Are you using Lithium or NiMH?  

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I will have to check tomorrow. But I will update for sure once I have.  

Answer 3

Yeah, but battery % isn’t as accurate due to the nature of rechargeable. They drop real quick once they start to die.  

Comments

Yes, I second that sentiment as well.  

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Use eneloop. The nature of NiMH is that they drain at a more consistent rate than alkaline, so while they have a lower voltage fully charged, they generally provide that voltage for longer. Alkaline starts at a higher voltage but drops off at a steeper rate. Not much you can do about the meter.  

Answer 4

Yes, I use EBL’s in two Schlage connect zwave locks. For 3 plus years, pop them out every 6 or so. Recharge and replace.  

Comments

@knur5449 I ordered EBL and ended up returning them. Just ordered Ikea Ladda batteries. Made in Japan.  

Answer 5

I’ve got like 48 batteries from amazon for $10 when they were on-sale. It’s 20c per battery or 80c total. What is the point of re-chargeable if the regular ones are so cheap?  

Comments

@camembert I wanna try be eco friendly. I use disposable batteries on devices that do not need changing often.  

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@systematist3261 how often are you changing batteries? I have a schlage connect on our main door to our house so it's used all the time and I've changed the batteries once in two years (that once was about 9 months ago so I anticipate I will need to change it again in 3-6 months)

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@dallasdalli2 I was replacing my batteries every 3-4 months. I have tenants that use the lock like 25-30 times a day. Plus the auto locking takes battery power also.  

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@systematist3261 we use it quite frequently as my wife and kids are home most days but go out places, but we don't auto lock when we are home so that is probably a big part of it! We very rarely manually lock/unlock it though

Answer 6

I've had rechargeables in my Schlage, and Kwikset power locks. Change them when I start to hear them get weak. You get used to how they sound when actuating.  

Answer 7

I use Eneloop Pros. I have a calendar reminder to charge them every 3 months.  

Comments

@unclothe1851 next time definitely try IKEA Ladda 2450. Fraction of the price. Basically the same battery.  

Answer 8

I was originally using rechargeable batteries but felt like I was changing them more often so I went to regular batteries for convenience.  

Answer 9

They barely work at all in a Conexis L1. I use really cheap alkalines which give best results.  

Answer 10

I use disposable lithium batteries. Last for ages and only slightly more expensive than standard alkaline.  

Comments

"slightly"? At least double.  

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And they last three times longer.  

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@mannish Indeed. The downside is inaccurate battery level reporting.  

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@unclothe1851 For me the advantage is not having to mess around with battery swaps every six months, or trying to clean up after a failed alkaline. The more expensive the device, the less likely I am to put alkaline batteries in it.  

Answer 11

Yup. Envelope and ikea. And change every 6-9 mos.