Battery Sizes

• Electric trimmer batteries, like all batteries, are measured in volts. These volts, generally, tell how much power and energy the trimmer has: the higher the volts, the more power the trimmer will have. On the market, battery sizes for trimmers range from the 9-volts and go up to the 36-volts. The increase in power, of course, will also come with an increase in price, but, if that's not a factor, the increased power will definitely make up for the price. The size of the battery will also determine how long the trimmer can operate on a single charge.
  
  

Recharging Options

• The batteries used in these electric model trimmers have to be charged for them to work again. Most rechargeable trimmer batteries will come with a charging stand that plugs into a standard wall outlet. The battery will plug into the charging stand. Some models also have a battery that plugs directly into the wall. Charging times will vary from model to model, but generally range from a couple of hours up to eight hours. The life of the battery will also vary widely with different models, from 45 minutes to over two hours.
  
  

Cleaning the Terminal

• Electric trimmers, like gas trimmers, need regular cleaning to keep them operating. On the rechargeable trimmers, the battery terminals need special attention to keep the contact points clean and operating. Old or improperly used batteries may leak a small amount of corrosive acid onto the terminals, which will corrode the metal and stop the trimmer from running and the battery from charging. Clean these points on the batter, trimmer and charging stand regularly with a rag and check for corrosive build-up; replace the battery if corrosion is present.
  
  

Replacing the Batteries

• Every time the battery uses up its charge it needs to be recharged again. However, every time it recharges it can never get back up to its maximum charge, as it was the first time. It will get close, but every subsequent use the battery life will be shortened. Depending on how much it's used, the battery may wear out in as little as two seasons. An option is to always have on hand a second battery that can be swapped out for the old one.