NiCad stands for nickel-cadmium batteries. These are the best option when deciding upon rechargeable batteries. They are superior to lead-acid batteries, and they come in standard sizes for most gadgets. NiMH batteries are slowly replacing NiCd batteries. The major reason for this is that a typical NiMH battery can provide a capacity that is two or three periods greater than that of a standard NiCad battery.
A larger capacity means longer intervals before changing or less of a chance of needing a back-up stock of batteries. NiMH batteries have higher volumes than NiCad batteries. It would not last long when used in low current products such as remotes and clocks—NiMH’s elevated self -discharge rate of 30 percent per month to NiCd’s 20 percent.
The self-discharge rate is the rate at which the battery loses its capacity without any load applied. A key disadvantage of NiCd batteries is the memory effect from which it suffers. The memory effect occurs when the battery isn’t fully discharged before charging. The result is that the battery will seem to have lost a portion of it’s rated capacity.