We discuss in considerable detail selected phenomena that are supposed to be associated with intrinsic hysteresis of insertion type of batteries. We take advantage of the previously mentioned full analogy between the hysteretic behaviour of insertion battery electrodes and an ensemble of interconnected ordinary rubber balloons. This analogy is particularly helpful because direct observation of effects in balloons is much easier. In particular, we try to present in a clearer way the so-called "one-by-one" insertion or deinsertion mechanism in the case of small charge/discharge (inflation/deflation) rates. The various stages of lithium insertion into a single particle (single balloon) are extensively compared to those occurring in a multiparticle (multibaloon). Similar effects can be predicted for other systems of interconnected units in which supersaturation can occur before the units undergo a phase- or similar transformation of state. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.