AA batteries are the most commonly used in portable electronic devices like flashlights, remote controls, toys, smoke alarms, etc. These batteries come in different chemistries and capacities.
Please keep reading to know the different types, their characteristics, and in particular, different AA battery voltages.
Common Terms To Know
Getting familiar with the basics and relevant terminology is crucial if you want to understand the characteristics of these batteries. An AA battery produces electrical energy from an electrochemical reaction when the negative and positive terminal is connected through a circuit.
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Voltage
It accounts for the electrical potential difference between the battery terminals. A higher voltage typically translates to more energy available.
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Capacity
It’s the amount of charge the battery can store, typically measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). Batteries with a higher capacity rating can generally power devices for longer.
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Watt Hours
This term measures the energy a battery can provide. The watt-hours of a battery can be calculated by multiplying the voltage with the ampere-hour rating.
Understanding AA Battery Types And Voltage
There are several types of batteries, like alkaline, lithium, and NiMH batteries, to name a few. Likewise, batteries come in a variety of different sizes, including the most common AA battery, AAA batteries, D batteries, 23A batteries, etc.
You can find AA-size batteries for nearly every type, excluding zinc air batteries. These AA batteries typically have a nominal voltage of 1.5V for alkaline and lithium primary cells, and 1.2V for rechargeable NiMH and NiCd cells.
The capacity of AA batteries varies widely depending on the chemistry and specific model. Let’s review the different types of AA batteries available out there.
Non-Rechargeable AA Batteries Zinc Carbon Batteries
It’s a highly inexpensive non-rechargeable battery providing 1.5V nominal voltage and typically 400 to 1000 mAh capacity. These batteries have a low energy density and are less commonly used today.
Alkaline Batteries
While the AA size in alkaline batteries provides a similar nominal voltage of 1.5V, this type has largely replaced zinc carbon batteries due to a longer shelf life and a higher capacity ranging from 1700 to 3000 mAh.
The reaction between zinc and manganese dioxide in the battery produces the electrical energy required to power up your electronic device.
These alkaline AA batteries provide good value as they work relatively well in a range of temperatures, are free of toxic metals, and have a shelf life of up to 10 years.
Lithium AA Batteries
Lithium iron disulfide (Li-FeS2) batteries are the most common lithium AA batteries. They provide a nominal voltage of 1.5V, making them compatible with devices designed for alkaline AAs. Their capacity can range from 2500 to 3400 mAh, making them suitable for high-drain devices.
These batteries perform well in a wide temperature range and have a long shelf life. They’re good for cameras, flashlights, and other high-drain devices.
Rechargeable AA Batteries Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) Batteries
These rechargeable batteries have a nominal voltage of 1.2V and typically have a capacity of 600 to 1000 mAh. While they can provide stable currents and perform well in cold temperatures, they have been largely replaced by NiMH batteries due to environmental concerns about cadmium.
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries
Rechargeable NiMH batteries have a nominal voltage of 1.2V and capacities ranging from 1300 to 2800 mAh. High-capacity NiMH batteries can even provide capacities up to 2500-2800 mAh.
NiMH batteries have largely replaced NiCd batteries due to their higher capacity and lack of toxic cadmium. They’re suitable for a wide range of devices, from low-drain (like remote controls) to high-drain (like digital cameras).
Lithium-ion 14500 Batteries
While not technically AA batteries, 14500 lithium-ion batteries are sometimes used as AA replacements in specific devices designed for their higher voltage. They have a nominal voltage of 3.7V and capacities typically ranging from 750 to 1000 mAh.
It’s crucial to note that these batteries are not interchangeable with standard AA batteries in most devices due to their higher voltage. Using them in a device designed for 1.5V batteries can result in damage or malfunction.
Difference Between AA and AAA Batteries
While you can find similar voltage in both types, the main difference is their physical dimensions and capacity. AAA batteries are smaller than AA batteries.
AA batteries have larger volumes, allowing them to have a larger capacity and the ability to provide stronger currents to run electronic devices for longer periods.
Common Misconceptions
Voltage and capacity are independent characteristics. A battery can have a high voltage but low capacity, or vice versa.
Higher capacity doesn’t necessarily mean more power output. Power (measured in watts) is the product of voltage and current, and the current draw is determined by the device, not the battery.
FAQ
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What’s The Best AA Battery Type?
It depends on the device being powered and how it’s used. For infrequently used devices, alkaline batteries are often a good choice. For high-drain devices or those used frequently, rechargeable NiMH batteries or lithium primary batteries might be better options.
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Does Temperature Affect The Performance of AA Batteries?
Yes, temperature can significantly affect battery performance. Most batteries perform best at room temperature. In cold conditions, battery capacity can be reduced, while high temperatures can shorten battery life and potentially cause leakage or damage.
Lithium batteries generally perform better in extreme temperatures compared to alkaline or NiMH batteries.
Using This Information
Now that you know about the voltage and capacity of different AA batteries, this information can be utilized to find the most compatible battery for your device.
For example, if your device requires 1.5V batteries, alkaline or lithium primary batteries would be suitable. If it’s designed for rechargeable batteries, NiMH batteries would be appropriate.
Bottom Line
When searching for an AA battery, ensure you know the voltage requirements and typical power consumption of your device. While some devices may run using different battery chemistries, it’s best to use the type recommended by the manufacturer to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Despite being designed to last for a considerable time, AA batteries can degrade. This can result in a decrease in the battery voltage and capacity over time.
We hope you can use the presented information to quickly understand the characteristics of different AA batteries out there.