Common Battery Sizes

As technology advances, different batteries are continually created to keep up with this constant evolution. However, there are several common battery sizes and shapes used uniformly across the international market.

The battery size directly relates to its shape, voltage and terminal layout. Voltage represents the international measurement of a battery's power.

The most common battery sizes include:

9 Volt- This rectangular battery has a nominal output of nine volts. It was developed by the Energizer Company in 1956 for use in portable transistor radios. Though this technology has since been outdated, the 9 volt battery has found a new use commonly charging smoke detectors and digital clocks.

AA- This is the most common battery size used to charge electronic devices. It comes in several formats, such as alkaline, nickel-cadmium and lithium-ion, and generally produces 1.5 volts of power. AA batteries are used to power common electronic devices, such as walkmans, power tools and children's toys.

There are several types of AA batteries, alkaline being the most common. Alkaline industrial batteries retain 85 percent of their original shelf life for up to seven years after their initial issue date. Designed for frequently-used equipment, they differ from heavy-duty alkaline batteries, which are associated with low-drain items like flashlights.

AAA- As an alkaline, these batteries have an output of 1.5 volts, which is the same as typical AA batteries. AAA batteries have a shorter shelf life than AA batteries, causing many devices to stray from utilizing this battery size. AAA batteries, however, prove perfect for smaller items, such as TV remote controls and digital cameras.

AAAA- The extremely small nature of this battery makes it perfect for small electronic devices, such as LED penlights, laser pointers and headphone amplifiers. With an output of 1.5 volts, these batteries are sometimes difficult to find in stores. Some brands of alkaline 9 volt batteries have six AAAA batteries welded together inside its hard exterior. On their own, these batteries can be used to power watches, voice recorders and calculators.

C- With a voltage of 1.5 volts, C batteries are generally made from alkaline or zinc carbon technologies. Though they make up only seven percent of the batteries sold worldwide, this battery size is often used inside flashlights, larger children's toys and CD players. This battery size has a six-year shelf life and can operate in temperatures as low as negative 30 degrees Celsius, though extreme temperatures detract from its ability to retain power.

D- This large battery packs 1.5 volts into a 1.3 inch diameter. D-size batteries are commonly used in CD player boomboxes, portable TVs and children's riding toys.

Each of these battery sizes are sold in tight plastic packaging, and can be found at any general or drug store. They can be safely disposed with household waste or recycled at local battery recycling centers.

In order to increase the battery's shelf life, store it in a dry place at room temperature. If the item being powered will not be used for a long period of time, it is a good idea remove the battery.







Wikipedia. 2006. 28 Aug. 2006. < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_battery_sizes >
Grainger. 2006. 28 Aug. 2006. < http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/start.shtml Battery Force. 2006. 28 Aug. 2006. < http://www.battery-force.co.uk.html>