Comparison Fenix ARB-L14U 1600 mAh vs Rombica Neo 2xAAA 400 mAh

The standard dimensions describes the general shape, contact arrangement, rated voltage, and often the technology used by the power source.

The variety of standard sizes in our time is very large. Thus, full-dimensions disposable batteries are available mainly in the following versions: AA, AAA, AAAA, C (R14), D (R20), Krona, CR123, CR2, A23, A27, A29 and N (LR1). For batteries, the list is largely similar: AA, AAA, C, D, “Krona”. However, among full-dimensions batteries there is a specific separate category - 3.7-volt cylindrical power supplies, designated by a five-digit index. There are 10180, 14335, 14500, 16340, 18350, 18490, 18500, 18505, 18650, 21700, 25500, 26650, 32650, 32700.

We should also highlight miniature power supplies, the list of which is quite extensive these days. Only among the most popular are the CR series of lithium cells ( CR1025, CR1216, CR1220, CR1225, CR1616, CR1620, CR1632, CR2012, CR2016, CR2025, CR2032, CR2320, CR2325, CR2330, CR2430, , CR2450, CR2477 , CR3032 ) ; LR series of manganese-alkaline batteries ( LR41, LR43, LR44, LR45, LR48, LR54, LR55, LR57, LR58, LR59, LR60, LR63, LR66 , LR69 ) ; silver-oxide analogs of LR batteries, designated, among other things, by a three-digit numeric index ( 315, 317, 319, 321, 335, 337, 339, 341, 346, 357 (SR44), 361 (SR58), 362 (SR58), 370 (SR69), 371 (SR69), 373 (SR68), 377, 381, 384 (SR41), 389, 390 (SR54), 391, 392 (SR41), 394, 395, 396, 397, 399 ; PR for hearing aids.

First, let's look at the popular standard sizes found in full-dimensions general purpose elements. Let's start with the options that can be found in both batteries and accumulators :

- AA. 1.5 V cells, colloquially known as "finger" cells. One of the most famous and popular sizes; Only relatively recently, due to the miniaturization of electronic devices, such power supplies began to gradually give way to smaller AAA ones.
Note also that 3.7-volt batteries of dimensions 14500 are identical in dimensions to AA batteries, however, these sizes are not interchangeable due to the difference in voltage.

- AAA. Popularly known as “mini-finger” or “pinky” batteries (accumulators). Very popular nowadays, widely used in remote controls, ultra-compact cameras, wireless keyboards and mice, etc. Nominally output 1.5 V; also have a “twin” among 3.7-volt batteries - dimensions 10440; however, it is extremely rare.

— Set AA + AAA. A set consisting of two standard sizes described above. In some situations, such a kit may be the best choice (for example, if a wireless keyboard for a PC runs on AA batteries, and the mouse uses AA batteries). However, such situations are quite rare, so few sets of this kind are produced.

- AAAA. The smallest variety of 1.5-volt “A-series” cells, even more compact than “pinky” batteries. Application options for such power sources include laser pointers, active styluses (the most famous example is the Microsoft Surface Pen), ultra-compact flashlights, etc. But in general, this is a rather rare, even exotic option. Also note that AAAA cells are mainly produced in the form of disposable batteries, although there are exceptions.

- C (R14). Quite large 1.5 V batteries are almost 2 times thicker than AA batteries with the same length. They are intended mainly for “gluttonous” devices with increased requirements for capacity or power supply, for which “finger” or “little finger” batteries are no longer sufficient. May also be marked R14, R14P, 343, Baby, UM2.

— D (R20). One of the largest 1.5-volt sizes is 33 mm in size and 62 mm in length. Provides even greater power and capacity than C elements; it is used mainly in devices where these parameters are much more important than compact sizes; A typical example is music centers. There are also other markings - R20, R20P, LR20, FR20, KR20, HR20.

- “6LR61”. Typical rectangular batteries (less commonly, accumulators) with a nominal voltage of 9 V and a pair of contacts at one of the ends; The contacts are different in shape, which protects against incorrect polarity when connecting. They are used, in particular, in multimeters, smoke and gas detectors, electric guitars and effects pedals, microphones, etc.

— CR123 (CR123A). In general, all full-dimensions batteries with the CR index (not to be confused with compact elements like CR2032) were originally developed for cameras - this technology is characterized by increased requirements for power supply and voltage stability. Specifically, CR123 externally resemble shortened and thickened AA batteries, but have a higher voltage - 3 V - and differ in manufacturing technology. The rechargeable version of these cells is sometimes designated RCR123 and comes in dimensions 16340.

— CR-V3. Quite an unusual dimensions: in shape, dimensions and voltage (3 V) it corresponds to 2 AA batteries placed side by side. This design allows the use of similar elements in many devices that were originally designed for a pair of AA batteries. In terms of specialization, such power supplies are very similar to the CR123 described above - they were also originally intended for cameras.

- N. They are also LR1, 910A, MN9100. Quite compact (length 30 mm, size 12 mm) 1.5-volt power supplies. The sizes are very close to A23 batteries, however, due to the difference in voltage, these sizes are not interchangeable.


As for the standard sizes found only in full-dimensions batteries, the most popular here are a series of lithium-ion power supplies with five-digit markings; a typical example (and the most common option) is 18650. All such batteries have a cylindrical shape and a nominal voltage of 3.7 V, but the markings allow you to accurately determine their sizes: the first two digits correspond to the size (in millimeters), the remaining three - to the length (in tenths) fractions of a millimeter). So, in our example, the size of the power supply will be 18 mm, length - 65 mm. And most batteries from this category on the market belong to the range from 10180 to 26650; The larger the battery, the correspondingly higher its capacity.
Detailed data on specific options can be found in special sources; We note here that some of these batteries are externally similar to batteries of other sizes, but interchangeability should be clarified separately. For example, 16340 in most cases can be used instead of CR123 batteries, but 14500, although identical to AA “finger” batteries, is twice as high in voltage, so here the possibility of mutual replacement is the exception rather than the rule.


But here are the sizes that can only be found among full-dimensions disposable batteries :

- CR series - first of all CR2, “just CR” (in fact - CR ½ AA), CR-P2L, 2CR5. Elements from the same series as the CR123 described above are lithium batteries, originally created for cameras and other equipment with fairly strict requirements for power quality. It should be noted that CR2 and CR½AA have a classic cylindrical shape and a voltage of 3 V, while CR-P2L and 2CR5 resemble two cylinders placed side by side, produce 6 V and in many devices are interchangeable with a pair of CR123 elements.

— Series A* (“A with a number”, for example A11 or A23). Includes power supplies of a traditional cylindrical shape, but with increased voltage - from 6 to 12 V. Such elements are used mainly in devices where power consumption is occasional, but high; A typical example is car alarm key fobs, wireless calls and other similar devices. The most popular sizes in this series these days are A10, A11, A23 and A27.

— V28PXL. Not a particularly common standard dimensions of cylindrical batteries with a voltage of 6 V. The specifics are similar to the A* series elements described above. It can be composed of 2 elements CR1/3N (see below), in such cases it is marked as 2CR1/3N.

— 4SR44 (4LR44). Cylindrical 6 V batteries made up of 4 miniature “tablets” - hence the first number in the name. If the “tablets” are alkaline, the designation LR is used, if more advanced silver-oxide ones are used, the designation SR is used.

— 3LR12 / MN1203 (3R12). Characteristic flat rectangular batteries with a voltage of 4.5 V, with a pair of “petal” contacts at the top end. They have quite large sizes - 67 x 62 x 22 mm; the designation 3LR12 is used for alkaline energy sources, 3R12 for saline energy sources. Known in particular as “flashlight batteries”, as they were at one time popular in fairly powerful hand-held flashlights. Now they are rarely used both in this role and in general.


In addition to full-dimensions ones, miniature batteries, which are also called “tablets” for their characteristic shape, are very popular these days. The variety of specific standard sizes in such elements is very extensive, however, there are several main series that combine power supplies with similar basic parameters:

— CR series. Miniature batteries from this series are made using lithium technology and have a voltage of 3 V. They are marked with the CR index and several numbers - usually four; in this case, the first two digits indicate the size in millimeters, and the rest indicate the height (thickness) in tenths of a millimeter. This allows you to accurately determine the dimensions: for example, the popular CR2032 elements have a size of 20 mm and a thickness of 3.2 mm. A definite exception is CR11108 batteries (size 11 mm, thickness 10.8 mm) - they are more often found not under this marking, but under the designation CR1/3N (as they resemble a three-times shorter N-type battery)
Detailed data on specific standard sizes from this series can be found in special sources. Here we note that for CR batteries a whole set of alternative marking options is used - with the letter indices BR, DL, E-CR, KECR (at the beginning), LC (at the end), etc. Some such designations are only proprietary markings of certain manufacturers, others point out the differences between such batteries and standard ones: for example, “tablets” with the BR index have a reduced discharge power and are intended for devices with low uniform power consumption. — Series LR. A series of miniature batteries with a nominal voltage of 1.5 V, made using manganese-alkaline (alkaline) technology. In addition, one and a half volt “tablets” can be made in the form of silver-oxide elements (they are standardly marked SR, and in our catalog we use the designation in the “three hundredth series” format, see below). Alkaline power supplies are inferior to silver-oxide ones in terms of voltage stability, discharge currents and capacity; on the other hand, they are noticeably cheaper and are optimally suited for devices with stable and low power consumption.

Note that in addition to the common “LR with 2 digits” format marking, there are other name options. For example, popular LR44 batteries from different manufacturers may be designated as V13GA, AG13, RW82, G13, A76; and the official international name for such elements is LR1154, indicating a size of 11 mm and a thickness of 5.4 mm. Also, a certain exception is made by LR9 elements - they are better known under the symbol V625U.

Detailed data on different standard sizes from this series can be found in special sources. Here we also provide a list of correspondences between the most popular alkaline LR batteries and silver-oxide analogues of the “300 series” (the first is an analogue with a low discharge power, the second - with a high):

• LR41 - 384, 392;
• LR43 - 301, 386;
• LR44 - 303, 357;
• LR45 - 394, 380;
• LR48 - 309, 393;
• LR54 - 390, 389;
• LR55 - 381, 391;
• LR57 - 395, 399;
• LR58 - 362, 361;
• LR59 - 397, 396;
• LR60 - 364, 363;
• LR63 - 379 (low discharge power only);
• LR66 - 377, 376;
• LR69 - 371, 370;
• V625U (LR9) - does not have a silver-zinc counterpart.

— “Three hundredth series” (315, etc.). Analogues of 1.5-volt tablets of the LR series, made using silver-oxide technology. This increases the cost, but has a positive effect on a number of performance characteristics - in particular, capacity, voltage stability and resistance to high discharge currents. At the same time, such elements are divided into two types - designed for high discharge power with uneven loads (HD) and for constant low loads (LD).
The most popular marking of all such power supplies is SR with two numbers. But in our catalog, another option is taken as a basis - a three-digit number with a three at the beginning, for example, 315 (hence the name “three hundredth series”). This designation is convenient in that it takes into account not only the physical sizes of the battery, but also its operating format (LD or HD), while the SR index does not take the latter into account. For example, elements 370 (HD format) and 371 (LD), according to generally accepted rules, will have the same designation - SR69.
There are other marking options - for example, the 357 battery (SR44, HD version) is designated by different manufacturers as V357, D357, SR44W, SB-B9 or RW42, and its official international designation is SR1154. More detailed information on specific standard sizes from the “three hundredth” series can be found in special sources. Here we present a table of correspondences between the most common options and their LR type analogues (power specialization is indicated in parentheses):

• 315 - does not have an alkaline analogue (LD);
• 317 - LR516 (LD);
• 319 - LR64 (LD);
• 321 - LR65 (LD);
• 335 - does not have an alkaline analogue (LD);
• 337 - LR416 (LD);
• 339 - LR614 (LD);
• 341 - LR714 (LD);
• 346 - LR712 (LD);
• 357 - LR44 (HD);
• 361 - LR58 (HD);
• 362 - LR58 (LD);
• 370 - LR69 (HD);
• 371 - LR69 (HD);
• 373 - does not have an alkaline analogue (LD);
• 377 - LR66 (LD);
• 381 - LR55 (LD);
• 384 - LR41 (LD);
• 389 - LR54 (HD);
• 390 - LR54 (LD);
• 391 - LR55 (HD);
• 392 - LR41 (HD);
• 394 - LR45 (LD);
• 395 - LR57 (LD);
• 396 - LR59 (HD);
• 397 - LR59 (LD);
• 399 - LR57 (HD).

— PR series. Miniature batteries designed primarily for use in hearing aids. They are performed using a rather specific technology - zinc air. For more details, see “Technology”; Here we just note that in a sealed state, such batteries can be stored for a very long time without losing their working properties, and after unsealing they must be used within a strictly defined time - otherwise the element will in any case become unusable. However, with constant use in a hearing aid, the battery discharges before it loses its working properties for other reasons.
The official international marking of such elements is the letters PR with two numbers, for example, PR44. Individual manufacturers may use different labeling rules. We also note that in each standard dimensions of such batteries, the plug, which is removed before use, is indicated by its own color. Detailed data on each standard dimensions should be sought in special sources; Here we provide a list of the most popular options (in order of decreasing dimensions) and specify the colors of the plugs:

• PR44 - blue;
• PR48 - orange;
• PR41 - brown;
• PR70 - yellow.

The technology by which the battery or accumulator is made.

The technology determines the chemical composition of the “filling” and the characteristics of the reactions occurring in it; as a result, both general performance characteristics and specific rules of operation and storage directly depend on this parameter. Among rechargeable batteries in our time, the most popular technologies are Li-Ion, LiFePO4 and Ni-Mh, Ni-Cd and Ni-Zn are noticeably less common. There is more variety in batteries. Thus, inexpensive full-size elements are made of salt ; alkaline (alkaline) technology in one form or another is used in advanced full-size and relatively simple miniature 1.5 V coin batteries; silver oxide elements are a more advanced (and expensive) analogue of alkaline “tablets”; and lithium technology makes it possible to create miniature power supplies with a voltage of 3 V. More rare and specific cases are the Li-SOCl2 technology, used in full-size batteries with increased reliability requirements, as well as the zinc-air operating principle used in specialized power supplies for hearing aids. Here is a more detailed description of each of the options mentioned:

— Li-Ion. Lithium-ion is...one of the most popular battery technologies today; originally created for portable equipment, but later began to be used everywhere. Such batteries have excellent charge density - that is, a solid capacity with a relatively small size and weight. In addition, they charge quickly, and the “memory effect” (characteristic, in particular, of the Ni-Cd cells described below) is practically absent in such energy sources (more precisely, it is compensated for by built-in charge controllers). Among the disadvantages, one can note a slightly higher cost than, for example, Ni-Mh, as well as sensitivity to overloads and violations of operating conditions - they can lead to fire and even explosion. However, most equipment for such batteries has built-in protective circuits; and if there are no such circuits, it is enough to be attentive to the operating mode, or buy a battery with a built-in protection circuit (see below).

— LiFePO4. A modification of lithium-ion technology (see relevant paragraph) developed and released to eliminate some of the shortcomings of Li-Ion. Lithium iron phosphate batteries provide high energy density, have a large number of charge/discharge cycles, and are characterized by chemical and thermal stability. In addition, LiFePO4 batteries withstand strong temperature fluctuations, support fast charging with high currents and are safe to use. Unlike the original Li-Ion technology, the likelihood of an “explosion” of a lithium iron phosphate battery when overloaded is practically reduced to zero. In general, such batteries effectively cope with high peak loads and are suitable for powering energy-intensive devices; they also maintain a stable operating voltage almost until discharge.

- Ni-Mh. An improved version of nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries (see below), in which a special alloy that absorbs hydrogen is used for the anode instead of cadmium. This allowed us to achieve a number of advantages compared to the original Ni-Cd technology. Firstly, with the same sizes, the capacity has increased by 2 - 3 times; However, in terms of charge density, this type of battery is still noticeably inferior to lithium-ion batteries - however, it also costs much less. Secondly, Ni-Mh batteries are environmentally friendly and easy to recycle. Thirdly, the “memory effect” appears less frequently in them and is easier to eliminate. True, this technology does not allow achieving such high discharge currents as in nickel-cadmium batteries; However, Ni-Mh batteries still work great in high-power applications and are preferable to batteries for them (even high-quality alkaline ones - see below). A typical example of such an application is digital cameras. Also, one of the advantages of this technology is the stable voltage: it remains virtually unchanged almost the entire operating time, and drops noticeably only “at the last percent of the charge.” The disadvantages include a fairly high level of self-discharge; however, “low self-discharge” (Ni-MH LSD) batteries produced by some manufacturers do not have this drawback. Self-discharge in such power sources has been reduced so much that many of them go on sale charged and ready for use (like regular batteries) and retain a sufficient supply of energy for 1 - 2 years.
Note that Ni-Mh analogs of 1.5-volt batteries (for example, sizes AA and AAA) have a slightly lower nominal voltage - 1.2 V. However, most devices designed for similar sizes take this difference into account, and problems with interchangeability arise rarely.

- Ni-Cd. This battery production technology is often perceived as outdated in our time; however, similar elements continue to be produced and used. Nickel-cadmium batteries have a fairly low capacity, and are also highly susceptible to the “memory effect”: if the battery is regularly charged without completely discharging, its effective capacity decreases (as if the battery “remembers” to what level it is usually discharged, and accepts it as null). A similar phenomenon can occur with regular recharging - in particular, using inexpensive devices for trickle charging (compensating for the self-discharge of a fully charged battery). In addition, the production technology of Ni-Cd batteries is environmentally unsafe, and the batteries themselves are difficult to recycle and dispose of. Nevertheless, such power sources have a number of important (and in some situations, even fundamental) advantages over other rechargeable batteries. Firstly, Ni-Cd technology has practically no equal when operating at high discharge currents: even very significant loads are normally tolerated and have virtually no effect on the effective capacity of the battery (for more information on this effect, see “Capacity”). Secondly, batteries of this type are not afraid of deep overdischarge, high or low temperatures, and are also safe from mechanical damage. Thirdly, as they discharge, the voltage of nickel-cadmium batteries decreases very slowly (unlike, for example, alkaline disposable batteries). All these points make this type of battery perfect for devices with high power consumption - in particular, power tools and radio-controlled models.
Similar to Ni-Mh, similar elements in the “one and a half volt” standard size (for example, AA or AAA) produce not 1.5 V, but only 1.2 V.

- Ni-Zn. One of the oldest battery technologies in general, however, household power supplies of this type were only introduced in the 2000s. In many features, such elements are similar to the nickel-cadmium elements described above: in particular, they perfectly tolerate high discharge currents and are perfect for devices with significant energy consumption, and also maintain operating voltage for a long time as they are discharged. In addition, Ni-Zn batteries in “one and a half volt” sizes AA and AAA (and these are the majority) have not a lower, but an increased nominal voltage - 1.6 V, which allows them to be used without any restrictions as a more effective replacement for disposable batteries. The substances used in the design are environmentally friendly and easily recycled. The main disadvantage some time ago was the low service life (after 50 - 80 cycles the capacity decreased noticeably); this problem was solved, but only relatively recently. This is partly why so far (as of 2021) there are few such elements on the market.


Here are the main technologies used for disposable batteries :

- Salt. Also called “manganese-zinc”, based on the main metals used in the structure. The simplest technology used in full-size (not miniature) batteries; assumes an operating voltage of 1.5 V per cell - accordingly, elements with increased voltage like the 9-volt “Krona” are assembled from several cells. In any case, salt power supplies have a low capacity, their voltage decreases noticeably as they are discharged, and the high internal resistance does not allow the use of such batteries for loads with high power consumption. On the other hand, such elements are easy to manufacture, inexpensive and have a very low level of self-discharge. In light of the latter, for devices with relatively low power consumption (like remote controls), such batteries are even better suited than alkaline ones (see below): most of the energy of the alkaline element in this operating mode can be spent on self-discharge rather than powering the load. Many salt elements are labeled "general purpose".

- Alkaline. Technology for the production of disposable batteries, which involves the use of alkali in the form of an electrolyte (the second common name is alkaline). Very common in both full-size and miniature power supplies (see “Type Size”) with a nominal voltage of 1.5 V; Higher voltage batteries (for example, Krona) are made up of several one and a half volt cells. At the same time, the chemical composition of full-size and miniature versions is similar, but the general features (compared to analogues of the same sizes) will be different in both cases:

• Full-size alkaline batteries (such as AA and AAA) have more advanced performance characteristics than salt batteries. Firstly, their total capacity is noticeably higher - for example, for AA batteries it can exceed 3000 mAh (while for salt cells the maximum is about 900 mAh). Secondly, alkaline technology allows you to maintain operating voltage longer as you discharge. Thirdly, it reduces self-discharge and increases the shelf life of batteries. And the permissible temperature range for such batteries is wider, and the overall reliability is higher. The downside of these advantages is, first of all, the higher cost than that of salt power sources. In addition, it makes no sense to buy alkaline batteries for devices with low power consumption (such as remote controls): they will last longer than salt batteries, but this difference does not justify the difference in price, since a significant part of the alkaline power source is wasted in such conditions - for self-discharge.
  Miniature alkaline button batteries, on the contrary, are a simpler and more affordable analogue of advanced silver-oxide cells. They use the LR marking (see "Size"), have a lower capacitance (usually 1.2 - 1.5 times lower than silver-oxide solutions in the same size), tend to rapidly decrease in voltage as they discharge, and also not designed for devices with high power consumption. On the other hand, for low-power loads (like a quartz wristwatch) such capabilities are more than enough; and alkaline tablets are much cheaper than “silver” tablets.

- Lithium. Lithium batteries are usually labeled CR; they can be either full-size or miniature (see “Size”). A distinctive feature of such batteries is that their voltage is 3 V per cell; this is usually the same overall voltage rating, with the exception of specific frame sizes CR-P2L or 2CR5, which use multiple cells.
Full-size batteries made using this technology were initially designed primarily for digital cameras and other devices with irregular power consumption and high power consumption. Miniature lithium “pills” are also well suited for similar applications (a typical example is car alarm key fobs, in which the transmitter is turned on for a low time, but requires a large amount of energy), but can also be installed in low-power loads. Another specific option for using them is as a backup power source for computers, tablets, digital cameras, etc., allowing you to save data about the power date/time and settings even when the main battery is disconnected. For example, a “classic of the genre” for powering BIOS memory on motherboards is the CR2032 battery. Due to the relatively high voltage, lithium “tablets” have a fairly significant actual capacity, so their service life in such a role is usually calculated in years and is often comparable to the service life of the device itself.

— Li-SOCl2. The so-called lithium-thionyl chloride technology is used to create disposable batteries with increased reliability, designed primarily for adverse operating conditions. Such batteries have a number of important practical advantages. Thus, their capacity ranges from 1200 mAh for the miniature 1/2 AA size to more than 35,000 mAh for the D size; and given that the nominal voltage is 3.6 V, the actual energy consumption is quite impressive. Lithium-thionyl chloride batteries can easily withstand high loads, including pulsed ones; maintain a stable voltage for a long time as the discharge progresses; have a wide range of permissible operating temperatures (from -60 °C to +85 °C in conventional models and from -40 °C +150 °C in high-temperature ones); equipped with built-in protection against overloads and low circuits; and even if such protection fails, the battery remains explosion- and fireproof and can be used even in rooms filled with flammable vapors. And self-discharge during storage does not exceed 1 - 2% per year, which ensures a long shelf life.
In general, LiSOCl2 batteries are an perfect option for devices that have relatively low constant power consumption and need to operate for a long time without additional maintenance. The main disadvantage of this technology is its very high cost, which limits its use mainly to specialized professional power supplies used for industrial equipment, in the military, aerospace industry, etc. It is also worth considering that although Li-SOCl2 can be made in “1.5-volt” standard sizes like AA, their rated voltage, even in such cases, will be the mentioned 3.6 V. And when turned on for the first time, the voltage usually turns out to be noticeably lower than the rated one ( about 2.5 V, or even less) - this is due to the chemical features of the technology; After a low time, this indicator returns to normal, however, this feature should be taken into account when used in certain types of devices.

— Silver-oxide. Technology used for advanced miniature batteries with a voltage of 1.5 V. These batteries use the same sizes as alkaline “tablets” (see above), but the markings are different: according to the generally accepted standard, silver-oxide cells are designated by the letters SR (alkaline - LR), and in our catalog a more specific standard is adopted as the main one - three digits with a three at the beginning, for example, “315” (it provides greater accuracy; for more details, see “Size”). In any case, due to the use of silver, such batteries are noticeably more expensive than their alkaline counterparts (for the same reason, silver-oxide technology is almost never used in full-size cells); however, the difference in price is offset by a number of practical advantages. One of the most noticeable is the high capacity (on average 1.5 times higher than that of alkaline “tablets” of the same size). In addition, this technology provides a more stable voltage, which decreases rather slowly as it is discharged, low internal resistance, and resistance to low-term high loads. Regarding the latter, it is worth noting that most silver-oxide elements are available in two specialization options: High Drain (for loads with uneven and high power consumption, for example, wireless calls, car alarm key fobs, etc.) and Low Drain (for loads with low and uniform power consumption, such as a quartz wristwatch). At the same time, similar batteries of the same size, but of different specialization, may have the same rated discharge power; however, HD versions are generally more resistant to uneven loading.

— Air-zinc. Quite a specific technology, popular mainly in compact PR series batteries for hearing aids (see “Size”). The chemical reaction that occurs in these batteries requires air; however, such batteries are sold hermetically sealed, and no reaction occurs in them. Thanks to this, self-discharge during storage is almost zero, and the shelf life is very respectable. Before use, you need to activate the power source by removing the plug installed on it and opening air access; Note that the plugs in zinc air “tablets” of different sizes differ in color, which allows you to distinguish them literally at first glance, without the need to read the small inscriptions on the case. After activation, the “life” of such a cell is several weeks - after which the electrolyte dries out and the battery becomes unusable, regardless of whether it was used as a power source or not. However, with constant use of the hearing aid, the charge runs out noticeably faster than the electrolyte dries out. Thus, the hearing aid customer can keep a decent supply of such elements with him and activate them one at a time, as needed, without fear that the rest will lose their properties.

The number of individual batteries supplied in the kit.

Buying a multi-cell kit is convenient when you need more than one battery, but it is especially justified when you need several batteries for one device. In such cases, it is desirable that these cells are identical in characteristics and condition (it is not recommended to use fresh batteries in conjunction with discharged ones); Batteries from one set usually satisfy these requirements.

The rated capacity of a battery is the amount of energy it can store.

This parameter directly determines how long the power supply can operate with a particular load. However, when assessing capacity, there are two things to consider. First, the capacitance rating is usually specified for a specific discharge power. So, for salt and alkaline full-size batteries (see “Technology”), this power is measured in tens of milliamps. But if it is significantly exceeded (on the order of hundreds of milliamps), the actual capacity of the battery may decrease significantly compared to the declared one. Therefore, for example, it is not recommended to use disposable batteries in digital cameras - the power consumption in such equipment can exceed 1000 mAh, and NiMh batteries cope best with such a load. And miniature silver-zinc batteries of the “300” series (SR) are available in two versions - for high and low discharge power; CR series button batteries can have a similar low-power version (for more details on both, see “Size”). More detailed information on discharge currents for different types and sizes of batteries/accumulators can be found in special sources; and in some cases (mainly for lithium-ion batteries) it is directly specified in the characteristics (see “Nominal discharge power”, “Maximum discharge power”).

The second caveat is that the actual energy reserve depends not only on the number of milliamp-hours declared, but also on the operating voltage;...so you can only compare by numbers in mAh batteries/accumulators with the same voltage (in extreme cases, with a similar voltage, for example, 3 V and 3.6 V). However, other comparisons are rarely required in practice.

The number of charge cycles that the battery can withstand without noticeable deterioration in performance.

The charge cycle refers to the period of time from one complete discharge of the battery to another, when the battery is first fully charged and then discharged to zero. In practice, this method of operation is relatively rare - much more often the batteries are charged under-discharged, and sometimes the process has to be stopped before the charge is replenished to 100%. In addition, the number of charge cycles is usually indicated for ideal operating conditions: a “native” charger, a relatively low load during operation, compliance of the ambient temperature with operating parameters, etc. Therefore, the number of cycles indicated in the specifications is quite approximate, and in practice it is unlikely that you should expect a 100% exact match. Nevertheless, by this parameter it is quite possible to evaluate the durability of the battery and compare it with analogues.

Built-in electronic circuit that protects the battery from operating conditions.

This function is found mainly in lithium-ion batteries (see “Technology”). This is due to the fact that such batteries have fairly strict charging and discharging rules; violation of these rules (primarily overcharging and overdischarging, as well as overcurrent) can lead not only to battery failure, but also to fire and even explosion. To avoid such troubles, protection boards are used: they primarily control the charge level, as well as charging and discharging power.

This feature is highly recommended if the battery is to be used in a device that does not have its own battery controller. A striking example is electronic cigarettes with mechanical battery mods, in which the atomizer coil is connected to the battery virtually directly. Without a protection board, the customer must carefully control the operating mode himself - and this is not so easy, given the absence of any additional indicators in the same “mechanical mode”.

On the other hand, it is worth considering that this function affects not only the cost, but often also the dimensions of the battery - it can increase its length by several millimeters beyond the nominal size. For example, 18650 elements with a protection board are not 65 mm long, but about 68 mm. In some cases, this can create problems with installation, or even make it impossible. So if the device fo...r which the battery is purchased has its own protection circuits, the optimal choice for such a load would be a regular, “unprotected” power source.