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,
CR2354, 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 analogues 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 ; and series
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; Here we note 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, has twice their voltage, so 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 sources 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, 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 letter indices BR, DL, E-CR, KECR (at the beginning), LC (at the end), etc. Some such designations are only branded 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 energy 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.). Analogs 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 provide 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 that 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 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.
