AAA batteries are among the top 5 highly in-demand power cells. These 5 most wanted power solutions are AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V batteries as they are commonly used for domestic, industrial, and even general purpose. So, what is a Triple-A battery? How is it different from a Double-A battery or the other cells?
In this article, I am going to give you the compact yet complete guide to AAA batteries for all your battery requirements for various applications and devices for your home, office, business, or any industry and individual needs.
WHAT IS AN AAA BATTERY
AAA batteries are smaller than AA battery cells. A single cell has a dimension of 44.5 mm in length and 10.5 mm in diameter. Its weight, nominal voltage, and battery designations or technical names vary on the specific battery chemistry. These can be both disposable and rechargeable batteries. These can be used as a single cell or in multiple cells, depending on the particular battery requirement of your specific devices and applications.
AAA BATTERY TYPES
As already mentioned earlier, AAA power cells can be both rechargeable and disposable batteries. To determine whether your AAA batteries are rechargeable or disposable, you must check the battery chemistry as some are just designed to be disposable or primary in nature while others can have both variants. This is also true with the nominal voltage. For instance, Alkaline batteries have a nominal voltage of 1.5V. On the other hand, Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) cells have a nominal voltage of 1.2V while still others have 1.25V or 3.7V depending on certain chemistries.
PRIMARY/DISPOSABLE BATTERIES
Primary or disposable batteries are the ones that are disposed of after it has been used for a certain period as indicated by the manufacturer. It cannot be recharged using a charger. These are somewhat cheaper than rechargeable ones. However, the regular battery replacement and shelf life may affect the costs or your own budget. Batteries of such chemistry as Zinc-carbon and Lithium Iron Disulfide (Li-FeS2) are solely primary variants. Alkaline batteries have primary variants, too, while some are rechargeable ones.
Primary batteries are your on-the-go, ready-to-use batteries for your portable devices whether you are outdoors or just staying indoors. Some consumers do not have to worry about using disposable batteries as some highly authentic brands can last for up to 10 years or even more.
There are also some primary AAA batteries that are just intended for low drain devices so you should make sure that you use this type of battery for low drain devices only to maximise its full potential and power capabilities. On the other hand, there are also AAA cells that are professionally designed for powering high drain devices and applications (like digital cameras and cell phones) so you better make sure whether your device or certain application requires high drain or low drain power solutions for optimal functions.
This is the reason why Procell Alkaline AAA for low drain and general-purpose batteries exist. Its partner, the Procell INTENSE Power AAA batteries also exist for high drain (has high output voltage) professional devices. Other batteries used to power specific devices are the industrial batteries from such original brands as Energizer, Varta, Duracell, and many others.
ALKALINE AAA BATTERY FEATURES AND APPLICATIONS
Alkaline batteries derive energy from manganese dioxide and zinc metal reaction. These have longer shelf life and higher energy density compared to zinc carbon batteries.
Common applications include:
- Alarm Panel
- Remote Control
- Wireless Computer Mouse
- Personal Groomers
- Wireless Gaming Accessories
- Motorized Toys
- Alarms
- Flashlights
- Clocks
Alkaline AAA batteries are environment-friendly, mercury-free and the latest developments even design such batteries to be totally leak-free.
PRIMARY LITHIUM AAA BATTERIES : FEATURES AND APPLICATIONS
Here are some features of Lithium AAA batteries that you can compare or even contrast to the Alkaline variants.
- Not prone to leaking
- More expensive than Alkaline cells
- Longer shelf life
- Can last for up to 9 years or even more when used in the right/suitable devices
- Batteries must be fully discharged before disposing
- Legal requirements vary by state
Common Applications:
- Motorized toys
- Camping gear
- Laser and hunting scopes
- Game controllers
- Project kits
- High Power LED Lighting
- Stud finders
- Laser Levels
CARBON ZINC AAA
A Carbon Zinc AAA batteries are used for general and heavy-duty purposes. However, this chemistry is the cheapest disposable type. This is only applicable for low drain devices such as clocks and remote controls.
RECHARGEABLE AAA BATTERY
AAA rechargeable batteries are the opposite of the primary ones. These do not just last for about 3-4 months of use that you can dispose after that given timeframe. These are capable to be recharged and have a slight difference in its physical appearance than the disposable cells. Most of these AAA rechargeable batteries are sold along with a suitable charger so consumers do not have to worry in finding a compatible charger. However, other rechargeable Triple A batteries are also sold without a charger, as what happens in those sold in glittering packs of 2, 4, or any other variant that you can usually find in most convenience stores. If this is the case, try to find a compatible AAA battery charger or even a charger that can charge both AA and AAA. In some cases, you can also find a universal charger. Just make sure this can work well on your specific battery type and device requirements.
Triple A rechargeable batteries are classified as rechargeable Alkaline, Li-ion, Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni MH), Nickel Zinc (Ni Zn), Nickel Cadmium (Ni Cad). Check their distinct features and some similarities for your specific battery requirements.
RECHARGEABLE ALKALINE AAA
The rechargeable Alkaline battery chemistry is usually called as the RAM or RAMs. This stands for Rechargeable Alkaline Manganese. RAMs are the only battery in the market that have both benefits of having higher voltage and long shelf life at the same time, in the same package. However, some drawbacks also exist. For instance, the battery capacity is reduced after every cycle. This same thing also happens with the voltage.
NICKEL METAL HYDRIDE (NiMH) AAA
This chemistry works well in high drain devices (e.g., flash units, handheld GPS devices, digital cameras). These cells are quite common too, so you will not have to waste your time and energy looking for these in further places. Its wider accessibility among others makes the NiMH batteries even more popular. The only drawback that most consumers see here is that its nominal voltage is 1.2V, which is a bit lower than other rechargeables.
NICKEL ZINC AAA
This chemistry was introduced in 2009 by PowerGenix as Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) alternative. It works well in rechargeable devices. Compared to NiMH, the Nickel Zinc chemistry lasts longer in high drain devices. Its higher voltage of 1.65V makes lighting even brighter. However, this battery chemistry is only available in AAA and AA battery sizes.
LITHIUM-ION AAA (10440)
This rechargeable battery works great in high drain devices. However, just make sure you do not put these cells in 1.5V devices as the voltage of a Lithium-ion cell is 3.7V. Doing so could fry your batteries. These also require a special charger. NiMH chargers should not be used here. For safety purposes, Lithium-ion AAA battery size has been technically named as “10440” to separate it from other AAA batteries since its nominal voltage is 3.7 volts. Some popular applications of the Lithium-ion battery packs are digital cameras and laptop computers.
NICKEL CADMIUM (NiCad)
Although Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) is obsolete, it is also a rechargeable battery that works with a high drain device. Being the oldest, it has the lowest capacity compared to any other rechargeable battery. It is also toxic, having high self-discharge, and low voltage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
I have gathered here a list of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) that could help you understand AAA even more and get the most benefits from this battery size for powering up all your compatible devices. You may also find terms here that may not be related to Triple-A cells but are associated with them.
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How long does AAA rechargeable batteries last?
On average, rechargeable AAA batteries last for about 10 years. These batteries are pre-charged and ready to use when you bought them from stores and suppliers. It can hold its charge for a year while its shelf life is good for 10 years.
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Can you mix different brands of batteries?
No. It is not advisable to mix different brands of batteries. This is for the fact that the voltage and battery chemistries vary across different brands and battery types. This can also lead to poor performance and battery leakage. To get the best results, it is highly recommended that you must replace your batteries with the same size, brand, voltage and chemistry for your device’s optimal function and the users’ overall safety.
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How to obtain a better battery life?
Here are some tips to help you extend battery life. Try removing batteries from devices and appliances when not in use. If you have some gadgets that you do not use frequently, remove the batteries as soon as you have finished using them. To optimize the use of your batteries, store them in normal room temperature. Place some protective cover on both ends to prevent the terminals from getting into contact with other metallic objects.
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Does it matter what type of battery I use in my device?
Yes, it does. It is always best to use the same type of battery, brand, chemistry, and voltage from your device’s manufacturer as much as possible. If in any case, this is not possible, try to get the best replacement batteries recommended by the manufacturer or direct supplier.
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Why is changing all batteries in your device important?
Once you see that that there is a malfunction or the performance of your device is gradually degrading than it should do, it is high time to change all the batteries in your device at the same time. But why should you replace all the batteries together at the same time? This is for the fact that replacing one or two batteries only in that device will just drain the new ones. The partially used batteries will consume the energy stored in the newly replaced cells and this will still result in poor performance. It can also destroy your devices eventually.
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Where to buy a Triple A battery?
Buy your AAA batteries here at HBPlus Battery Specialists and get more savings for unbeatable quality you can always trust. The Battery Specialists offer you a wide range of choices and world-class brands of Triple A batteries and other power solutions for all your specific requirements. Order from the comforts of your home as we offer faster shipping for orders within Australia, New Zealand, or even from any other country. Save more with bulk batteries and experience unbeatable quality and price than you could have ever imagined!
THE BOTTOM LINE
Triple A batteries are important for household use and other portable devices outdoors and other professional industries. Getting to know the various types and other battery information give the consumers the proper knowledge they need in getting the most of their devices. Buy batteries in bulk to enjoy all the benefits of having them ready whenever you need them anytime, anywhere. This is always hassle-free and even saves you more money or profits for your business. You not only save but you also get the privilege of having superior quality batteries for maximum performance. Understanding more about high drain (digital cameras) and low drain devices (clock) gives you the right kind of batteries to use for specific device. This optimizes battery performance, make tasks easier than ever, and gives you the best value for your money.
Having exceptionally reliable power solutions for your office, business, industry and even your household keep you stress-free, more efficient, and even more productive. Experience the power of the incredibly powerful brands that provide long-lasting power such as Procell INTENSE, Procell Alkaline, Duracell, Energizer, Varta, Eneloop, Eneloop Pro, Ansmann, Camelion, Panasonic, Fujitsu, and many more. Grab your favourite AAA batteries now!
