When a battery-powered device has significant power, it becomes necessary to purchase batteries that can provide the device with the necessary current for a long time.
Alkaline batteries do a good job of this task, therefore, despite the higher cost, they are very popular with buyers.
Content
What is an alkaline battery?
Alkaline or alkaline (alkaline is translated from English as alkali) the power source is an element in which manganese dioxide is used as the cathode, and zinc powder performs the anode function.
As an electrolyte, this type of battery uses a solution of potassium hydroxide, which is an alkali, which is reflected in the name of this type of battery.
Alkaline batteries can be produced in various sizes. The potential difference across the terminals can also vary significantly, so before you buy a battery you must correctly select the type of alkaline battery.
Varieties and sizes of alkaline (alkaline) batteries
First of all, alkaline batteries vary in type of housing. Basically, on the shelves of stores are alkaline products of the following types:
Tablets (coins). This type of alkaline battery is a disk whose diameter can be from 4.8 to 30 mm. The product has a metal case, therefore, can be successfully used in devices operating in adverse conditions.
Compactness is the main advantage of this size of alkaline batteries, so most often they are installed in watches, key rings and hearing aids.
Pinky Batteries (AAA). The little batteries are a cylinder whose diameter is 10.5 mm. The product is 44.5 mm long and weighs about 14 g.
Alkaline batteries of this type are labeled alkaline AAA on the case, so they can be easily distinguished from saline or lithium batteries. Apply pinky batteries in flashlights, toys, radios and remote controls.
Finger batteries (AA). This category of alkaline batteries is the most common. Are used finger batteries in watches, radios, flashlights, children's toys, remote controls and other devices where a significant discharge current is required with the minimum size of the battery. Most often, alkaline products of this type are produced with a voltage of 1.5 volts.
Crown. Alkaline batteryCrown"Is a battery whose voltage at the terminals is 9v. The advantages of this type is that with relatively small dimensions, the product allows providing the device with increased voltage. The element is used in remote controls, electrical appliances, children's toys.
Kegs. Large barrels allow you to provide electricity to appliances that consume a large current, without connecting them to the electrical network. Most often, batteries of this type are used in music players, children's toys, flashlights.
It is not difficult to distinguish an alkaline battery from a salt one. The product must be marked LR on the case, which indicates the presence of alkaline electrolyte inside the case.
Which batteries are better alkaline or saline
Alkaline batteries are better than salt products in many ways. First of all, products of this type are preferred to conventional batteries because of the significantly larger capacity. The difference in the duration of the elements can reach more than 5 times.
If it is necessary to use an electric device in cold weather, then in this case it is also necessary to install alkaline batteries in the device, which operate effectively at temperatures up to -20 degrees. Salt batteries become inoperative at any freezing temperature.
During a strong discharge, electrolyte may leak out of the salt battery housing, which may damage the electrical device. Alkaline elements are practically devoid of such a disadvantage.
Advantages and disadvantages of alkaline batteries
Among the advantages of alkaline power sources are the following:
- Low self discharge.
- Ability to work at negative air temperatures.
- Long shelf life.
- Relatively high relatively high discharge currents.
- Uniform discharge of the battery.
The disadvantages of this type of battery include:
- The relatively large weight of the product.
- High price.
The significantly higher price of the product is offset by a long period of operation. The disadvantages of such products can also be the inability to reuse it.
Can alkaline batteries be charged?
If the alkaline battery is exhausted, it must be disposed of. You should not try to restore the battery with the charger.
Such actions may lead to depressurization of the battery case. Rupture of the product may result in personal injury or fire, therefore it is strictly forbidden to charge alkaline batteries.
Popular manufacturers and their features
It is guaranteed to get quality products only if you buy alkaline batteries from well-known manufacturers. To date, the most in demand are the manganese-alkaline elements of the following manufacturers:
- Energizer - the advantage of alkaline batteries from a well-known American manufacturer of electrical engineering is that the product allows you to maintain the necessary voltage in the device, throughout the entire life of the product.
- Duracell - alkaline batteries of this company have minimal self-discharge and maximum capacity at standard sizes.
- Panasonic - the batteries of this manufacturer are characterized by stable power output, as well as increased capacity and stability at low temperatures.
- Camelion - alkaline products of this company are made in China, but the quality of the products is very decent. Сamelion batteries tolerate deep discharge well and maintain their rated voltage throughout their entire life.
Many manufacturers of alkaline batteries supply high-quality products to the market, so you can safely purchase batteries from companies such as gp, smartbuy, space, varta, etc. It is important not to run into a fake when buying, so you should only buy batteries at trusted retail outlets.
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