BATTERY BIOS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE AA BATTERY
The AA Battery is a small cylindrical cell battery of alkaline, lithium, or Ni-MH composition. The AA Battery is an extremely common battery and is produced by many large brands such as Duracell, Atomic, Energizer, Toshiba, and more. The AA battery is also widely produced by smaller companies and private label battery manufacturers. Other companies also produce batteries in a similar size to the AA, but of different designations and capacities.
Technical Specifications Of The AA Battery (Alkaline, Lithium, and Carbon Zinc)
Depending on the manufacturer, batteries of the same size and capability of AA, are referred to in a few different variations. Direct replacements for AA would be LR06, Duracell MN1500, R06P, SUM4, LR6, LR6A, HP7, Varta 4106, 824, Kodak KAA K6A, Toshiba LR6N, BA3058/U, NEDA 15A, 15AC, Varta 4006, Rayovac 815, AA, Panasonic AM3, Energizer E91. These batteries are exact equivalents for the AA battery, the only difference being the name.
AA batteries are also made in compostions such as lithium, carbon zinc, NiHm, and more. Most of these different battery chemistries should work in applications that require an alkaline AA battery ,but since they offer various capacities and discharge rates, for the best results, always consult the owner’s manual of your device to determine the exact battery that is required.
How To Install AA Batteries In Your Device
First identify the positive and negative ends of the battery. On a typical Alkaline AA battery, the flat side will usually be the positive side. On the opposite side, a small circular protrusion should be visible. The side is typically the negative end. Now that you have determined the positive and negative ends of the battery, you can easily align it with corresponding markings on your device. Please note that some devices have small metallic tabs for battery retention and function. It is very important to leave these tabs unharassed and undamaged as doing so may compromise the performance of your device. If you do slightly move this tab out of place, they can usually be fixed by carefully readjusting them back into the proper orientation.
AA batteries are extremely common and popular. This means that a wide variety of manufacturers make these batteries and a wide variety of retailers sell the battery. It is important to keep in mind that not all AA batteries are created equal and that all retailers have the same dedication to quality. To avoid low quality or worse counterfeit batteries it is important to only purchase your batteries from a highly reputable retailer that sells only the highest quality of brands.
Microbattery.com has been selling batteries online for over 25 Years and has one of the widest variety of batteries available, including the AA battery, from a variety of world-renowned manufacturers. For all your battery needs, please consider Microbattery.com and let them be your battery expert!
About Us:
Microbattery.com is the leading provider when it comes to Hearing Aid Batteries, Watch Batteries, Lithium Coin Cells, Lithium Batteries, Alkaline Batteries, and Rechargeable Batteries across North South America. We have the capability to meet the needs of all sizes of consumers, dealers, distributors and importers. For over 25 years, we have been striving to ensure high customer satisfaction and providing the best quality product possible. Ever since our online store was launched 15 years ago, we have been constantly improving optimizing our site to provide the most enjoyable and convenient shopping experience for our valued customers.
Our online store has one of the largest selections of various batteries and battery products for all types of electronic applications on the web. Our website is very easy to navigate to help ensure customers can find exactly what they need. All of our products are conveniently organized by category. They can be easily filtered by the category drop down located at the top of every page on our website. Alternatively customers can use the Battery Finder™ located on our homepage, to quickly and simply identify the exact batteries they need. If you require any assistance in determining what products are right for you please do not hesitate to give us a call at (305)-371-9200.
At Microbattery.com, you will find one of the largest selections of batteries on the web. We have millions of cells of common batteries like CR2025, CR2032, LR44, LR41, AA, and AAA in stock at all times. We also carry a wide variety of less common batteries such as CR2477, CR2016, Rechargeable Batteries, Radio Batteries, Telephone Batteries, and Pet Batteries. Regardless of your battery needs, we have got you covered. If you require a battery that we currently do not carry, please feel free to give us a call at (305)-371-9200 to place a special order (some restrictions apply).
Our customer base currently includes tens of thousands of satisfied consumers, various private companies, (local, state, federal, international) government agencies, military, institutions, wholesalers, and chain stores. Without hassle, we will ship your products worldwide, already having done so for over eighty-five countries.
Duracell vs. Amazon Basics: History
Amazon Basics is a brand created by Amazon to offer a wide range of affordable and reliable alternatives to leading brands. Although Amazon Basics products are typically sold at a lower price than their branded counterparts, they are typically high quality and perform at a comparable rate.
In 1924 by Samuel Ruben and Phillip Mallory with the intention of creating a new type of battery. By 1964 their company introduced a new brand which was known as “Duracell” (derived from “durable cell”) as part of their commitment to producing long-lasting batteries. Duracell has since become one of the leading brands of batteries on the market which is known for its durability and high-quality performance.
Duracell vs. Amazon Basics: Side-By-Side Comparison
- Ten-year shelf life
- 48-count value pack of 1.5-volt AA alkaline batteries
- Single-use alkaline batteries
- Good for devices like clocks, toys, and flashlights
- Easy-open packaging
Duracell vs. Amazon Basics: What’s the Difference?
It’s well known that Duracell is a trusted brand in the battery industry. However, what can you expect from a much cheaper alternative, Amazon Basics? Read on to learn the differences between these two brands in key categories.
Durability and Quality
The main difference between Duracell and Amazon Basics batteries is their durability. For example, durability can determine how many batteries you need per month to power a device or how long would one battery last.
Duracell is a brand that is best known for its durability, especially through its commercials where a Duracell rabbit always beats the competition and leaves a big gap in durability. Since Duracell is a company that specializes in the manufacture of batteries, it offers some of the longest-lasting batteries on the market thanks to its Power Boost ingredients.
With these ingredients, Duracell allows users to recharge their batteries as their batteries are made from high-quality ingredients. These batteries are also a combination of Long-Life Ion Core technology and NiMH technology.
Amazon Basics batteries are generally less known, as Amazon Basics doesn’t specialize in batteries alone. However, Amazon Basics batteries are manufactured by Fujitsu for Amazon. Although Amazon Basics batteries are durable, they aren’t made with the technology that battery giants like Duracell rely on to provide a long lifespan.
Therefore, Amazon Basics batteries are of good quality, but cannot match the durability and quality of Duracell batteries. Certain Duracell batteries can last 5-10 years and can be recharged at least 400 times. On the other hand, Amazon Basics batteries can be recharged up to 1,000 times, but they do not have the longevity of Duracell batteries.
Technology
Duracell is a pioneer in the battery industry and is a leader because they not only rely on existing technologies such as Li-Ion battery types but also develop their own innovations such as Power Boost. Therefore, Duracell manages to deliver more power than the competition in some battery types, which differentiates them from its competitors.
Some Duracell batteries feature NiMH technology, which is combined with ingredients that allow the batteries to be recycled so you can recharge them and use them for years to come. Amazon Basics batteries are mostly based on alkaline technology. Because of this, Amazon Basics batteries are much cheaper and the shelf life is almost comparable to Duracell batteries. The only downside is that the longevity doesn’t come close to Duracell batteries.
Recharging Ability
Duracell batteries are known for their recharge-ability. Duracell claims that certain types of batteries can be recharged 400 times or more and last about 5-10 years. They will also remain charged for one year when not in use.
Of course not all Duracell batteries are rechargeable. Some Duracell batteries still use alkaline technology, which isn’t rechargeable. However, Duracell batteries based on lithium-ion and NiMH technology are rechargeable. So if you’re looking for rechargeable batteries, you should pay attention to that.
RECHARGEABLE AA BATTERIES
These variants are the opposite of the primary ones. They are also available in most shops and convenience stores worldwide. Though they are far more expensive than primary batteries, many consumers prefer buying these product type as they are extremely useful for longer periods. There are also the pros and cons of rechargeable batteries yet, these variants are still in demand for use in specific original devices and chargers and other compatible units. NiMH batteries are the most common rechargeable power cells these days, although you can still find some NiCad/NiCd variants in some stores.
Rechargeable AA batteries are known for long-term cost-effectiveness and convenience. These are often sold in multiples of two or four cells that are bundled together along with a charger as combo pack. Or you may also find any number of batteries in every pack with the corresponding charger sold separately.
Rechargeable AA battery packs are composed of multiple AA cells that are identical forming a single larger battery. This is used for devices requiring more than one or two batteries to operate. These common pack configurations usually come in a range of 4 to 24 Double-A cells that are assembled in parallel, series, or a mix of these. These packs have plastic end caps that are placed around the cell grouping or secondary wrapping for the intended layout. These also come with wired terminals and additional interconnects providing managed power-flow between the cells in pack. This allows a delivery that is more evenly balanced across every combined circuit.
The best thing about rechargeable AA battery packs is that they behave like a single cell that you can swap in and out. This is even more convenient for devices with multiple cells as you do not have to remove every cell when charging or replacing them. High-quality rechargeable battery packs are assembled in such a way that all individual packs can be charged or discharged at similar rates to each other over their lifetimes, reasonably balanced, and functionally identical. This is a safer and better option for then batteries. This also implies long-term health for your devices. Equal and consistent discharge rates are particularly important for equal cell workloads and better performance.
LITHIUM-ION AA BATTERIES
Lithium-ion chemistry is the rechargeable version of lithium batteries. This is usually used to power mobile phones, drones, laptops, vaping and other high-drain devices. Lithium in Li-ion cells combine with other compounds forming Li-Ion cells in various forms such as rectangular, flat, or even larger than the traditional button-top AA.
AA BATTERIES FAQs
Here are the frequently asked questions about AA batteries that most people want to know about, whether you are an individual consumer or for business and industries.
HOW LONG DO AA BATTERY LAST?
The battery life of AA power cells depends on the different factors. Here are the following factors that play vital roles in determining how long will AA batteries last.
On average, AA batteries last for about 5-10 years, but it still depends on the different key factors discussed here. So, do not wonder if your AA cells last even longer than the range mentioned here or even if they run out of power before 5 years. The way you deal with your AA power cells and other factors contribute to its longevity, durability, and even performance.
ARE AA BATTERIES ALLOWED ON PLANES?
Yes, AA batteries are allowed on planes. However, you need to be aware of these important points to remember when traveling with your batteries along with your favorite devices.
WHY DO AA BATTERIES LEAK?
Corroding or leaking of batteries is a common scenario. This is quite common with Alkaline batteries, especially when they are left unattended for so long. This is for the fact that these batteries are self-discharging continuously in tiny increments even when not in use.
Small amounts of hydrogen gas are produced during the discharging process in Alkaline batteries. Pressure is also gradually built within the battery’s sealed casing. Over time, small amounts of material from the cell’s inward portion come out under the mounting pressure. This material is corrosive and must be removed immediately. It should also be cleaned away from electrical components right after removing it.
Now that you know the reason why batteries leak, it is also best time to know how to avoid battery leakage. The quick solution here is to regularly replace old batteries. You should also keep in mind about the best practices in battery storage. It is also advisable to use rechargeable cells for long term storage in the case of devices that are not always used.
CAN AA BATTERIES EXPLODE?
Yes, AA batteries can explode. However, the explosion of these batteries is not as dangerous enough as that other batteries that have larger capacities. Some of the causes of battery rupture or explosion are (1) the batteries are inserted in the wrong direction; (2) high storage and operating temperature exposure; (3) recharging cells that are not rechargeable, and (4) mixed with other cells of different types and capacities.
Using faulty cells or substandard ones can cause explosion. One common mistake in using AA disposable batteries is that you run a brand-new battery along with the older ones. This can effectively reverse the drained cell’s polarity and can cause power issues.
Our Conclusions
Our hypothesis was absolutely wrong tae Duracell last the longest. We quickly came to the conclusion the the data supports that the RAYOVAC BRAND last longer than Duracell and Energizer. this also proves that even thought Duracell costs more, they do not last the longest.
We suggest to purchase Rayovac over all other brand of batteries. We hoped this helped you out and may save you money in the future. Our goal in conducting the test was to find the best battery for the money and to provide our customers with the most bang for the buck.
Another Independent Test To Find The Best Alkaline Battery for the Money.
I did some battery runtime test with time-lapse photos of UK4AA using 3 different batteries for fun and curiosity of knowing which battery lasts longer.
The three battery brands of AA alkaline batteries were used – Rayovac Maximum, Duracell Coppertop, and Energizer.
First Battery Test Run:Duracell – 3:20Energizer – 4:45Rayovac – 5:35
Second Battery Test RunDuracell – 3:41Energizer – 4:35Rayovac – 5:36
Third Battery Test RunDuracell – 4:12Energizer – 4:48Rayovac – 5:59
Of the three battery brands we tested = The Best Alkaline Battery for the money is the Rayovac Maximum which gives the longest runtime. Additionally, it is the least expensive. (I guess Rayovac doesn’t line its by over charging)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RAYOVAC® INTRODUCES ADVANCED HIGH ENERGY ALKALINE BATTERIESLow-cost alternative to lithium and rechargeable batteries, lasts as long as Duracell Ultra Power, costs less MADISON, Wisconsin, April 11, 2012 – It can be difficult to keep high-drain devices such as digital cameras running. Technology today drains batteries faster than ever, and it can be tough finding the right match. Lithium batteries, while they often times last longer than regular alkaline batteries, are expensive. That’s where Rayovac’s new Advanced High Energy alkaline batteries come in. German-engineered for high performance in high-drain devices, these batteries are high in performance and low in cost. With the Rayovac name, you know they’re a quality battery you can trust to last. These batteries last up to 30% longer than Energizer Max® in digital cameras. In addition, they last as long as Duracell® Ultra Power – but for almost 20% less. Rayovac utilizes American National Standards Institute (“ANSI”) testing protocol to conduct performance testing. This ensures the most accurate testing of performance possible wherever choosing to use Advanced High Energy batteries – digital cameras, mp3 players, video game controllers or LED Flashlights. “The new Advanced High Energy line showcases our customer-first approach,” said David Scott, Director of Marketing Communications for Rayovac. “Advanced High Energy Batteries demonstrate the exceptional performance, value and reliability of the Rayovac brand.” Rayovac AA and AAA High Energy batteries will be available at Walmart starting April 23rd, 2012. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RAYOVAC IMPROVES ULTRA PRO ALKALINE BATTERIES Rayovac Proven to Last as Long as Competitors Based on ANSI Data Testing MADISON, Wisconsin, May 25, 2011 – Continuing its tradition of providing well performing, high value products for its customers that match or exceed competitor product performance, Rayovac announced today that its line of Ultra Pro alkaline batteries now lasts longer than its previous alkaline batteries based upon American National Standards Institute (ANSI) service life tests and more rigorous continuous drain testing applications. American National Standards Institute TestingAs the voice of the U.S. standards and conformity assessment system, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States. Rayovac has been proven to last as long as its competitors, Duracell® CopperTop and Energizer Max®, based on the average results of battery testing following the ANSI protocol. From October 2010 to April 2011 production, Rayovac Ultra Pro alkaline batteries have increased performance on ANSI tests by 5% on average in AA, 3% on average in AAA, and 4% on average in size C batteries. Continuous Drain TestingThe Tech Center at Rayovac’s World Headquarters in Madison, WI also conducted continuous drain testing on the improved Ultra Pro alkaline line. Continuous drain testing (AKA “Constant Burn Test”) consists of turning a battery operated device on, such as a flashlight, and letting the device run until the batteries die and the device stops working. The continuous drain test is not included in ANSI testing because it does not reflect the way most batteries are used. However, Rayovac recognizes continuous drain as a common use of batteries in the industrial channel, and has invested significant resources to improve Ultra Pro performance in continuous drain applications. Current Rayovac Ultra Pro C batteries now last 23% longer and D batteries last 11% longer in the continuous drain testing compared with those produced in October 2010. “Product performance is a top FOCUS for Rayovac,” said Kim Olson, Director, Industrial, Government and OEM for Rayovac. “Without high quality performance, we would’t be able to stand behind our brand.” “This product adjustment is a significant improvement in the quality of Ultra Pro batteries and represents the dedication Rayovac has to providing quality products that match or exceed competitor product performance,” Olson said. “The continuous drain application is common in the industrial market so we felt it necessary to allocate resources to increase the amount of time that Ultra Pro batteries can withstand continuous drain.”Rayovac Improved Ultra Pro – Page Two In addition to improved performance, Rayovac’s Ultra Pro alkaline line has unveiled new enhanced graphics. Rayovac Ultra Pro alkaline batteries are the #1 selling industrial batteries among top industrial distributors. With their mercury-free formula, Rayovac Ultra Pro alkaline batteries are engineered for professional use with freshness guaranteed for seven years for AA, AAA, C and D; five years for 9V.
Which dollar-store batteries stand up to big-name brands, and which should you avoid?
Stephanie Matteis, Steven D’Souza, Tyana Grundig. CBC News
Posted: April 01, 2022 Last Updated: April 01, 2022
A CBC Marketplace test of double-A disposable batteries found that while major brand names deliver on their marketing promise to be long-lasting, batteries bought at two leading dollar stores did surprisingly well and provide good value for cost-conscious shoppers.
But the test also found that not all dollar store batteries are created equally and certain types of batteries did not perform well, with experts warning that they should be avoided despite their low cost.
Marketplace, teaming with researchers from Ontario Tech University in Oshawa, Ont., tested 240 double-A disposable batteries from six brands. The brands tested were Energizer, Duracell, Canadian Tire’s Noma, Walmart’s Great Value, E-Circuit from Dollar Tree, as well as Panasonic batteries from both Dollarama and Dollar Tree.
In the tests, which simulated different energy drain levels, Energizer and Duracell lasted the longest. But it was E-Circuit alkaline, a brand imported by and sold at Dollar Tree, that held its own against the more well-known brands, lasting nearly as long and costing only 450.25 for a pack of four.
The researchers used the different drain scenarios — low, medium and high — to simulate real-life uses. They said the low-level drain is similar to the continuous use of a computer mouse or TV remote control. The medium drain is similar to continuous use of a remote-controlled toy or gaming controller, while high drain is like a high-powered flashlight.
Ontario Tech engineering assistant professor Xianke Lin, who supervised the test, noted that the results, while surprising, should not be used as a proxy for all battery performance because the test can’t perfectly simulate how batteries are used in real life.
Still, the E-Circuit’s value comes into FOCUS when comparing price per battery and capacity. Based on what Marketplace paid, the average price per E-Circuit alkaline battery was just 31 cents.
Usually people think it’s cheap and shouldn’t have the best value, but [E-Circuit alkaline] turns out to be the best capacity per dollar you spend, said Lin, of Ontario Tech’s faculty of engineering and applied science.
E-Circuit’s ultra alkaline battery performed even longer overall, though at a higher price point.
Panasonic’s Alkaline Plus batteries purchased from Dollarama and Dollar Tree also performed well in all three simulated drain tests.
Batteries to avoid
While dollar store alkaline batteries offered surprises, another type sold at those stores, carbon zinc (or zinc carbon) did not do well in the tests.
Those carbon zinc double-A batteries are recommended for low-drain devices and are a common feature in dollar stores. In a test simulating the continuous use of low-drain devices, the E-Circuit and Panasonic carbon zinc batteries lasted six hours and 55 minutes and seven hours and 45 minutes, respectively, while the other brands’ alkalines all lasted in excess of 20 hours.
Despite the E-Circuit and Panasonic carbon zinc being branded as Super Heavy Duty, they were anything but, according to experts.
It’s incredibly confusing, according to Columbia University engineering associate professor Dan Steingart, who studies the capacity and energy efficiency of disposable batteries.
The jargon around that term dates back to the seventies and it worked. I remember my grandfather being like, ‘You know, make sure you buy the super heavy duty one as opposed to the light wimpy one,’ right? It significantly affected an entire generation of battery consumers.
Also known as dry cells, super heavy duty carbon zinc batteries are based on a dated technology from the 19th century, and typically marketed as a cost-effective option for use in low-drain devices like TV remote controls or wall-mounted clocks.
Steingart, who has run tests similar to Marketplace’s. said: I couldn’t find a single use case where the zinc carbon outperformed in any way the alkaline cells…. There’s no reason to sell a zinc carbon system in 2022.
Though the batteries are recommended only for certain devices that don’t require a lot of power, many Canadians told Marketplace they don’t notice those suggestions on the battery packs.
Given their likely use in other devices, the researchers also tested the carbon zinc batteries in the simulated high-drain tests.
The Panasonic and E-Circuit carbon zinc batteries lasted just under seven minutes under high-draw conditions, while all the alkaline batteries lasted around an hour.
Zinc carbon cells are pretty much defunct and should not be made or sold anymore, said Steingart.
Experts said the key is looking for alkaline batteries at the dollar stores and avoiding the cheaper carbon zinc batteries.
Panasonic told Marketplace its carbon zinc batteries can last up to a year in low-drain devices and that it works with stores to educate consumers about their use.
Carbon zinc batteries are an established technology and when used correctly in recommended devices, they provide great performance and value, Panasonic said in a statement, and said consumers should be aware that different batteries are better suited for certain devices.
Dollar Tree, the importer of E-Circuit batteries, did not respond to questions about the carbon zinc batteries, but did acknowledge they’re sold and their products overall fit the low-priced needs of its customers.
Dollarama, which along with Dollar Tree carries Panasonic carbon zinc batteries, says it offers a selection of Panasonic carbon zinc and alkaline battery pack options to our customers, thereby providing them with access to a range of options within our low fixed price points, depending on their need.
Consumers help pay to recycle battery waste — where’s it going?
Double-A batteries are among the most commonly used — and disposed of — in Canadian households. According to Call2Recycle, the not-for-profit that manages this type of waste, Canadians recycled 4.1 million kilograms of batteries in 2020.
Consumers pay an eco fee — sometimes called an environmental handling fee (EHF) — for batteries purchased in Ontario, Manitoba, B.C., Quebec, and Saskatchewan. While environmental fees to cover the cost of electronic waste are applied to electronic items and TVs purchased in most Canadian provinces, not all provinces have eco fees on batteries specifically.
In Ontario, battery manufacturers and retailers are now responsible for recycling their used batteries, and this consumer fee may be added at the checkout in order for businesses to cover their own recycling costs.
Marketplace paid about five cents a battery for eco fees in Ontario, and 5000.40 on a 48-cell pack.
Most household batteries in Ontario used to end up at Ontario’s biggest battery recycling plant, Raw Materials Company (RMC), in Welland, Ont.
However, Marketplace has discovered that dead batteries collected for disposal in Ontario are no longer being sent there.
Joe Zenobio, president of Call2Recycle, Canada’s largest battery collector and recycler, wrote that the group has terminated some agreements for non-compliance related to the collection of qualifying batteries in Ontario.
RMC told Marketplace it has never received notice of regulations violations in its 35 years of operation and is fighting Call2Recycle’s decision.
Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA), the regulator of Ontario’s circular economy laws, confirmed in an email that Call2Recycle has told the agency that it intends to send batteries to Michigan. Call2Recycle told Marketplace it is working with recycling companies in Michigan, as well as Quebec, but would not say how many batteries are going where or when.
Consumers not obligated to pay eco fees
Jo-Anne St. Godard, head of Circular Innovation Council, formerly the Recycling Council of Ontario and now a national advocacy group, said sending dead batteries out of the country for recycling is not ideal. While it’s difficult to measure the transport emissions against the recycling benefits, she would prefer to see support for both local recycling solutions, and the local economy.
St. Godard said Ontario eco fees are not a tax, and that consumers aren’t obligated to pay them.
I think [consumers] need to ask questions at the point of sale when they’re seeing these fees applied and they certainly need to ask questions of the government in terms of where is this money going, how is this money being managed, she said.
WATCH | What you need to know about leaking batteries:
Phillip Robinson, press secretary for provincial Environment Minister David Piccini, said in an emailed response: The Batteries Regulation does not include an audit requirement related to visible fees but if a consumer believes the fee they were charged is too high, the Consumer Protection Act protects consumers from unfair practices, including protecting consumers from false, misleading or deceptive communications relating to fees.
The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services said in an email that it is up to each business to decide whether to charge environmental fees on batteries or electronics and determine what amount the fee should be to recover their recycling costs, and a business cannot misrepresent the purpose of a fee.
Consumers who believe that the purpose of a fee is being misrepresented should report it to the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services at 416-326-8800 or toll-free at 1-800-889-9768, while consumers who have concerns about the actions taken by a company to recycle batteries should contact the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA) at 416-226-5113 or info@rpra.ca.
Regardless of what’s happening behind the scenes in the industry, St. Godard said consumers should keep dropping battery waste at collection depots but should consider pressing the government for answers on where the waste and eco fees are going.